Chapter 7: The Book

Adeline Mills

Fly to the second star on the right, and straight on till morning

Neverland's Secrets
~Chapter 1: Introduction~

"Neverland is the base of all magical realms. It is the top realm between all, including Misthaven, Oz, Arendelle, Camelot, and many more. It is the home of the mighty ruler, that rules all magical realms. This is his home, and it is filled with wonders of its own. Many secrets lie on this island, prophecies, legends, and myths are born on this island, as well as the good and bad.

The good was born here as was the dark. The Dark One's Vault was there, as well as the Pure One's Vault. Both started on that island but only one managed to survive there.

The Dark One.

The darkness won its battle and claimed Neverland as its rightful home, as for the light, it left.

Where? Till this day no one knows.

Hence the first man to step on the island, shall do great things. Not particularly good, but impeccable things.

At such a young age, this boy found a way to Neverland, falling into the islands trap.

He embraced the darkness that radiated off the island. The island granted the boy powers to do great things to change all realms.

His name was Peter Pa-"

"Okay! That's enough of this!" I screamed and slammed my hand on the book to close it. Henry looked up from his own book and huffed.

"It's better to fill your head with knowledge that may help you in the future, then to regret it later." He said, being all wise. I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Don't speak, Mr. Author. All your bloody wise words are going to give me a headache." I snapped. He chuckled and shook his head.

"What am I going to do, Henry?" I asked, simply in a whisper. My head was beginning to pound with stress.

"Like what Rumple said. All you can do is know as much as possible about this island." He said softly. I sighed and stood up in a frustrated matter.

"I'm going to my room to read." I snapped. Henry doesn't look up from his book as he gave a lazy wave.

"Bye Addy."

~

Neverland's Secrets
~Chapter 2: Peter Pan~

The first boy to ever step foot on this island, Peter Pan.

This was a boy with light brown hair, bright green eyes, and a happy, kind nature.

That was before he stepped on Neverland.

He was a loving boy. He had great potential, much creativity, and a lot of kindness. He had a pure heart.

But all that disappeared the day he found Neverland.

When he first arrived, the darkness had just claimed its place on the island. It was looking for a container; a place that could contain the darkness within itself.

When the young boy first came face to face with the darkness, he accepted it, and it concealed itself into the boy.

And thus Peter Pan became the leader of the island.

He began to build his kingdom, recruiting boys of all ages to work under his command, with the perks of never growing up, being free from adults, and having some power.

By the mid 1800's, Peter Pan had created his group, and had his army.

And with that he did what no other could do: he conquered all.

I slowly closed the book and let the information sink in.

He was once pure. He was once innocent.

He was human.

He was a regular boy before he stepped onto the island. The darkness that is in him made him to what he is now. If what Rumple said is true, that he will take me eventually, then maybe, just maybe, I could get rid of that darkness. I could save him and not just him, but the kingdoms as well. He would be a regular kid.

I shook my head and scowled. I need to know more before I make rational movements. I took another deep breath before turning to the book again, and began reading some more.

Neverland's Secrets
~Chapter 3: Neverland's Setting~

The name Neverland was given to the island by Peter Pan himself. He aged til the he was 18. He somehow managed to make Neverland an ageless place, making everyone stay the same age once they were on the island.

Neverland lies towards the second star, right next to the North star.

Neverland has trees everywhere. A perfect tropical place, with crystal blue waters, so clear, that a person could see every detail of themselves. Trees, so thick, it's a maze with a mind of its own. The flowers are so beautiful, it makes a person forget their worries and frets. It was the plain definition of heaven.

But that was just its disguise.

Because in reality, this place is hell.

Neverland's Secrets
~Chapter 4: The Lost Boys~

When Peter Pan arrived at the island, he lived on his own for quite some time. After many years, he began to feel lonely and the need to have some company grew. He would go to the mainland and befriended many kids, mostly those lost and unloved. He then made them a deal: Go to Neverland and escape their parents, but to live under his command. Most boys said yes, proving that they were willing to leave all they know behind, but the girls objected, in fear to let go of their knowledge, proving to Pan that he needed boys for his uprising, not girls. Those who agreed left to Neverland with him and thus began Peters first ruling. He taught then everything they needed to know to survive on the island. They were under his willing command.

And Peter called them, the Lost Boys.

All cunning, smart, and strong, everything you needed to survive on Neverland.

Every child who felt unloved and/or forgotten, and said the key words, I Believe, gets swished away to Neverland. Those who pass Orientation stay. Those who don't, get hanged.

It's a test where you need to prove that you belong.

And not everyone manages to pass it.

