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“We’ll miss you, Jake. Thanks for being the greatest mateys a matey ever had. He’s gone...Haha! I finally won! Now with nobody to stop me, not even you popinjays, now I shall finally plunder all of Neverland and its treasures! I heard you were through with this place. Gone off for good! Jake!” Voices shouted in her head as the final one made the brunette sit up in bed, letting out a breathless gasp as she looked over at the bunk bed, seeing the younger boy awake as he also looked over at the motion at the single bed as she groaned and laid back down, placing a hand on her forehead.
“Are you having bad dreams too, Izzy?” The young boy asked quietly, climbing down the ladder and being careful not to wake up their older friend, Jake, who was asleep with his bandana over his eyes. “Yeah. And it’s only been one day since Jake had his quest! I just don’t understand why, Cubby...” Izzy answered in a soft voice to prevent herself from being too loud as Cubby climbed onto the bed and sat down near the foot of it. “Well, we nearly lost our home, our brother figure, and nearly watched Hook destroy our chest.”He pointed out to her as Izzy sat back up and hugged her knees a little.
“I know.” She replied shakily as movement in the corner of their eye alerted them, both kids looking over at the homemade bed pallet on the floor near the foot of Izzy’s bed as the white and gold spotted Never-leopard raised her head, yawning a little before looking at the two. “Izzy? Cubby? What are you two doing up again?” She asked, standing up and walking to the side of the girl’s bed before sitting down. “We had another bad dream. Again.” Cubby sighed as Savaa rubbed against Cubby’s slippers in comfort. “I know that I’m still new to everything and new to the crew, but...I’m always here to listen if you’d like.” She offered.
Izzy and Cubby looked at each other as Izzy sighed, leaning her head against the palm of her hand. “Both me and Cubby keep having bad dreams about losing Jake, losing Neverland, losing our home. Everything.” Izzy said. “Jake’s like a brother to us. And he’s our leader.” Cubby added as Savaa listened to them before nodding a little. “Here, come lie down with me.” She offered, taking a step back to let Cubby get down as Izzy crawled out of bed while her friend climbed off the bed. Savaa walked back to her homemade bed and laid down, grabbing a blanket for them as Izzy and Cubby both sat down beside the feline.
“You don’t have a problem with us lying against you?” Cubby asked her nervously. “I don’t mind.” She nodded as Izzy pulled the blanket over herself and Cubby. “Okay, not gonna lie. You’re warm.”The girl giggled quietly. “I used to let smaller animals sleep in my den when it got too cold and sometimes I would wake up to being covered in animals trying to get warmed up.” Savaa chuckled. “So, you had the animals on Neverland keeping you company?” The little boy questioned, lying against the leopard’s side.
Savaa sighed. “Only on cold days. Majority of the time, animals feared me which I knew it was because I was a predator so I didn’t have many friends. Actually, I didn’t even have any friends. Peter and Tink were usually my only visitors. Until during a routine patrol, I found Jake and when he told me what was going on, I knew that I needed to help him and help save my home and magic. Especially when I was scared to fail Peter since he was the one who tasked me with the Guardianship of Mount Destiny and the Forever Tree.” She said before looking at the pair of crewmates, “You have a very brave, kind, and noble leader. I never saw someone who battled against thoughts of pessimism, but still kept going. Because of his love for not only his home, but his family.” She told them.
“Really?” They asked curiously. “Yes. And he remained brave through the end. And in the end, he knew where his heart lied; With you. His crew, his family, his home.” Savaa confirmed as Izzy and Cubby smiled, looking at each other and then back at the sleeping Jake. “Then we made the right choice telling Jake to go on the Forever Quest,” Cubby said. “And we should be glad that at least Jake’s home.” Izzy added, rubbing her eyes as Savaa nudged each of their heads with her nose. “Get some sleep. I’ll wake you up if either of you start having another bad dream. Okay?” She whispered softly as the two nodded before getting comfortable and lying against her with Izzy laying on her shoulder and Cubby against Savaa’s shoulder.
