Bloodred Kumos
It seemed like only yesterday the Lost Boys’ charismatic leader left for the boring grown-up world. Then again, ever day feels like yesterday in a world that never ages.
Rufio paced nervously outside the Boys’ hideout in the early morning light. It was his first official day as leader, and he was brimming with nervous excitement. When Peter said his goodbyes and nominated Rufio for the role, he was too shocked to feel anything but honor (and maybe a little sadness, if he was being honest with himself). Now that it was time to actually take charge, though, he couldn’t help but worry.
Would he be brave enough? Tough enough? Smart enough to replace Peter Pan?
Rufio tightened his fists and continued pacing. The woods around him grew brighter as the sun continued to rise, and the animals began to stir in response. He had hoped waking up before everyone else would give him time to think and prepare in peace. Instead, the quiet made him feel unsettled and even a bit spooked. The hideout felt haunted without the rest of the rowdy Lost Boys running around, causing a ruckus.
Rufio stopped pacing and sighed deeply. He cracked his neck, slowly stretched his arms high above his head, and sighed again. Then he looked up to the sky and smiled.
Of course he was good enough. He was Rufio! THE Rufio! The baddest, most fiercest Lost Boy there ever was! The only kid other than Pan to make Hook quiver in his stupid, stinky pirate boots. It had to be him, no doubt about it. And he was a quivering crawfish to ever doubt himself.
Reinvigorated with new confidence and energy, he pulled his sword from the sheath hanging at his side. The Pan sword – the mark of the leader of the Lost Boys. He held it aloft and watched the bright sunlight bounce off its sharp edges. With this sword, nothing could stop him. No pirate, no bear, no grown-up. He was invincible.
“RUFIO!” he shouted at the top of his lungs. “Ru! Fi! O!”
From inside the hideout he heard a response. “Rufio! Rufio is bangarang!”
The rest of the Lost Boys came tumbling outside, still cheering the name of their official new leader. The group began to hug one another, and the hugs eventually turned to fights (as often happened), which turned back into hugs. All amid shouts of “Rufio!”
Rufio watched the display and grinned. Yes, Neverland was different without Pan. But he was determined to make it better.
Profile & story by 
Calypso
Character & image from the movie Hook
