“I didn’t think of it as lying. I thought of it as...providing motivation.”
About
A drabble that narrates the story of OUAT’s DarlingPan of how I think Peter Pan could have returned to Once Upon A Time - excluding the Wishing Realm and the Underworld. Please don’t pay too much attention to how Wendy came to possess Pandora’s Box (details, details, right?). I’ll leave that to your imagination.
Summary
Trapped in Pandora’s Box, Peter Pan is released by none other than Wendy. When he asks about Felix, she retells her conversation with the curly fair-haired boy back in Neverland...
Wide brown eyes darted all around; lips thrusted heavy, panting breaths out into the breeze. Green Pine trees danced and waved in the wind’s breath. It was a typical, fairly temperate Spring day; the air was neither cold nor hot, the sun neither too bright nor too dim. It wasn’t cold enough to wear a woollen peacoat, but it wasn’t warm enough to don a flimsy cardigan and t-shirt either.
Finally, pounding feet ceased in the middle, directly opposite a fairly steep bank. Once the pupils had observed the woods were completely and utterly empty of human life (except from herself, of course), the honey-brown haired girl with untameable locks attempted to calm her breathing as she lowered her hand holding the small wooden box to the ground. The box stable on the woodland floor, the girl lifted the lid before taking a step back and straightening her spine like the queen she once was. Her eyes stared at the open box, waiting in anticipation as blood red smoke slowly glided out and away from the square box, hopefully carrying someone with it.
Gradually, the last of the thick red smoke abandoned the box before it started to fade.
The girl’s heart picked up pace. It was fading, but there was still no sign of a body; no green, no brown, no skin.
Just as she was beginning to lose hope, believing she’d failed, that she’d failed him, a body did appear – just as the smoke faded to nothing more than a thin sheet of fog. Pale skin like her own, mud-brown hair, forest-green eyes, a mixture of brown and green clothing…
The cloud of red smoke disappeared completely, leaving behind a boy that was just pushing himself up onto his feet from his knees. He looked around, looking slightly baffled, but ready to fight if he needed, until his eyes – eyes that never failed to ensnare – fell upon her. His soulmate, his queen.
“Bird?” he asked with a puzzled, raised eyebrow.
Unable to contain her excitement, her relief that her plan had worked and she was finally able to reunite with him, her king, once more, Wendy bit her lip, nodding furiously before rushing into his arms.
Despite the questions kicking up a storm in his mind, Peter wrapped his arms around her and inhaled her scent. It had been far too long since he’d been able to do that: to hold her. The questions could wait. He wanted to enjoy this moment.
“It’s really you,” she said softly.
Admittedly, not many words were exchanged between them in that moment. But words were not needed. They had been together long enough to know what ran through the other’s mind. Over a century together, to be exact. And both believed their embrace spoke more than a thousand words ever could.
Eventually, they pulled apart, although their hands were still in each other’s grasp. As Wendy looked into his eyes, she understood the questions his green irises spoke as well as the love hers undoubtedly shared with them, and she was more than willing to answer any questions he had.
“What happened, Bird? What happened after-”
“It all went according to plan, Peter.”
“To plan?”
Wendy nodded enthusiastically.
“What about Felix?” he asked with uncertainty, the memory of his all-too-arrogant self, once again not ensuring his plan was flawless, ripping the heart right from his second-in-command’s, his friend’s, chest and crushing it in his fingertips still too fresh to acknowledge completely.
The smile faded on her lips. Despite knowing the truth, she knew it was a touchy subject and had to tread lightly. After all, those boys had been more than leader and second-in-command, more than friends, throughout their companionship. They had been brothers.
“It’s a long story, but he’s alive, Peter,” she promised him reassuringly.
“Wha…how?”
And then it was Wendy’s time to explain. How she had made his plan flawless…
There the Queen, the Mother of Neverland, the Neverbird, stood, waiting in the dark of the small clearing for her king’s most trusted second-in-command to arrive. It was perfect for a secret meaning; both the evening sky and the ground were shielded from prying eyes by the trees packed in closely together.
All of a sudden, leaves swept in through the gaps in the trees, brushing against the tips and sides of Wendy’s boots: a sign that the King was suspicious, irked, but not aware. She gripped the sides of her lilac cloak tighter. A queen could feel wary, but never show weakness. Especially not when meeting someone with the purpose she had with one of the Lost Boys tonight.
Finally, her ears twitched to a soft crunch from up ahead. But, her eyes narrowed when a soft amber glow filled the narrow path carved by the trees. He’d brought a torch, foolish boy. Once the boy whose face was hidden in the shadows of his brown cloak reached the clearing, halting directly opposite his queen, he drew back his hood, revealing a boy with silvery-grey eyes and a thin red scar running from the bottom of his right cheek to just above the bridge of his nose. Felix.
“What in Neverland do you think you’re doing?” she hissed.
“What?” he asked, confused.
She rolled her eyes.
“The torch. Why did you bring it? I thought I told you this is a secret meeting – do you want to get us caught?”
“Well, I needed to…”
Just as Felix weakly attempted to defend himself, Wendy rolled her eyes once more before lifting her hand and flipping it over so her palm faced the sky, making a ball of dim flame ignite in the centre of her palm.
Dumbfounded, the Lost Boy swiftly put the torch out.
Now they could get down to business.
“I went to a Seer when I left with Peter last week,” Wendy began. “She told me he will rip out your heart in a new land created by a curse – a very powerful, dark one at that – to help him in his quest to save Neverland. So, I have an idea…” She trailed off, lifting her free hand up to Felix, conjuring her idea. A heart. “With a different heart inside you, you can’t die when he rips it out of your chest.”
“Why?”
“Because I know Peter. He’ll regret it after, but he has no choice; Neverland thrives off belief and, at this moment in time, the only way to regain that belief is through showing the threat we Neverlanders can pose. I want him to be able to see you there when he is rescued from the prison he’s destined to be trapped in. You’re not just his second-in-command, Felix.”
“Whose heart is that?” he asked curiously.
“Oh, I had it made with magic. That way, no one gets hurt. So, are you in?”
Felix looked on thoughtfully. It all sounded very mysterious to him, but he could see the truth in what his queen was saying. After all, she had indeed accompanied Pan on one of his errands to another realm. And she always did like to plan ahead of time. So, although still a little doubtful, he gave a reluctant nod.
Once he saw the look in Wendy’s eyes, the clenching of her jaw as she jutted her chin out slightly, he braced himself for the short but intense pain that was about to come. In one quick motion so he’d feel as little pain as possible, Wendy plunged her hand into his chest, wrapped her fingers around his heart and yanked it out of his chest, careful not to squeeze it, and replaced it with the fake heart.
The deed was done. Her own backup plan was in motion.
Peter just stared, eyes full of bewilderment, admiration and a slight hint of irritation.
Finally, he admitted, “I’m not sure if I’m annoyed you did that behind my back, or proud with what you planned.”
Wendy shrugged. “I did what I thought was best for you, us, Neverland…I never once thought of it as lying. I thought of it as…providing motivation,” she said, mimicking the words he’d spoken when she felt unsure after tricking Henry. He was still a boy, and she was still a mother at heart.
He smirked, now sure he felt nothing but pride for his queen.
As Peter slid his arm around her shoulders, he asked, “So…where to now, my queen?”
“Neverland,” she declared.
Author’s Note:
So, how did you like this one-shot? I’m sorry the ending’s a little messy, but let me explain: Felix will be meeting them on the way back to Neverland (don’t forget, they still need to find a portal).
You might have noticed some of the actual OUAT lines and references I snuck in. They just came to me as I was typing.
If you enjoyed this fanfic, please click/tap on the heart button, or re-post this story and credit me. Before you go...another DarlingPan one-shot is in the making. Stay tuned.
‘Ruthless’ Summary
Follow Rufio’s story from the day he arrived in Neverland to the day of his death. A story in which, you could say, Peter and Wendy Pan become true parents.
Part VIII Summary
In which Peter bears witness to a sight he never wanted to see and isn’t all that sure how he feels about it once he overhears what the pair are talking about...
Despite wanting one of the Lost Boys to accidentally fire an arrow or a dagger at his eyes, one of the mermaids to claw them from the sockets, or one of the birds to swoop down and pluck them out, Peter remained still. Despite the fact that he was watching his soulmate, his love, his wife, his queen conversing with her pirate brother, he decisively listened in, curious as to what was being said. Despite wanting to dash his head on a boulder to try and gain some sort of small memory loss.
What he heard did indeed peak his interest...