Savaa smiled at them softly before looking at Skully and Jake, relieved to see both of them still asleep as she laid her head down on her paws. ‘Poor kids. I understand what they’re feeling. Feeling scared to lose their home, their family and friends. I just hope that we can get through this together. And for me to prove myself worthy to the crew.’ She thought to herself before purring a little, closing her eyes and carefully falling asleep after a few minutes of silence.
Sunlight poured in through the wooden door that blocked the light from coming into the room completely as Jake groaned at feeling the sense that he needed to get up, lifting his bandana off his face a little to peek around the room as he became alert when suddenly he saw Izzy’s bed was empty, quickly sitting up and fixing his bandana around his hair. “Izz?” He asked before climbing out of bed, but then saw Savaa’s bed pallet on the floor by the bed. ‘Right. I keep forgetting about the fact Savaa’s here. Gonna have to keep a mental note.’ He thought to himself before walking over.
“Hey Savaa, do you-?” Jake cut himself off and grinned at finding out where his mateys went. There on the floor with a pallet of pillows and blankets, Savaa was asleep along with Izzy and Cubby who were lying against the leopard’s side. “Morning Jake!” Skully’s voice greeted, startling the boy as he looked over quickly and chuckled. “Startled me there for a moment, Skully.” He said as Skully flew over and landed on the frame of the bed, looking down at the three and chuckled. “Savaa’s gotten comfortable with Izzy and Cubby.” The parrot commented. “Yeah.” Jake nodded in agreement.
Savaa flicked her ears at hearing the two talking and lifted her head, shaking it to wake herself up as Jake quickly took a step back to let her have space in case she needed to get up. “Morning, Miss Savaa.” Skully greeted, flying onto the floor and landing in front of her. “Good morning, Skully. And please, just Savaa. No Miss, okay?” Savaa requested as Skully nodded. “My bad. Sorry about that.”He said sheepishly. “Did something happen last night?” Jake asked as the leopard sighed. “Just a second night of bad dreams is all, but hopefully they’ll sleep better after I talked with them last night.” She answered.
Jake frowned a little, worried about his crew as he looked at them, but felt relieved to know that Savaa helped them. “Hungry? Because I sure am in the mood for some banana pancakes.” Jake said a little loudly as Izzy and Cubby both woke up, startling at their stomachs suddenly grumbling as Savaa giggled. “Well that’s one way to wake them up.” She said as Cubby rubbed his eyes. “Morning already?”He asked. “Yep. Morning, sleepyheads.” Skully answered, landing on Jake’s shoulder as Izzy pulled the blanket off and got up, stretching a little.
“Thanks for letting us sleep with ya, Savaa.” Cubby said, petting Savaa on her head before getting up, “Give us a few minutes to get dressed and then we’ll be right out to make breakfast.” He added as Savaa stood up, stretching her legs out as Skully flew to the Crow’s Nest and landed by it while the leopard walked over and climbed onboard. “Going up!” He said, pulling a lever for the makeshift elevator and letting the leopard head up to the main hub area so the kids could get dressed.
When the nest stopped, Savaa climbed off and allowed it to go back down automatically once she was off as Skully flew to another one. “I’m gonna do the usual lookout real quick. Be right back!” He said before flying up a pole to head up and see the island. Savaa looked around and sniffed the air, opening her mouth to catch any scents. ‘No signs of intruders in the air.’ She thought to herself in relief before walking over to the boardwalks, looking around as she let herself see the area a little better.
“Island clear and no signs of suspicious activity or any sign of that sneaky snook!” Skully reported while flying back down as Savaa jumped, spinning around quickly. “Whoops! Sorry, Savaa. Didn’t mean to startle ya.” Skully chuckled, flying over and landing between her shoulder blades. “It’s okay. You caught me off guard, that’s all.” The leopard replied before hearing the Crow’s Nest come up, the three kids coming off and in their normal clothing with Cubby walking past. “I’ll be in the galley!” He said. “Meanwhile, we’ll go check on Bucky!” Jake replied as he and Izzy walked over to the slide to Bucky’s grotto.