Neverland's Secrets
~Chapter 5: Orientation~

This test is given to every newcomer. It challenges their ability to fight, it tests their weapon knowledge, and it questions their chance of survival.
A harsh, dreadful game, truly. If a person doesn't pass it, they are either hanged, shot by an arrow, or poisoned with dream shade.

Orientation is difficult for some.

In the combat section, the newcomer must fight each Lost Boy, including Peter Pan. Each newcomer is given 3 freebies, which allows them to lose at least 3 fights.

In the weaponry section, the newcomers must be able to use every single weapon, including bow and arrows, sword, ax, club, spear, crossbow, and knives. Each newcomer must hit every target, with the exception of 3 misses.

As for the survival test, each new comer is sent out into the depths of Neverland with only a small knife, a cloak, a spear, and a compass. He is to spend 3 days out of camp and is expected to fend for himself. If the person survives, they are accepted as the newest Lost Boy.

If the child doesn't pass, they are to be killed.

Neverland's Secrets
~Chapter 6: The Islands Dangers~

Although the island is beautiful, it is filled with danger.

A lot of danger.

Plants, creatures, and liquids are scattered on this island, all that can kill you.

One of the islands major death plants on the island is Dream shade. A plant with thorns with the poison dripping out. One simple drop can kill a person. It is an interior death. It runs up a persons veins, turning the veins dark and black. It causes a painful death and can paralyze a person in mere days.

But not all dangerous creatures roam the land. Some of the most deadly creatures live in the waters that surround the island. For example the mermaids.

The mermaids, half human, half fish. With the ability to sink a ship, kill a sailor, and lure you in with their looks. Beauty is a weapon for the mermaids. With only their looks, a single mermaid could sink a full sized ship, with just a simple flick of her tail.
Another ocean creature is the squid. They are most common in the waters of Neverland. Their black ink is the rarest thing one could find on the island. The squid doesn't appear to just anyone, they chose who to appear to and offer their ink. Their ink can paralyze even the strongest of creatures.

Many magical liquids are on Neverland as well. Some good, some bad. For example, the Crystal Waters. The Crystal Waters can cure any injury, including Dream shade. This water is from a waterfall, surrounded by a cave that produces crystals. A vine of Dream shade covers the entrance to the waterfall, making it practically impossible for one to find. At least, for those who don't know the island. It quite simple if you know your way around.

It is on a mountain, Mount Ever, on the East side of the island. Yes, it is surrounded by deadly Dream shade, but if one possess magic, it can be quite easily moved.

There is also a dark substance. Peter Pan named it, the Dark Waters. This poison is basically venom in a bottle. Tucked deep in the Dark Jungle, there is no cure, except for the Crystal Waters, that can fix the venom in these black waters.

There is a catch to all these magical things, though. Once used or injected, you can't leave Neverland. Not without paying the price, which in this case, is your life.

Death is practically written everywhere you turn on the island. And frankly, there is no escaping it.

Neverland's Secrets
~Chapter 6: Landscape~

Neverland is a wide area. It had all; Mountains, jungles, beaches, rocky areas, meadows, it even has a desert section. And though its climate is bipolar, most of the time, Neverland's days consist of a sunny climate. With the exception of rainfall and clouds, Neverland has a nice weather.

There are 3 main mountains: The North Mountain, which is the highest mountain on the island. It is where most people go to discover or create a prophecy, legends or myths. It's the home of the Blue Siren, a creature that can see all and predict the future. The Floral Mountain, which is where all of the islands edible plants grow, and Ever Mountain, which is the home to the Crystal Waters, which you have read in the previous chapter.

There are 2 main jungles: The Dark Jungle and the Cabana Jungle. The Dark Jungle is a place everyone wants to avoid. It is not easy getting out of. That is where the Dark Ones vault is. It is protected by the worst of monsters and not just anyone can survive. But The Cabana is a tropical jungle, with a warm aroma. It's the only jungle on the island that you can easily find your way out of.

The meadows are on the East side of the island. It is the place where happy thoughts are stored and/or created. That is where the first Pure One was created, as well as the prophecy of The Savior.

The desert area is on the North side of the island, right before the North mountain.

The beaches consist of clear ocean waters, white sand, and tall palm trees which give off coconuts.

All in all, Neverland is beautiful to the naked eye.

But it really is hell when you unlock its deep secrets.

~

I slammed the book shut and looked out my window. Night had fallen as the stars began to fill the sky. I huffed and glanced at the book again.

I still have the rest of the book to read and I'm not even half way finished.

I stood up and placed it in my traveling bag, next to my book of magic.

Neverland sounds complicated, dangerous, and nerve racking.

Something I'm most definitely not ready to face yet.

✴