A Pirate's Life For She

Peter and Felix were hidden between the trees. The ship the lost boys once saw had disappeared. It was nowhere in sight. And although Peter didn't see it, he wasn't too sure it had left the nearby waters.

"Slightly said it was around here?"

"Yes, Pan."

Pan extended his spyglass and continued to examine the sea. The ship didn't appear out of thin air and Peter sighed.

"It's useless to sit here like ducks. Let's head back to camp. Send some boys out to scout the lands. I doubt our lovely visitors have left Neverland."

"Yes, Pan."

When the two boys arrived back at camp, Peter immediately sent out some boys to keep watch for anything suspicious. He wasn't taking any chances with whatever new danger was among them.

"Alicia!"

Peter looked around and waited for his princess.

Alicia finally did step out of their tent with an annoyed frown. He rolled his eyes as he watched her nearly fall over a branch. She stomped on the branch and lit it on fire out of anger and watched it burn to ashes. She turned to Pan with a sarcastic smile.

"You call me over like a puppy. Have you no manners?" She snapped at him with crossed arms. Pan slapped her hands and pulled her to the side.

"Listen, princess. Some of the lost boys saw a ship on Neverland waters recently."

Now he definitely has Alicia's attention.

"Who is it?"

"We don't know. The boat reigned no flag," he said, "and when I went to go see it for myself, it was gone."

Alicia hummed. The two sat at a nearby firepit. She fixed her skirt and watched as Peter put some water to boil. With his magic, he showed her a tin of bags, each filled with different herbs.

"Choose one."

Alicia hummed and skimmed her finger over the different baggies. She chose a beautiful light pink bag with little flower designs on it. Alicia handed it to Pan and raised an eyebrow.

"It smells nice. What is it?"

Peter tossed the herbs into the boiling kettle.

"It's white tea infused with rose petals," he explained as he stirred the pot, "it is said that this is the tea you drink when you want to remember the first time you met the love of your life."

Alicia glanced up at Pan but he didn't meet her gaze as he continued to stir. Once the tea began to whistle, he drained the herbs and served them each a cup.

"Sugar or honey, princess?"

"Neither. I want it to be bitter."

"Just like your soul," Pan hummed and placed the tray down, taking some sugar for his drink.

As Alicia drank her tea, she was filled with sudden warmth. She thought at first it was because of how hot the tea was but once a memory of Peter filled her mind, she knew it was the teas effect.

She felt herself begin to blush and she coughed loudly to cover up her rosy cheeks.

"Oh, I burned myself," she lied quickly when Peter turned to her a little concerned.

Her grip tightened on the teacup and she cleared her throat before taking another sip.

"I want you to stay in camp for the time being, princess. I do not know what these visitors are capable of," Peter said as he poured more for the both of them. Alicia frowned.

"How do you even know if they're on the island? I thought you knew where everyone was at all times?"

"It seems like they're a little smarter than most, I'm afraid. Something's preventing me from knowing where they are and I don't like it. Nevertheless, I can sense new magic on the island and I know it's not ours."

Alicia wasn't sure what to think about the invaders. If they were people with good intentions, could they take her away from the island?

Would she want to go with them?

Of course, she would.

Despite the eerie feeling she got when she was around Peter Pan, her heart yearned to be back home with her family.

Besides...

She had plenty of unfinished business to attend to.

~

Alicia stared carefully at Felix. She shivered as he grabbed her arm and started to whine.

"I don't want to do this anymore!" She complained loudly. Felix rolled his eyes as he held the princess's arm. He looked closely to find her vein and sighed to himself.

"It's not like it's my choice to have to do this. You're annoying," the blond clasped back. Alicia scowled and wanted to do nothing but hide in her tent.

"I thought my blood would've worked by now," she commented softly. She let out a sudden hiss when the lost boy dug in the needle. She watched as Felix drew her blood away like every two weeks.

Once Felix had drawn enough, he placed it in a glass bottle and corked it up. He showed it to Alicia.

"Look," he handed it to the young girl who shook it around quickly. Felix smacked her hand and immediately yanked away the bottle.

"You're going to drop it, you idiot!"

Alicia stuck her tongue out. She wiped away the extra blood and pulled on his arm.

"Braid my hair, Felix, please!" She insisted. The boy rolled his eyes but caved when he turned to see her pleading eyes.

