Never

Chapter Three

The last thing Lily was conscious of before turning on her heel and sprinting off into the forest was Peter Pan calling loudly, "Get her, boys!"

Lily was running as fast as she could, small plants scratching at her ankles, but she wouldn't stop. Every nerve in her body was on high alert as the sounds of her pursuers grew louder. What had she been thinking? She couldn't pretend to be a boy forever, and had she really flown to a magic island with a dangerous boy and a tiger mask? Oh, how the orphanage monitor would beat her when she got home.

Short of breath, Lily suddenly became aware of a throbbing, stinging pain in her wrist. Looking down, a flash of her scarlet blood reminded her of her accidental cutting it the night before. Somehow, that felt like a million years ago. Since then, she'd joined the ranks of the Lost Boys, and then become their enemy. Stupid, stupid, stupid. She focused on her escape, running faster now despite her fatigue.

Lily skidded to a stop as the forest came to an abrupt edge, dropping off into a cliff that fell into a dark lagoon. She cursed under her breath as the sounds of running boys surrounded her. There was no option but to jump or be captured. Perhaps the lost boys would show her mercy?

She turned around, a defiant look on her face, dark eyes narrowing.

"Well, well, well." called Pan's drawling voice. "Does our Tiger have a name?"

"Lily." she answered shortly as he swaggered out of the woods.

"Tiger Lily. I like the sound of that." He smirked at her, stepping closer to her. "Unfortunately, we don't allow girls on this island. I haven't the slightest idea how you heard my music, but since you did, perhaps I'll keep you here."

"Really?" she asked skeptically.

"Oh yes," Peter grinned. He was so close now that she could feel his hot breath on the top of her head. "In a cage." he whispered raspily.

Before Lily was aware of what was going on, the Lost Boys pounced. She flailed and shouted, kicking and scratching as they grabbed her, as they cinched ropes tightly around her ankles and wrists. She cried out in pain as the rope dug into the gouge on her wrist, but continued to fight, desperate to get away from them, from Pan. When one boy's arm was within reach, she reached her head forwards and bit him, hoping to startle him enough to escape. She heard him shout out vaguely as Pan laughed. However, all of her struggling was to no avail; one massive boy picked her up like a sack and heaved her over his shoulder. She continued to fight him until it became clear her pounding fists weren't having the slightest effect on him. With a groan, she went limp.

"That's right, little Tiger. You've got no chance." Pan's voice echoed as the boys began marching back towards the forest. "Now, Boys, let's make camp. Head toward the base of the mountain; there you'll find a campground and... Felix. Go now, I'll meet you there. First I have some... business to attend to. " With that he vanished.

"Where did he-" a young boy began.

"Shut up," grunted the boy carrying Lily. "Follow his orders. Go."

The boys set off down the steep mountainside. There was a strange feeling in the group without a leader; all of the boys seemed to be less rowdy. They walked in silence, eyes straining for a glimpse of the camp and the mysterious Felix.

They hiked through the forest, complaining quietly as the path became steeper. Before long, the trees became denser, blocking out nearly all sunlight. Struggling to get comfortable on the boy's shoulder, Lily found herself with plenty of time to think about her predicament. She was obviously trapped on this island, what with Pan's terrifying powers and his crazy henchmen. She considered escape plans, but none seemed feasible. Don't give up, Lily. There had to be a way, right?