Tiger Lily (A Peter Pan Fanfic)

Chapter Nineteen

A/N: I am so sorry for the long delay! My laptop decided to break, and so I haven't been able to get on Wattpad in a while, but I'm back! Thanks for all your patience! This chapter is inspired by the song Seven Devils by Florence + The Machine.

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Wiping sweat from my brow, I slashed at a thick set of vines blocking the path in front of us. We'd set foot on this bloody island no more than an hour ago, and already we were beginning to grow exhausted.

The sun's blazing rays blared down on us, while the dense jungle kept out any cool air blowing in from the sea. It was a little slice of hell just for us.

My craving for fresh water grew stronger with every step, and I knew it wouldn't be long before people started suggesting breaks - as if Emma or Regina would allow us to take one, that is. Mothers can be extremely aggressive and persistent when it comes to their children, as I've observed.

"The ridge is just a few hundred paces up. " my father called, dragging a hand through his sweat-dampened hair.

"Really think we're gonna be able to see Pan's hideout from there, Hook?" Emma called, her voice coarse from exhaustion.

"Aye. From there we should be able to see everything, lass."

"You know, I could've just poofed us up here in an instant." Regina quipped, casting an annoyed glance around her.

I watched as my father quirked an eyebrow. "And where's that? Have you any idea what's up here? Or anywhere, for that matter. There are dangers everywhere. Lucky for you, I can guide us past them."

"He's right. Hook's lived here before. If he says hiking is the best way, it's the best way." Emma spoke, nodding her head.

I felt a small surge of bitterness rush through me at her words. It seemed as if Emma knew more about my father than I did. Of course, I try my best not to resent him for keeping his travels through Neverland private, but as his daughter, I think I have a right to know. Especially after he just left me back in the Enchanted Forest.

We continued trekking our way through the jungle, and I began to get lost in my thoughts. That is, until I heard my father shouting at David to stop.

My head snapped up and I caught up to where both my father and David were standing, my dad's hand gripping David's wrist tightly as he held his sword, poised to strike at a vine covered in thorns.

"I think I can handle a couple of thorns, pirate." David growled, glaring at my dad.

"That's dreamshade, " my father explained, ignoring David's rude remark, "Get its poison in you, and you die. This is what I used to poison the Dark One."

"This is what almost killed Gold?" Emma asked, her brow furrowing.

"Indeed. I used a concentrated dose. In its natural form, death would be much more painful and far slower...let's go this way." my father said, gesturing away from the deadly plant.

"We'll go this way." David countered, pointing in the other direction.

Rolling my eyes, I refrained from making a comment about his irritating behavior. Naturally, I could see why David might be uneasy about my father, but being in the middle of a jungle with a boy's life hanging in the balance is not the time or place to play games.

The rest of the group cast a wary glance between my father and David, before ultimately deciding to follow the former prince.

Letting out a deep sigh, I sheathed my sword and followed in tow.

No more than a few paces later, we came upon a ridge, overlooking a dark, foggy hollow that seemed to go on forever. The place set off an eerie feeling, causing a shiver to run down my spine as I gazed down at it.