Listen, James, you know I’m not supposed to be talking to you. And, if I’m being honest, I’m not all that sure that I really want to, since you and Father still cannot seem to at least acknowledge mine and my husband’s relationship, Wendy started, growing rather impatient with the way her brother was stalling. Just tell me what you need to tell me, then I’ll go back to the boys and you will go back to Father’s ship.
James sucked in a breath. Really, all this time, and Pan still had her wrapped around his finger. So, he crossed his arms.
Really, Wendy? You’re still letting Pan control you? I think Father and I had a right to try and stop your relationship with him.
James... Wendy warned.
He threw his hands up in surrender.
Alright, alright! Did you know Blackbeard’s back?
Wendy’s eyes widened. Peter’s back straightened and his hands tightened into fists around the leaves he was holding apart slightly.
Wha-what?
Oh...you didn’t know.
Does this look like the face of someone in the know? He’s back?
James nodded.
He visited Father in his cabin. It seemed as though he was trying to rile him up - probably to manipulate him into doing what he wanted. Though to do what, I’m not entirely sure.
Wendy heaved a sigh.
What did he say to him?
Wendy, you know Father doesn’t like me spilling about his conver-
James! This is important. Please!
Peter’s ears twitched. He was unsure of what to make of the sound of his queen pleading with a filthy pirate.
Blackbeard tried persuading Father that one of the Lost Boys was your biological son with Pan, James admitted.
Wendy started trembling as her hand flew to her mouth, stifling a gasp.
Wendy? James asked, concerned by the sudden change in her state.
As she slowly lowered her hand, Wendy asked her brother:
Who did he say was mine, James?
Does it matter? the boy asked, completely lost. But, the deadly glare Wendy gave him quickly made him shrug off his confusion and answer her. I think he said his name was...Rufio...
At that, her big brown eyes widened, realisation dawning on her. Peter’s expression mirrored hers almost perfectly from behind the leaves.
Blackbeard...the murderer in Rufio’s dream was Blackbeard!
Peter was snapped out of his thoughts when Wendy stated:
I have to go.
With that, she spun on her heels, ready to dart back into the jungle to find her king. Before she completely submerged into the green foliage, she looked over her shoulder to call out to her brother:
Whatever you do, make sure Father doesn’t fall for it!
As she disappeared, James’ brow furrowed before he shrugged, deciding he would do as his sister asked. He knew that look in her eyes well enough to know when something big was going on and doing what she requested would determine the outcome.
Shrugging, he turned on his heels and headed back to the Jolly Roger, mind swirling with unanswered questions that his sister hadn’t seemed to have the time to answer.
Meanwhile, once he saw Wendy was heading back in the direction of the jungle, Peter pushed up off the ground, soaring up into the air. He considered making it look like he’d accidentally bumped into her, but instead, he allowed his queen to believe no one had heard her conversation with her brother, allowed her to run back to Camp, while he headed for Skull Rock, aiming to talk to the Shadow.
Ideally, Wendy knew, she should have headed back to Camp - with the boys waiting for her. But, she couldn’t. Not right now. Not when she was shaken up from the news her brother, well, half-brother had told her. No, there was only one person she could go to, talk to about it until she’d calmed down enough to face the boys without them suspecting anything. She didn’t want them to worry too soon. She was the one girl whom she shared everything with, a girl who’d stuck with her through thick and thin, given her advice when she needed it, shared laughs with, a girl who was, by definition, her best friend. Tink, the wingless fairy.
On the way to her friend’s home, Wendy began to think. She remembered the stories her father had once told her - back when they were closer, when their relationship was stronger - about his former captain, the awful things he did to others, the things he’d done to his own wife. Wendy’s mother. Although she’d never met him, Wendy had been given a rather vivid image of the most feared pirate to ever set sail from her father. She’d been told that, while his eyes were an icy blue, they held nothing but blackness - the colour of his soul, of his heart. He was the first pirate to practise necromancy at such extreme levels, to use it for controlling his ship. At a young age, the man’s face was weatherbeaten and his hair had already started to fade from black to a dark silver. Why? It was the price of exerting such strong, dark magic so often.
The Queen Anne’s Revenge, his ship, itself sounded intimidating without knowing who her captain was. It was bigger than Killian’s ship by far; it wasn’t a frigate, it was a galleon. The largest ship a captain could possess. The entirety of it was black - even the sails - with a strip of red running through the middle of the whole length of it.
Now, Wendy had been told such a dreadful pirate was in Neverland and wanting to wage war on its king and his queen. Though why, Wendy wasn’t sure. She wanted to believe that he couldn’t possibly know that his wife’s child whom she’d had with another of his crewmen still lived and breathed, but she wasn’t sure. From what she’d heard about him, he was among the least predictable of pirates, so she knew she couldn’t be certain that he didn’t know of her. But, maybe it wasn’t just revenge against her. That was highly likely. Perhaps he wanted revenge against Peter as well. Though why, Wendy wasn’t sure. Her king had never mentioned the pirate before. She supposed she’d have to put her foot down and speak to Peter about him, demand that if he did have a past with Blackbeard, he tell her about it.
Eventually, the girl came to Tink’s treehouse. Cupping her hands around her mouth, Wendy called up and waited for a few minutes. Not a moment later, the fair-haired fairy poked her head through one of the windows and looked down.
What’s wrong? she asked.
I need to talk to you, Wendy replied. Can I come up?
Sure.
Once Wendy had climbed up, the pair took a seat in two of Tink’s chairs to talk.
So, what’s wrong? the fairy asked again.
Wendy started explaining her meeting with James and what he’d told her. She then expressed her thoughts and concerns. Especially about Rufio. She didn’t even know how Blackbeard could have known so much about Neverland. However, she noted how Tink’s expression shifted slightly when she mentioned about Peter possibly having a past with Blakcbeard before she quickly covered it back up. But, she wouldn’t call her out on it until Tink had contributed her thoughts.
So what you’re saying is that Blackbeard was Rufio’s killer in his nightmare. Blackbeard wants to use him to get to you and Pan and he’s using Hook as his puppet.
Tink, Wendy warned, hating whenever someone referred to her father as ‘Hook’ or ‘Captain Hook’ because of what the Dark One had done to his hand.
Tink rolled her eyes.
Sorry.
She shook herself, taking them back to their previous conversation.
Anyway...Blackbeard’s using Hoo...Killian as his puppet for something you can’t figure out. And you think he is doing this to wage war against you and Pan in some act of vengeance. That’s what you’re saying?
Wendy nodded.
Tink sighed heavily.
As much as I want to disagree with you and offer you some sort of comfort, I’m going to have to agree with you on this one. It certainly does make sense. Maybe you should talk to Pan, find out if all of this is somehow connected to some sort of past he has with Blackbeard.
Maybe you could help me there...
In that moment, Tink looked like a rabbit who’d realised she’d just been caught by her stalking predator.
What?
Come on, Tink. From that look you gave me when I mentioned the possibility, I think you know something about it.
Tink gulped and looked down at her lap.
It’s not my story to tell...
Please, Tink, Wendy pleaded.
Tink returned her bright-green-eyed gaze to her friend and shook her head.
I’m sorry, Wendy, but as much as I want to tell you, it’s really Pan’s place to tell you what happened. Besides, no one in Neverland knows the full story except him. He’s the right person to go to.
But what if he refuses...
I’m sure he won’t. As much as I dislike him, I know he cares for Rufio and when it concerns his safety, he won’t hold back, Tink assured her.
Wendy sighed in defeat.
All right, I’ll talk to Peter.
Meanwhile, back at Skull Rock, Peter had summoned the Shadow, wanting answers. Indeed, the Shadow confirmed his fears. Blackbeard, the pirate all pirates feared, a man of the shadows, a dead man, had risen from the depths of the Underworld and was out for revenge. Not just on Pan - oh no, that would be too easy. He wanted revenge on Wendy, and he already knew a way to get to them, a way to strike at their hearts.
Stunned, Peter backed out of the cave in a manner that was so unusual, unlike, out of character for him; green eyes wide, he staggered back until he was out of the cave. He just couldn’t believe it. His queen, his wife, his love...Rufio...his family was in danger. All because of an old enemy.
As he turned on his heels and took off into the sky, soaring into the air, he shook himself. No, Blackbeard would not get to him that easily. His eyes darkened at the threat the pirate posed to his family. What he couldn’t understand, what the Shadow failed to tell him, was exactly why Blackbeard wanted revenge on Wendy as well. He guessed he’d have to talk to her about it. Then, they would plan their next course of action. He would not let Blackbeard take away what was his.
