Jenna O'Neill

Pan

Prologue:

"Goodnight Wendy," my mum whispered as she shut the door. Instead of going to sleep, I got up and went over to my desk. Turning the lamp on low I got out my pen, and wrote a new story.

"Follow me," the shadow figure whispered from across the room....

Just then a gust of wind, blew through the open window. "Follow me," the voice from the story said. "Follow you to where?" "Neverland."

Chapter One:

I woke up coughing up grains of sand. My eyes hurt from something bright; I opened them slowly to see in confusion, the sky? I sat up, immediately distraught. "Where am I," I wailed. I looked around, surveying my surroundings. I cried out calls of help, but nothing but the sand, sea, and sky could hear me. Tears started falling down my cheeks. "I'm all alone," I croaked. I sat there for a while, until I decided to leave the deserted beach. The sun scorched my fair skin as I trudged on. I made my way down the beach until a jagged cliff came into my sight. As I came nearer to the edge, feminine voices came from below. "Well I wonder what that could be?" I crouched down peering over the cliff, and before my eyes several mermaids swam in the lagoon below. I let out a gasp at the curious sight. I leaned over the edge, careful not to fall. The mermaids all had green or orange tails, and hair of red, blue, and purple. They looked so peaceful, sitting on rocks, collaborating with one another. I looked back behind me at the sound of voices. I strained my eyes to see a large ship, out on the sea. Moments later little boats were lifted down from the ship, with rugged dressed men in them. I studied the ship closer seeing how peculiar the designs were. "A pirate ship! How could I be so foolish!" I was trapped, I could either go towards the pirates or jump into the mermaid infested lagoon. Right now the mermaid infested lagoon sounded the like the better option. They were almost to the shore now, and I didn't want them to see me. Like all pirates, they will probably capture me and make me walk the plank! I swallowed hard looking down on the lagoon below me,"You'll be fine Wendy." By now the pirates were out of the boats looking around. "Well it's now or never, isn't it," I grimaced. I sealed my eyes shut, taking deep breathes, preparing for the icy grip of the water. I slowly stepped of off the cliff, plummeting down into the water. I felt the water hit me, it was surprisingly warm. I opened my eyes to see my golden hair turn brown. I began to swim to the surface when all of the the mermaids came surging towards me. Their powerful tails pushing the water behind them. Scaly arms reached out to drown me. I struggled under their grip, but I was no use. The inevitable truth was, I was going to drown. My lungs screamed for air, and was I becoming weaker. Now black was lingering at the corners of my eyes, and I had given up completely. My arms and legs went limp as I was pushed into the depths of the lagoon. All of the sudden two arms lifted me out of the water, pulling me above the surface. I let out a gasp of air, coughing up water. My savior brought me to land. I lay on the sand, my chest heaving. "Are you okay," my blonde savior asked. "Yeah, quite fine thanks." "I'm Thomas by the way, and you are." "Wendy Darling, and thank you Thomas," I got up ringing out my dress. "How did you fall in?" "I didn't fall in, I jumped actually." "Not too bright are we, everyone knows what the mermaids are like around here." "Who says I'm from around here, besides it was that or pirates. And like I said I'm not from around here, and the mermaids looked like the right decision at the moment. By the way how did you save me?" "Let's say I am from around here, and how did you get here?" He emphasized on the you. "I don't know, all I know is that I woke up on the beach this morning." He nodded thoughtfully. "Wendy, you do know you can't leave Neverland right?" It all came back to me, I was the one who created Neverland.

Chapter Two:

Currently Thomas and I were walking through a humid, wet, dark jungle. Beads of sweat were rolling down my back as we ducked under low tree branches. "We should stop to make a camp for the night. Tomorrow we'll continue our journey to the Indian tribe. We can't build a fire though, or else the Shadow Man will find us." I nodded, trying to look interested. I already knew about it of course, I created him. And even though Thomas saved my life I was still deciding if I could trust him or not. Not even to mention who would believe that I created a place, and it came true? I know I wouldn't, and like I said I didn't know if I could trust him. The curious thing was, I do not remember creating him. While I had been thinking, Thomas had gone off somewhere. I just waited in '"camp" until he returned, carrying some fish or whatever that was. "Raw fish for dinner tonight Wendy," he grinned. "No, I refuse to eat that....that fish. It's savage, I am not eating it even if I have to starve. Now if you excuse me, I am going to look for something other than raw fish to eat," I said as I made my way out of the clearing. "Suit yourself," he called back. It took me awhile, but finally I managed to scavenge some bananas from a low growing palm tree. I wasn't full, but at least my stomach wasn't growling anymore. I tiredly walked back to "camp" to find a snoring Thomas. I followed suit and curled up into a ball, trying to conserve as much body heat as possible as I drifted into a dreamless sleep.

I woke up to the sound of feet scuffling around camp. "About time lazy-bones," Thomas teased. I raked my hand through my frizzy hair. "Is there possibly a place I can clean around here?" "There is a spring that I could lead you to," he said. "Okay then let's go." "I said I could lead you to it, but it it way out of our path," he informed. "What? Way out of our path? I am a lady, and need to restore good hygiene," I huffed. "Don't worry the Indian tribe will clean you up my dear Wendy, and you are hardly a lady. What are you twelve?" "I am actually fourteen," I retorted. He laughed, and I rolled my eyes. "If you hurry up we will get to the Indian camp soon." By the time we had got there I must have had at least a dozen mosquito bites on my arms, legs, and neck. "Listen be respectful okay?" I nodded, and at that he led me into a clearing filled with tepees and in the middle was a large fire with many Indians sitting around it. Thomas went up and exchanged a friendly greeting to whom I guessed was the chief in a tongue I could not understand. "Welcome friend of Thomas," the chief waved a strange wave at me. Then he just stood there almost as if expecting something of me. I looked over at Thomas who was mouthing something at me, and at his side was gesturing the same wave that he greeted me with. Instantly I understood, he expected me to wave back at him. Quickly I put up my hand and tried my hardest to repeat this odd way of saying hello. He smiled at me, and gestured me towards many female Indians. They brought me into a large tepee, and sat me down. They undressed my and sat me down in a bucket full of hot water. Taking a rag, an older women washed the grime off of my skin. A couple of the younger ones got ready a towel and a tan dress with a lighter shade of tan strings hanging down from the neck and foot of the dress. And hanging down from the strings were different colored beads. They got me out of the bucket and dried me with a towel. After I was put into the mid-length dress they brought animal-skin shoes. Finally some of the younger women arranged my hair into plaits, and put red paint on my face. "You done now," the elderly Indian said. "Thank you," I nodded my head gratefully. Suddenly uncomfortable I walked out of the tepee earning many stares from the Indians. This is going to be a long trip, I thought to myself.

