Across A Town Line

Chapter 11: Inside A Tree

Chapter 11:

Pan's POV:

"Let's go then," I heard Ana say from the ground. We were behind some bushes, waiting for Jefferson, Ana, and her two friends to lead us right to the key. They started walking, us following closely behind.

"I don't understand why we can't just make them tell us by force," she huffed indignantly.

"That's how the game's supposed to be played, don't you understand?" I said while I kept walking. I kept my mind on the goal; getting back my shadow. I had to do everything I could to get it, and if it meant hurting this new lost girl, so be it. Who cared? I was getting what I wanted in the end; that's all that mattered. However, as much as I believed this, there was a tiny part of me that kept thinking that I was trying too hard to convince myself...

"Pan!" I heard her hiss behind me. I had been so caught up in my own thoughts that I failed to notice that the group had stopped in front of an old tree.

Ana's POV:

"Are you sure it's here?" I asked Jefferson dubiously. He nodded and kept digging his hands into a mossy patch in the trunk.

"Almost got it," he grunted and with one last yank, he pulled out a dirty key-like object. He handed it to me and I began dusting it with my hands. Slowly, its luster began to show through once more and we were able to see the Golden Key at last. I was about to say something, but was left with my mouth open because in that instant, I saw Pan walking through the bushes with a woman following close behind.

"Well, well, well," the tall, red haired woman said with a sickly sweet voice. "Thank you darling, for finding the Key for me," she said, almost snarled, as she extended her hand as if waiting for me to give her the Key. I looked over to Pan, hoping that maybe he'd help, but wasn't surprised when he just smirked and crossed his arms. However predictable his reaction, I still felt a sense of disappointment building up inside of me.

"Who are you?" I asked, clutching the Key closer to me. The woman laughed and shook some leaves out of her green cape.

"I am Zelena, Wicked Witch of the West, silly child," she said. "Now hand over the key," she said menacingly. I shook my head, unwilling to comply with anything she said. "Don't you see? That key isn't meant for answers, it was just a spell I put on you so that you'd find it for me. Wasn't it pan?" He nodded, his smirk still on his face, but not as cocky as before.  "You see, I need it to change the past. When you give me that, I'll almost be ready to complete the spell. So now, hand it over!"

"Never, Zelena!" Jefferson said, standing in front of me.

"Oh please, your only hope of defeating me is her, and she's not quite ready is she?" She cackled maliciously and took a step closer. Meanwhile, Jefferson threw what seemed to be a bean into the ground.

"Jump!" he commanded us. We obeyed, but before the portal closed, another figure made its way through the hole.

A/N: Heyy guys! So, sorry for the short chapter... But OMG what just happened?? Was anyone surprised or did anyone see it coming? I think things are going to get even crazier, so I would stay tuned. Anyways, thank you again for the reads, I love you guys so much. Don't forget to comment and vote. {I'll try to upload more consistently} thank you and bye! x