While Peter was flying back to Camp, and Wendy awaited his return, Rufio made his trek through the jungle, pushing away large overgrown leaves, stepping over logs and snapping stray twigs, old fallen leaves crunching underfoot. More dried dirt jumped away from Rufio’s boots as he strode further through the jungle. Why was he alone? Why was he so far from Camp? He was meeting his dear, close ‘friend’, Tiger Lily. He didn’t think he time was right to tell Peter and Wendy. He wasn’t even sure how he would when the time was right. How could he, when he was encouraged to see Tiger Lily as an aunt - nothing more? He couldn’t tell any of the Lost Boys either - not when all except Felix were after Pan’s favour.
Eventually, Rufio came to the clearing where Tiger Lily had instructed hint o meet her. It wasn’t close to her village, and it wasn’t close to Camp. It was the last place anyone would think to find them. He waited at the centre of the clearing until finally, he heard another set of footsteps. His ears pricked up and he strained his eyes forward. There, appearing from under the shade of the trees, was Tiger Lily.
They walked towards each other and embraced with compassion.
Little did they know, as they broke apart and practised their combat, archery and target skills, a boy with brown hair and silvery eyes was watching from under the shade of the trees where Rufio had previously emerged from.
And he was long gone before either of them had the chance to sense his presence.
However, Rufio did get the feeling of being watched. So, he glanced over his shoulder, eyes narrowed, trained on the place where he’d emerged from, with suspicion.
Tiger Lily turned her attention away from the bullseye Rufio had carved with his dagger on the tree in the middle of the clearing when they first met there, lowered her bow and approached him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Rufio snapped his head back to face her.
Rufio, what’s wrong?
Rufio glanced back behind him, then back at her.
Never mind. Just a funny feeling. Now...where were we?
Little did he know, that in returning their attention to the target after finishing their small combat, he’d missed his chance of stopping the intruder from spilling the truth to the people he least wanted to know about his relationship with the Native princess.
Author’s Note
So...what do you think? Who do you think was the ‘intruder’? How do you think Peter’s talk with Wendy will go? Find out in the next chapter that hopefully won’t take as long to write.
Just to answer any future questions. I took a long time to write this because I’m also focusing on a story I’ve created on Episode Interactive. This story itself should have 14 chapters and then an epilogue. So...15 chapters overall? I really hope you enjoyed part 8 of ‘Ruthless’ and I’m sorry for the late update. Until next time...
‘Ruthless’ Summary
Follow Rufio’s story from the day he arrived in Neverland to the day of his death. A story in which, you could say, Peter and Wendy Pan become true parents.
Part VII Summary
In which Peter’s senses that a storm is brewing have heightened even more than before. But then, as he strides through the jungle one day, going over the new information he received from the Shadow some days before and the conclusion it brought him to, he comes across a sight that evokes so many feelings in him - and they’re not at all good...
Darker. Slowly, the days in Neverland were growing darker - like the calm before a storm. A stronger breeze than before raked the humid air and, while the sky was still blue, myriads of grey clouds had gathered, forming patchworks and were ascending towards the island at an incredibly slow pace. Still, day by day, they got closer.
But, as all Neverlanders knew, even in Neverland the calm before the storm didn’t just appear out of nowhere. In some way or another, the realm reflected it’s king’s moods. And the only one brave enough to question him about the realm’s odd behaviour that, on the outside, didn’t seem to mirror it’s king’s mood at all? His queen.
Wendy’s decision to finally ask her king what was going through his head came on another quiet afternoon at Camp. Most of the Lost Boys had gone off hunting. The only ones that remained were those whose skill didn’t agree with the sport and Wendy had offered to stay behind with them. While both Peter and the Lost Boys had tried to assure her they’d be fine, she’d insisted.
So, there she was, sitting at the edge of the clearing on a fallen tree trunk, making a new set of arrows while the remaining Lost Boys worked on their strengths, much to Wendy’s puzzlement. Wouldn’t you prefer to strengthen your weaknesses rather than your, well, strengths?
After a good quarter of an hour at least, one Lost Boy finally spoke up.
Mother, have you noticed something off about Neverland lately?
Indeed she had, but Wendy wanted to make sure.
Turning her attention to Cubby, she replied:
Something off? What do you mean?
Cubby shrugged.
Oh, you know...those clouds up in the sky look like storm clouds but they haven’t come over the island yet. It’s been a while since they appeared.
Wendy nodded.
I have noticed, Cubby. Would you like me to talk to Father about it? she offered.
Yes please, Mother, the boys all chimed in.
Very well then, she agreed.
Come sunset, the boys who had gone on the little hunting trip returned with Peter. As usual, when he landed, Peter presented the meat they’d be eating that night: wild boar, a rare catch and one that was extremely hard and dangerous to hunt down on the island. You could be looking at it with it’s glowing red eyes from a distance one minute, then in the blink of an eye you could suddenly be facing it only a breadth away.
After presenting the prize, Peter then placed it beside him and clicked his fingers to conjure the same long table and round stools they always ate on at meals. Then, Wendy headed over to a tent just beyond the edge of the clearing, leaning against the back of a tree to start preparing the rest of the boys’ supper.
Unbeknownst to her, Peter had followed and approached her from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist.
Wendy gasped.
But, when she looked over her shoulder and saw that it was her king, she rolled her eyes.
Peter! she scolded, You scared me.
Who else would come in this tent?
I don’t know...a pirate, maybe, she teased, smirking when she felt the muscles in Peter’s arms tense.
Taking his silence almost comically, Wendy giggled.
I’m just teasing, Peter. Still, you were the one who always told me to be on alert in a place like this, to always expect the unexpected. Remember?
Peter shrugged.
Still, you have no reason to worry now, do you...Bird?
She shivered as he leaned down to catch her earlobe with his teeth, nibbling gently.
Peter... she was about to point out how she’d never get the supper ready if he was in the tent distracting her when she suddenly recalled the promise she’d made to the boys earlier.
Peter hummed in response.
Have you noticed...anything strange about Neverland lately? she asked carefully.
Strange...how?
Well, clouds have started to appear in the sky that was clear for quite some time before they started to appear and the air feels...different.
Peter froze.
This has something to do with you, doesn’t it? What’s wrong, Peter? Wendy asked him, turning in his arms to wrap her arms around his neck. Tell me.
He sighed.
It’s hard to explain, but...not long before Rufio started having that same nightmare, I sensed something new in Neverland. A new...presence.
A new arrival?
Peter nodded.
Can’t you just use your ties with the island to find out who the arrival is?
He shook his head.
No, Bird. For some reason, I can’t. That was another thing I talked to the Shadow about. He thinks that whoever this arrival is, they somehow link with Rufio’s nightmare. The problem is that I can’t find out who this arrival is or what they want. It’s almost as if their thoughts have purposefully been shielded from Neverland’s magic.
Who would be able to do something like that? You said yourself once before that Neverland’s magic is rather strong. Very few can overcome it when it’s cast on them.
I don’t know, Bird. I honestly don’t know. But, whatever they want, they’ve come to Neverland with a purpose and are obviously aware of me and what I’m capable of.
You think someone’s come to challenge you?
Peter nodded.
It seems that way. What ever their intentions are, it can’t be good and, if they have come to challenge me, they could use anyone close to me to get to me. Although, I can’t remember ever knowing anyone powerful enough to overcome Neverland’s magic.
So you’re saying...keep your eyes peeled.
Exactly, Bird. I didn’t want to worry anyone just yet because while I feel like something bad is coming, that’s all I’m getting - sensations. I’ve received no confrontations whatsoever.
Maybe my father knows something? Wendy suggested after a moment of thoughtful silence, biting her lip nervously.
Peter’s eyes flashed with an emotion she rarely ever saw.
They’re pirates, Wendy. What makes you think they’d provide information to help us protect Neverland - the very realm they wish to leave behind?
Wendy shrugged.
I was a pirate once, Peter, and I care for Neverland too.
You’re different. You’re my queen. They are...
They’re my family, Peter. My father...James...They may have tried to stop us from being together in the past but it was my father who looked past his hatred and married us to make me happy. They only wish to protect me and I’m sure i can find out something if I talk to them.
Not happening, Bird.
But, Peter-
Please...listen to me, he pleaded, caressing her chin with his thumb while the rest of his fingers cupped her chin.
She sighed, frustrated, but nodded.
Fine.
Thank you, he answered, kissing her forehead.