Chapter Three:

As the sun set food was passed around the fire. Tonight we ate a cooked meal, unlike the night before. And also unlike last night I was full. After the meal entertainment began. Some of the younger men performed a dance around the raging fire, all of them had costumes on symbolizing something. Thomas looked like he was having a splendid time, most likely because the chief's beautiful daughter was right next to him. The dance the men were preforming was quite intriguing. They looked like birds, flapping their arms as they circled around the licking flames. Everyone was dressed in festive moccasins with the same colored paint on their faces. A bowl with some kind of nice smelling soup was passed to me. I put my lips to the bowl, taking in the savory scent. The hot soup burned my tongue as it entered my mouth. I wiped away the moisture from my lips as I passed the bowl to a young Indian to my right. She dipped her head in a appreciation after taking the bowl. Soon after the air was filled with the sound of beating drums. Everyone got up and danced to the rhythmic tune. My plaited hair bounced off my back as I skipped around the fire. I looked up to the sky to see the stars shimmering bright; not a cloud to be seen. The moon looked bigger than usual, and had more of a silvery appearance. After the ceremony had ended Thomas and I went off to our tepee. I sat down on a animal-skin blanket across from Thomas. "That was pretty cool, aye." "Very cool," I echoed. He gave me a quizzical look. "We have to figure out how to get you back home Wendy. The Shadow Man took you right?" "Yes," I answered carefully. "I know you're hiding something from me. I can tell by the way you don't seem to be afraid of anything here, you walk around like you know the place, and you don't even try to make it subtle. You know you can tell me, right?" "I don't know what you're talking about, really. I know nothing about this place and I'm sorry if I've been leading you on." "I see how it is," he laid down turning his back towards me. I bit my lip immediately regretting my secrecy. It's not like he would believe me anyways. I tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep. Eventually I decided to get some fresh air. I ducked under the tent entrance, walking into the vacant clearing. "Something is troubling you friend of Thomas," surprised I turned around to see the chief. "How can you tell?" "We have been waiting a long time for you." "Wha....what," I squeaked. "Hair of gold, eyes of blue, Neverland's queen will come back soon." "What does that mean? How do you know who I am? Where did that come from? Who else knows?" He slowly walked back to his large tent without another word. "Please! Answer me," I cried. "Help me."

Chapter Four:

Only one thought was racing through my head, I need to get out of here. The sky was becoming lighter, and the camp was starting to stir. If I was going to go, I needed to go now. I looked over at Thomas one last time. "I'm sorry," I whispered. I quietly exited the tent, and in the clearing men were running off into the jungle. This was good and bad; good because getting out of camp would be easy, but bad because they might find me in the jungle. "I know how to get around, I created it," I often reminded myself. Despite my reminders to myself, I was still on high alert and skeptical about where I was going. The sun was just coming up when I was well away from the Indian tribe camp. It was probably rude of me to leave the camp without addressing my thanks, but I needed to figure out what the chief was talking about and how he knew about me. The odd thing was he speaking in rhyme about how I was some kind of queen. All I know is that this is something I must do on my own. The other thing I knew is that I needed to hydrate. I closed my eyes, picturing Neverland. An image of a waterfall not far from here appeared in my mind. I could almost feel the cool mist of the serene waterfall scene. Venturing through the jungle seemed to take forever. The mosquitoes were biting and my body was drenched in sweat. Once I had reached the waterfall I bathed in the cool waters. In a deeper pool, silvery fish swam in large groups. My stomach rumbled in hunger as I stared after the fish. Was it possible that I could catch one of these fish? I snapped a stick off of a tree and started sharpening it with a stone. It was funny how naturally this came to me, almost like I've done this before. I sharpened it until my hands were sore, and then I started hunting. Careful not to slip on the wet rocks, I made my way down to the bank of the pool. With the stick in hand, I brought my arm back and tossed it into the pool. The fish didn't even flinch because the stick came nowhere near to them. Obviously this was not working, so I had to change my tactics. Instead I hovered over the water waiting for a fish to come near the surface. I waited there for an hour before giving up. Hungry and frustrated I finally decided on making a trap. I gathered some palm leaves, sewing them together to make a net like apparatus. After it was finished, I carefully placed it in the water. At first the fish payed no interest to my net. To pass time I took a rest under the shade of a tree.

The sun had set when I had awoke. For a second I had forgotten about the fish, but then my hunger pains came. Holding my stomach, I got up going to look in the net. To my surprise there was a little fish swimming around frantically in the palm leaf net, trying to escape. Normally I would have felt some sympathy for the beautiful fish, but I was to hungry to care. I killed the fish quickly before taking it back to the trees. Then the thought dawned on me, I didn't know how I would cook it. First of all the Shadow Man would find me if I made a fire, and for that matter I didn't even know how to make a fire. I was most certainly not eating the fish raw like Thomas did that one time. Beside my hunger pains the thought of leaving Thomas came back. "I had to leave, he wouldn't understand," I told myself. After much pondering I decided to keep the fish out for the night, and then bake it in the sun tomorrow. Instead of going to sleep I went out in the jungle to look for something to ease my hunger. I managed to stay in earshot of the waterfall so I didn't stray to far. I found some bananas that were to ripe, and saw some coconuts that I couldn't reach. I went back to the waterfall in vain. Hopefully I could eat tomorrow.