“Here, Savaa. Follow me!” Skully said, flying off as Savaa got up and ran after the bird who then landed on a homemade elevator. “This was a backup used in case the crew can’t use the slide, but since you’re here and can’t use the slide, you can use this to get down to the Grotto!” The parrot explained. “Thanks, Skully.” She replied, walking over and climbing onto the elevator as she pulled the lever real quick and proceeded to head down while Skully flew to the galley to see if Cubby needed help.
The elevator stopped at the edge of the dock as she hopped off and walked down towards the ship, perking up at seeing Izzy and Jake onboard and checking Bucky’s ropes and sails as Savaa hurried over and hopped onto Bucky’s deck as he rang his bell a little. “Uh...what now?” She asked. “He says hi.” Izzy said, walking over to her. “Dang it, it’s hard to understand him.” Savaa muttered. “It’s okay. It’ll take time.” Jake reassured her, “We’ll teach you.” He added as Savaa bowed her head in response. “Thanks, Jake.” She replied. “Since we’re here, we haven’t given you a tour of the hideout since we took all day yesterday filling up the holes that Hook and his crew left behind,” Izzy suggested.
“Yeah. Speaking of them, I hope Seth’s doing okay. I wasn’t happy that Seth apparently had been helping dig all day when I was gone.”Jake said. “How often do you deal with those guys?” Savaa asked as Izzy and Jake glanced at each other. “Almost every day.” They answered simultaneously as the Never-leopard looked at them in surprise. “Really?” She asked. “Yeah, but that’s our duty that Peter gave us; Protecting Neverland, especially from pirates like Hook.” Jake answered.
“Quick little lesson. Captain Hook is the Captain of the Jolly Roger. His second mate is Mr.Smee and his crew consists of him, Sharky, Bones and our friend, Seth. Mr.Smee, Sharky, Bones and Seth aren’t that bad. It’s their captain mostly. They just do what every crewmate has to do and that’s listening to whatever the captain says. We’re actually acquaintances with the crew.” Izzy explained real quick as Savaa listened before nodding her head. “Got it. Hook, main enemy. Crew, not so much.” She reiterated. “Yep.” Jake responded before hearing the triangle ring up in the galley.
“Breakfast!” The three said before running to the elevator to head up to the main deck of the hideout immediately as once they got to the main deck, they headed to the galley as Skully hung up the triangle and then flew over to his bowl of crackers and birdseed as the kids sat down at a table together. “Banana pancakes.” Cubby said, placing each plate down and then sliding an extra plate for Savaa by the table before sitting with his mateys. “Thanks Cubby! Like always, your cooking’s the best.” Jake complimented. “Wash your hands?” Savaa suddenly spoke up. “Thanks, Savaa!” They said, realizing they didn’t wash up, and quickly ran to the sink real quick.
“Good catch.” Skully whispered. “They did it yesterday throughout the day.” Savaa whispered back before sniffing the pancakes and then taking one, carefully eating it while the kids returned to the table to eat. “So what should we do today?” Cubby asked. “We could check the hideout real quick. I wanna take precautions since I didn’t like how Hook managed to find our treasure chest. Plus it gives the chance to distract your guys’ minds.” Jake explained as Cubby and Izzy paused on eating at realizing what they meant.
“And before you ask, Savaa already told us,” Skully added. “Honesty and loyalty is important in the qualities of a family. Plus, Jake and Skully were going to learn sooner or later.” Savaa explained after swallowing her first pancake. “Okay, you got us there.” Izzy replied, sighing a little. “It’s okay, mateys. I’m not mad. Neither is Skully. Plus, now that I know, we can help each other. I’m not having an easy time falling asleep. I couldn’t stop thinking about how I nearly left you guys and kept thinking about what if I never had the feeling to get back home and never came back.” Jake explained to his friends.