Then, they embraced, with Wendy resting her head against Peter’s chest, imagining she could hear his heart beating.
Gradually, they broke apart.
Now, get out of here so I can finish this supper before your boys starve, Wendy said while shooing him out of the tent.
Before he exited completely, Peter looked back inside, smirking at his queen.
Our boys, Bird.
For some reason, that line never ceased to make her heart flutter - had it still been inside her chest.
Poking her head out of the tent, once she was sure Peter had headed back to Camp, Wendy returned her attention to the supper.
She had almost finished when she heard the material of the tent flap. She rolled her eyes.
Peter, I already told you-
It’s just me, Ma.
Wendy spun round, smiling warmly at her adopted son.
Rufio! How was hunting today?
Same as always, he shrugged in the same fashion as Father. What are we having with that boar, Ma?
Wendy started to name all the dishes she was going to put with it. When she finished, a frown downturned the smile she’d been wearing on her lips.
What’s wrong, Rufio? she asked, taking in her adopted son’s concerned - or troubled, he was just as hard to read as Peter - face.
Did you talk to Father about the strange change in the weather lately?
Yes, Rufio, I did.
What did he say?
She shrugged, being careful what she told him. After all, Peter had heavily implied that he didn’t want anyone to know just yet.
It was just as we all thought. The weather reflects your father’s moods.
A storm usually means he’s angry...
Not always.
Before Rufio could ask anymore questions and pry it out of her, Wendy quickly shooed him away just as she did Peter. Once he’d left, she sighed. That was close. Too close, she thought to herself.
It was true that a storm didn’t always mean Peter was angry. Just like not everyone would associate a storm with anger. Wendy herself had seen a storm appear when her king was conflicted, when he was awfully confused, and when he had a nightmare. Fortunately, the last time he had a nightmare that kicked up a storm - literally - it was the worst that had ever brewed in Neverland and it was enough for Wendy to persuade the Shadow to give Peter something to help ease the nightmares enough to not affect Neverland too greatly ever again.
Finally, she finished cooking the rest of the supper and walked out of the tent. She walked over to the edge of the glade where the camp resided and smiled brightly at the sight. As usual, the boys were practising their skills and there Peter, Felix and Rufio were: in the middle, fighting with their swords. To anyone else, it may seem twisted to be smiling at such a sight, but to Wendy, it was a memory worth savouring. Them doing swordplay together only showed how good their relationship with each other was. And Wendy wouldn’t want it any other way. However, she knew Felix’s reasons for getting even closer to Rufio, so did Peter, because he’d confronted them. After their vicious argument about Wendy’s health and whether Peter cared or not, it turned out that Felix had been there throughout their dispute in the clearing - and he’d heard every single word. He’d confronted them about Rufio’s nightmare - well, more so Wendy than Peter; he was still incredibly, worryingly, immensely loyal to his leader. Fortunately, he’d promised them that he’d decided not to tell the others what he’d heard - he’d even refrained from telling Rufio that he knew about the nightmare. And, from that day forth, he’d slowly got closer to Rufio to make it seem more natural to the other boys so they wouldn’t suspect anything.
Rufio had told Mother and Father that he’d revealed the nightmare to Felix one morning but said that he still wasn’t ready to tell the others, which the boy-king and his queen understood. Although, it sounded as though Felix feigned utter astonishment well when Rufio finally told him about the nightmare himself.
Wendy snapped herself out of her thoughts with a shake of her head.
Really, she hated to spoil the moment but she couldn’t let the boys go hungry. Shaking herself, she lifted her two fingers to her lips and whistled as loud as she could to battle against the boys’ voices.
They all froze, turning their attention towards her.
Supper! she told Peter.
He nodded in understanding and started heading out of the glade to follow his queen back to the tent.
Once they were both inside, he eyed each dish she’d made carefully before clicking his fingers. Both looked at each other and chuckled when they heard the boys all cheer.
Looks like the food is on the table, Wendy noted with a small chuckle.
It sure sounds that way, Peter agreed with a smirk.
Hand in hand, they headed back out of the tent, more than ready to eat.
After supper, their routine continued.
Once she’d tucked every one of the boys in, lingering a little longer by Rufio’s hammock, Wendy joined her king at the edge of the clearing and took his waiting hand.
As they headed back to her cave, Peter’s words from earlier rang through Wendy’s mind: That was another thing I talked to the Shadow about. He thinks that whoever this arrival is, they somehow link with Rufio’s nightmare. The problem is that I can’t find out who this arrival is or what they want. It’s almost as if their thoughts have purposefully been shielded from Neverland’s magic.
Link with Rufio’s nightmare...
Can’t find out who this arrival is or what they want...
Their thoughts have purposefully been shielded from Neverland’s magic...
Those words persisted even as Wendy slept. If what Peter said was right, then this new arrival was anything but harmless. Oh, she so hoped the arrival wasn’t in Neverland to harm her family! Only time would tell for now, she supposed...
More days passed and still, there wasn’t even a trace of clue to help the Neverlanders figure out who’d dared trespass in Neverland without it’s king’s permission and dared harm one of the members of their family through his mind. Yes, the Shadow had now confirmed that the nightmare Rufio had previously been dreaming every night before Wendy started singing and Peter started playing the lullaby before he went to sleep instead of after he woke up wasn’t something his mind had conjured, but it wash’’t exactly a premonition either. After that reveal, Peter had been absolutely furious, of course, that the Shadow had given him and his queen some false information before. No, it had definitely been conjured artificially by someone else’s hand, carefully crafted so that Rufio couldn’t see his killer.
More than ever, Peter understood.
If that nightmare had been carefully crafted to cloak the appearance of the murderer, that could only mean one thing: this nightmare had served as a warning, almost like a premonition. While the nightmare had been conjured purposefully to give a warning, clearly, the killer wanted to remain anonymous and so had kept his face unknown. However, Rufio had always spoken of one prominent feature when talking about his nightmare. Blue eyes. His killer had blue eyes. It wasn’t much, but perhaps it was something to go on.
Peter was striding through his island’s jungle, recounting the conclusion he’d come to from what the Shadow had told him and his queen. All of a sudden, he heard voices that were all too familiar to his ears - monkey ears, as Wendy would sometimes tease him when they were both in a rather playful mood - coming from the edge of the jungle. When did he get to the coast?
Stealthily like a lion ready to pounce, Peter prowled the rest of the way behind a gap shielded by two oversized green leaves grown from two bushes. Peter pushed them aside slightly to see if his ears were deceiving him. They weren’t!
Peter was horrified. He felt bewildered, confused and...betrayed? Angry?...by what he saw...
Author’s Note:
And...I’m going to leave it there. Mwahahaha...
So, that’s part 7 of ‘Ruthless’, guys! What did you think? I hope you enjoyed it. Don’t worry, I won’t stop this chapter there and go onto the next stage entirely. No, part 8 will be from Wendy’s point of view - mostly - you know how this story goes, starting from the moment Peter peers out from behind those two leaves. Oops! Now you know one of the voices. But who is the other? Find out in part 8 of ‘Ruthless’!
P.S.
However, as always, I won’t start the next part until I get a reaction for this one. Not only that, this time, I may not be able to post for a week maximum because, unfortunately, I’m at that awkward year where I’ve got to finish the few bits of homework I’ve got and start booking opening days for universities I’m thinking of enrolling for. Just please be patient. I promise, I WILL finish this story for you guys! This is the first one in ages I’m passionate about, anyway.
Quote:
“Sometimes, the universe is too beautiful for my own good. Sometimes; you are my universe”.
Summary
Just a short drabble describing Peter’s thoughts before the Truest Believer arrives. Before he turns cold towards Wendy - slight AU, Neverland.
Note:
Quite a few writers who have used a quote by the poet Christopher Pointdexter have based their Darling Pan fics on the quote “I loved her not for the way she danced with my angels, but for the way the sound of her name could silence my demons”. I wanted to base my first two drabbles on a different one of his quotes.
They sat together, legs sprawled out on the bed. Wendy sat between his legs and Peter had his arms wrapped around her waist, breathing in the scent of her hair. Oh, how he wished he could stay like this, stay with this beautiful creature in his arms forever. But, alas, it wouldn’t last, he knew. The Truest Believer would soon arrive; the boy who had the heart Peter Pan needed to save his realm and himself.
Wendy Darling was too good for him. Too pure, too beautiful inside and out. Her beauty had the power to bring him to his knees. As yet, she was his entire universe.
But, he would have to push her away soon. For she, his universe, was too beautiful for him. And he couldn’t afford distractions, no matter how enchanting.
