𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 ♡ ᴏᴜᴀᴛ ᴘᴇᴛᴇʀ ᴘᴀɴ

ꜰᴏᴜʀ | ᴏꜰꜰ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ʜᴇᴀᴅꜱ

"It would be so nice if something made sense for a change."

—♢♡♧♤—

"Pardon me, but—what?" Mirana asked, struggling to keep her composure. It wasn't ladylike to gape, after all.

"You heard her," Killian sighed, turning away from the small group. "It's our only choice."

"No—it can't be," Mirana protested. She turned to Snow White and her husband, the White Queen's dark eyes pleading. "Please don't ask me to do this. If he's as bad as you say, then—"

"Then you're our only hope," David finished for her.

Mirana swallowed hard. "I don't think I like this plan."

"Will you do it?" Emma asked, leaning against the kitchen island where Mirana sat.

A heavy pause followed before Mirana exhaled softly, lowering her gaze to her hands in her lap. "Of course, I'll do it," she murmured. "I have to. It's in my nature to help those in need."

Snow White visibly relaxed into David's side, closing her eyes in relief. Regina, the Evil Queen, remained impassive, her unreadable expression making Mirana uneasy. They had all feared that she would refuse—perhaps they hadn't fully understood who she was. Despite her reservations, Mirana couldn't help but be kind. It was her curse as much as her gift. She wrapped her arms around herself, suppressing a shiver. Perhaps it was the cold—or maybe just nerves.

"Alright," Emma began, bringing everyone's attention back to the task at hand. "The Lost Boys patrol at night, looking for trouble. That's our best chance to get you close to Pan." She crossed her arms. "Yesterday, they attacked Granny's Diner. They might avoid it tonight, which makes it a safe place for you to start."

Mirana nodded but kept her head lowered, blinking rapidly to fight the sting of anxious tears. They spoke as though simply talking to Peter Pan would be enough to drive him out of Storybrooke. But how could a conversation accomplish that? What did they expect her to say? What if she failed?

She didn't know how to brew convincing potions yet—elixirs that could make the drinker more open to suggestion. She had once experimented on the roses that Iracebeth found particularly annoying, hoping to make them quieter. Instead, they had developed a profound interest in astrology rather than whispering.

Regina cleared her throat, drawing Mirana's attention back. "Look here—once you see the Lost Boys pass Granny's, you'll head this way." She traced a path on the map before them. "Follow this route, and you'll reach the mayor's office—or, well, what's now Pan's headquarters. Just walk in, find him, and convince him to leave Storybrooke." She smirked. "See? Not hard at all."

Mirana nodded stiffly, still unwilling to lift her gaze. Stop crying. Now is not the time for such emotions. She blinked rapidly, wiping away the few tears that dared to form before anyone could notice. When she finally looked up, she found Snow White standing closer than before, her expression soft with concern. The sight of a trembling teenage girl must have triggered some maternal instinct.

Forcing a reassuring smile, Mirana stood. Her eyes landed on Hope, who remained blissfully unaware of the tension in the room as she played with Nivens. Sensing Mirana's gaze, the rabbit turned toward her, ears twitching inquisitively.

Hope reached for him, but Nivens swiftly bounded away, leaping into Mirana's arms. "Nivens, that wasn't very kind," she chided gently. "You left Hope without saying goodbye. Go and say goodbye, Mr. White Rabbit."

Nivens gave her a pointed look, and Mirana could have sworn he rolled his eyes before hopping back to Hope. The little girl beamed, arms wide for a hug. Nivens allowed himself to be squished before wriggling free, nuzzling her in parting before returning to Mirana's arms.

"Aww, can't he stay a little longer?" Hope pouted.

"Sorry, Hope," Mirana said softly. "Nivens has to come with me."

"Hope, come here," Emma called, prompting a grumble of protest from her daughter. Mirana stifled a laugh as the child sulked toward her mother.

"We'll take you to the Diner, Mirana," Snow said, reclaiming her attention, gesturing to her and her husband. Mirana nodded and absently stroked Nivens' fur as they stepped outside.

As they walked, a comfortable silence stretched between them—until it became uncomfortable. "So," Snow ventured, "do you have schools in—uh, Underland?"

"Yes, but it's been a long time since I attended one," Mirana answered. "I am hundreds of years old, after all. School is for children."

"Excuse me—hundreds?" Snow nearly tripped. "How long have you been in Wonderland?"

"Underland," Mirana corrected automatically. "I was born there. I've never lived anywhere else."

"I thought the only people in Underland were the ones Cora trapped there," David said, frowning.

Snow nodded. "Yeah, I think Regina told us that."

Mirana hesitated. How did Snow White know about Cora? In Underland, even mentioning her name was taboo. Iracebeth would turn scarlet with fury at the mere mention of it, and while Mirana wasn't as extreme, the topic still made her stomach twist.

"U–Um," Mirana stammered, swallowing hard. "No. Cora trapped those who had lived in Underland their entire lives. She ruled over them like a tyrant—ripping out hearts, beheading those who defied her." Her voice wavered as the memories surfaced. "It was a dark time for Underland. We do not speak of it."

A heavy silence followed before Snow spoke, her voice soft with regret. "I'm sorry. We shouldn't have brought her up."

"It's alright," Mirana said quickly, desperate to change the subject. "Is this the Diner?"

"Yes! It is," Snow said, relief in her voice. She stepped inside, carefully avoiding the broken glass that littered the entrance. Mirana followed hesitantly, taking in the shattered windows and scattered debris.

"Welcome—oh, Snow! How nice of you to visit!" An older woman in flannel set a plate down in front of a diner patron. "Are you here to help with the repairs?"

"No, just dropping off Mirana," Snow replied, embracing the woman.

A younger woman emerged from the kitchen, smiling warmly. She greeted Snow before glancing at Mirana and Nivens.

"No pets allowed," the older woman said, eyeing the rabbit disapprovingly. "That's been my rule for a very long time."

"Oh—I'm sorry," Mirana said, looking down at Nivens. She hadn't considered where he would stay.

"Let her keep him," David interjected. "Just this once."

The woman huffed. "Fine. Just make sure he doesn't go hopping around my Diner." Under her breath, she muttered, "Used to shoot rabbits for fun."

"You will do no such thing!" Mirana clutched Nivens protectively, both she and the White Rabbit looking equally horrified.

"Relax," the woman chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "Just reminiscing."

Snow rolled her eyes. "Granny, meet Mirana. She's here to help save Storybrooke."

—♢♡♧♤—

Thanks for reading!

(I'm trying not to be those writers that tell you to vote and comment)

Au revoir!