Savaa stood up and walked over to Jake, moving her head under his arm while nudging herself underneath the limb as Jake smiled and rubbed her neck and head in gratitude. “It’s okay. It’s in the past. And you’re all here together and that changes nothing except that you prove that no matter what, you guys are stuck together like sticky goo vines.” She explained as the kids laughed at her comparison. “Savaa’s right. Everything is in the past and we have today to think about.” Cubby spoke up, calming himself down. “Come on, let’s finish up our breakfast and then get started on checking the hideout,” Izzy said.
The kids went back to eating as Skully and Savaa ate their food as well before finishing as Savaa got an idea and placed her plate on the table. “Skully, push this on top of my head.” She whispered, ducking her head down as Skully shrugged his wings before pushing the plate onto her head like she wanted, the leopard taking a moment or two to balance it and then walk around the table. “Haha! What are you doing, Savaa?” Izzy asked. “Carrying my plate to the sink,” She answered. “Think you can take ours?” Cubby asked. “Definitely.” Savaa nodded and held still, letting the kids stack their plates while Skully placed down his bowl last, the feline balancing the items before managing to get over to the sink, safely sliding them into the soapy water.
“Yo ho, way to go, Savaa!” The kids cheered. “Just wanting to do my part.” She told them. “Come on, crew.” Jake said before walking out as the others followed immediately while Savaa caught up to them real quick after double-checking that the table was cleared. “This is the main hub where it leads to a variety of rooms such as you already know three crow’s nests lead to our bedroom, the lookout post and to Bucky’s Grotto. Leading up those stairs is Cubby’s map room which also leads to his coconut collection. And of course you know where the galley and eating area is too.” Jake explained, pointing out the areas while heading up some stairs as Savaa followed.
“This desk secretly has all of our hideout’s traps and defense mechanisms. Water cannons, coconut catapult, rolling barrels, gooey guavas. And outside, we also have our tiki statue which, if pushed over, reveals a sand pit.” Izzy explained, pointing out each lever. “And this lever helps put the hideout in various modes. Red puts the hideout on lockdown, green means the hideout is safe and yellow puts it in neutral.” Cubby added. “That’s impressive.” Savaa replied to them before walking over to the window and nudging it open. Jake walked over to stand beside her. “And we use the windows to look out safely and also it helps us to do small defense attacks such as dumping water, coconuts, fruit, anything from buckets or nets.” He explained.
“I can see Neverland!” Savaa commented, looking across the water towards the horizon. “Yep!” The kids and parrot nodded in confirmation. “We’ll have to make some adjustments to help you settle in, but they’re pretty small such as the tunnels and stairways. But Savaa, there’s one major thing that you must always remember. The hideout MUST be kept a secret. We don’t want someone to steal our home.”Jake explained as Savaa saluted with her paw playfully. “Aye aye, Jake!” She giggled. The other three started laughing as Jake rubbed her ears. “You definitely will make a great addition to the crew and family, Savs.” He said. “Definitely.” Skully agreed, flying down and landing on Savaa’s back as the leopard purred.
By Neverland, the Jolly Roger sat idle with the crew working together on cleaning the deck as a young boy sat on a barrel, fixing one of the fishing nets silently as he sighed and shook his head. “Seth...” The voice echoed in his head as he paused on his work, biting his lip anxiously. Izzy, Cubby, and Skully’s expressions stuck in his mind from when Seth helped his uncle and family capture the three and cage them. Seth’s heart ached at his own betrayal despite being told numerous times by not only his dads, but Jake about that fact it wasn’t his fault.
“Sethy?” The voice of Bones broke through his misty mind as Seth looked up quickly, spotting his two dads who walked over and placed their mops down, sitting with Seth as Sharky wrapped an arm around the young crewmate. “Those memories bugging ya again?” He asked quietly as Seth placed the net down and hugged his knees. “I just can’t get my friends’ faces out of my mind. The way they looked at me when I helped put them in that cage. I can’t stop thinking about it and it hurts every time I do think about it.” Seth rambled to his parents before covering his face.
