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

03x07 - Preparation - Present

        The group was mostly silent as we walked through the forest. If Echo Caves hadn't torn anyone apart, it definitely damaged our relationships. The worst part? They'd all pretend to like me until Henry is safe. After that, there's no need for me or my magic. They'll all leave just like everyone else in my life. Everyone except maybe Hook, but even then who knows if he'll stick around much longer after them.

        Night fell over Neverland, blanketing the island in darkness. If it were possible, it felt hotter than before. The muggy air seemed to swallow me whole. I made my best effort to regulate my breathing. We came upon a clearing and I paused, looking over the group in front of me. Killian turned to speak.

        "I saw a berry bush a few back. Anyone care for a light snack?" I asked. The group exchanged a few looks.

        "Uh, sure, we'll need the extra boost. Thanks," Neal said. His voice sounded more contemplative than he'd probably wanted to let on. I turned to leave.

        "I'll come with you," Hook started.

        I paused, "It's only a few feet," I said carefully. I gave him a pointed look.

        "Don't stray too far, love."

        I gave him a nod of acknowledgement and walked back down the trail. This particular night seemed still. I remember it feeling the same way when I'd met Tiger Lily. The evening then, however, was a bit cooler. Instead of bringing dread the night brought calm. I came upon the bush and paused, just observing it.

        "Alone again. Why am I not surprised?" Pan's voice came from behind me. I kept my back turned. "It's such a shame, Elyssa, how easy it is for me to tell you what you're thinking."

        I scoffed, "what am I thinking, then?"

        "There's that fire I fell in love with. I have to say, I missed your snark." He moved to stand next to me, and picked a branch off the berry bush. "You're thinking that they don't love you."

        "How would you know?"

        "You like to think you can hide your emotions, dear, but anyone with a micron of intelligence can see right through you. It's a shame, really. If only you hadn't met Baelfire--things would be different." Pan reached to push a piece of hair out of my face. I caught him by the wrist. He raised an eyebrow, smug amusement on his face.

        "Don't touch me. Don't even dream about it." I growled. "You won't like the outcome."

        The demon laughed. "Are you threatening me, Elyssa? How well has that gone for you in the past?"

        "That was then. This is now."

        "And what?" he started. I never let go of his wrist. He never pulled away. Instead, he took this opportunity to get closer. "You're different now? Stronger? Is that what you're getting at?"

        "I am different now. I am stronger."

        "You don't believe that. Don't think me daft, love, we both know who would win that fight." His tone darkened like all the other times it had before. The smirk he once held faded. My chest burned as the anger multiplied and swelled within me. I was sure my nails were digging into his skin, but he never wavered. Instead, I pushed him by the sternum--and I shoved him hard. Shock fell over his features, and then anger. "I'm sorry?" Pan seethed.

        "You like fire? I'll give you fire."

        Pan chuckled coldly, "Oh, Elyssa. Naïve as ever. You're going to wish you'd never done that." He straightened. "Like I said: I will have Henry's heart and you will be by my side when I do. Enjoy whatever time you have left with your pirate," he spat, "because it may very well be the last you see of him." He left.