Two

They stood that way for a while. Him, looking her up and down with a jaw that was nearing the floor. Her, deciding whether or not she could run and have a chance at getting away. Huck made the first move, an unusual thing for him because he always let his opponent strike first. He enjoyed seeing their attempts to outwit him. They never did. The clever boy always saw his enemy's next move ahead of time. After all, that's how his father taught him to fight. One step ahead.

So when Huck stuck his hand out for a friendly shake, the last thing he expected was for this innocent looking girl to whip a small blade out from under her shirt sleeve and slice him ever so delicately on the palm. He retreated his hand, shocked, by her action. Nearly falling over, his feet stumbled backward as his fingers fumbled to find the sword at his side. Finally finding it, he released the long steel beast with a loud scraping sound as it ran along the side of the scabbard. His body instinctively moved into position. Huck felt natural like this; he loved the risk, the adrenaline, the unknown. Hardly ever losing a fight, he was confident (bordering cocky). These were the moments that Huck understood what his purpose was. He was born to fight, made to conquer, destined to challenge.

But when the girl saw the size of the sword it was her turn to retreat. Looking back and forth between her pocket sized blade and Huck's massive cutlass, she knew she wouldn't be able to win this battle with just her body. Shifting on their feet, the two continued to watch without making a move. The girl's eyes darted around her, looking for the best way to make her escape. Huck noticed this, half hoping that she would go so that he wouldn't have to kill her, but also wishing that she would simply surrender so that he could ask her what she was doing in the center of the Silver Forest. But something told him that she wasn't the type who would submit easily.

She spoke first, "Who are you?"

"I should ask you the same. I've never seen you before." Huck said roughly, with just the smallest hint of curiosity.

Her eyebrow raised slightly, "So you know the area, then. You know the people, too, it seems. Probably belong to an important group to know so much. Perhaps an esteemed family?"

Huck, caught off guard by her ability to pick up on information he didn't even realize he was giving away, gripped his sword tighter and straightened his arm. "Tell me your name, girl, or I will force you to reveal why you're on my land."

She almost laughed, "You're land? Oh, yes. You're definitely entitled."

Rumbling with annoyance, Huck cut his sword through the air while quick footwork brought him close enough to the girl for him to land the edge of the blade close to her neck. A light gasp came from her lips. "Drop your weapon." Huck snarled. She did as he said, for she did not have much of a choice. His foot batted the knife far from their bodies. "Now," he started, with his face close to hers, "Tell me who you are and why you're here."

She took in a deep breath and stared at him. If he wasn't threatening her life, she might find him attractive. But when one holds a sword to your neck, they lose a great amount of appeal. "My name is Adella. I've travelled very far, for a very long time."

"Adella, what?"

Her eyes lowered, "Pan. My name is Adella Pan."

Huck's brows pushed together, "Then you're…That's impossible. Who are you!" He pushed the sword closer to her skin.

"I'm not lying," Adella winced. "I escaped the island." Her hands were starting to become clammy. "Will you let me go, now? I've told you everything you wanted to know."

"Not everything." Huck narrowed his eyes. Somewhere inside of him, he knew she was telling the truth. But her story was impossible. If her last name was Pan, that would make her the daughter of Peter Pan of Neverland. And if that was true, then yes, she would have had to escape Neverland to be here in this moment, but that was impossible. No one escaped Neverland. Nevertheless, Huck trusted his instincts, as he often did, and released the girl. "Forgive me, Lady." Huck said, clearing his throat and stepping back.

Adella gathered herself and held a hand to her throat, rubbing it gently. "Men don't usually threaten me with a blade." She looked around for her own small knife while Huck watched, putting his sword away.

"Yes, well…" He started, "Women don't usually take me by such surprise."

The girl glanced at Huck for a moment to study his expression, then continued hunting for her weapon. "I take it that no one surprises you, man or woman." She found it then, hiding by a small sprout of silver grass. She cleaned the tip off with her dress.

Huck scratched the back of his neck, "No, I suppose they don't." His eyes fell on her blade. He laughed quietly. Her eyes cut to his.

"What are you laughing at?" Adella demanded.

"Well, you're-" He hesitated. "It's just that that blade won't be able to protect you from much more than a bird. Or perhaps a fox fly."

Adella's nose crinkled "A what?"

Huck adjusted with his pack, remembering that Neverland wasn't home to the same animals that he had grown up with. "Nevermind," he said. "I should be going now." He checked behind him, quite sure that no one was following him, but still wanting to be cautious.

"You're running, too, aren't you?" Adella questioned when she noticed Huck checking his surroundings.

Huck acted uninterested, "Hm?" He was astounded by how much the girl picked up on. Had she been trained like he had? Surely not. She was just a girl, after all, probably the same age as himself. Girls weren't taught hunting and battle skills. They were taught... well, Huck wasn't entirely sure what they were taught. But he was sure that he had never seen a girl, or anyone for that matter, who was as observant as she.

"You don't have to tell me. I didn't tell you, after all. But you're running. I can see it in your face."

Biting his tongue, Huck struggled to retain composure, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Lady Adella. Be safe on your journey." He turned, then. He continued off in the direction he was going, hoping that he would run across the small spring that he used to play in as a child soon to get a drink.

He had been walking for a good distance when he heard a light voice call, "Wait!" Huck turned and squinted at the trees behind him. Through the gaps he could see her gathering her skirts, running. When she reached him she was panting lightly, "Hold on, just hold on." She sucked in more air, "Why should we part ways?" This peaked Huck's interest. "We're both running. We both want to get out of these woods. I need you to help me navigate and you need me to...to…" She waved her hand in circles, searching for the right words.

"To…?" Huck urged with raised brows.

Adella straightened, "I can show you how to surprise your enemy. It's something every swordsman needs to know how to do. You saw me work! I'm the best and you know it. You need me."

Huck laughed loudly, "Oh, now I need you? Rich, that's absolutely rich. A girl," Huck gestured to Adella, "half my size nonetheless, telling me that I need her in the dark forest. Yes, you certainly surprise me, but perhaps not in the way you think."

"Every man needs a woman! We're helpful for all sorts of things. You certainly won't be able to rely on your good looks when you need a free meal, or a favor from an old man in the village, will you?"

Ah, yes, this card. Huck had tested this theory many times. And, in fact, he had found that the theory held true if he was with a strong partner. But fact was fact and she was right. It was always a good choice to ride with an attractive woman in case he would need favors. But no woman had ever told him this as bluntly as Adella. Huck stared at her hard. "Once I find a horse, I will ride fast. If you can't keep up, it isn't my problem. Understand, Pan?"

"Absolutely." She smirked. "Speaking of, would you care to tell me your name? We're travelling partners, after all. I think I should have a name to call you."

He looked at her eyes, "Huck." She was terribly beautiful. Truly unlike any other woman he had met before, in manner and look. And though Huck could be a gentleman, he wasn't ignorant of the tops of her breasts peeking out of her corseted dress.

"Huck, what?"

He tensed, "It's not important."

Letting it go for now, she continued, "Well, Huck, it's a pleasure to meet you." Adella held out her hand to shake.

Huck looked at her hand and chuckled, "I'm not making that mistake again." He rubbed his injured palm, knowing that he'd have to clean it once they reached the spring. As Huck began walking, with Adella close behind, he hoped that he hadn't just made an awful mistake.