“Seth...It’s not your fault. You were following captain’s orders. We also feel guilty for what we did, but we also know that it’s not entirely our fault. It’s also your uncle’s fault. That’s all. Jake and his mateys aren’t mad at us. Was he mad at you when he was talking with you before we left?” Bones asked. “Well...no?” Seth answered. “Then maybe all ye need to do is talk with his mateys. We can sneak ya over to Pirate Island later when Captain goes to have his nap, how does that sound?” Sharky suggested as Seth smiled and nodded. “I’d like that,” He answered.
“And what exactly are you buffoons doing?” A familiar tone of voice asked as the three looked up and immediately got to their feet upon seeing their captain as Hook crossed his arms. “Sorry, captain! Seth still be a little troubled about what happened on Pirate Island.” Sharky answered. “We’re just trying to help him feel better by talking to him, Captain Hook, sir,” Bones added. “Very well. My apologies for disrupting you three. If you must continue, then make it hasty.”Hook said as Seth got an idea and grabbed one of the mops. “Oh, Uncle Hook!” He called as Hook looked over.
Seth pulled out a bar of soap. “Since I still need to swab the deck, shall we play a little harmless game of soap hockey?” The boy asked with a grin. “Haha! Seth, me boy! You know how much I enjoy that game!” Hook chuckled as Mr.Smee and Sharky dumped their soapy buckets and set them up on the ends of the deck as goals before the crew started playing together with Bones as the referee for the four, both him and Sharky happy to know how Seth can always bring out the good side of their captain.
Back on Pirate Island, the kids were enjoying some basketball to be able to relax and get their minds off everything after they finished with checking the hideout and making sure that the defense mechanisms still worked as Savaa was teamed up with Cubby and Jake and Izzy were teamed up with each other and lastly, Skully being the referee and spokesbird. “Izzy’s got the ball, she shoots!” Skully said as Savaa leapt up and blocked Izzy’s shot, using her paw to bump it to Cubby, “Savaa intercepts the ball and passes it to Cubby who Jake quickly blocks.” Skully narrated as Cubby ducked to the side and passed the ball, letting Savaa get it as Izzy swiftly ran past, stealing it and quickly shooting the basketball into the hoop.
“And that’s two points for Jake and Izzy, making them tied up with Cubby and Savaa! Woohoo!” Skully hollered as Cubby caught the ball and then brought it to the middle of the court, quickly bouncing it to Jake as he sped past without warning. “Ha! Got ya!” Savaa said, jumping in front of him as the boy smirked and passed it to Izzy before Savaa could try to steal it from him as Jake then jumped up on Savaa’s back. “Think again!” He replied, letting Izzy pass it to him and letting Jake do a slam dunk. “That’s three! Izzy and Jake win the game!” Skully announced as Savaa hurried over and caught Jake when he let go of the rim, letting him land on her back.
“That was coconuts!”Cubby laughed. “Sweet move, Jake,” Savaa commented. “Good game, guys! Gotta say, it’s more fun no longer having to do just regular one on ones. We can do two on two now!” Izzy replied as Jake climbed off the leopard. “Yeah! Next time though, we’re switching up teams.” He suggested. “Fine with me.” Savaa nodded as Cubby hurried over to her. “You almost had Jake at least!” He told her. “I hope I didn’t hurt you when I did that move though.” Jake said, rubbing the back of his head. “Nah, ya didn’t. Plus, this game seems to be about strategy and fast thinking, which that’s what you were doing when you made the move.” Savaa explained.
“She is right. And not to mention, it also helps a little bit with learning how to work as a team which is why we’re playing some basketball; So that we can learn how to work with a new crewmate. I call for a rematch, but this time. Girls against boys.” Izzy suggested, holding the ball. “Haha! I like your thinking, Izzy.” Skully commented. “Definitely, but first. Water break!” Jake told them as the kids headed off the basketball court to get some water while Skully flew down. “You and Cubby were on like crackers on fire for those first two rounds.” He told Savaa while landing on her head.