‘Ruthless’ Summary
Follow Rufio’s story from the day he arrived in Neverland to the day of his death. A story in which, you could say, Peter and Wendy Pan become true parents.
Part IV Summary
In which Rufio has a nightmare of his death and it seems so real. It follows an unnaturally consistent pattern that worries Wendy. But, sworn to secrecy, Wendy cannot voice her worries to her king. However, talk of an adventure to another realm could threaten to change that...
Disclaimer!
This part of ‘Ruthless’ contains a song that doesn’t belong to me. It’s called ‘Constant as the Stars Above’ performed by Jessica Brown and written by Rob Hudnut and Arnie Roth. I’m sure some of you have heard it ;) Just had to put it out there and give credit to the original artist and writers for copyright reasons - just to be on the safe side!
For a time all was well, ever since the dreadful pirate’s visit that had gone by unnoticed. Not even Peter Pan, the powerful boy-king, had sensed him; the pirate was indeed skilful in the art of necromancy and knew a thing or two about cloaking one’s presence. But it took particular skill to be able to disguise one’s presence from another, equally formidable, worthy opponent so that the caster went by undetected.
Days turned into weeks and something was yet to happen - whatever Blackbeard was planning, anyway. Peter continued to train his warriors in the form of games. He continued with his competitions to see who could fire an arrow the furthest and closest to the target, who could combat with all Lost Boys, including Peter himself, and come out on top, who would be the next Lost Boy to bring back a decent and succulent piece of meat. These competitions had been made tougher since that night because, yes, Peter hadn’t managed to detect the pirate’s presence, but he could sense a storm brewing. Although what specific type of storm, was beyond him. If the Shadow knew anything, it didn’t say and Peter didn’t ask because he was confident that if the Shadow sensed the precise threat laying in wait, so would he.
All the while Peter was suspicious of his gut-feeling, he kept it to himself. It wasn’t exactly a thought that was at the front of his mind - not when he couldn’t even sense what the brewing storm was, anyway. Maybe it was nothing.
Meanwhile, his adopted son was facing a nightmare of his own. It first occurred on a mild night hardly indifferent to any other night in Neverland. Although a strange wind had maintained its presence in the air for a while (it may have happened ever since Peter first sensed a mysterious brewing storm), no one paid it any mind.
Rufio was tossing, turning, mumbling incoherently in his sleep, a thin sheen of sweat slowly forming on his olive forehead. None of his brothers paid any heed to the behaviour (Rufio had never talked in his sleep before), all too caught up in their own dreams, his mumblings drowned out by some of the Lost Boys’ snores. If only they knew of what images the Astral Realm were showing him...
Everything was a blur. The commotion that consisted of shouts, cries of pain, pants of near-exhaustion, and rapid movements seemed distant to the boy as he looked about the...ship...in confusion, attempting to take in his surroundings. But the edges of his vision were cloudy, the commotion that Rufio couldn’t quite comprehend murky. However, whatever platform he was on was large enough for him to make out the colours and the shape. Brown wood...an oblong shape...the Jolly Roger? It had to be.
Suddenly, as if only just noticing, Rufio felt his hand clenched into a fist as it held something in it. He looked down to see what he was holding: a blade! And he was in his combatting stance, which could only mean...
As if on cue, the boy looked up to find himself facing an opponent, although the opponent’s figure was merely a dark silhouette.
All of a sudden, the figure inched nearer and before Rufio knew it, he felt a sharp pain in his abdomen. The pain flared up in his body, intensifying so much that he could no longer stand. Had he been impaled?
That seemed highly likely as, sure enough, he was looking up, staring into the eyes of who was likely his opponent. Blue. Blue eyes.
From there, everything became murkier - if at all possible - than before, the only shapes he could make out from there were the ones within close range to his line of vision.
A girl’s cry - or scream, it was hard to tell - of outrage, agony, despair...those blue eyes disappeared, followed by the sound of two swords clashing furiously...another pair of eyes came into Rufio’s view, although not the same ones as before. Brown. They were big brown eyes and he’d recognise those anywhere. They were Mother’s. Tears were streaming down her cheeks as he felt himself being cradled, probably in her arms, and she was saying something - but Rufio couldn’t quite make it out. He wanted to assure her he was fine, tell her not to fuss, but as he opened his mouth, he found nothing would come out.
Then, a pair of green eyes joined Mother’s. Father’s. His eyes...they expressed everything his body could never show, they spoke all the words he could never say.
And, just like that, just as quickly as he’d been sucked into such a nightmare, Rufio found his body floating up into the air. Although, he then found himself looking down at the ship, at the ant-sized figures, only really focusing on Mother and Father kneeling by his limp body. He held out his hand, attempting to float back down and tell them that he was fine, but an invisible force persisted. He was floating further and further away...
Dark eyes shot open. Olive skin was damp. Black hair with red streaks was sticking up in all directions. Hands were clamped into fists with the sheet made of an animal’s fur inside them, clasped in a vice grip. His chest heaved as Rufio gasped, his throat scratching for air, clawing for the breath he’d lost. It all seemed so real...the nightmare. So vivid, the ache from where, Rufio gathered, he’d been impaled still dying down.
For minutes on end, Rufio laid there, staring up at the hammock above his, trying to gather his thoughts. For minutes, he tried to push that nightmare to the back of his mind.
Finally, he fists released the sheet and he slammed them against it.
Nothing. Nothing was working. Those vivid images were still there, taunting him. Not only had he’d lost a combat against a...pirate? It had to be! He’d also lost his life to said pirate. He could still feel the dull ache that made his stomach twitch in discomfort. Never had a dream been so real to him - good or bad. For once in a long time, he needed reassurance. He needed to feel safe, reassured that it was a dream. A dream and nothing more. He needed a peace of mind so that he could fall back to sleep - hopefully drift off to a more peaceful sleep. He needed...Mother.
Sitting up decisively, Rufio put his foot down. He was going to go to Mother. Moving slowly so as not to alert his brothers, he slid his legs round until they hung over the edge of the hammock, his boots touching Camp’s soil. Pushing himself up off his makeshift bed as cautiously, carefully and gently as he could, he straightened himself up and padded across Camp, heading for the edge of the clearing.
Once he reached it, Rufio glanced back behind him. A few had stirred, shifted in their sleep - perhaps from the little noise Rufio had made - but none awoke. Not even Felix, as Rufio glanced over at the tall fair-haired boy, who was always on his guard, always alert to the slightest of movements and sounds. Father must have worked him hard today, the dark-haired boy thought to himself. After scanning over Camp one last time and gaining the satisfaction that no one had awakened, that none of his brothers had pretended to sleep so as to catch him off-guard just as he was close to leaving, Rufio finally nodded and turned resolutely, disappearing into the jungle.
On his way to his adoptive mother’s cave, Rufio thought, contemplated. He actually considered telling Father as well. But then his conscience advised against it. All Father would do would be to leave the cave, head back to Camp, go back to sleep and face the nightmare. Be brave, be a warrior, show the nightmare what made him a lost boy. But, as well as a lost boy who followed orders, Rufio was also a smart boy. His mother had taught him how to know what he needed, how to tell the difference from his wants to his needs.
Right at that moment, yes, Rufio wanted to be treated as his brothers would, talked back down to reality. But, he needed comfort. This was the first vivid nightmare he’d had and a mother’s touch was what could, perhaps, give hint hat comfort.
With those thoughts in mind, he knew what he was to do. Rufio was going to enter his mother’s cave and seek out the comfort he needed, and would do his best to avoid bothering Father about his nightmare.
Gradually, the boy reached the mouth of the cave. Looking over both shoulders, making sure that he wasn’t followed, he padded through the cave one quiet step at a time, doing his best to prevent his footsteps reverberating, echoing straight through to Father’s ears.
Eventually, Rufio came to Mother’s room and crept inside. He craned his neck, checking that both were decent. Just as he’d hoped, both were fully clothed - well, disregarding Peter’s clothes for his torso and his boots, of course - and their backs were facing each other. This made Rufio’s task all the more easier.
Shifting his eyes in Peter’s direction, the boy waited until he was sure that Father was sound asleep before he tip-toed across the floor, round to Mother’s side of the bed.
Once there, he crouched down until he was level with her serene, dormant face and lifted his hand to gently shake her awake. He knew that if he shook her roughly, she would jolt awake, alerting Peter awake also. And that was one of the things Rufio didn’t want.