Chapter Five:

The sun was high in the sky when I woke. I was beyond ravenous; almost starving! Fortunately the fish had started to bake. I cut a piece off of the edge and demolished it in a few bites. The morsel barely did a thing, so I went down to the edge of the deep pool again. I couldn't see anything besides the fish, which I would not put up with catching again. I slid my hands in the refreshing water and washed my face. "So much work for so little reward," I said aloud to myself. I decided on leaving the waterfall tomorrow. If I wanted to get answers, I would need to get a move on. Also I didn't want someone finding me. I tried to savor the fish instead of shoving it all down my throat. I was content for now. I could scavenge for something to eat while moving tomorrow. Another thing I had to decide was where I was going. Since I had no idea what where to start, I think I would return to the stretch of beach that I had woken up on when I first came here. It made sense, I mean there must be some reason why he dropped me off there. Maybe I would even find a way home.

"Wendy, Wendy," a voice called. I looked around the eerie darkness. The voice echoed as if I was in a cave. "Wendy help," the voice called again. I swung my head in every direction trying to find the voice that was calling my name. Through the darkness I could see a shape coming in to my vision. I immediately recognized her glossy black and dark eyes. "Tiger Lily," I breathed. "Help me Wendy, please." "Are you hurt, are you okay?" "The Shadow Man has captured me, only you can save me. We have been waiting a long time for you. Please help me and all of the other lost children, we need you Wendy. You will find me in the cave at the beach you woke up on. Hurry Wendy, our time is short." "Do you know about what your father was telling me about?" "I'm so confused! Why am I here? Why do you want me? Who am I?" Desperation rang high in my voice as Tiger Lily faded away into the shadows. It was moments before I was on a unknown beach. Gulls swooped down into the dazzling ocean, bringing up small fish. Untouched seashells lay upon the sand. The serine beauty almost made me forget about my worries. "It's lovely, isn't it," I jumped as a stranger appeared next to me. "Do be frightened, I'm here to help you." "Why do you want to help me, everyone else seems to like leaving me to figure everything out," I said bitterly. "Alright then I guess you don't really want to know your purpose on Neverland." He began slowly walking off, and although I didn't wan to beg for him to come back, I needed those answers. "Wait, come back." He smiled triumphantly as he strode back to me. "So what do you want to know Miss Darling?" "Everything," I replied quickly. "Hasty aren't we. You'll know in good time dear Wendy. Let's go for a walk, shall we." "I don't have any patience for you games, I need to know now!" He walked away pretending not to hear my objections. After pondering for a moment, I decided on following him. He could be a liar for all I know, but one thing I knew for certain was needed to find the answers that would determine my destiny.

Chapter Six:

"Destiny is a strange thing my dear Wendy. Others are convinced that you are born with destiny, but really you make your own." He stroked his brown mustache as we walked along. "Think of it this way. If you had chosen not to come with me then you would not find out the answers you have been searching for. I mean, it was your choice to follow me if I'm correct." "When you left, you knew I would follow you though, right." "Sometimes you need a push in the right direction," he stopped to face me. "Enough of all the side talk, you know I want answers, if I'm correct," I imitated. He smiled, obviously amused,"What do you want to know?" I took a moment to ponder over what I wanted to ask first. Of course I wanted to find out why I was here, but first I needed to know who he was. "Who are you if I may?" He stopped in his tracks, surprised that I asked him. "Well well my dear, I'm just a figment of your imagination. Cause remember, your only dreaming." "Wait, so what your about to tell me is all made up?" "Not exactly, I am simply delivering a message from someone. You choose me to look like this Wendy," he explained nonchalantly. Now I had about a million possibilities racing through my head. It could be the chief, Thomas, the Shadow Man, ect. "Who sent you to tell me this," I asked alarmed. "This I may not say, but I can tell you what you're doing here." He cleared his throat before continuing,"Well Wendy the people of Neverland don't know who you are or what you're doing here, well everyone except the Shadow Man that is. Because you created Neverland you are the rightful ruler. The Shadow Man did not fancy you being queen though. He erased the memory of you in everyone before banishing you." It took a second for me to process everything he said, but when he did I knew he was lying. "Then why did the chief pretty much tell me I was the queen of the island,"I barked. "I don't know what you are talking about. No one know's who you are Wendy." I shook my head laughing at his attempt of lying. "Maybe you just think that's what happened. Maybe you're just...scared." "Now you're calling me a liar! Hair of gold, eyes of blue, Neverland's queen will come back soon," I recite. "How do I get back my throne," I narrowed my eyes. "Only the ruler knows where the throne is, not even the Shadow Man knows of it." He looked around as if expecting someone to magically appear and lowered his voice,"I'm only telling you what I supposed to, I don't know anything else because like I said I'm merely a figment of your imagination. Oh and one more thing, if you do discover the throne then your memory will be restored, and you will be queen again. Be careful Wendy, and I wish you the best of luck on your journey." Was he supposed to say that, or was that just my imagination? As he began to fade his white shirt and black pants mixed together in a array of colors. He continued to fade until he was completely gone. But just before he disappeared, Thomas' face took over my field of vision.

It was past noon when I finally reached the shore. I was really uncomfortable with all of the mosquito bites, the sweat that drenched my dress, and the sun on my face. I ran into the ocean, wading in the cool water. Even though the water was warm it was still refreshing. Growing up in England, I did not have many experiences of the shore. I do remember one time when I went to the seaside with my parents. I was disappointed when the water was to cold to swim in. I waded back to shore before a series of hurtling waves could reach me. The hot sand clung to my wet feet as climbed farther along the beach. I had a decision to make. I could either save Tiger Lily from the dreaded Shadow Man's clutches, or I could restore my throne. In one of the stories I write my character would choose the heroic choice without hesitation. But I was no hero, I needed to find out who I was even if it meant making the selfish choice.