"Fine. Go get your brush."

Alicia squealed in glee and ran off to find her hairbrush. When she returned, she found Felix sitting in the same log, this time with a basket of pearls.

"Where'd you get those?" Alicia breathed in awe. Felix showed her some pearls and she grew more excited.

"We trade island treasures for ocean treasures with the mermaids. I believe we traded some animal fur for these pearls," he mentioned, "Tootles and Gill drilled the pearls and put them on string."

He began to carefully braid Alicia's thick, curly hair, which had proven to be quite a challenge from time to time. It took Felix hours to braid her complicated hair. He hated it, but it bought the princess joy every time and he couldn't bring himself to say no.

"I thought they would look nice on you," he mumbled. Alicia tried to fight a smile but she couldn't help the happiness she felt.

She and Felix chatted as he struggled to braid. He carefully laced the delicate pearls into her hair as he worked.

"How long is this going to take? I need to show her something," Peter suddenly said as he neared them. He looked slightly annoyed but didn't say anything as he waited patiently for Felix to finish.

"I'm done," Felix said with a yawn and he shoved Alicia's hand mirror to her. The Princess cheered as she looked at her hair with pure adorance.

"It's perfect!" She said and turned to Peter.

"What do you think, Peter? Do you like it?"

Peter turned to Alicia and choked back air.

The beautiful pearls complimented Alicia's dark hair in a way nothing else could compare. Her beauty truly rivaled with the fairest of them all. With every curve and tangle, all Peter could think of was how perfect she was.

He flushed red and cleared his throat before jumping to his feet.

"You look like a troll."

Alicia punched his gut and screamed profanities. The two argued loudly. They were both red in the face, a mixture of embarrassment, anger, and lust.

"Please leave," Felix insisted as he left the scene, his basket of leftover pearls in his arm.

Alicia stopped her shouting and let out a loud grump.

"So tell me, you ogre, where are you taking me?"

Peter shrugged off her insults and questions and waved her off. He offered her his hand and she took it.

"I'm still mad at you," she pouted.

"You say it like it's anything new," Pan teased.

He led the princess towards the training area.

"You want me to train? Felix just did my hair, it's too beautiful to ruin! I will not risk it!" Alicia argued as she kicked the old swords on the ground.

"Shut up, you don't even know what I'm going to show you."

Alicia rolled her eyes and frowned. She was only irritated for a moment before perking up.

"Are you going to give me a present?" She asked excitedly. Peter rolled his eyes but nodded.

"Yes. You spoiled child."

Alicia felt more excitement course through her veins. The more she waited, the more she couldn't stay still.

"Can I get my gift now?"

"You insufferable, impatient girl," he muttered under his breath, "you're lucky you're so cute."

"What?"

"What?" Peter quickly responded as he turned to the princess. Alicia squinted but brushed him off.

Alicia fluffed her skirt before sitting on an old trunk. She smiled as he neared her, now holding a long, gold box.

"What is it? Tell me!" She exclaimed gaily. Peter gave a cheerful smirk and clicked his tongue at her.

"Now where's the fun in that?"

He finally handed the box over and Alicia snatched it out of his hands. She ripped the paper off and threw the top out. She gasped as her gaze found the most beautiful sword she had ever seen in her life. It was absolutely stunning. The sword had floral patterns engraved on the blade. The handle was silver with gold-crusted edges with bits of emeralds designing it all around and pearl dust sprinkled over it.

"Pick it up, love," Peter encouraged.

Alicia jumped to her feet and spun the sword, throwing its weight around. The sun caught the glare of the blade and she aimed it at Peter. He frowned at her and she giggled.

"Do you like it?" He whispered although he knew the answer.

"I love it!" She squeaked loudly. The bright smile she had on was something Peter never wanted to end.

"Thank you, Peter!" She latched herself onto Pan and almost choked the crap out of him.

Out of nowhere, Alicia kissed Peter on the lips. His eyes widened and he froze completely still. The young girl pulled away with confusion.

"What's the matter? Was that not okay?"

Peter couldn't respond. Alicia frowned at him. She pierced her lips and looked down to the floor in embarrassment.

She was about to apologize profoundly but she suddenly found herself in his arms. The tight hug brought the same warmth Alicia had felt when she drank her tea.

It was a wonderful feeling that didn't last forever even though the two would've done whatever it took to stay the same.

