Important Note: First time writing a Once Upon a Time story, and I'm pretty excited about how this will turn out. This one is based on Peter Pan's character, its past and how he slowly changed into the boy we see afterwards. After watching the whole season in which he appeared, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed about its finale. I think Peter Pan is one of the most lovable characters of Disney, and he doesn't deserve that kind of fate. So, I'm not going to change him (as it wouldn't be Peter Pan from OUAT, and I actually love his sass and smugness), but I'm giving him a past that can somehow explain why he became so wicked. Needless is to say then, Rumple isn't his son in this story. Moreover, Peter Pan will remain a kid the entire time.

I hope you like this short prologue!

PROLOGUE:

The Prophecy

«When the time comes that air turns toxic and ash rains from the sky, a vain act shall bring forth an age of chaos. And only when all hope is shattered shall a ray of light shine upon that world of darkness. When what's shrouded is revealed, a dead heart shall decide upon the fate of the realm to which it belongs , thereby digging it into a definitive oblivion or ushering in the forgotten dawn.»

Once upon a time, there was a land where freedom knew no bonds, where time stood still and which lost children would visit when their minds fell into the deepest of darkness, when their imagination went wild and their dreams turned into reality. It was an island made for children, which was why adults tried to avoid any kind of contact with it. Wide woods permeated most of the realm, and only a tiny gap of ground remained untouched by the green trees, the place that children had always loved to visit. Joyful shouts could always be heard in the vicinity, and a warm bonfire would be set in the middle of the celebrations the Indians used to honour those children with. A deep ocean spread itself around the land, dwelling of the rarest creatures, some of them not very fond of the souls that dared to sail their waters. However, something more dangerous hid within the intricate island, something apparently innocent but far from it.

Her laugh echoed through the entire land, carefree and loud, yet her feet never made a sound as they stepped lightly on the green grass. Mermaids shared a deep affection for her and were frequently humoured by her visits, which were always related to mischievous ideas. She would come to them with the most alluring, wicked game whenever ignorant pirates –always guided by egoistical purposes– crossed the boundaries between her realm and the wild seas.

Ruler of her realm and ruler of the night, she had cream-coloured skin and wore green clothes to blend into the flower bush. She loved to twirl in circles, always did her best, and swam like a tiny fish in the lake near the willow tree, whose shadow helped her sleep. She was quite the trouble maker; pirates and adventurous souls would be tricked by her innocent grin while her hands in their pockets she sneaked. She knew how to have good manners but would always show them her spicy twist, and was so quick they couldn't see. She drank from puddles and ate berries from the bushes, within whose leaves she hid until her next target arrived. At night, running through the never-ending forest she could be found, her characteristic, mischievous grin always on as she led lost children to their new destination. She loved the company they offered her, but would not hesitate to put Tinkerbell before their incessant pleas, for a deep relationship had developed between the beautiful fairy and her.

Her name was Emery Red, and Neverland was her home.

-#-

"Peter Pan," she greeted, smile in place as usual. "It's been a while."

Indeed it had; four years, no less. Truthfully, Emery hadn't expected to see him again, not after his last, short visit. It had been a painful thought, but she had come to realize that it was something that would eventually happen. It was bound to be that way; time had the annoying tendency to affect people who were not from Neverland.

Her brown eyes roamed his figure, immediately noticing the differences. He was taller and more muscular, and even though the face of the child she once shared adventures with remained almost the same, there were traces of maturity spread in his forest green eyes. She realized then what she had always feared most had acted on Peter Pan; he was no longer a child.

"You look older," she commented, almost casually. But there was no denying it, and Peter didn't need to stare at her for long to notice the grief that filled her brown gaze.

"I am older, Em," he confirmed, and his lips twitched into a sad smile when the girl frowned.

"Why are you here?" Her voice was suddenly cold, harsher than ever. She was hurt, that much was evident, but Peter couldn't help but feel a bit offended; he had hoped to see her happy upon his arrival. "You're a grown up, Peter."

"But I'm not yet," he argued. In fact, he was right, for he was still seventeen and, technically, still a teen.

"Why have you come," she demanded to know, leaving no room for argument.

"So long as I believe, I'll be able to come to Neverland," he quoted. "You once told me that."

As though his words had touched her heart, her defensive stance dropped and Emery smiled slightly. Her eyes were shimmering with unseen tears, a sight that managed to break Peter's heart into a million pieces.

"And you'll always be welcome," she granted. "But that's not the real reason you're here."

"What are you talking about?" Peter tried to feign ignorance, but it was to no avail.

Emery shook her head.

"You sometimes forget that I can read you," she reminded. "Literally."

There was something else he seemed to always forget about Emery Red as well: she was an adult trapped in the body of a child. Her soul was wise and old, permeated in years of experience.

Defeated, Peter sighed softly.

"I came to say goodbye," he confessed, unable to look into the pained eyes of the first –and only– friend he ever had.

A disappointed frown crept to her face then, and she looked utterly offended as she stared at him.

"Don't say goodbye," she began. "Because saying goodbye means going away, and going away means forgetting."

Peter Pan was aware of it, but he swore upon himself to never forget about the land he once called home; the only place he would ever call home. With a smile that spoke the words he refused to say out loud, his spirit faded into the dark night.

"Goodbye, Emery Red."

Heart shattered and soul cracked, Emery dropped to her knees. Silently, she closed her eyes and let her tired body lie flat on the cold path of grass.

That night, the biggest of clouds shielded the sky. That night, drops of water rained like bright stars upon the world of smiles. That night, every creature cowered in grief and mourned for the girl's despair.

That night, and for the first time in forever, Neverland cried.

"Until next time, Peter Pan."

