Before Pan (OUAT fanfiction)

24: The Thirteenth Spirit

Fun fact: I wrote this chapter to music from Sailor Moon and thought of this particular scene from Crystal. I found it helped add emotion to the scene while writing. Enjoy.

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"Peter," I gasped.

"Jess," Peter blinked away the tears as we embraced.

"You saved me," I say softly as I cupped his face.

"No," Peter shook his head, "You saved me."

He helped me to stand. It was just the two of us at Skull Rock. Azruth was dead. His spirit wouldn't be able to bring harm to anyone ever again.

Peter's arm was wrapped tightly around me, "Jess, please don't ever do that to me ever again. I thought I was going to lose you."

I kissed him on the lips, "I would do it all over in a heartbeat."

If this were at the beginning of my adventure on the island, I doubt that I would have the same reaction. Over the time I've spent on the island, I felt as though I found myself. I didn't want to let this moment pass me by.

My heart skipped a beat as I cupped Peter's cheek. Our souls were forever entwined with each other. A part of me wondered if fate had any involvement in bringing us together. The way Peter was holding me in his arms was warm. This was love.

The falling snow outside caught my attention. I let out a frosty breath and pushed my exhausted body to the outside of the cave. My green eyes looked out at the island.

"No... It can't be..." I say quietly, "Peter, we need to return to the camp."

Peter nodded his head. The magic on the island was gone forcing us to trek back on foot. As we took the unmarked trail, I could hear the dead leaves crunching beneath my boots. The dream shade flanking the path grew more pronounced as if thriving off the dying island.

As we broke into the camp, Tinker Bell was there to greet us. Her face was worn with fatigue. Her cheeks were red from the cold.

"You're both back," the ex-fairy said relieved, "Thank goodness. I feared the worst."

She hugged me tightly and glanced at Peter, "Can you free your Lost Boys."

Peter gave a silent nod, using the remainder of his power to release the boys. The branches loosened their grip before shrivelling up. Lost Boys stumbled out with tense looks. Their eyes would drift to those unfortunate souls who fell victim.

"While you were gone, I tried to move some out of the way," Tinker Bell explained, grimly, "That way we can bury them with dignity."

Thank you," Peter bowed his head to her.

Tinker Bell widened her gaze at him before nodding. The iconic duo was acting civil. While I would celebrate, I wished it didn't have to be under these circumstances.

Felix stepped forward and looked to his leader, "Pan, what are your orders?"

Peter was quiet as he stared back at his second in command. My green eyes surveyed the snow-covered camp. The cold had chased away the warmth the camp usually brought its inhabitants. Ice covered the surface of logs and the trees themselves surrendered their last life as ice covered their bare branches.