But sudden chaos came from the camp. Peter pulled away and frowned.

"Something's wrong."

Felix ran up to them out of breath.

"We spotted them near the south beach, Peter, next to Mermaid Lagoon!"

Peter nodded and turned to the princess.

"Alright my love, you have to stay at camp," he commanded as he and the lost boys began to prepare themselves. Everyone was rushing throughout the camp. A couple of lost boys collided with her shoulders as she tried to keep up with Pan.

"Wait! You can't just leave me here!" She yelled as Pan grabbed his enchanted sword and tied his boots even tighter.

"Yes, I can and you will stay here!"

"But-"

"I have no time to argue, Alicia, you will stay here and wait!"

She wanted to argue with him more but he gave her a look, one that said she needed to stop or he would tie her up. He and the lost boys left without another word said. He didnt spare a glance at her.

Alicia stood alone in the middle of the camp. She let out a sigh and fiddled with her sword.

"There's no way I'm fucking stay here."

Alicia grabbed her satchel and new weapon. She tied on her hunting boots and left camp, not even leaving behind a note. It was a mistake to leave her alone.

Even Peter Pan should've known that.

~

Alicia pushed a tree branch out of the way and looked down to the ground. She found old foot tracks and hummed. She put her foot next to the track and smiled when they matched. She had been there before.

The Princess followed her old tracks and came to a familiar clearing. The old mossy ground squished beneath her feet and she came to a stop at the same creature before her.

"Manticore," she called out to the man-eating monster. The beast rose from its slumber and peered down at her.

"Princess Alicia. You have returned," it mused, "what a pleasant surprise."

The manticore landed down in front of Alicia. She gently ghosted her hand over her sword and scrunched her face.

"There are strangers on the island, manticore. I want you to tell me about them," she demanded. The creature stared at her and let out a boisterous laugh.

"Why would I help you, human?"

Alicia aimed her sword at the beast.

"Because if you don't, I'll skin you."

"You don't got the nerve."

"You really want to find out," Alicia hissed. The glare in her eyes told she spoke the truth. The manticore growled but backed up.

"You are a beautiful girl, Miss Knights. You have done so much in your short life. Being a pirate has allowed you to travel and see the wonders the world has to offer..." He drawled on. Alicia jerked her sword forward and growled.

"Get on with it, manticore."

"You have met so many people throughout your journey. Made so many enemies, Alicia. Didn't you ever think one would eventually catch up?"

Alicia backed up and her breath caught in her throat. She could feel complete panic crawling under her skin and she almost dropped her sword.

"Give me a name."

The manticore chuckled again.

"Where would be the fun in that? There are laws we have to follow, your grace. There is only so much I can tell you and I have already said too much."

Alicia scoffed but didn't do anything. She put her sword down and glanced at her surroundings.

"Tell me one thing, manticore. How dangerous is this person?"

The manticore neared Alicia's face. A hot cloud of smoke hit her face and she coughed.

"Extremely."

~

Alicia knew if she stopped she would die.

For years when she was a pirate, she mastered the skill of dodging royal guards and angry vendors.

Now, she used her escaping techniques to run through the forest as quickly as she could. She knew she needed to get back to camp as soon as possible before Pan figured she had left.

She gasped as she nearly toppled over into a bush of poison. Her braid even got caught in the trees and she hissed.

She was almost to camp. Her eyes landed on Peter first as he desperately yelled at all the lost boys.

"Why did no one stay behind to watch her?!"

"You didn't say anything!" Felix snapped back. Out of the corner of his eye, the blond saw the princess appear from the jungle.

"There she is!"

Peter turned to her and frowned.

"Why do you never listen!?" He screamed from across the camp. Alicia was about to step into the protection circle and yell back.

"Peter Pan, you are such a-"

Alicia gasped. Her entire life flashed before her eyes and she felt the color start to drain from her face.

"Peter..." She struggled to speak. She fell to her knees, already spitting out blood. All she could see was Peter's face frozen in horror.

A sword had gone straight through her.

With Captain Barbossa standing right behind her.

The pirate let out a sigh of relief.

"Well, would you look at that. The threat has been taken care of."

It was as if Peter's life crashed before his eyes. He had seen death in his life many times. He was numb to it, it didn't faze him anymore.

