Once A Lost Girl | Once Upon A Time Story | Peter Pan

03x05 - Secret - Present

        I've been watching over Henry silently. I honestly don't even think he knows I'm here. To be fair, I've hidden out behind the crowd--out of the way. I've mostly stayed inside the tent. One more mess up and that's it. I have to be careful. Henry has to stay safe. The less I do, the better. I think; I hope.

        Felix and four other boys were carrying Neal's cage through the forest. He was unconscious, knocked out by whatever plant they'd dug up to sedate him. I numbly walked along, following them through the forest. We were towards the leftmost part of the Dark Jungle. The overgrowth could have engulfed us if it wanted to. The boy's paused turning to Pan.

        "It's too thick to cut through," the boy's name was Allen. He had a few new scars since I'd last seen him. He was always reckless to be so clumsy. "There's no way the cage is getting through."

        "Now, there's always a way," Peter turned to me, "Love, if you wouldn't mind?"

        I sighed, sliding passed Felix. The vines were entangled around each other. They were vibrant green, untouched, untainted, forever thriving. I glanced at my hands, suddenly aware of how shaky they were. One touch and everything in this area is dead. The trees will fall, the bushes will rot. I don't need that much, just enough to scorch the vines. Just enough to end their life.

        I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. For a moment it was just me and the island. I could feel the pulsing of the trees and the movement of the energy. My fingers grazed the green in front of me. I opened my eyes. It all flaked away. The vines before me melted into the ground like they'd never been there before. I got up and moved so they could carry Neal through. Pan came up to me.

         "I always knew you could do it, Love." He gave me a peck on the cheek and then kept walking. I could have turned and run, but what good would that do? I followed them further.

          Eventually, Peter decided we'd come far enough on foot. He grabbed my wrist and left the boys to carry Neal through the forest. Before he let go he addressed me. "Our Dear Captain is just around that brush." I nearly turned to run. Peter's grip on my wrist tightened. It was starting to hurt. I bit my tongue to keep from shouting. "Remember, do just as I said."

          "Don't mention Baelfire--don't try to run off."

          Peter nodded, "and no magic, Love. I'll be there in a moment."

          No. Magic. No magic. Why did that stick out? Why was that important? It hurt hearing him say that. He's always applauded my abilities--always been impressed. Anytime I used my magic he was the first to address it. Why, now, can I not use it? I didn't dwell on it. I'm sure he had his reasons.

          Shakily, I stepped out into the clearing Hook was sitting in. He was taking a swig from his flask. Nothing's changed.

           "Killian?" I called. He turned so fast I thought he'd fall off the tree stump he was sitting on. I stepped further into the clearing as he got up to hug me so there was no chance he'd see Peter.

           "Elyssa!" he wrapped his arms around me, relieved, "are you okay?" He pulled away, his hand caressing my face like he couldn't believe I was real.

           "I'm fine," I said.

           His eyes narrowed, "He's told you to say that. Otherwise, why would you be here?" I tried my best for a smile, but that's hard to do when you can't feel anything. Hook was not convinced. "Lass, what's he done to you?"

           "Nothing," my face dropped.

           "Elyssa, seriously. This is not the time for games, we've got to get you out of here; off this island and away from him."

             I took a step back, "I'm not playing games, Killian. I'm fine." Why isn't this enough? Why isn't seeing me enough? I'm fine. I look fine, right? No one asked if I was fine when I hadn't eaten for two days. Why all of a sudden does it matter if I'm okay? "Look, I can't say anything whether or not you ask so drop it."

              "Elyssa, Pan is just--"

              Speak of the Devil and he shall appear. Pan cleared his throat. "You really should have taken my deal." Hook pushed me behind him.

              "Well, it looks like I don't need your help with Emma after all, mate." Hook said. I just stood, watching.

              "What, you think that kiss actually meant something?" Peter stopped leaning on the tree and took a step into the clearing. Hook kissed Emma... I wish he hadn't.

              "I do. I think it means she's finally starting to see me for the man I am."

              "What?" Pan scoffed, "That you're a one-handed pirate with a drinking problem? I'm no grown-up, but I'm pretty sure that's less than appealing."

              "A man of honor," Hook shot back.

              Peter smirked, stepping closer towards Hook. "So tell me, what would a 'man of honor' such as yourself to with a big, fat secret." Pan's eyes flashed my way, mischief clear in them. Here we go again.

              "Um..." Hook sighed, "well that depends what the secret is."

              "Baelfire," Pan snickered, "Neal. Whatever name he goes by these days." Pan beckoned me his way. I quietly stepped passed Hook. He stopped me, searching my eyes. I didn't smile. I didn't speak. "The guy Emma loves. Henry's father."

               Hook's eyes never left mine. "What of him? He's dead."

               "No, I'm afraid not." Pan cleared his throat. I took that as my cue to separate from Hook. He grabbed my hand and gently pulled me back. "He's alive. That's not even the best part." he started to lead me away then dropped my hand and looked at Hook threateningly. "He's in Neverland."

                "Is he?"

               "Oh yes. Can you believe it? I'm sure Emma would love to know that Henry's father is still alive. But I'd hate for that to get in the way of a..." Pan smirked, "'budding romance'. So, I'll leave it up to you to tell her or not." Pan started walking, I followed. He turned. "Let's see what kind of man you really are." He chuckled and pulled me behind the brush.  The blond turned to me. "You know what you have to do, Love." 

Another chapter posted, another word puke to start for the next. 

I just started school and I have a college class (I'm a Dual Enrollment student) so I've been kind of frazzled. I had this chapter sitting for a week because I've been super stressed so I'm sorry about that. I'll do better next time.

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Hope everyone has a great day/night/week!

Yours Truly,

                The Black Rose