Chapter Seven:

I ate some low hanging bananas as I walked down the beach pondering on where I should go look for the hidden throne. I imagined a magnificent golden throne that shone in the brilliant sunlight. Jewels encrusted the head of it. You had to walk up a set of stone stairs to get to me. The trees shaded me from the sun as I looked down upon the people below. Maybe Thomas would visit me before I went home. How would I get home? I felt myself walk faster at the stressful thought. I really shouldn't be worrying about myself when Tiger Lily could be dying. What if the Shadow Man had taken Thomas as well? Once I regain my throne I will seek help to find the others. My eyes shifted around the beach to see anything dazzling behind the tree line. "I really wished I had asked where the throne was," I murmured. It was to late now. I was on my own. I couldn't ask anyone else where it was because they have lost their memory of me even though the chief had given me that riddle. I had to go back to his tribe for help. I needed to speak to him in person about the matter at hand. I trekked through the woods thinking about where I should go next. It was strange how I knew every inch of the island except the location of the throne. I created this island! How could it be there if it wasn't actually there? "Not everything is as it seems!" "Not everything is as it seems," I repeated. It must be something that doesn't seem like it would be a throne. It could be a tree, a rock, a vine! It could be anything. If the Shadow Man was as clever as I think he is then he would somehow find it. Because what if someone stumbled upon it? They would obviously have question, and it may also trigger their memories that have been lost. I ran the rest of the way to the tribe's camp. Ignoring the pain in my chest I ran on feeling invincible. I burst into the clearing making all of the Indians turn their heads. Whispers erupted from around the camp. Elders by the fire looked at me with blank expressions. Warriors looked at me with dark fire in their eyes. "You not welcome here," a young male warrior spat. Many of them shouted comments in their own language. At this moment I wanted to curl up in a ball and close my eyes, blocking out all of the sounds. Why were they so mad? Did they find out who I was, and shamed me for not coming back sooner? "Runningwind!" I could not understand the rest of command from the chief, but he sounded angry. "Come Wendy. We have much to discuss." The crowd formed a path as the chief led me to a large tent. I could feel the hot glares of the Indians as I walked on. I held my breath until I finally entered the tent, feeling much safer. "I sorry about warriors." "Why are they so mad at me," I said calmly. "You know about Tiger Lily. Shadow Man took her." "I have nothing to do with that Zeloneus and you know it!" "You may be queen, but you not to disrespect me," he barked. "Warriors think that you brought bad omen." "Zeloneus you knew? I can't believe you left me confused when you knew everything!" "You had to learn on own." "Why? Why is everyone determined to let me figure things out! When thing get troublesome let Wendy figure it out. If you had just told me then maybe I could have already regained my throne. Do you realize the lives at risk?" "I had to save my people." "Sacrifice a few for the many," I gritted through my teeth. "How did you even know? Your memory was supposed to be lost." "The ones with faith are strong." "I hope you know you may have lost your only daughter." "Sacrifice a few for the many." "Wendy, Shadow Man would kill tribe if he knew." "He didn't have to know Zeloneus. I aslos want to know where Thomas is," I demanded He looked at me wistfully,"Only the strongest make it."

Chapter Eight:

I sealed my eyes shut thinking about what he just said. "You let him die," I pinch the bridge of my nose. "Shadow Man raided camp taking Tiger Lily. Thomas fight like warrior to get Tiger Lily back, but failed. "You let him kill Thomas when he was defending your people," I exclaimed. "All you've down is talk about defending your people, and don't tell Wendy because you have to protect YOUR PEOPLE." "Wendy-." "No all you do is talk, but when bush comes to shove you don't protect your people. You protect yourself. ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS SAVING YOURSELF!" "We both lost someone Wendy," he said sadly. "No I lost somebody, you let them die." "This tribe needs strong leader. All of this is for you, Wendy. I need to guide you on journey. If I had tried to protect them I would have died, and the island be in peril." "I sorry Wendy, nothing can atone for what I done." "You were supposed to be a good guy," I croaked. "There no good guys. Even one with pure heart, not all pure." "I can not bring back dead, but I can help you find throne." "Well there is no time to waste," I pivoted my body towards the exit. "You right, but you still soft child. You must become tough warrior. Shadow Man no play." "What do you suggest," I asked bitterly. Even though I wasn't on the verge of killing him anymore, he wasn't forgiven. He may look strong and respectable, but he is really a coward. A coward...just like me. "Training," he was already out the of the tent. "Zeloneus wait, I think we're more alike than I let on. And I'm sorry that your daughter was taken. She would've made a fine warrior."

Chapter Nine:

He nodded his head in thanks as he left the tent, leaving me alone to process everything. Maybe if I had trusted Thomas he would have come with me, and he wouldn't be dead. I needed to see his body. I walked out of the tent where a female warrior who's name I think was Half Moon. She was Runningwind's sister. You could tell by looking at them, they had the same lanky body structure with long, slim limbs. She looked down on me expectantly as I walked up to her. "I'm Wendy," I introduced myself slowly. "Yes," she wryly. "Do you know where Thomas' body is. I think I need to see it." "Boy who tried save Tiger Lily?" "That is he." "Boy who tried running after you." "Can I please just see his grave. You don't have to make me feel even worse." "Feelings, weakness. You did what you did," she looked away. "Tell that to everyone else," I huffed She said nothing else as she brought me across the barren clearing. "Where is everyone." "Duties." Dry dirt crunched beneath my feet as we made our way into the jungle. I could only anticipate what would happen when I saw his grave. An image of his dirt covered body filled my mind with horrid thoughts. Did it hurt when he died? Did he suffer, or was it a quick death? Some say that when you die your life flashed before your eyes. If that did happen, did he see me? Did he hate me before he died? I had so many questions about him alone. I think I was going to go loony. I wish I was still at home in London, curled up in my warm bed. The sound of my parents talking softly downstairs lulled my to sleep, and the window which blew in soft breezes cooled my body. "Wendy," a voice pulled my out of my thought. "Oh, yeah thanks," I smiled weakly. "I'll be back at camp. You know way?" I nodded in reply. For once in my life something was as I imagined it. A neat pile of dirt filled the whole that his miserable body lay in. A stone was placed on top, near the head of his grave. I rubbed my temples soaking it up. Wilted flowers were set beside the stone. I cleared them and replaced them with fresh, beautiful lilies. My shoulders sagged as I stared waiting for him to pop up behind me. He would tell me it was okay and that he was safe. But that was obviously not going to happen. Instead of just standing here the whole day regretting my past decisions, I slowly walked back to camp. Half Moon was waiting for me just a little way from the camp. Her pointy nose was facing down as I approached her. The soft breeze had pushed the thin black hair onto her face. "Thank you for taking me here. It means a lot to me," I said slowly. "I understand sacrifices that must be made," she stopped to look at me. I looked away from her trying to stop the tears threatening to fall down my pale cheeks. Right now I wanted to be back home. To wake up to a terrible nightmare. I breath a sigh of relief as I realized that is was a dream and nothing more. It felt like the weight of the world was balanced on a meek, selfish, and cowardly girl who's only desire was to save herself. I was not the heroine, but instead I was the just the fourteen year old girl who was lucky enough to survive this mess. And it was the mess I'd made.