And yet, his heart felt crushed at the sight of Alicia falling to her knees. In a flash, Pan was at the Princess's side, catching her before she completely fell to the ground.

"Please, no! What have you done?!" He screeched. He pushed her hair from her eyes and desperately searched for reassurance from the princess. Reassurance that she was going to be okay.

"It hurts," she cried. Alicia's back ached with pain and she could already feel a pool of her blood forming. Her breathing was shaky as she turned to look at Captain Barbossa. His crew stood behind him, all looking victorious.

"Why?"

"You and I have been familiar with each other, Miss Knights. Don't hold it against me, I was merely completing a job for an old friend I owed a favor to."

"Tell me," the Princess managed to spit out. Barbossa looked down at her.

"I'm sure you remember Angelica."

Alicia chuckled lightly but stopped as soon as the pain increased. The daughter of the deceased Black Beard truly had it out for her.

"Stupid bitch."

"Enough talking!" Peter screamed. He carefully placed Alicia's body down, trying not to cause her any more pain. He glanced down at his hands, both drenched with blood.

"I'm going to kill you," he hissed to the pirate. His words triggered all the lost boys to fall into a fighting stance.

"I would like to see you try, Peter Pan!"

And the lost boys began to attack. Pan had no interest in the fight, he knew Felix would take care of Captain Barbossa. He had bigger problems to deal with. He picked Alicia up and shot up into the sky.

His destination was the North Mountain, home of the Waterfall of Life. Peter landed perfectly on the stone edge and with his magic, he removed the vines of Dreamshade to reveal the hidden waterfall. He stepped inside and placed the princess down on the moss, making sure she was comfortable.

"Peter-"

"Don't speak, my love, it'll be over quick," he said softly to not scare her.

Despite it being called the Waterfall of Life, the waterfall itself had run dry. When the magic had begun to diminish, the waterfall was one of the first things to disappear, with pixie dust right behind.

The waters were once enchanted to heal anything and anyone, with the price being that whoever drank the cursed waters could never leave Neverland again.

Peter threw his sword off to the side and grabbed his small canteen. He filled it with the water and made his way back to the princess. She tried to smile at the boy but it looked more pained than anything.

"I'm going to die, huh?" She whispered. Peter Pan shook his head desperately.

"No, absolutely not. I refuse!" He snapped. He looked at her injury. He desperately tried to heal her with his magic, but nothing he tried worked.

"The sword was poisoned, Peter. Your magic won't work," her hoarse voice spoke.

Peter wanted to cry but he stayed strong for the princess. He conjured up a spell book and rapidly flipped through it.

He finally found the spell he needed and ripped out the page. He set it beside her and sighed.

Él Inversar Épeler

The reversing spell. If he couldn't save her future, he would change her past to keep her safe. He looked to Alicia and found her staring at him with glossed eyes.

"It's going to be okay, love. I promise," he started. Peter pulled out the last of the pixie dust. He cut off a chunk of her hair and a piece of her shirt. He carefully weaved the two parts together and placed them over Alicia's wound. He waited until the cloth soaked up some of her blood before drenching it in the water of the waterfall.

Peter noticed Alicia's breathing dropping. He knew he had to hurry or she wouldn't see daylight ever again.

"Before I do this, Alicia, please, know that I truly do care for you. I'd do anything for you. I'm sorry I couldn't do more," he cried out. Alicia smiled and tried to reach out to touch him, but she couldn't anymore. He took her hand and kissed it with so much emotion.

"Don't say goodbye, Peter Pan."

"Never."

Peter let go and took a deep breath. He poured the pixie dust remains and began the enchantment.

"Today, I am going to turn back time
Walk back on a path
That led to mine
Go back to the crossroads
Where we once stood
She'll go one way
That I never could"

Neverland's magic began to course through Alicia's wound. The cave began to crash and the water disappeared forever. Peter grabbed onto Alicia one last time. She glowed a bright yellow and Pan knew his spell was going to work.

He kissed her one last time. He gushed all his love into the kiss and smiled bitterly.

He couldn't bring himself to say anything. The magic finally covered the princess's body and slowly, he could feel the weight disappear from his arms.

And once the light from the magic dwindled, Peter opened his eyes again.

Alicia had disappeared from his arms.

*unedited*

🙂💀

I love causing problems

I could've technically split this chapter into two but tbh I just didn't wanna bother with it no mo