“Thanks, Skully.” Savaa chuckled at the parrot, purring a little. “There’s always next time at least. Besides, this is the best way to try and learn to do teamwork one by one before we try to work as a team altogether.” Skully explained. “True,” She replied. “Not to mention, you’re fun to talk with.” The parrot chuckled as he flew off and went to his coconut shell while the kids were drinking some of their coconut water to hydrate themselves as Izzy scooted herself over to Savaa.
“Psst. Savaa. Got a second?” She whispered as Savaa looked up at her, licking some of the water off her lips. “What’s up, Izzy?” The leopard asked quietly. “Just thinking about last night again.” Izzy confessed as Savaa nuzzled up against her cheek. “It’s okay. I’m here for you guys. And if you ever have a bad dream, just wake me up if I’m asleep and I’ll help you immediately and let you guys talk about what’s on your mind or let you sleep with me again.” Savaa whispered as Izzy smiled. “Thanks.” She whispered, rubbing her muzzle.
“Come on, guys! Who’s ready for game number two?” Jake asked as Cubby shot the basketball to practice his shot only to hit the backboard, making it fly back to him as Jake stepped in and quickly caught it before it could hit Cubby. “Whoops.” The smaller boy smiled nervously. “It’s alright, Cubby. We all make mistakes.” Jake reassured his crewmate as he was startled when Savaa suddenly knocked the ball out of his hands and let Izzy catch it. “Woohoo! It’s game on!” Skully said, landing on the backboard.
Izzy and Jake checked the ball as Izzy quickly passed the ball to Savaa who proceeded to dribble the ball with her paws before using her head to pass it to Izzy only for Jake to intercept and grab it, passing it to Cubby who repositioned himself. “Shoot it, Cubby!” Jake encouraged his friend as Cubby quickly shot the ball for the hoop as Savaa tried to block it by jumping up, only to merely miss it by a whisker and landing back on the ground and hearing the ball make it through the net. “One point for the boys’ team!” Skully announced. “Not a bad try, Savaa.” Izzy said, walking over and rubbing her ears as Jake passed her the ball to go again.
The crew continued on their teamwork drills with basketball and smaller tasks such as cleaning Bucky, doing the dishes, figuring out a new look out routine between the five and also working on making adjustments to certain areas to help Savaa get to certain areas of the hideout. The crew were cleaning up the map room and organizing some before hearing Skully fly in. “Sharky and Bones incoming! Looks like Seth’s popping over for a visit!” The parrot called as the kids paused on what they were doing and ran quickly to get outside to the beach real quick.
Sharky rowed the dinghy towards the shore as Bones helped with a second pair of oars before Seth hopped out, grabbing a rope and helping pull the smaller boat onto shore and then securing it to one of the palm trees. The crew carefully ran outside before Jake raced over to Seth after spotting him. “Seth!” He called. “Jake!” He smiled at spotting his friend and quickly ran over as the pair hugged each other quickly with Izzy and Cubby running over, joining in on the hug.
“Glad to see you here, Seth!” Skully greeted after flying over as the kids let go of Seth to give him some space. “What brings you here? Usually you send us a letter beforehand.” Cubby asked as Bones and Sharky walked over to them as Bones placed an arm around Seth in comfort. “Seth’s been having a hard time since the whole thing went down a couple of days ago. We thought maybe letting him talk to you guys would maybe help him out.” Bones explained as Izzy, Cubby and Skully immediately realized that they never had the chance to talk to Seth after the rescue and knew that they needed to give him some peace.
Sharky nudged Seth forward a little to encourage him as the boy took a few steps forward, taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry for what I did, for helping my uncle with digging up your home and nearly destroying your chest and also helping capture and cage your friends and everything.” He rambled as Izzy and Cubby immediately just hugged him. “Oh, Seth. We forgive you. We weren’t mad nor are we mad at you. We’re okay now. And everything’s okay now as well.” Izzy told him. “Plus, it wasn’t your fault. You were just following orders. We know you’re not bad at heart.” Cubby added as Seth smiled, tearing up in relief.
