The White Shrieker

Making their way over the small ridges, they could see the edges of the forest. Though beautiful to most, the dangers that lurked between the edge of their forest and their home were both great and plentiful. Pan helped Bell over the last hill, grabbing her hand and helping her down off the small cliff.

Once she was on the ground he got his weapon out, getting ready for the dangers that lurked within the as they made their way into the woods. As they made their way down the dimly lit path, the Pixie Dust gave off a soft light that emanated off of Bell's body. It gave her a soft glow and helped light the path, but it could also give away their position to the creatures that lurked within the Dark Wood.

It would've been better if it were completely dark, that way they were more hidden to the predators that lurked within these woods, but there was nothing he could do about it now. As they made their way through the forest, they could hear the calls of creatures, some farther away than others.

One of the cries that came from the darkness sounded much closer than the others which made Pan wary of the journey ahead. He climbed over a fallen tree then helped Bell, as they carefully made their way through the forest. Bell stayed quiet the entire time, stuck in thought as they made their way through the forest.

Only looking up to look towards Pan or as she heard a creature's call. Pan had been quite worried about Bell as of late. She was always off thinking about something, and when she was helping the Lost Boys do something, she always seemed spaced out. Whenever he tried to confront her about whatever it was, she always pushed it aside and talk about something else.

Pan sighed softly as they continued down the path, the forest quickly grew quiet as they made their way deeper into the forest. Ahead to the right was a small swamp-like place, which meant they were a little less than halfway home. Pan looked around, seeing the start of the swamp.

A rustling sound came from above them, Pan quickly looked up seeing the giant wings of a White Shrieker. He grabbed Bell and started running, Bell quickly broke out of her daydream as she ran behind Pan. She looked behind her to try and get a better look at what Pan had seen. Watching as the Shrieker's claws broke through the roof of the forest.

She looked in front of her alarmed and started picking up speed, following next to Pan. Pan kept his eyes on the path, looking for a way to lose the White Shrieker quickly. As he looked back, he saw the Shrieker practically face to face. He leapt forward, bringing both Bell and himself to the ground, the air from the creature's wings swirling around them.

Bell quickly got up, helping Pan as they continued running. The creature looping around, circling the area above them like a vulture. Directly ahead of them, the path forked two ways to the left looked like it sloped downhill, where they could slide down and get some distance between them and the Shrieker.

Though if they went right they could lose the Shrieker in the Swamp, but there were many other creatures in the Swamp, probably worse than a Shrieker. Pan sighed as he motioned towards the path, Tink followed behind him. She looked back and made a small yelp sound as she dodged the creature's claws. She hadn't realized how close she was to Pan. She bumped into him, sending both of them tumbling down the hill.

Pan groaned as he quickly got up, helping Tink to her feet, looking behind them as he watched the creature circle around and dive down. Pan quickly pointed his weapon towards the creature and tried hitting its metasoma, missing as the creature flew past them. Pan watched the creature as they ran off behind the creature.

Pan didn't want to stay behind this creature for long, since White Shriekers are well known for their quick turnaround. He looked around for a path that he recognized, that was a quick escape towards camp. About a mile to the right, there was a set of underground caves that housed one of the oldest packs of Soultaurs. Which were much more friendly creatures than the Shrieker.

Pan looked around and then cut into the dense forest. He looked towards the Shrieker as it quickly dived towards Bell. In an instance, Pan quickly ran towards Bell, slashing the creature's foot. The White Shrieker let out a shrill cry as it flew back above the roof of the forest. Pan now running behind Bell, making sure she kept up with him.

Bell sighed softly, looking back towards Pan, nodding as a thank you as they both continued running. "Continue running straight and then look for the rock shaped like a bird! There should be a hole that leads to a cave where it points! I'll meet you there!" Bell looked at Pan worried but nodded as she continued running, knowing Pan was in protection mode now.

Pan swung his sword around, pointing towards the ground as he looked around for the White Shrieker. He knew that the creature would come swooping down any minute and retaliate. He had to be ready, cause neither of them were going to be on the menu for dinner tonight. As he looked behind him the creature broke through the leaves, claws outstretched to grab him. Pan ran faster, seeing Bell was quite a ways ahead of him.

He scoffed softly, dodging the Shriekers attack, stumbling onto his feet. As he got to his feet he was met with the Shriekers claw. "Godda-" He tried his best to dodge, but it's sharp claws slice two marks on his shoulder. He groaned in pain, holding his shoulder with his hand as he continued to run. Bell was about 10 feet in front of Pan now, frantically looking around for the rock formation.

Finally, in the distance, she saw what looked like an eagle crouching over, looking down. She excitedly pointed in front of her, Pan listening to her excitement, knew he only had a few more feet before they were both safe. The Shrieker letting out a shrill cry as it chased after Pan. Bell ran into the cave, turning around to see the Shrieker almost directly behind Pan. Panic struck as she watched Pan swing at the White Shrieker.

He managed to slice through the metasoma but didn't hit it hard enough to kill it. The Shrieker quickly swung its tail at Pan, "DUCK!" Bell yelled as Pan looked behind him and quickly ducked, sliding into the entrance of the cave. The Shrieker crashing into the head of the eagle. Pan quickly climbed down into the hole, a loud crumbling sound as the head of the eagle slowly broke off. Pan motioned for Bell to run into the cave a little, running towards her.

As the rock hit the entrance of the cave, a rush of air knocked Pan and Bell over, sending them flying. Pan groaned softly as he leaned up against the wall of the cave. Bell got up quickly and ran over, tightly hugging Pan. He clenched his teeth as pain shot through his arm, using his uninjured arm to softly pat Bell on the back. "Glad you're ok Bell..." He said softly, a smile on his face, Bell scrunched her nose up as she glared at Pan. He raised his eyebrow and looked at her confused.

She scoffed and smacked his arm as she quickly signed. "You know these scratch marks could have been its stinger! You got lucky! I could have lost you..." Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked down at the ground, her hands dropping to her sides. Pan sighed softly and hugged her, placing his finger under her chin, meeting her gaze.

He smiled softly and signed back. "I'm just glad it was me and not you who got hurt..." He smiled softly and shrugged. "Plus when I heal, I'll have a manly scar and a great story to tell the boys..." He chuckled softly as Bell rolled her eyes, pushing him off her, a soft smile pierced her lips. Pan sighed softly and looked into the cave. "Well, looks like the only way out is forward..."