⊹ ۪ 𖥔 ˑ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ ⊹ ۪ 𖥔 ˑ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ ⊹ ۪ 𖥔 ˑ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ
( Eight - War of hearts )
TW : blood

"GOOD JOB ON shooting that arrow today Blythe, you took a great aim." Peter patted him on the back.

Blythe gave Autumn a bewildered look, and gave Peter more of a concerned glance rather than a horrified one. "Is Pan at all well? Why is he kind all of a sudden?"

She shrugged, "He's indeed well, no need to fret. He's just showing the kindness that's always been within him." spinning on her heel, Autumn left him staring at the bow and arrow in his hands.

Everything about Peter was peculiar, he grew more and more . . . soft?

What happened to the boy who spent most of his days in bed?

What happened to the boy who ran away from his problems rather than facing them?

What happened to the boy who despised Blythe with every aching bone in his body?

Something had changed within him, and Blythe didn't know if he liked it.

"Eli, do you think Pan's changed?" Furiously scrubbing away at the same dish over and over, it was squeaky clean, but Blythe was too stressed to realise.

"Now that I come to think of it, I dare say he has. But, it's awfully good. Yesterday he let me have a day off to go painting in my room."

Blythe gave him a double-take, "Since when did you start painting?"

"Well, now! Autumn taught me to find my hidden talent, to find what I'm good at. I got so bored one day, she found a piece of parchment paper and crafted some paints with her imagination. Now I paint all the time." He excitedly exclaimed.

Interesting, he thought, Blythe sprung up and down on the balls of his feet, giving his friend a winning smile. "That's spectacular Eli! Do you think I have a hidden talent of any sort?"

"I think you have a talent of cooking . . . I know I always make fun of it, but I sincerely believe your meals are delicious Bly." Without missing a beat, Eli replied and gave him a thumbs up.

"You think so? Oh thank you so much!" He nearly cried of happiness. "- you know what? I'm giving you more pudding tonight, my treat, and for Autumn as well, for she taught us how to find ourselves!"

The both of them pranced up and down, crashing into a hasty embrace before smiling to themselves and carried on with their duties. If it were ever possible, the giant glimmering gas of light above them glowed its rays bright. But, they outshone the sun, feeling proud of themselves with their new found hobbies.

Behind them was River, he was helping Autumn stuff a teddy bear that was identical the one Grey was so fond of. Stitching and stitching and stitching, the adorable wonky-eyed plushie was finished.

He over heard the two boys' conversation and had some wishful thinking, "Autumn, do you think I have a talent?" River politely asked.

Laying her eyes off of her handiwork, she accidentally pricked herself hard with a needle. "Of course you do! Oh my-"

Springing up from his seat, River dropped everything he was holding and took her palm into his. A crimson bead of blood began to pop out of the wound. Autumn's face twisted at the minor pain- but River stayed calm and soothed her by giving her a lollipop from the counter.

Rushing away to find a plaster, he gingerly selected one to use.Trying to hurry back, Autumn braved a smile, a warm feeling spread across her chest as he wrapped the plaster around her wounded finger.

In a hushed tone, still recovering from what just happened, she spoke, "I believe I know what your talent is River." Autumn breathed.

He perked up, "Oh please do tell!"

"Well, River, you're talent is that you're willing to sacrifice anything to aid your friend and it's not just this though," she gestured towards her finger and the plaster he gave her, "it's every day. Remember when you sacrificed your duties to save Wyatt from the river when he fell by accident? That's bravery, and compassion. You should be proud."

River threw his arms around her and gave her shoulders a squeeze, "Oh my goodness thank you so much Autumn I may cry!" he laid his head onto her left shoulder. The corners of his mouth lifted up into a sweet smile, baring his pearly teeth.

They shared wide grins, one that could light up the whole of Neverland.

It didn't last long.

It was all broken when Wyatt tumbled and tripped whilst sprinting over to them. "Help! Help! It's Hook- Hook's here to invade!"

Panic and horror struck across everyone's faces. Nearing every possible weapon, they were ready to attack, trying to protect their only place they called home.

River ushered her behind him as soon as he caught sight of the crew of pirates- their tattered and dull clothing stood out, even from afar. They trampled on everything, and began to tear the tents down, one by one.

"What do we do River?" Sweating in dismay, Autumn got ahold of his sleeve.

Before he could answer, Peter soared down from the towering trees. Leaves scratched against his arms on the way. But, he didn't mind, all he wanted to do was to get to Autumn.

Without sparing a second thought, Autumn was dragged away from the battle field, her pulse racing due to his benign grip on her wrist. He led her further and further away.

"Peter why are you-"

He clamped his dirt speckled palm on top of her parted lips, Peter shushed her. Frowning, she'd never seen such fear written upon his face.

He could feel how soft her lips were against his hand, "You must stay here, whatever you do. Do not leave."

Her eyes widened in disbelief, she flung his hand from her burning face. "But I mustn't the boys are out there fighting for their lives, I won't let them suffer."

Darkness cloaked his pupils, "You must Autumn. You have to, I can't let you go. Not with Hook out there." he kept her restrained by placing his palm onto the tree behind them.

"Please." He pleaded.

The jaggy bark dug into her back; her view only consisted of his sharp cheekbones and spellbinding eyes. His voice was desperate, in need of her to stay.

He couldn't loose Autumn to his enemy.

"I'm sorry Peter. But I can't leave my friends out there to die."
With that, she untangled her arms from him.

There was a wave of doubt, dread running through his veins. His arms felt a great sense of emptiness and Autumn's floral scent still lingered. With the wind beginning to change, turmoil filled Neverland, perhaps his shadow was right.

This was the storm before the calm.