After careful coaxing, eyelashes fluttered and eyelids peeled open, revealing warm big brown eyes. Although giving her adopted son a small smile, Wendy’s brow furrowed in confusion. They spoke in hushed tones.
Rufio...what’s wrong? she asked curiously in a quiet voice. He never entered her room at night anymore.
I...I couldn’t sleep... he whispered, ashamed to admit it as he ran a hand through his hair.
Why not?
I...I had a...a nightmare...
The girl’s slight smile broke into a full, warm, comforting, motherly smile. She slowly lifted herself up into a sitting position and spread out her arms. Rufio welcomed the gesture and moved into her embrace, closing his eyes with his chin on her shoulder as she ran her fingers through his damp hair.
Was it that bad? she asked softly.
He lifted his head, pulling away slightly, although not completely out of her arms, and nodded, pouting like the child he used to be, who could hardly walk. Then, he pulled away completely and glanced over her shoulder to check that Peter was still asleep.
Following his gaze, Wendy instantly understood.
Come on, she said gently, gesturing with her head to the exit of her room, holding out her hand.
Had it been any other time, without the nightmare at the forefront of his mind, Rufio would have kindly rejected the offer. But, this was not any other time, and this was just after one of the most vivid nightmares he’d ever had, so Rufio took her hand and she slipped her legs out of the bed. Once on her feet, Wendy slipped on her knee-high boots with only one hand before leading the way out of the room, and out of her cave.
The girl led her son away from the jungle and more towards Neverland’s coast. She was first to sit down not he edge of a cliff that overlooked the glistening dark sea, a ribbon of silver moonlight stretching across it, towards the pair, the jungle behind them. She turned her head and, upon finding Rufio still standing, she gestured with her head for him to sit beside her. He obeyed but, feeling tiredness overtake his body, he slumped down until his head was in her lap. She caressed his hair in a soothing motion, but it wasn’t enough to coax him back to sleep. The nightmare was too stubborn to retreat to the back of his mind and grant him that.
Sensing it wasn’t working, although still running her fingers through his hair, she asked:
Do you want to talk about it?
The boy shook his head - well, as much as he could with his head resting on Mother’s lap. Like Peter, he was too proud to show vulnerability so easily.
Mm-mm.
Wendy internally sighed in frustration. Why were her boys so prideful?
Was it that bad?
He nodded.
After a few minutes, he relented. After all, who else was there to hear? He needed to get it off his chest and if there was one person whom he could confide in, it was Mother.
I died, Ma.
How did you die? she asked, knowing full well he was referring to his nightmare.
I was stabbed and I died. I was killed by a...pirate, he spat the word out in disgust. From there, he gave the details of the nightmare, leaving nothing out, finding himself unable to stop.
Wendy listened carefully to every last bit of detail he gave her. By the end of it, she felt the white fabric of her high-low dress moistening a little. He was crying.
Sh-sh-ssh...it’s all right, Rufio. You’re safe now. As long as Father and I are around, we will never let that happen to you. Neither will you brothers; we all look out for each other. You’re safe, sweetheart, it was just a nightmare.
I still can’t sleep. It felt too real, he admitted with another pout, his defences crumbling - although only for Mother, only ever for Mother.
Maybe I can help, she offered, a small trick she’d yet to put back into practice from when Rufio was just an infant already in mind.
H-how? he managed with curiosity while quietly sniffling.
A lullaby. I used to sing it to you when you were a baby. Whenever you used to wake up crying and you weren’t hungry or didn’t need...cleaning...I’d sing it to you and you would go back to sleep.
How does it go? he asked, too prideful to admit he wanted - maybe needed - to hear it.
Hmm...let me see if I can remember it...
Of course she could remember it. How could she forget what she used to use to lull her baby to sleep? But, she was modest. Despite her acting like she may have trouble remembering, she recounted the lullaby word for word, tune for tune...
A/N: here is the song. It’s from Barbie as Rapunzel. Don’t judge - it’s a Barbie movie CLASSIC that I used to watch in my childhood days :P
Constant as the stars above
Always know that you are loved
And my love shining in you
Will help you make your dreams come true
Will help your dreams come true
The lamb lies down and rests it’s head
Rufio unintentionally, and unwillingly, elicited a yawn, lazily covering his mouth with his hand before it dropped back down to his side.
On it’s mother’s downy bed
Wendy smiled down at him, catching the yawn despite his efforts to hide it.
Dolphin plays in the moonlight’s glow
Despite the possibility of it being a mermaid instead of a dolphin, Wendy was awestruck by the creature that leapt out of the sea then dove back under the sea, through the ribbon of wavy, silvery light. Rufio missed it because of his closed eyes.
And butterfly dreams of a violet rose
Dreams of a violet rose
I’ll cradle you in my arms tonight
Upon that line, Rufio’s eyes peeled open and he stared up in awe at Mother.
As sun embraces the moonlight
Catching his stare, Wendy returned his smile, but didn’t stop singing.
The clouds will carry us off tonight
Rufio returned to facing the sea, eyelids growing heavy again, just as thin shreds of cloud glided over the moon until they left it uncovered again.
Our dreams will run deep like the sea
Our dreams will run deep like the sea
From there, Wendy got carried away in her singing, staring out at the sea and she herself began to grow sleepy. But, she powered through the song resolutely, not stopping until she finished; Rufio’s comfort was more important.
Constant as the stars above
Always know that you are loved
And my love shining in you
Will help you make your dreams come true
As she reached the final line, Wendy’s voice grew softer, feeling her son’s limbs fully relax and his breathing pattern growing even.
Will help your dreams come true
By the time she’d drawn out the last note, Wendy was already closing her eyes, Rufio having already drifted off into a more peaceful slumber.
There, mother and son stayed until the first peek of dawn; her hand in his hair, his head in her lap.
For a long while, this remained their routine - a routine that only belonged to mother and son. He would sneak into her room, she would lead him to that same spot and sing him that same lullaby each night. Then, when he first pale rays of dawn seeped through to their eyes, they would wake. She would sneak back into her cave, into her bed where Peter still laid, her absence undetected. He would sneak back into Camp, into his hammock where the Lost Boys were still fast asleep, snoring away, oblivious to his absence.
Both managed to successfully go about their routine without raising suspicion and interrogation.
While Rufio was happy with this routine, relieved that no one knew about it - or found out about his shameful nightmare - Wendy had her doubts. She debated on sharing her concern about the frequency of Rufio’s recurring nightmare; it only ever occurred once int he night, then, when she lulled him back to sleep, it didn’t return, although it did return to him the next night. The pattern of the nightmare seemed unnaturally consistent, but what kept her from telling a soul - even her king - was her son’s instance that he didn’t want anyone to know. He swore her to secrecy knowing full well that breaking a promise went against Mother’s principles.
However, one trip would soon change all of that.
One mild afternoon, one that was strangely temperate - not hot, nor cold - the Lost Boys were, as they often were, gathered in the glade where their camp resided. They were either sharpening their weapons or half-heartedly throwing their lighter weapons; arrows, daggers...
Wendy was sat closer to the edge of Camp, pretending she was fixated on patching up one of the boys’ torn item of clothing when she was actually watching Rufio every now and then from out of the corner of her eye. It amazed her, really, how his tiredness rarely ever showed in front of his brothers. Whether he was genuinely fully awake, or too stubborn to let even a shred of it show through, the girl had no way of knowing.
All of a sudden, the camp’s occupants’ ears perked up upon the faint crowing sound that made itself known from out of nowhere. There wasn’t a soul int he clearing who didn’t know what that meant and so the Lost Boys instantly halted whatever it was they were doing in wait for their leader’s appearance. The only person who didn’t stop was Wendy. For, she was his queen, not his follower.
Confirming their thoughts, Peter’s figure came into view, hovering above Camp before he lowered himself down; lower and lower until his boots eventually touched the ground below. There he was: clenched fists on his sides, arms bent at the elbows, back and legs straight, a certain glint in those green eyes. He was about to make an announcement. While getting on with her sewing, Wendy listened tentatively.
All right boys, we have ourselves a new adventure, he started.
Almost instantaneously, the boys all jumped to their feet, cheering, hurried over to their leader and crowded round him. The only Lost Boy who remained where he was, although turning his body round to face his leader and confirm he had his utmost attention, was Felix who was sat on his usual stump.
What adventure, Father? Rufio asked curiously.
That would ruin the fun. But, it is an important task that needs to be completed as well as it can. So, Felix, Rufio, Devin, Nibs, Slightly...
He continued to name a few more.
