Before Pan (OUAT fanfiction)

14: Not So Hidden Rendezvous

Over the next four weeks, Baelfire tried to talk to me which I ignored. I didn't miss how he would vanish from camp for long hours. The rest of the boys didn't even show concern for his wellbeing. Peter Pan himself was unfazed. I of course didn't expose him. 

I was sitting on a log when Peter walked up to me, "I have a task for you."

"Do I get a choice in this?" I replied.

Peter's face made me cave in defeat, "Fine, what is it?"

"I need you to venture into the remains of the old Annamay tribe," Peter explained, "There is an object in the camp that I am looking for."

"What does this object look like?" I asked him.

"You'll know it when you see it," Peter told me before walking off.

I cursed his name before setting out. My hands opened the parchment. From the camp, the old territory was located due north. It wasn't too far, but I made sure to arm myself for any danger. If this wasn't Neverland, I would treat this place as a breath of fresh air. The towering trees and the soft leaf-covered floor gave off an earthy smell.

A twig snapping made me stop walking. I loaded my bow and my eyes scanned around me. 

"Whoever it is," I gritted my teeth, "Show yourself or I will shoot."

"Jess," Baelfire stumbled out of the trees.

I turned on my heel to continue on my way when he grabbed a hold of my wrist.

"Let go of me," I said in a low tone. 

"Not until you hear me out," Baelfire insisted.

He pulled me through the forest where we came out to a familiar cliff where Peter and I had fallen off the cliff. 

"Why are we here?" I demanded. 

"It's beautiful," Baelfire ignored me, "And it is in an isolated place. No one can hear us."

I just snorted.

"I was going to look for a vine or something to pull you up, but the Lost Boys ambushed me. You have to believe me," Baelfire begged, "I would never leave you behind."

While I wanted to believe Baelfire, the seed of doubt was already there and growing. If Devin was correct, Baelfire would betray me again to get off the island himself.  

"Please Jessica, you have to believe me," Baelfire pleaded. 

He clutched his cheek and I only sent him a nasty glare.

When I didn't answer, he sighed, "I wish it didn't have to come to this, but you leave me no choice..."

"What are you talkin-" I started, but then felt a pressure on my head knocking me out cold.

"Gold!" I shouted into his shop. I hear footsteps approaching me.

"Well if it isn't Jessica Darling."

"I'm not a Darling."

He just laughed at my reply.

"Whatever dearie. What is it that you want?"

I sighed and continued.

"I want a time spell or portal. Can you be able to create one for me or is the 'Dark One' too weak?"

Gold glared at my remark and his fists were clenched at his side.

Gold sent me a strange look, "Why would I want to help you with that?"