Thing He Loves Most (Peter Pan/Ouat)

Chapter Twelve (part 9)

--*PRESENT*--

-

After David somewhat eased the panic that erupted in the diner downstairs when Leeroy spilled the news of Pan's escape, he joined the heroes upstairs in Mary Margaret's apartment.

"I managed to calm everyone down for the most part," He informed, closing the front door behind him as he entered. He came over to the six others who were crowded around the kitchen island. "I told them it'd be best if they all went home until further notice. Unfortunately, Granny wasn't too impressed about losing her customers."

"Great. But we've got an even bigger problem," Regina said sharply, crossing her arms over her chest as her piercing eyes darted between each face. "Pan is now roaming freely somewhere in town and Henry is still in danger. I don't know about you heroes, but I'm not about to give him another opportunity to take my son again. This needs to stop. Today."

Mary Margaret nodded, her expression etched with worry. "Regina's right. And it's not just Henry who's in danger; Bailey is, too."

I was seated on a bar stool amongst the group, silently listening, and at the mention of my name, my eyes darted over to hers.

"I know what Pan is capable of," Hook spoke up, grimly. "And I'm more than certain that he's not going to stop with just the boy and young lass. His plan to enact the dark curse may have been thwarted, but we should all know by now that he's not to be underestimated."

Mary Margaret turned to me. "Bailey, this is important. When Pan took you, did he mention anything about another plan?" She inquired lightly, knowing how sensitive the subject was for me.

I didn't think too hard about it, not wanting to remember the other night. The image of those venomous green eyes, showing not a single trace of mercy, was forever burned into the back of my mind, haunting me. There was so much anger; so much hatred behind them...it was a wonder how I was still alive, considering he could've killed me in a heartbeat if he had wanted to.

A cold chill ran down my spine and I shook the image away forcefully. "N-No, I don't think so," I responded.

"Are you sure?"

I nodded quickly and dropped my gaze to the clasped hands resting in my lap, suddenly feeling self-conscious of the several pairs of eyes on me.

Regina let out an exasperated breath. "This is pointless. We could get more information out of a rock," She muttered impatiently as she clenched and unclenched her fists at her sides with restlessness. "I should have finished Pan off back in Neverland when I had the chance. Then we wouldn't be here trying to pry information out of a shell-shocked teenager who probably doesn't even remember her own name."

Mary Margaret stared in disbelief. "Regina!"

Even Emma and Henry, whom were on either side of me, sent her a look of disapproval. However, she didn't look in the least apologetic by her words.

I could've been easily offended by her comment, but I wasn't, for numerous reasons; the foremost one being that I, though reluctant to admit, understood her reasoning to lash out. She was just scared for Henry's safety.

"Regina may have a point," A new voice said in a thick Scottish accent.

All seven pairs of eyes turned to see the newcomer, Mr. Gold, step through the front door, cane in hand. Neal stood next to him.

"That's a first," Regina muttered.

Mr. Gold barely glanced at her. "Don't get used to it."

When he suddenly directed his stare to me, my eyes narrowed slightly. Henry had told me about him; who he really was, and I had seen his dark magic back on Neverland. He was the Dark One; he couldn't be trusted.