Chapter Ten:

I had stayed in my tent for the rest of the day. I thought about how I could redeem myself to the tribe. I guess I could help with the duties around camp. Most feminine duties were cooking, putting up and cleaning tepees, and gathering, growing, and sorting food. I went into one of the large tents that had stacks of vegetables, dried meat, and lots of other food. A couple of adolescents were chatting while shucking some corn. Older women were organizing the tent while several others found jobs to occupy themselves. I cleared my throat before speaking up. "Could I help with anything," everyone went silent as they saw me. "You bring bad omen," the older lady who dressed me on my last visit snarled. "One Eye, she wants to help with duties," Half Moon stepped forward to confront One Eye. Someone else spoke to Half Moon sternly in the tribes language. If Thomas was here he would translate for me. But if Thomas was here this wouldn't be happening at all. "Please mother," Half Moon pleaded. "Let her help Night Owl," a voice from the back said quietly. "You sort grain in silence," Night Owl commanded. "As for you Half Moon, you disgrace to tribe!" I looked at her mother in shock. Her harsh words must have also taken Half Moon in surprise because her eyes were wide for a few moments, but then she bowed her head in shame and went back to her duty while the rest of them also went back to their duties. "Don't blame Half Moon, this was my doing," I said to Night Owl. She said nothing and didn't even bother to look up, obviously unconvinced. One Eye and some of the other elders quietly spoke bad things of me and glared at me without be subtle. I started sorting the grain. As it turned out this was the most grueling duty there was. My hands were sore after all of the sorting and my stomach rumbled from hunger. I hoped I could eat soon. "When may I be finished," I asked Night Owl. "When every grain of rice sorted," I could almost sense a smile on her face. "Don't be cruel Night Owl, allow the youngn' a break to catch her breath," an elder women put a hand on her shoulder. "You have little bit," she sighed in defeat. I almost ran out of the tent to have a word with the chief. I found him in his tent to what looked like he was meditating. I coughed to announce my arrival. "Welcome my queen." "I've come to speak with you Zeloneus." "And what do I owe the honor?" "You need to do something to stop the hostility towards me." "You must do that on own. I can not earn their trust for you." "Okay, but what should we do about finding my throne?" "Tomorrow at sun high, you begin training to be warrior." "Okay."

Chapter Eleven:

I woke up to a violent shaking. I tried to hit them away, but they kept of firm grip on my shoulder and shook me. "What do you want," I shouted as I sat up suddenly. It was Runningwind, Half Moon's brother and Night Owl's son. His long back hair tickled my neck as bent over. "Training," he snarled. "You scouting with Black Claw and Sun Strike," he exited my tent. Surely two warriors were waiting outside my tent. A handsome male was standing tall and proud besides with battle scars marking his bare chest. Besides him a female with her hair in tight braid glowered when the blazing sun hit her face. Her gaze shone with life. "Greeting Wendy," Black Claw approached me with long strides. Sun Strike nodded her head from beside Black Claw. "Today we show our territory." "I still think this bad idea," Sun Strike muttered. "Chief's command Sun Strike," Black Claw replied, bitterness clear in her tone. Children played around camp. Mothers scolded them for getting in our way. A few of them still were sending me glowers and were staying away fro me, but most had come to accept that I was staying here for a while. Plus Half Moon respected me in some ways. It was quite peculiar why though considering both her brother and mother are quite hostile towards me. Even One Eye, the kind old Indian who bathed and dressed me whilst smiling kindly was determined to rid of me now. Maybe if Zeloneous had made an effort to convince them of my innocence I wouldn't have to seem like a fourteen year old criminal! I stomped out of the camp without giving the ones giving me nasty looks a second glance. "They shall not shame me," I mumbled hotly. Black Claw raised his eyebrow at my words. I could only hope he didn't hear me. The jungle was as humid as an approaching storm. I didn't think that a storm was brewing, but it was hard to tell when a thick canopy of trees rested overhead. "We be at Mother Tree soon," Sun Strike said as she batted away a buzzing fly. "Oh, Mother Tree." "How do you know about Mother Tree," Sun Strike asked accusingly. "Uh, your chief told me a little about it." I'm pretty sure they believed my, but I still have to sure not to let that happen again. I have to remember that not everyone knows how I created the island, the creatures, the people. And they certainly don't know about my being the queen, or should I say they don't remember me being their queen. We walked in silence, and I had to do my best not to pull in front of them, so they wouldn't become suspicious again. It was quite embarrassing how their gaits were both so quite and graceful. Twigs and leaves crunched beneath my feet, and I have already stumbled several times. And that is exactly why I was in training.

Chapter Twelve (3rd Marking Period):

Today in training we visited Mother Tree, Serpents River, and Gull Peak. They thought the crocodiles were evil serpents. I was glad that I made Gull Peak. It was astonishing actually seeing the view. The ocean stretched on for miles, and the jagged rocks below which waves crashed upon had a savage beauty. You could see gulls flying near the horizon, and the sky was a magnificent shade of blue. I remember looking next to me to see Sunstrike smiling. Her teeth were crooked, but the image of her standing there like that was something I wanted to take a picture of. Something I wanted to remember and keep with me. When I caught her gaze she even smiled at me, and so did Blackclaw. Maybe the whole tribe wasn't fond of me, but I knew a few respected me. When we had returned back to their camp I thanked both warriors who both smiled at me again. After I had rested a while in my tent I went to eat. I sat next to Half Moon and someone else who I didn't recognize. "How training go," she asked. "Well thank you." "Good." "Oh, and I just wanted to apologize for yesterday." "Why? I was doing right thing. Chief trusts you, so I do as well." "Thank you Half Moon." "You are welcome Wendy." "I have idea," she exclaimed with excitement etched in her deep voice. "What is it?" "Tomorrow we hunt together!" "Sounds like a plan." For the first time in a while I felt happy. Even a small smile crept up my cheeks, and for once it was a real smile. Not a fake smile to be polite or to hide my true emotion, a genuine smile. In that moment I forgot about Thomas, being queen, the hostile Indians, and most importantly getting home to England. She smiled a crooked smile at me. The slender girl looked prettier when she smiled. She placed a bony hand on mine as we kept eye contact. "Half Moon, it is time to go," her brother spat from behind her. "Where?" "Midnight patrol," she explained sorrowfully. "Goodnight Wendy," she she got up from her spot on the dirt ground. "Goodnight Half Moon."

