Quoted By:
<span class="mu-r">“You’ve already got more than enough enemies, Croaker.”</span> you said, eying the tribesmen warily. <span class="mu-r">“Besides, I don’t want to hurt any of you. Just lay down your weapons and we’ll leave you in peace.”</span>
Some of them seemed genuinely remorseful, but not enough for the whole tribe to back down from a threat. They just needed another push…and you needed to buy a little more time.
<span class="mu-r">“If you won’t back off for our sake, then at least do it for the family that you’ve still got left.”</span> you said.
Croaker paused, and his resolute expression was replaced by a look of anguish. He gritted his teeth and raised his hand to call out a command, but he was quickly interrupted when Tiger Lily pressed her spear against his throat.
He stopped dead, glaring incredulously at the native girl. She shot a challenging glare right back at him, before turning her harsh gaze on her own fellow tribesmen. They were visibly shaken, her silent contempt hitting them like a physical force.
The next minute consisted of Tiger Lily shouting something out in what you believed was their native language. To you, it just sounded like a bunch of clicks, whistles and breathy grunts. But to everyone else, it seemed to be one of the most elaborate and inspirational speeches given in Neverland’s history.
All around you, men were dropping their spears, clubs and bows. Some hung their heads in shame, while others listened intently. Several of what you thought were some of the more influential tribesmen joined in on the debate, which bought you even more time. You and your group remained silent the entire time, wrestling with a mix of confusion and anxiety.
Finally, the debate seemed to end, and the result of their discussion was clear. All at once, everyone except Tiger Lily dropped their weapons. Croaker was seething with rage at this point. So much so that his concentration broke and the chameleons became visible.
Tiger Lily’s gaze fell on you, then. She didn’t say a word, but instead, flicked her eyes upwards for just a moment. You leaned your head back ever so slightly, pretending to nod for the sake of appearances…and that’s when you saw it.
The silhouette of a boy in the sky, waving down at you.
Suddenly, your attention was drawn to a tiny, doll-like figure clambering up the chameleon's backside. On closer inspection, you saw that it was a girl with short blonde hair, dressed in a strip of cloth.
Your body language must’ve betrayed your intentions, because Croaker found what you were looking at. But he did so, far too late.
As soon as the miniature girl touched him, Croaker disappeared from your field of view. The entirety of the Picaninny Tribe gasped all at once. Everyone except Tiger Lily, that was. She just calmly returned her spear to her side and waved up at Peter with a warm, loving smile.
(Cont.)
