The Old King ~OUAT Panfiction (Book 3)

Throttled into Reality

A.N. This chapter contains mature themes, read with caution

When Anne managed to beckon Sawyer away, she retreated to the cave behind the waterfall and finished getting dressed. Tapping the boy on the shoulder, Sawyer whipped around. Anne's hair dripped on her clothes, though she didn't seem to care. It was as if she had rushed to get dressed. This suggested anxiety to Sawyer. His mouth stretched into a grin.

"What are you smiling about?" Anne's head drew back in suspicion, hands on her hips.

"I knew it all along," he began, "Chester knew it too -- that's why he's dead, isn't it?" Then, he balled his fists. "Isn't it?!" His face moved drastically close to hers.

"Whoa!" Instinctively, Anne lifted her hands. "Back off! Your crazy friend is dead because he murdered another lost boy!"

"You're lying, what are you and Pan up to, huh?!? One minute, he's pulling you away on a leash, next that kid disappears, and coincidentally ends up dead a couple days later! So who held him down while the other forced him to eat the apple --"

"You're insane!" Anne exclaimed, horrified at the thought.

"I don't think I am, Anne, I think he's got something on you and he's forcing you to keep quiet about your relationship!" Sawyer folded his arms.

Anne's brows raised in astonishment. "My relationship with Pan is strictly business, Sawyer. Our business. So why don't you learn how to talk less before you end up at the bottom of the forbidden abyss next?" She vaguely threatened him. Then she went to move around him, when she halted and lowered her voice. Her eyes seemed to reach out and ensnare him, "I don't know what's going on, all I know is, I don't want anyone else getting hurt."

She left him there, more adled than ever and when she distanced herself through the forest, a hand grabbed her arm and pulled her into the bushes. Anne met Pan's wide eyes and she inhaled deeply. "What did you say to him?" He inquired silently.

The lost girl rolled her eyes. "Nothing you wouldn't want me to say -- but only because I don't like that guy. I'll never do that again," she hissed, glaring, "And I will be finding a new spring!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

They trailed through the dark jungle, Pan gripping Anne's hand protectively behind. The dense woods opened up to a clearing. The lagoon. Pan released her hand and bent over to lift an iridescent conch shell out of the sand. She watched his lips move as he whispered into it and her eyes fixed on the rumbling surface of the water before her. A woman's head emerged and her long hair glistened in the light of the night sky. Her eyes were hypnotic rings of fire and the way she gazed dreamily at Pan left Anne shifting uncomfortably. Was that longing? Anne couldn't help but feel a hint of jealousy.

He approached her and crouched down in front of her. Anne joined his side, distrustfully. She couldn't help but glower at the mermaid. She was even more intimidating up close. The mermaid acknowledged her with subtle distaste, before reverting her eyes back on Pan again. "Does the raggedy Ann doll have to listen in on our conversation?" The mermaid retorted.

Anne reacted, gasping in disbelief. "Raggedy Ann? Oh I oughta--"

Pan placed a hand on Anne's arm again, urging her back. "Play nice."

She pulled free, glowering at him now.

"Let the little girl play as she pleases, Pan. I'd like to see this," the mermaid interjected.

"Oh I bet you would -- " Anne retorted when Pan once again, interrupted her.

"Would you just give us a minute?" He sighed in annoyance, rolling his eyes in her direction, tiredly. Anne swelled with spite, glancing toward the mermaid again, then back at Pan.