...you will all be coming with me. The rest of you will stay here to keep Mother company. I also expect you to continuing practising your skills while I’m gone, he said, eyeing each and every one of the Lost Boys that would be staying behind, an eyebrow raised.
He narrowed his eyes as they started to groan with complaint. But, one glare was all it took to get them to shut their mouths.
However, as he glared at the last one, Slightly, Peter’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. Rufio was stood next to the boy and he didn’t hold that same adventurous, enthusiastic glint in his eyes. They were...concerned? Fearful, maybe? But of what? No matter the danger, Rufio had always been keen, one of the keenest, in fact, to go on an adventure outside of Neverland. But now...why the change of heart?
Confused, Peter turned his head to the side in hopes of getting answers from his queen. But, she wasn’t looking at her king. No. Instead, she was watching Rufio with caution and...concern? Did she know something Peter didn’t? The lack of knowledge frustrated him. But, never mind, he would get answers before he left.
Slowly, the sun sank deeper into the horizon as the hours ticked on. Peter continued with the games and competitions and what started off as odd looks earlier that afternoon only got worse, the boy-king noticed. From out of the corner of his eye, during the competitions Rufio himself didn’t participate in, Peter caught him sitting beside Wendy and they were talking in hushed whispers. But, neither looked happy and Peter wondered what all that was about.
It only got worse come supper. After conjuring up a long table with his magic, Peter watched in amusement as the boys all rushed over to it, the meat they’d recently hunted along with the fruits they’d picked already set out on its surface. Just as he was about to walk over to it, he felt a hand on his forearm stop him. He halted and turned to find Wendy looking up at him with a look in her eyes he couldn’t quite decipher.
After he raised an eyebrow quizzically, she enlightened him:
Peter, I need to talk to you.
What’s wrong?
It’s about Rufio...
What about him?
For a moment, Wendy considered voicing her concerns, but that would mean coming clean about her secret nightly routine with their adopted son, leading to his nightmare. But, he had clearly told her he didn’t want anyone to know and she never broke her promises. So, she guarded her tongue.
Are you sure it’s all right for him to go off to another realm? she asked carefully.
Peter’s eyebrow raised higher. His queen was making no sense at all.
Of course. You know I always look after them and they watch each other’s backs as well. He’ll be fine with me.
That’s not what I mean...I just...don’t think it’s a good idea...
Peter could feel his frustration bubbling.
Then why? Why don’t you want him to go? You were always fine with him coming with me to other realms before, he demanded.
Wendy bit her lip. How could she keep her son near her, without raising suspicion? But that was the thing: she couldn’t. There was no excuse good enough - none that she could think of, anyway.
You’re right. I...I don’t know why I thought that. Just...forget it.
Although his eyes were doubtful, Peter decided to let the matter drop, to Wendy’s relief, and they advanced towards the table. All except Rufio looked at the pair questioningly. Again, Peter’s eyebrow raised; Rufio was usually just as curious as his brothers and he never bowed his head.
As the boys and Wendy tucked into their supper, Peter thought to himself, What’s going on with these two tonight?
If only he knew - and he was soon to find out...
Author’s Note:
Well, that’s the end of part 4 of ‘Ruthless’, guys. What did you think? I am already working on part 5 so hopefully you shouldn’t be waiting too long - as long as I know if you guys liked this part.
‘Ruthless’ Summary
Follow Rufio’s story from the day he arrived in Neverland to the day of his death. A story in which, you could say, Peter and Wendy Pan become true parents.
Part III Summary
In which toddler Rufio grows into his childhood. He develops some of Peter’s characteristics. But what does that mean for his heart? Who is that man in the shadows? Read on to find out!
More years passed and, if his height and the way he spoke was anything to go by, Rufio had to be around twelve years old - at least. Wendy couldn’t help the dismay she sometimes felt at watching the boy she’d raised from a baby grow into the age he was – the age when he would become part of the Lost Boys, deeply involved in their 'fun and games', when he would start taking orders from Father.
Finally, the time had arrived when Rufio’s innocence that naturally came with a baby would be gradually morphed into something different. The complete opposite to what it once was.
It was because of the boy’s newfound duties to fight like a warrior alongside his brothers that Wendy feared for his heart. What would her king turn their son into? Oh, she so hoped - no matter how small that hope was becoming with every passing day that Rufio spent as a Lost Boy - that the boy wouldn’t become as cruel as his leader/adoptive father. Yes, she did expect him to develop some of the characteristics that made up Neverland’s king, but she dearly hoped with all her might that his heart would not be too tainted.
As for Peter, he couldn’t deny how proud he was of Rufio. The boy listened to everything he was told. He was a skilled hunter, a worthy opponent and his loyalty almost rivalled that of Felix’s - much to Peter’s queen’s dismay. And, as everyone who knew Rufio had predicted, he started to develop the same expressions as Peter. He used similar phrases. He laughed as fiercely as he fought, laughed in the face of danger and he enjoyed a challenge just like Father, liked to face it head-on.
Rufio, Peter also noticed, was particularly close with Felix as well. Not that it bothered him, really. If anything, Peter was glad that the boy fit in so well with the Lost Boys, got along so well with them.
Now, there was a new addition to the area in which Peter and Felix were when not a lot was happening within the camp: Peter still sat on his throne, Felix on his stump, but now Rufio stood on the other side of Father. Of course, the new addition would approach Mother when she entered the glade. Although a warrior and a particular favourite of Pan’s, he was still without a doubt a ‘mummy’s boy’.
Every time Wendy would enter Camp, on a day when not a lot was going on, Rufio would leave Father’s side and join Mother’s, claiming it was just to protect her. Wendy would smile to herself, unconvinced as she would make her way across the clearing.
For all the passion Rufio had inherited from Peter, Wendy was grateful. This meant that Mother was still able to keep his heart pure - to an extent. He was still a Lost Boy, after all. He would still slaughter attackers and opponents in serious brawls in a heartbeat, would receive victory in a triumph that mirrored Father’s, and would enjoy a good combat.
On a night no different from the rest since Rufio had 'come of age' to join his brothers as a Lost Boy, Peter was sat on his throne as usual, Felix beside him and Wendy standing with them, wrapped in a light purple cloak. Felix and Wendy watched as the boys danced around the wild bonfire, as they did every night, while Peter played the pipes.
Occasionally, Wendy’s eyes would trail from her king to her adopted son dancing wildly around the fire with his brothers and she couldn’t help but think: they looked so different; as yet they were so alike. If not for the looks, anyone would have passed Rufio for Peter’s brother.
The full moon cast it’s glowing silvery beams down on the island, its majestic aura brightening the dark cover of the night. Stars shimmered and gleamed. It was a beautiful night – the nights had been for a while. For Wendy, it was almost as if…since Rufio first arrived as a baby, their family – however odd it was – was complete at last. And no one wanted it to end.
Well, except one.
Often, Peter’s green eyes would flicker up from his pipes and they would lock gazes with Wendy’s. But he would continue playing, the corners of his mouth twisted upwards - into a smirk or a smile, Wendy couldn’t be too sure - as the tunes escaped the pipes with each breath.
What no one knew was that, in the shadows of the trees, a certain pirate was lurking near the glade. One that was powerful enough to practice necromancy. One that was dark enough to be feared by all pirates. One that was an old enemy of Peter Pan’s. Edward Teach – better known as Blackbeard.
The dreaded pirate’s piercing blue eyes examined the clearing, making enough time to glare at his old enemy and examine the boy-king’s weaknesses one by one. Oh, how he’d love to make this boy miserable. How he’d love to take away all that mattered to him. He wanted to make the demonic boy suffer the same hell he’d tossed the pirate in. After all, ‘raising hell’ didn’t have to be a literal meaning.
Once he’d gathered all the information he needed, Blackbeard receded deeper into the shadows, leaving no trace of his presence.
Meanwhile, the music was coming to an end and the boys’, what they called, ‘dancing’ started to slow. By the time it stopped altogether and the Lost Boys had settled, stood still, Wendy had walked over and was sat on her king’s lap, ready to spin the boys a tale before they went to bed.
In one swift moment, the boys were sat on the jungle floor in front of the throne.
As Wendy told the story she’d had in mind all night, the boys all listened in awe. Not a sound could be heard from them. Rufio, especially, had admiration in his dark brown eyes while he watched Mother.
Eventually, the story was brought to a close - much to the Lost Boys’ small protests - before they headed off to their makeshift beds and Wendy ensured they were all tucked in properly and comfy before she would take Peter’s hand and leave them to sleep.