Chapter Thirteen:

Together Half Moon and I raced through the humid jungle. Half Moon's bow bounced off of her back as we sprinted through the vines. "Try keep up, we're almost to hunting ground," Half Moon looked behind me. "I'm good, keeping up just fine," I panted, lagging behind farther. Half Moon's pumped her arms as she ran on tirelessly on. Her plait flew behind her as she lowered her head to duck under low hanging branches. Head set low, Half Moon took on a burst of speed, forcing me to move my legs faster than they've ever moved before. She came to a skidding halt once we reached the tribe's hunting ground. I put my hands on my knees trying to catch my breath again. "To take on Shadow Man you must know how to use bow," she took of the bow from her back, handing it to me. "How do I hold it?" I held the bow awkwardly with one hand. "Let me show you first," Half Moon took back the bow. She pulled it back, placing the string against her right cheek. She pulled an arrow from her quiver, and held the feathery part against her also against his cheek. She aimed the arrow at a faraway tree. With little effort she let go of the arrow that made a whistling sound before it hit the tree. "See?" "Wow!" "Now your turn." I gulped loudly taking the bow and trying to mimic her actions as best as possible. I pulled another arrow from the quiver, pushing it up against the string. The feather tickled my cheek as I slowly moved the bow into position. I took in two breaths before letting the arrow fly. The feather slightly scratched my cheek leaving a faint red mark as the arrow entirely missed the tree. "Go fetch the arrow." I hesitantly went off into the thick undergrowth to retrieve my arrow. I ran on with my head down until I found the arrow that impaled the wet dirt. I gently but firmly pulled it out making sure not to snap the neck of the arrow. When I arrived back to where Half moon was, a dead bird lay limo next to her. She knelt down next to it, mumbling under her breath. At school in England I heard about how the Indians said a prayer to their God when they killed. "That was quick," I commented. "Lots of practice pays off in end." "Try again," she once a again handed me the bow. "But Half Moon, I'm awful!" "How do you think I started? I once awful too!" "Fine," I huffed. I again lifted up the bow to my face and lined up the arrow with the string. "Focus on tree Wendy, focus." I let the arrow go, again watching it whiz past the tree. Although this time it was a little closer than before. I couldn't help but beam at my small accomplishment. I smiled so wide that it hurt. I could feel Half Moon smiling from behind me too. "See," she said in that 'I told you so' voice. We tried several more times until I hit the tree. It wasn't as beautiful a shot as Half Moon's was, but it was progress. She had killed another bird while I had been practicing my archery skills. She took both of them back to camp, holding them by their limp legs. "Chief will me happy with us," she held up the birds and shrugged her shoulder with the bow strung around it. "Yeah he will wouldn't he." Just then out of nowhere my mum's voice sounded softly. "Mum?" "Wendy, Wendy." All of the sudden the world around me started to get blurry and the foliage and dense undergrowth blended together. Mixtures of green, brown, yellow, and several other colors swirled together. I tilted my head suddenly to see Half Moon's slender face and narrow body morph together. Her pointed nose and thin lips seemed to disappear in the whole muddle. The last thing I remember seeing before I woke up was her amber eyes that held many emotions in the depth of her irises.

I Am From Poem (4th Marking Period)

I am from box macaroni and cheese, the kind that I learned to make at seven, for my brother, Kyle I made special

I am from pink and blue bouncy balls, the ones you get from target, the ones that you believed bounced to the sky

I am from my Catholic school, on the corner of the street, walking every day to, Ms. Cunningham walking me from,

I am from summer days, swimming at the St. Lawrence Swim Club, and playing croquet in the backyard

I am from my small yard, which my grandma and I played mermaids in the Hot and Cold Sea, hid behind trees in our hide and seek games, where my brother and I picked peas in our mother's garden

I am from my memories, praying with my family at dinner, except back then I didn't grasp what prayer was, our dear neighbor, Kathleen, who rests in Heaven now

I was from Drexel Hill, but now I am from Chadds Ford

I am from the time when we believed the world was good, the only evil was the crevices in the sidewalk, tripping us as we sought adventure

Champions

"There is no way around the hard work. Embrace it"

- Roger Federer

"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't"

