Once A Lost Girl | Once Upon A Time Story | Peter Pan

03x07 - Preparation pt. 2 - Present

        We spent the next thirty minutes getting ready for our hopeful last trek through the forest. I sat off to the side, making extra arrows just in case. David was attempting to speak to Mary Margaret, but that didn't seem to be going very well.

        I sat alone, double-checking my supplies. The Charmings gave me an extra rope just in case and Neal asked me to enchant some twine for the Shadow's prison. My chest felt heavy, but I couldn't cry. I didn't have time for that. The uncertainties I was met with would have to wait.

        I ran my fingers across the twine, setting it alight with a blue porcelain glow. The heat settled as Neal knelt down to meet my eyes. I held the twine out to him, voice meek. "Here. Reinforcements."

        "I didn't mean to hurt you in any way, 'Lys. I'm--"

        "--trying to protect me. That's why Hook is going--amongst other things; I get it."

        His eyes shifted, the brown within them dulling, "This is partially my fault."

        "Sure," I scoffed, "You held out your hand and brought me to Neverland."

        "You know that isn't what I meant."

        "You mean when I almost got choked out by a puff of black smoke?" I brought my knees to my chest. "Yeah, that might be on you." I could tell my words bit at him, but I didn't care. I couldn't bother to.

        "Maybe. But I meant you coming back. You came back for me, and now you're here for my son. I guess all my family can do is take from you."

        I didn't respond. He didn't press. Instead he muttered a "thank you" and got up, passing Hook on the way who gave me a solemn glance. Regardless of circumstance, this was the right thing to do. It didn't matter if I was a mess; Henry's in danger, so I have to do this. I have to face every problem head-on. For Henry.

        I gathered myself and stood, grouping with the rest of them for our "good lucks and well wishes". Hook, Emma, and Neal headed for Dark Hollow; Snow, David, and I headed for Tinkerbell's. Hopefully they come back unscathed, especially since they're at a disadvantage.

        Mary Margaret and David walked ahead of me. I kept my distance. Snow was clearly angry, and I don't want any part of that lover's quarrel. Besides, they'll be fine. They always are. I, however, was still dragging. As sick as I felt, I still finished off the extra branch of berries. I'd need the strength.

        "Slow down a little. We need to talk." Felix. Of course. I rolled my eyes, turning to look at him.

        "Didn't you get the memo? Me and Pan are fighting."

        "I'm aware," he drawled, smirking, "I have to say, I've never seen him this angry."

        I scoffed, "So, he's throwing a tantrum? A child, truly."

        "You might want to watch that pretty little mouth of yours, Princess."

        I stopped, shoving him into the brush. "I told you to stop that."

        "And I did, because Pan told me to."

        "What the hell do you want? What's the point of this?"

        "Oh, you know. Just assessing the damage." The dirty blonde righted himself, scanning me as he started the opposite way down the path. "He's done quite the number on you. Good luck with your little rescue mission."

        I huffed and started walking. Intimidation? Really, Pan? Whatever the goal was, I shook it off. I can't afford to get distracted.

        The closer I got to catching up with David and Mary Margaret the less I wanted to be on this little field trip with them. Their tension seemed to be coming to a head. David kept talking, Mary Margaret kept ignoring, until finally they were yelling at each other. Great. Love that.

        Of course, they made up. I just sat to the side on a rock. Hopefully Hook and crew are okay in Dark Hollow. If ever there was a deadly place on Neverland, it's there. Those shadows went from having people to being torn apart and became vengeful. They don't care about the human--they care about the human's shadow.

        Tinkerbell walked into the clearing. "I was wondering if I'd see you again, but if you've come to talk me into helping you before you've found a way off this island, I still--"

        "We've found one--or we're about to," David said.

        "Not sure I like the sound of about to."

        I stood, "Hook, Emma, and Neal went to capture Pan's shadow. It's our way off the island." Tink looked at me and scoffed.

        "Capture Pan's shadow?" she rolled her eyes, "I'm not lifting a finger until I see you've actually succeeded."

       "Hey!" A voice called from the bushes. Neal, Hook, and Emma emerged from the brush, Neal holding a coconut wrapped in twine. The coconut I enchanted for him forever ago. "Here's all the proof you'll need. Been a long time, Tink." Neal said.

        "Bae, is it really you?" She carefully looked him over.

        "Yeah, but most people call me 'Neal' now."

        Hook took the opportunity to speak. "We did it. Are you finally ready to do your part, Tink?"

        "Yes. Yes, I am."

        She led us back into the jungle, straight to the heart of disaster. The next few hours would truly determine the outcome. In the next few hours I'd have to face my demon.

If it's to save Henry, I'd do anything.

This was long overdue and isn't much of a chapter, wow. 

I'm so sorry, friends. I'll get cracking on this and hopefully update somewhat regularly.