She tucked them in one by one, Peter watching, waiting patiently.
Then, as she did every night, she lingered next to Rufio’s hammock he’d made himself. Much to Wendy’s dismay, Peter had insisted the boy couldn’t share the room with them anymore, that he had to sleep with the other Lost Boys. Evidently, Wendy had fought him on this for a few nights.
Noticing the older boys’ tired looks in Camp as the couple quarrelled, mixed together with the younger ones’ worried expressions, Rufio decided to step in. He assured Mother that he wanted to move out of her cave, sleep in the camp with his brothers. After all, he was a Lost Boy now and he did not want to appear weak because he was still sharing a room with Mother. Just like Father, Rufio regarded his reputation with the utmost care and seriousness.
With his words, Rufio had helped Father win the argument while letting Mother down gently and convincing her it was for the best.
Still, that did not stop Wendy from taking extra time to tuck her baby boy in.
- Are you comfy? she asked.
- Yes, Ma, he replied, really just wanting to close his eyes.
- Are you sure? she asked.
- Yes, Ma.
- Come and get me if you need anything.
- Yes, Ma. Goodnight, he answered while lifting his head to kiss her cheek.
As he rested his head back on his small pillow and closed his eyes, Wendy caressed his forehead before dropping a kiss onto it.
Goodnight...my baby, she whispered softly.
Then, she got up from her knees and walked over to where her king was waiting at the edge of the glade.
She took his waiting hand and the pair disappeared into the jungle, heading for Wendy’s cave.
Author’s Note
Okay, so you’ve met Blackbeard now. I know it was only a glimpse, but trust me, he will play a bigger role as ‘Ruthless’ progresses. I hope you enjoyed Part III. Ian McShane cast as Blackbeard.
What do we think of an AU in which Henry is a hunter wanting to destroy magic while Peter Pan is a king in Neverland wanting to bring his queen out of her fatal illness, but can’t do so without the needed heart, and somehow Henry winds up in Neverland?
Even more challenging! What do we think of this concept being written from Henry’s point of view?
‘Ruthless’ Summary
Follow Rufio’s story from the day he arrived in Neverland to the day of his death. A story in which, you could say, Peter and Wendy Pan become true parents.
Part II Summary
In which baby Rufio grows into a toddler. He takes his first steps and speaks his first word. How will Peter’s affections show? Read on to find out!
Contrary to what Wendy initially thought, Peter did succumb to the new addition’s innocent charms and began to treat Rufio like his own son.
As Rufio started to grow, Wendy became curious as to how the magic Peter had cast some time after the baby boy's arrival actually worked. He explained to his queen how Rufio would continue to age as he would have in his world, but he would stop aging when the boy-king willed it. So, Wendy used her son’s age to measure the flow of time in her world. But, alas, they were in Neverland, so the time seemed to flow much slower than it actually did.
As for the Lost Boys, they adored their little brother. He grew into quite the cute little toddler with dark hair, big round dark eyes and olive skin. Even Father seemed smitten and it made Wendy’s heart soar to see his reaction when Rufio said his first word, when he took his first steps. Although, the boy still slept between his parents at night on the bed, right up until he was able to walk, well, on unstable legs - with trustworthy supervision, of course.
The first time Rufio was set on the jungle floor, on his own two plump little feet, was on a pale yellow morning in the clearing where the camp resided. Wendy, although a little doubtful of the exact time passed since her king had cast that magic on the boy’s baby form, was concerned. Although unsure of the amount of time that had passed, she was almost certain that Rufio should have taken his first steps by now.
However, she had no one to voice her worries to. The boys knew little to none about babies and their growth, and when she spoke to Tink, well...
~
- I’m worried, Tink! Shouldn’t Rufio have started learning to walk by now? Wendy had asked her green fairy friend - her closest friend - that day in the fair-haired fairy’s treehouse.
Tink’s bright green eyes examined the sight before her. Wendy was gently bouncing Rufio on her knee and each time he tried to squirm away from her grasp to crawl onto the two-seater, she pulled him back up.
Raising an eyebrow, Tink replied:
- Well, that’s probably because you molly coddle him too much.
Wendy couldn’t help but feel irritated by that remark, watching as green eyes looked her up and down.
This failed attempt at confiding in a dear friend had spurred Wendy to talk to Peter that following evening - although not about the whole worry of when Rufio would take his first steps, but about his own opinion.
- Peter, she started in her cave that night, hand on her king’s chest while propping herself up slightly to meet his eyes.
- Mm... he responded in a groan as he was brought down from his height of bliss, tilting his head down to meet his queen’s eyes. Although, he did raise an eyebrow questioningly.
Ignoring his expression, Wendy continued:
- Do you think I molly coddle Rufio too much?
Whether he was lying or not was beside the point. The girl was killing him, bringing him down from his high to ask something like that!
So, he answered so he could close his eyes and imagine he was still in that heavenly state of bliss:
- No, Bird.
His queen smiled with satisfaction, returning her head to his chest, listening to his heartbeat while watching their adopted baby boy sleeping soundly in his cradle at the foot of the bed, which Peter had fashioned for him that morning so that he could spend...quality time with his queen once more.
~ Back to the present time at Camp...~
Wendy was sat on Peter’s throne, Rufio on her knee while he was yet again training the Lost Boys. This time by holding an archery competition. Some of the younger ones - the likes of Tootles, Cubby and the Twins - were crowded round the throne, occasionally making a fuss of their baby brother, opting out of the archery contest since they preferred the blade more. Hence why they rarely went out hunting with Father and the other Lost Boys.
Upon recounting that conversation with Tink and the lie Peter had told her - she’d known him long enough by now to know when he wasn’t being honest with his queen - Wendy decided it was time to prove to them that she did not molly coddle her son. So saying, with the younger boys staring at her in curiosity, Wendy leaned forward to, for once, let Rufio out of her arms, off her knee to explore the jungle floor for a little bit.
But, instead of falling onto his backside like he usually would back in her cave when Wendy would set him down - like his adoptive mother and brothers watching him expected him to - Rufio remained standing. A hopeful gleam shone in Wendy’s big brown eyes as they widened in astonishment, staring intently as he put a foot forward. Then another...then another step...
- Peter! Wendy called with a squeal, barely able to contain her excitement.
The boy-king’s heart pounded. Who had dared enter the glade and attack his queen?
However, confusion washed over him when he and the boys spun round sharply, halting the competition. There was no one there!
- What? he responded, slightly irked, looking for answers as to why his queen had called him as if she were in danger - when it was plain to see she wasn’t. Couldn't she see the boys were in the middle of a game?
- Come here, she answered simply, sounding awestruck.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Peter advanced towards his throne, eyebrow cocked, the older Lost Boys following close at his heels.
Then, when he reached the throne, standing directly opposite Wendy, his mysterious green eyes widened just as Wendy’s had.
There the little boy was: slowly taking one shaky step at a time forward. He was taking his first steps!
Not a soul in the clearing wasn’t surprised. Even Felix, who had somewhat secluded himself at the edge of the camp, couldn’t take his eyes off the scene before him.
Almost as if relying completely on instinct, Peter lowered himself to a crouch. Rufio started stalking towards him until gradually, he stumbled and fell into the boy-king’s waiting arms.
Straightening himself up, Peter rested the infant against his side, a look of pride in his eyes. A tear sprung to Wendy’s eye before she got to her feet and made her way towards the pair.
- I can’t believe it... she breathed.
Peter had no reply. There were ultra rare moments in which he would be rendered speechless. This would definitely count as one of those moments - precious and held dear to the King of Neverland’s queen’s heart.
She still remembered when the precious babe first spoke the words “Mama” and “Dada”. The look on Peter’s face when he said “Dada” first was that of triumph (he and Wendy had been debating which word the infant would say first), adoration and pride. The look then almost mirrored the look he was wearing at that moment perfectly.
Of course, there had been times when Rufio had done something for the first time and it had just not provoked a reaction out of Peter. For instance, when the boy laughed for the first time, Wendy had been playing with him in her cave just as Peter was getting dressed to take the Lost Boys out on another adventure.
Wendy had clapped her hands, squealed and grinned, turning to face Peter, expecting some kind of reaction when she told him what had got her so excited. He had merely shrugged before taking his leave.
However, his reactions to Rufio’s first steps and first word was enough to make up for times like that.
Author’s Note:
Sorry that this chapter was shorter than the last but it was late when I wrote the last bit of it and I don’t want to write too much in one chapter. I hope you enjoyed this one. I should be writing a third part to ‘Ruthless’ very soon.