-#-

Night had fallen upon the wondrous world of Neverland, and the gleaming moon shone in the dark sky. Its bright light sneaked between the tall trees and illuminated the path of grass at their feet. In the middle of the island, a willow tree loomed over the rest in its full glory and splendour. There, hidden in the shadows that couldn't be reached by the glaring moon, a small girl lay. Soft snores came from her parted lips as she slept peacefully, without a care in the world.

The familiar sound of bells broke the comfortable silence that surrounded her, but she didn't even stir as the fairy crossed the air towards the big tree. Without making further noise, Tinkerbell landed gracefully on one of its strong branches and sat down. Her feet dangled over both sides as her green eyes stared tenderly at the girl below her. A small smile played on her lips, but it quickly faded when someone graced her with their presence. As if on cue, the atmosphere grew colder and an almost palpable tension crashed over the area. The familiar frown the fairy used to wear crept to her pale features, and she would have growled in aggravation had she not cared about the small girl's sake.

"Tinkerbell, it's time," their dark voice echoed from behind her, and the consecutive chill it always provoked rolled up her spine.

Her lips pursed into a thin line as she averted her eyes from her protégé, only for them to drift towards Shadow.

"Remind me why I should listen to you again," she hissed hatefully, venom permeating her voice.

The shadow glared at her with its glowing eyes, returning the feeling of utter detestation with no hesitation. It flew dangerously close to her, as if trying to look menacing –which was easily accomplished.

"This is for Neverland's sake," it snarled. "I wouldn't be teaming up with you if circumstances didn't call for it, fairy."

"Neither would I, shadow," she bit back.

Then, the shadow floated over the girl for some seconds, and its scary eyes watched her as if it were surveying the situation. Some feet away, Tinkerbell fought against her instincts the best she could and tried to ignore the voice in her head that told her to attack that scum. Finally, Shadow raised in the air to stare into her glare.

"The boy is almost of age. His last visit was his last; even Red knew that," it hissed. "This needs to be done with no more delay."

"Is it wise, though? She is –"

"Its Soul, indeed," Shadow finished. "But it's a risk we must take."

A defeated sigh slipped between her lips as she gave a short nod. Jumping off, the fairy flew graciously towards the sleeping girl before waving her pendant over her. Immediately, pixie dust wrapped around her frame like an embrace, and the girl began to rise from the comfortable ground she wouldn't touch for long years.

"Don't forget about the second part of the plan," the shadow pressed, as if to make sure Tinkerbell wouldn't back out in the last minute. "Her memories need to be removed until her return."

Tinkerbell growled in annoyance and sent another glare at it, before she began to lead the girl to the sky.

"Stop ordering me around, and make sure you bring the proper boy," she barked as she disappeared in the darkness of the night.

Tinkerbell crossed silently the cold air and headed towards her destination without looking back, not even once. Her green eyes were filled with remorse and concern, but it couldn't be helped. As the shadow had said, it had to be done; if not for Neverland's sake, for the girl's future. The prophecy that had crashed upon Neverland was still a mystery to be solved, but there was one thing Tinkerbell had been able to figure out: it spoke of the darkness that would assault that land over the years, of the future that awaited the creatures living there. But, most important to Tinkerbell, it showed the horrible fate that was in store for the girl that flew next to her.

She ventured to swear upon Neverland that something like that would never happen if she was still alive and could prevent it.

Thus, with that determined thought in mind, Tinkerbell took the girl away from her realm, from her home and from her current life. Soon enough, the wide ocean was left behind and another land came into view. Drunken people walked down the dirty streets, and she scrunched her nose in disgust at the sight. There was no way she would ever trust any of those men with her protégé; she did not want for her to end up roaming the streets, dressed in scanty robes, while she waited for some scrub to rub themselves on her. No; she knew nothing good would come from that. After casting one last repelled glance at them, Tinkerbell focused on her destination and hoped that it wouldn't take her much longer to reach it.

Much to her pleasure, the girl didn't stir nor did she seem to be disturbed in the least as they travelled. The fact didn't surprise the fairy, for she knew there were not many things that could shake her from her slumber; she had learned that much over time. To be honest, the silence that prevailed in Neverland whenever she felt asleep was enough to make every creature sigh out of relief. Not to blame any of them, though. While they all were rather fond of the girl's humour and vibrant personality, they did appreciate her silence, especially after having been hearing her loud giggles throughout the entire day. Nevertheless, as Tinkerbell laid her eyes on her rosy face, she was certain that the troublesome girl was going to be missed.

A familiar sight crossed her gaze and stopped her trail of thoughts, fortunately. In all honesty, Tinkerbell was not an emotional fairy, but the situation was gloomy enough to make her feel quite lost. Mentally shaking her head, she let the girl fall on her arms before approaching one of the few houses that stood in the surroundings. It was the perfect place for the kid; she was sure of it. As her feet hit the ground peacefully, she slipped one of her tiny hands into the pocket of her green clothes and pulled out a small vial. A heavy sigh escaped her before she could stop it, and Tinkerbell placed the girl on the grass. Slowly, she opened the vial. Blue coloured dust fell from it and floated the air; it wavered before the fairy's eyes as if asking for permission.

"Good luck, Emery," Tinkerbell whispered as the dust covered the girl and slipped through her clothes and skin. As though she was touched by the intense feelings of the fairy, she stirred quietly before she fell back into her own world of wondrous dreams. "I'm sure we will meet again soon enough."

No creature would speak about her when Peter Pan reached Neverland to start a new life, but the remembrance of the girl with the mischievous smile and the gleeful laugh would always prevail in their minds. Emery Red was, after all, the Soul.

There was no kiss goodbye, not even a soft caress before she flew off. She preferred it that way.

Because saying goodbye means going away, and going away means forgetting.