Neverland

chapter 2 continued

Peter’s POV

            I watched as Socks pulled Kate away before hurrying into the woods. I collapsed against a tree. My heart was pounding and my head was reeling. I couldn’t think straight, the world was spinning, and I thought I was going to pass out. “Breath, Pan, breath” I whispered trying to regain my calm. What the hell was going on? This girl. I didn’t even know her. I couldn’t think of any reason why she could possibly make me feel this way. It’s all because of that stupid dream, I thought. But that wasn’t real. That was just a dream. If that were so, however, why was I freaking out? And what if the dream she had was the same as mine? She obviously recognized me, but there was no way. Something like that, why, that would take magic, and, while I could think of many people who have the capability and the motive to, one in particular, I couldn’t understand why they’d ever go for such an odd way of sabotage. Maybe this girl was deathly sick, or maybe they knew I’d fall in love with her, only to be rejected. No. There had to be something else. Unless she was bait or a trap. Maybe she was the one who’d sent the dream. But if that were so, I’d have sensed magic in her. I’d have to stay away from her. That was for sure. However, there was something else that confused me, and only one person would have the answer. I stood up and kicked off the ground, soaring into the air, and I headed off in the direction of Skull Cave, where I knew I’d be able to talk to him.

            “Come on out, Shadow!” I called, “Come on out and play.” My voice held no humor in it. The candles lining the walls flickered, and I heard the familiar rush as the Shadow grew ever closer. He swooped down into the cave.

“Pan.”

His voice was cold and serious, just like it always was.

“Why have you called me here?”

I paced the floor of the cave

“Oh, I think you know. I want to discuss the girl. She seems to be under the impression that you got into her room of your own will, or mine, rather,” I shook my head, “She claims to have not let you in.”

”She tells the truth.”

“That’s not possible.”

“I am you. I do olnly what you wish. I brought her here quickly, as you wished it done.”

“But I didn’t ‘Wish it done’!”

“Oh, but didn’t you? You know how this whole world works Peter Pan. In extreme cases, I can break in, and your case was very extreme. I don’t believe you’ve ever wanted anything so badly in your life. Not even when you were married before you came here. Not even when you had your son.”

“ENOUGH.” I was seething, “You are never to speak of my past. NEVER. Be gone from my sight you foul demon.”

“It is as you wish, but I warn you Peter Pan. Do not forget who I am. I am you, and you are me. We are one, and as demonic as I may be, I am only a shadow of you.”

With that he was gone, speeding off into the night. I sat down shivering on the stone floor. Never since I came here had I felt so weak. So powerless. I put my head in my hands. I knew the Shadow was right. It had been an extreme case, but I didn’t know why. Why had I woken up from that dream with such a longing? Why had I thought her my lifeline? My tie to the world of the living? It made no sense, and as I closed my eyes, I was enveloped in it again.

            The warm summer air blew softly through her hair, and the light danced across her beautiful smiling face. I leaned in and playfully kissed her temple. “Peter!” she laughed turning to me. Her bright green eyes sparkled with joy, and I knew I loved her. I smiled wryly, and I’m sure she saw it coming because she tensed in apprehension right before I leapt over to her so I was kneeling on either side of her torso. I kissed her passionately, and leaned over till she was lying on the ground and I was supporting myself with my forearms. I could feel her smiling into the kiss, and I couldn’t help but smile back. She brought light to even the darkest parts of me. I broke away and rolled over onto the grass next to her, our hands intertwined as we watched the sky. “Kate,” I said turning to face her, “There’s something I need to tell you. I’ve, well, I’ve felt this way for a while, but I’ve been too… too scared to tell you.” “What is it, Peter?” “Kate, I-“

“NO!” I shouted breaking out of the trance. It was too painful. Too confusing, and I couldn’t take it. I lay shivering on the stone floor for who knows how long before finally standing up.

I brushed myself off and headed back to camp. I wasn’t sure if I was quite ready or not to face her after that, but I had no choice, and I was one of the most feared villains in this world. I wasn’t about to run away because of some girl, no matter how deeply I seemed to feel for her.