Chapter 4: Peter Pan's Whereabouts

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Belle led Gwen up a stairwell, just past the alley they exited to a rooftop. Grimy cement scraped at her sneakers as she strode over to lean against the large beam. Belle had slipped off her backpack and sat on the ground, her piercing blue eyes shot up to Gwen.

"So what's your business with Skul?" She asked without hesitation. Her expression was stony, toughened with layers of walls. Gwen could tell life had not gone easy on Belle. Her extreme caution and suspicion gave it away.

"I told you, I'm looking for him. He took something from me... And I need it back," Gwen replied.

Belle narrowed her eyes at Gwen's vague answer. "And Peter? What's he got to do with you?"

"I would like for you to answer that first. How do you know him? And why are you looking for him?" Gwen turned the question back to her. The gloomy clouds had dulled the atmosphere, rain signalling its entrance.

The chilly breeze ruffled the jagged ends of Belle's hair as she contemplated her answer. "I'm an acquaintance. We've lived... In the same neighbourhood since we were kids-"

"Peter lived in no neighbourhood. He was a test subject. And from your demeanor, I believe you were too," Gwen said voicing her assumptions.

Belle widened her eyes slightly, "You're more perceptive than you seem. If you know about the foundation, I suspect you are closer to Peter than meets the eye. Did he tell you that?"

"I figured it out myself."

A silence settled between them for a moment, before Belle piped up, "Okay... Then you answered your own question."

"Why do want to see him? Do you guys meet often?" She asked.

Belle shook her head nonchalantly. "Not really. Just check in occasionally, to see if we're alive. I hadn't seen him in months... Then I get news..." Belle trailed off.

Gwen folded her arms and sat on the ground opposite of her. "Skul?"

"He paid me a visit. I never really had much ties with him, but we knew each other through Peter. He dropped by and asked me to send Peter a message," Belle explained.

The fact that Skul was involved made Gwen queasy. The wind grew violent, drizzles of rain began to splatter. Belle met her eyes, and Gwen held her breath.

"Hand over PXDST, or the girl dies."

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The rain had hammered down, so Gwen suggested they take shelter in her car. Gwen drove thoughtlessly through the wet Manchester traffic, Belle's words, or more accurately Skul's words, replaying in her head. The meaning was all too clear. Peter had to give Skul whatever the hell PXDST was or Pauline dies. Skul was still holding her hostage. It flared a small twinge of hope in her chest. She was not dead. Gwen could still save her.

"I'm guessing you know what I'm talking about," Belle said, breaking the silence.

Gwen bit her lip. "Not exactly. But... I know who his hostage is. I told you I was looking for him. He kidnapped by best friend, Pauline, three months ago."

Another moment of silence passed. Belle let out a frustrated sigh, "Guess you're more involved in this mess than I thought."

Belle stared out the window, watching the raindrops roll down the window. "Peter has many hideouts. I don't know the location of all of them, but I do know some. He wasn't in London, Manchester or Cardiff. I'm starting to think he's off the island. He has hideouts outside of England and the UK."

Gwen felt irked by the fact that once again, she knew nothing about Peter. Belle knew him better. She could not help but be envious.

"So we will find him," Gwen stated.

Belle turned to her with an arched brow, "I will find him."

"Skul has Pauline. I'm involved, whether or not you like it," Gwen stated in a matter-of-fact.

This was opportunity striking at its best. Three months she had been collecting evidence, proof of Skul's crimes, the moment she caught him justice would be proven. But she had gotten nowhere near to finding him. Now, here Belle was, her key to finding Skul with Pauline.

And of course, Peter.

Deep down in her heart, she felt this tingling sensation. Breathless excitement. They would reunite at long last. She knew that was secondary; it was not as important as saving Pauline, but her heart soared nonetheless.

"So you're planning to follow me?" Belle asked again.

Gwen nodded. All she needed was to submit a letter of absence for about a couple of weeks. She would miss a load of classes, but she could make up for that with summer lectures or something. Right now all she could focus on was Pauline... And Peter.

Gwen parked outside her apartment. The rain reduced to a drizzle. She shut off the engine and turned to Belle.

"You're my only lead to Skul and Pauline. Please, let me follow you." She could tell Belle was still not too on board with her coming along. She was a lone wolf. But Gwen had to try.

"I don't know...But I have a feeling you're too stubborn to let it go," She said skeptically.

"Bet on it," Gwen replied. Her adamancy had taken her places for sure.

Belle leaned back against the seat, "Fine, but let me warn you, I will not be held responsible if anything happens to you. I'm not interested in babysitting."

Gwen smiled, "Deal!"

"So where are we heading off to?" Gwen asked.

Belle pulled out a phone from her backpack. It was unbranded and looked untraceable. Peter had one of those as well. She wondered if Belle had given Peter one.

"According to my calculations and tracking. The chances if Peter isn't in England or Wales, means..." She tapped away on her phone. Foreign codes rolled across her screen, Gwen was dizzy just looking. Belle was a tech-savvy person probably. She noticed several wires poking out of her backpack when she unzipped it.

"That's it," Belle said.

"Gwendy Larson, we're heading to Paris."

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A/N : Ooh we're gonna travel the world, lost boys! Leave a vote, comment and share!

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