“And Seth, we want you to meet our newest crewmate.”Jake said as he brought Savaa over who smiled at the family of three and then looked at Sharky and Bones. “I remember you two...You were the bumbling musician pirates who led me away from Mount Destiny that one time.” She said as Sharky and Bones went pale at realizing that she remembered them and that day. “How did ya remember it was us?” Sharky asked. “Because I can, plus I remember your scents too.”She answered.
The crew laughed a little as Jake rubbed Savaa’s head. “Seth, this is Savaa. It’s okay. She’s nice.” Jake introduced as Seth walked over and reached his hand out slowly, allowing the Never-leopard to sniff his hand before nuzzling against him, purring softly as Seth let out a breathless chuckle. “Oh my...Wow.” He whispered, gently petting the feline. “It’s nice to meet you, Seth. Same to you, Sharky and Bones. At least under some better circumstances and not with your captain.” Savaa said.
“We already told her that you guys are good so that way she won’t hurt you or your crew.” Izzy added. “Thank ye, Izzy.” Sharky nodded. “No problem.” She replied with a nod of her head. “We better be heading back before the captain finds us gone. Plus, it’s almost dinnertime!” Bones said as Seth hugged Jake one more time. “Thanks, guys.” He told them quietly. “That’s what friends are for, Seth. Don’t forget that. Sail safely back to your ship, all right?” Jake replied as Seth pulled away and nodded. “We will.” He answered before running back to the dinghy to sail back home.
“Speaking of dinner, I gotta go inside and get started on making it!” Cubby said before hurrying to head inside quickly. “Wait for us!” Izzy giggled, running after him with Skully following, but stopped at seeing Jake not move from where he was at as Savaa turned back as well. “Jake, ya coming?”Skully asked. “I’ll be with you guys in a second.”Jake answered as Skully grew a little concerned. “You go on in. I’ll talk to him.” Savaa whispered to the parrot. “Alright. Call if you need us.” He replied before flying to the entranceway quickly.
Savaa turned to Jake as the boy sat down in the sand, watching the sunset on the horizon as the Never-leopard walked over and laid down by him. “Jake? What’s on your mind?” She asked. “Nothing.” He answered, shaking his head a little as Savaa nudged his arm gently. “Jake, it’s just us. I was there for you on that quest and I’m still here and willing to hear what’s going on in your head.” Savaa explained to him as Jake sighed a little bit, looking down a little.
“It’s about what I said earlier, about how I keep having those ‘What if’ moments and thoughts in my head. I’m starting to doubt the decisions I make because that decision to go with Peter could’ve caused a lot more trouble for my friends.” Jake explained, sighing a little, “And I blame myself so much because if I had just said no to Peter’s offer, then...” He started as Savaa placed a paw on his arm. “Then you probably would’ve risked being caught in that situation too.” She told him as Jake looked at her and sighed. “I know, but I should’ve been there for them and I’m worried that something will happen again and I’ll lose them.” He said.
“Jake. It’s nobody’s fault for crazy predicaments that happen. No matter what, we don’t have control of the past or the future. The only thing we have control of is ourselves and the present. We can’t predict things. We learn from our mistakes and feelings. In the end, your mateys will always still love and care about you because they know that you feel the same way for them no matter what. Why? Because deep down, they’re still your family and always will be.” Savaa explained to him as Jake looked at her before smiling a little and quickly hugged her without saying anything.
Savaa purred, nuzzling the side of his head as Jake smiled and let her go. “Thanks, Savaa. I think you really are going to be a great part of this team.” He said. “Hey slowpokes! Cubby made fruit salad with the side of coconut strips!” Izzy called out from one of the windows as the two looked at each other. “RACE YA!” They said before bolting to the entranceway together to hurry inside the hideout for dinner.