- Jack Dempsey

Prologue

My mom always told me that I could do anything I put my mind to. Ma told me a lot of things, and naturally I believed her. She also told me how she'd always be with me, and no matter what she was there for me. The most vivid memory I had of her is when she watched my tennis matches. She would sit in the stand, all chipper and merry, cheering me on. When I lost she would comfort me, and when I won she would celebrate with me. Although this was a happy memory it hurt to think about it. It was that throbbing in your heart that you couldn't suppress. It was that achy feeling in the pit of your stomach you got when you were nervous. It was the kind of pain that was worse than any scraped knee, twisted ankle, or bee sting. It made me angry, confused, and glum. It made my eyes swell up with hot, angry tears. It made my fair face turn red, and it made me want to scream of anger. Of course other times I just wanted to cry. It helped ease the pain though, only for a little while of course. When my mom left me and my dad we were completely miserable. It was a quite a miserable day in itself. Mom and Dad had just gotten into a fight about money. Ma hated the fact that we were poor and that I couldn't have better. I remember peeking from behind my bedroom door to see Mom from across the hallway packing her bags. She was furiously throwing in all of her clothes and belongings while mumbling quietly to herself in anger. "Where are you a goin '' Ma?" "No where, honey. I'm just going to your Aunt Delia's for a little while now." "Why? Don't you love Daddy?" "Of course I do punkin'. Now promise me to be a good girl, and listen to your father now. I love you Missy." She kissed my cheek tenderly and looked at me with tears in her grey eyes. "Goodbye now." All I can recall of after that was watching her through the window get in her black truck and drive away. Mud sloshed beneath the tires of the car that moved quickly out of our dirt driveway. Rain poured as she drove down the winding road. I was only nine when she left. Nowadays, Dad hardly spoke of her. Whenever I asked when she would be coming back he brushed it off by asking about school or how my best friend, Diana was. He would come home from work at the car garage, eat supper with me, and then he would go to his room, shut the door, and occasionally he would weep. Not much had changed with me though, I still played tennis and had my best friend, Diana Boyle by my side. The only difference was that Ma was gone we were even worse off than before. The worst thing than was taken away from me and my dad was our happiness. We weren't whole without Ma, and in the whole mess there was a rather large margin for confusion. All of the promises she made to my dad and I like when she told me how she'd always be there for me. She and Dad would occasionally fight, but they always made up in the end. Maybe it was the last straw, maybe she was just so sick and tired of being the poor man's wife. But I still couldn't grasp exactly why she would leave us, leave me.

Chapter One

"Missy, can ya go out and tend to the chickens?" "Yeah, I'll be right out." I called from my room, right down the hall from where Dad was sitting at the small kitchen table, drinking his black coffee with no cream. Currently I was reading the novel,  Sense and Sensibility, lent to me by Diana. I marked my page with my faded yellow sticky note after I had finished the page before stretching and getting off of my bed. As I made my way outside I passed my dad's room, the den, the bathroom, and finally the kitchen. We lived in a trailer that we still liked to call a mighty tiny house because it sounded much better than trailer. Dad would probably be off to work soon like always. On the week days he started work at around the same time I went to school, and came home at supper time. On Saturday's he worked in the afternoon and on because Sunday was the Sabbath day, he had off. While he was at the car garage, fixing car and what not I was expected to cook supper and do chores like tending to the chickens, mopping and vacuuming, and other things like that. Even though a regular seventeen year old girl would find no joy in chores, the more I was busy the less I tended to think of my ma. So I busied myself anytime I could whether it be with chores, a good novel, or Diana. Diana knew my mom, she was like her second daughter. As soon as she left I called Diana to tell her everything. Her mom dropped her off immediately came over with some pumpkin bread and coffee. Her mother, Clarke had brought both of Diana's younger brothers. Matthew and Elijah were quite young, so they really didn't understand, but neither did I. Her youngest sister, Abigail was just a baby when this happened. I remembered Clarke and Daddy chatting quietly in the kitchen. He kept rubbing his temples and pinching the bridge of his large nose. When we went into my room I could tell she was trying to comfort me when she told me of how her eleven year old sister, Penelope got a tooth pulled the day before.

Flashback

"Oh Missy, ya shoulda' seen the look on er' face!" I let out a forced chuckle to make my friend feel useful. As she laughed I could see the gaps in her mouth from all of her lost teeth. Her curly brown hair was strewn across her face as she sat smiling at me. She sighed, still looking at me. "Do you think your ma is coming back, Missy?" "Of course she is Diana, she told me. She promised Diana, she promised!" "My momma said that she's gone, and ain't not comin' back." "Well your momma is wrong." I said with a shrug, not even taking to mind the fact that she may not being coming back. She shrugged back before resting her chin on her knee whilst looking down upon her petite feet. "Wannna go get some o' that pumpkin bread Momma made?" "Your momma does make the best pumpkin bread." "Then let's go!" She yelped excitedly before bouncing off my bed and parading into the kitchen.

Looking back upon that memory, I never really realized how much has changed since that day. Penelope was now off at college, Matthew, Elijah, and Abigail weren't so little anymore, and as for Diana, well she hasn't changed that much to me. I thought of happy memories like these while mindlessly doing my work. I didn't have many happy things in life, so I dwelt upon the past. Everyday I liked to count my blessings, and every morning I could only hope I could add something else to my list. So far I had tennis, my father, and Diana. I imagined myself in the playing in the Olympics while Dad and Diana watched me win a gold medal. Really that was my only goal in life. If I can't be happy than I most certainly can't raise as happy family with a boy and girl with two parents who would never leave them and always support them. Maybe that was what I wanted, but I was far to afraid of taking on after my mother. But that wasn't what I wanted, I knew what I wanted. After I tended to the chickens and what not, I would practice tennis; hitting the ball against the side of the trailer. Then I would make a small dinner, enough for two. Afterwards Father would come home and briefly ask about my day over dinner before going to his room, locking the door, and not coming out until morning. As I shot the green tennis ball against the side of our gruesome looking trailer I admired the thwack of the ball as it made contact with the surface. Every hit I made, I was focused on my power and accuracy and for once was not deep in thought. I practiced for awhile until I noticed the sun's position in the sky. I was a bit disappointed as I filed inside to start making dinner. I put my racket and ball underneath my small bed before peering inside the half empty larder to look for something decent to cook. All there was that didn't look expired was a box of pasta. I figured I could make some sort of homemade macaroni and cheese with the cheese, milk, and pasta. I put a pot of water on to boil, sprinkling in some salt. After that was bubbling I dumped in the pasta where I let that sit for about five minutes. Just as I had poured in the near expired milk and put in the slices of american and cheddar cheese to melt I heard Dad's old, blue pick up truck drive into the dirt driveway. I quickly stirred around the cheese to make it melt faster. It probably wouldn't be that good though considering the ingredient of butter was missing. "Hiya, Missy." Dad walked through the door. He took off his hat and jacket placing them on the hooks next to the door. "Hey Daddy." I reached for two bowls in the cupboard next to the old stove. "We gotta get some groceries soon." I commented while scooping in some macaroni in each bowl. "Well that's your job, ain't it." "Uh-." "You can't expect me to do everything around here," he cut me off sharply. "I know you do Daddy-." "Just get me my dinner Missy." I hesitantly put his chipped bowl in front of him as he grumbled to himself. "I need a spoon," he snarled, rubbing his hands through his matted brown hair. I got a spoon and handed it to his left hand which was stained with black oil. Tears brimmed my eyes and I bit on my lower lip. "Don't be doing that now, you look like your mother," he said disgustedly. "Well, I'm sorry," my southern belle accent ringing clear. I trudged off to my room with my head held high. My stubbornness was something else my ma and I had in common. I wondered sometimes if her stubbornness was the very thing that drove her away from us. It was quite ordinary that my dad would lash out at me. He has probably been the one who has changed the most over the years. I grabbed my racket and ball before defiantly heading outside. "I thought I told ya to do your homework." He sighed, holding his head in his hands. "I already finished," I retorted. "Hmph." I purposely slammed the door I walked down the three wooden steps, racket and ball in hand.

