···
I run until my legs hurt. I gain scratches, tears, and dry mud in the process. I bend over, panting once I reach the familiarity of Jughead.
"Where's Betty?" I ask, upon catching no sight of the blonde ponytail girl. I couldn't believe she'd leave her boyfriend.
"Asleep in her tent. I've got him patched up." Bolt was crouched over the lanky, taller, barely breathing male in the forest. He stood up just about knocking into me. His eyes widened, taking in every inch of me. "I have to move him to the tent for medical purposes."
"Okay, well…" I reveal the clear vile of magic solution. I trail off, not acknowledging how close we were. My eyes flickered to the beanie wearing boy, releasing a moan of pain.
Bolt slowly takes the vile, analyzing it while I duck down to tug my best friend up. A gasp came from the blue eyed boy; one holding a meaning nobody wanted. "Where'd you get this?"
"Does it matter?" I ask as he helps take Jughead's weight onto him. I manage to help Bolt get Jughead to a sky blue tent with a cot in the middle, and surrounding medical supplies.
Bolt grunts, gently laying Jughead down with me copying his action. He scurries around for whatever he believes will help the morbid boy. "Midnight, it matters. Where did you get this?"
I watch Bolt place whatever it was far from Jughead. Instead, he used something else I couldn't decipher if it would help or not. I raise an eyebrow.
"Pan. Why? What's got you wigging out about it?" I keep a watchful gaze on Jughead. "I didn't take you for the medical type."
"Contrary to what, my cousin believes I love helping people. I have a few tricks up my sleeve," Bolt sighs, leaning over the table once Jughead is breathing normal. His eyes focus on mine, "I'm pretty sure Pan gave you water from the waterfall to help heal your friend."
"That's a bad thing, how?" I ask, offending him.
Bolt leans closer to speak in a low whisper. "If your friend drinks that water then he is bound to the island meaning he can't leave. If he does, he'll die. It's happened a few times."
My eyes search his blue ones only to find genuine concern. I let my gaze flick to my best friend, "Betty took it pretty hard. Why aren't the others fighting?"
"Yes, she loves him. And, would you fight knowing how dangerous he can be?" Bolt voiced; his tone barely above a low whisper. He reached a hand over, placing it on top of mine; giving it a soft squeeze.
I move my hand from underneath his. I didn't ask to feel what everybody clearly wants me to. "I made another deal. How do you escape an island with an overbearing lunatic overseeing your fate?"
Bolt processed the question, narrowing his gaze at me. He seemed to be calculating his own plan. "Meet me in the forest at midnight. I have an idea."
I hold back a smile, nodding in agreement. "Sure." I leave the medical tent, heading into camp. My eyes wander to Archie, Kevin and Fangs. I reluctantly join them, needing reassurance.
Archie sent me a half smile. He spoke to me in a low whisper so that nobody else heard. "We have a plan, meet us at midnight. In the forest. We are leaving this place."
I scoff, rolling my eyes. "Oh, Arch, it ain't that bad!"
"Sin, you don't seem yourself." Archie commented, acting like I'd lost my head. He nervously looked to Kevin and Fangs, briefly catching Choni staring on in curious wonder.
"Who does these days?" I wonder aloud, not seeing my step-father. I can't help holding a feeling of dread for his safety. I'm oddly reminded of the live action Scooby Doo movie when they're looked at like they've lost it for being aware of the monsters. I wish this had been Spooky Island instead; that'd be cool.
Casting a gaze around the forest, Archie began rubbing his hands together. He added, "I hope Betty is okay. This entire thing was her idea."
I stand, needing to clear my head. I needed a better idea as to why Peter Pan wanted to keep me trapped on an island. The theory could make no sense to me, given it's evident he hates females. I start for the dark forest, praying I'll find answers to come upon a sight for sore eyes. I rub tired eyes, blinking a couple of times.
"I'm unsure," Stryker nervously wrung his hands. His voice cracked when conversing with the leader of the lost children. "Your cousin refuses to speak to me these days."
"Ever since you confessed your little feelings to him? I told you he wouldn't understand." Pan softly informed the blonde, pressing his body into Stryker causing the blonde to be pushed into a tree. He placed a hand on Stryker's chest, running it along the lines as the blonde boy shivered in delight.
I found the touchy feely act too easy for my liking. I tilt my head sideways, confused as to what Pan was playing at. It was obvious though, wasn't it? The leader is playing the younger boy, considering I was sure Bolt could care less if his friend was into the same gender. I don't think he'd dismiss his friend either without talking it out.
"He understands." Stryker murmurs, confirming my suspicions. He is about to reply when demon boy takes over.
"He doesn't love you back? Bolt wouldn't. He's too wrapped up in oblivious." Pan smirked, hoping to gain the blonde boy's trust.
Stryker turned a shade of rose pink. He sighed, shaking his head. "I did have a crush on my best friend in the beginning until we were brought here then I...uh...never mind."
Pan frowned, tilting the boy's head so his green eyes locked with his. A sigh came from the leader. He revealed information most would already know about. He seemed to be struggling with words of acceptance for Stryker who wore a look of guilt mixed into shame.
My heart broke for the blonde boy.
"Stryker, I knew a boy once much like yourself, but I didn't take interest in him like he did me. You'll find someone worthy. Listen, meet me here tonight." Pan softly caressed the blonde boy's cheek like he was afraid of letting him go.
I flatten myself to the ground. My mind wanders once the two go their separate ways. I'm glad the leaves were thick enough to hide someone. Otherwise, I'd be screwed. Begs the question still; what does Peter Pan want with me?
···