Chapter Two

"Hit that ball hard Missy!" My coach, Dan, shouted from the bench outside of the tennis courts. My partner, Beau and I were scrimmaging. I hit the ball with force the next time it came back to me. "Better!" Sweat dripped down my face as the tennis ball was hit between us to many time to count. We have been practicing for two hours in the unmerciful sun. It's rays stretched down upon my sun burnt face. My throat felt like sandpaper due to dehydration. "Neither of ya ain't leavin' until won of ya decides to win." "If I had a decision, I would have left a long time ago," Beau said between pants. "Suicides, the both of ya for ya'll bein' fresh!" "Ugh, thanks a lot Beau." "You guys are a team, when one of you screws up ya both have to deal with it," Coach barked. "But we ain't even a team," Beau retorted with a toothy smile. "Today ya are, sunny." He laughed quietly as we ran thirty suicides. By the tenth I was slowing down, my feet dragging across the turf ground. "Pick it up Missy!" After Coach's order and hearing Beau's laughter from in front of me, I gritted my teeth and sped up. I was quickly gaining on Beau who was trying hard to catch his breath. I gave him a smug look as I trudged on. After the thirtieth suicide I ran over to my old, scratched water bottle. I held my hands on my hips as I slowly regained my breath. Beau soon joined me, but instead fell to the ground. "Another minute and then we scrimmage." We both sighed to ourselves. I straightened out my tennis skirt and pink visor before returning to the court. I could feel a hole wearing in my socks as my soles ached.

4th Marking Period

"Alrighty now, if one of ya's win, ya both can go on home." "I guess we should decide who's gonna win now over a game rock paper scissors." He rocked his hand back and forth. "Common stop foolin' Beau, and get your lazy behind out there!" I suppressed a chuckle as I walked to the far side of the court, practicing my swings. "Lady's first," Beau tossed me the clean tennis ball. I held the fuzzy ball in my hand as the fiery sun continued to blaze down upon me. I adjusted my visor which was soggy with sweat where my hairline started. Stray pieces of sweaty, salty smelling brunette hair fell onto my face. I quickly put on my visor again, and threw the ball up in the dry air before serving it powerfully towards Beau. He made it look effortless as he hit the ball back to me. I watched with fixated eyes as the ball mottled together as it whizzed towards me. I instinctively got up on the front of my feet and got into position, but it was a good hit, and it was to late because by the time I realized it was sinking down lower, it had already hit my right ankle. I let out an agonizing grunt of pain as it hit the surface of my talus bone. My eyes started to watered,and I bent down to hug my ankle. "Are ya alright, Missy?" Beau asked with concern hidden behind his blue irises. "Yeah, I'm fine." "I've seen enough, both of ya's go home and get a good night's rest. Remember, you have a tournament this weekend. Eat lot's of pasta, ya hear?" He hollered from the courts, but I already had my racket, ball, and bone dry water bottle. "I'm so so so sorry Missy. I would never intentionally hurt ya." He said, obviously out of breath as he ran to catch up with me. His gear, clattering against his burnt skin. "That's okay Beau, it was a good hit," I dragged my feet across the ground. "Do ya need a ride home? I'm sure coach wouldn't be too happy, knowin' that his star athlete had a swollen ankle for the tournament." "Well...it's just I-okay," I gave in partly because I didn't feel like arguing with him, listening to his endless logic why I should take the offer, and because I just wanted to get home to ice my sore foot. "C'mon then," he patted his Jeep. I timidly got into the seat next to the drivers seat. "Do you wanna put your stuff in the trunk now?" "I'm quite alright," I said loudly, sticking my head out of the door, After another minute or so, he ducked into the drivers seat. "Ya ready?" "Yep," I folded my hands in my lap, relaxing a little bit. As he drove out of the loose graveled lot, a worn sign that read, Mississippi Tennis Complex was visible. "Do ya like country music?" "Yeah I like country," I lied, not being a music enthusiast. "Who ya like?" "No one in general, uh...." I scanned my brain in vain attempt to think of any country singers that Beau may like. After a moment of scanning he sighed. "Do ya really like country Missy? Aw gee, the two of us are pals, no need to go pretendin' 'round me." "It's a'right Beau, you can go head and listen to your country music. I really don't mind." "M'kay," he reached for the radio scanner to tune in to his country music. "My ma liked them old country songs ya know." "Not anymore though?" "I don't really know, I guess," I traced circles around the leather lining of the seat. "Why ya so blue Missy?" "I'm not," I perked my head up and flashed a fake smile. He obviously didn't believe me, but didn't pry no more. We drove home in silence, but I watched out of my peripheral vision as his lips moved quietly to the beat and his hand tapped ever so slightly against the wheel. I continued to watch his repeated movements until we arrived at my home; the trailer. I blushed crimson before quickly hopped out of the car. "Thanks Beau, see ya later," I grabbed my stuff swiftly before exiting the truck completely. "Take care now Missy," he replied unfazed by my small rickety trailer of a house. I pushed the door open to find my father hovering over the radio at the news. "Hiya Daddy," I pushed the door closed without turning around. "How was practice?" "Good, whatcha listening to?" "A storm is brewin' right 'round Clarksdale." "I'll go and get all of the chickens in the coop then." I turned around, bouncing down the rickety steps. I lifted my head towards the yellowing sky. The wind was whistling through the grass around our trailer. I need to get the chickens inside the coop, now.