Chapter 14: Shadows

Characters:

ES: Emma Swan aka The Savior

GH: Grace Hatter aka Paige (Gracey)

NC: Neal Cassidy aka Baelfire (Bae)

KJ: Killian Jones aka Captian Hook (Hook)

AP: Amber Philips aka Orion Constellation (Star)

LJ: Lila Jones

JH: Jefferson Hatter aka The Mad Hatter (Hatter)

RQ: Red Queen aka Cora Mills (The Queen of Hearts)

WR: White Rabbit

MH: March Hare

PP: Peter Pan

Shadows

The boy flew over the path that looked like playing cards and snickered at the gang down below him.

PP: It has been a long time, Captain. The boy said bowing his head to Hook, How I have missed all of you. Quite frankly the island has been very boring without you all running around looking for your dear Henry. He smirked wickedly, It appears not much has changed… I hear you are out yet again looking for the lost boy.

Shaking in his spot the White Rabbit feared the flying boy who taunted the gang. He looked to Grace but she seemed just as terrified as he was. The White Rabbit tugged on Grace's shoe lace and motioned for him to follow her. He did not trust this flying boy and wanted to get Grace out of his path as soon as possible. Grace nodded and followed the White Rabbit off the path and into the forest. They could hide there until the boy left. From the corner of her eye, Emma saw Grace and the White Rabbit run off. She knew they were going to hide, and would be safe.

ES: How are you even here? Emma shouted up to the boy.

KJ: We all watched you die. Killian added.

Pan only smiled even wider.

PP: It was all part of the game. That was the only explanation he offered them.

KJ: So what do you want then? Killian asked defensively.

Standing beside him Amber looked from Killian up to Pan. She was careful not to make any sudden movement or do anything to draw attention to herself.

She could feel Killian's anger radiating off of him already. She knew it was taking everything within him not to knock the boy out of the sky and strangle him. The longer Pan hovered above them with that mocking smile the angrier Killian became. Amber feared what would happen the moment the boy decided to touch down on the ground.

PP: I want my treasure back, of course. He said as if they already knew what he meant.

No one said anything as they looked to one another.

PP: Oh come now, Captain. I know your memory is not that bad. You are very familiar with the golden treasure.

Killian's eyes widened as he realized what Pan wanted.

KJ: The Trolddom Pendel. Killian whispered but loud enough that everyone heard him. His nervous gaze floated over to Neal.

PP: Ah, now you are catching up.

KJ: You know full well that Blackbeard escaped with the coin and Lila back in Neverland. Killian called up to Pan after quickly pulling his gaze away from Neal.

PP: Now, we all know that is not where the story ended. Pan replied.

****Flashback****

One foot in front of the other Jefferson and Lila stepped out of the portal hand in hand and arrived in the middle of a dark dense forest. Lila looked around at the familiar trees and plants that surrounded them. She knew in an instant that they had arrived in Neverland. A ghostly chill ran down her spine as she stepped farther away from the portal that had opened and allowed them through.

JH: This is it? This is the realm of eternal darkness? Jefferson asked as he followed closely behind Lila.

Lila did not say anything. She only nodded slightly as she continued to look around. Of course nothing looked any different. Pan made sure that he kept Neverland cloaked in magic which kept time from passing on the island. He used the Trolddom Pendel to keep time frozen on the island. Lila felt as though she had never even left the island.

If it wasn't for Jefferson who now came up beside her and took hold of her hand, Lila would have thought that she had never escaped the island. It felt as if all of her memories of Wonderland were from a far away dream.

JH: Are you sure you want to do this? It is not too late to turn back. The portal hasn't closed yet.

Lila shook her head.

LJ: I am sure. She said before forcing a smile.

Jefferson nodded then pulled out the instructions given to him from the Red Queen.

JH: The item we seek is guarded by the Shadows. He said reading off of the instructions, You said you knew what she meant by that. Where do we start looking for this thing?

LJ: In all the time I spent here I found that Pan has several hidden treasures scattered around the island. Many of them are magical.

Lila began walking farther away from the portal and deeper into the forest. Jefferson followed her and listened carefully as she explained.

LJ: Sometimes he would send the Lost Boys and I off on treasure hunts to see if any of us could find them, but they were all carefully hidden and very well guard.

JH: The instructions say this item is guarded by the Shadows…

Lila stopped and put a hand on Jefferson's arm stopping him as well.

LJ: Look… She said pointing the ground. We do not have a shadow.

Jefferson looked all around and realized it was true. Though the island was covered by a blanket of night all the time. There still was a dull light which should have created even the smallest shadow underneath them.

JH: How can that be? Jefferson mumbled.

LJ: It is Pan's doing. The moment you step on the island your shadow becomes his. She explained, And the longer you stay on the island the more loyal you and your shadow become to him.

Jefferson's gentle gaze floated up to meet Lila's.

JH: Is that why you stayed here as long as you did?

LJ: That was a part of it I suppose. She shrugged.

****Present Day****

With everyone still standing on the path below Pan, the boy flew around in a circle above their heads. He laughed at the tense expressions they all shared. He was proud that their last meeting had left them all with such a grand impression.

PP: Well come on now, hand it over. We can be done with our business very quickly if you just play along. Pan said.

Neal, Emma and Killian exchanged a look. They all knew that Pan liked his games, and would surely turn this into one as well.

KJ: We already told you we don't have it. Killian growled.

Pan shook his head and laughed.

PP: Why do you insist on making this so difficult? He asked as he drifted closer to them.

For the first time his gaze met with Amber's. She glared at Pan causing him to smirk. It only took a moment for Pan to realize the connection between Hook and Amber.

PP: Come now Captain, you and I have worked together before….

Hook scoffed.

PP: …We can do it again. Lets not give your new friend the wrong idea about me. He said ignoring Hook's growls and keeping his gaze on Amber.

AP: And what would that be? Amber asked him.

PP: You seem smart enough, perhaps you will be wise enough to tell me where the Trolddom Pendel is, eh?

AP: I will tell you the same thing everyone else has already told you. We do not have your stupid coin! Amber spat.

Pan's curious brow shot up.

PP: So they have told you about it. He noted as he looked over at Hook.

Amber inhaled sharply and shrank back closer to Hook. Pan had tricked her. There was no way she would have known that the Trolddom Pendel was a coin if they had not told her about it.

Pan flew back so he was looking down at the entire gang once more.

PP: There is no point in continuing to deny it. He pointed out while everyone turned and looked at Amber, All you are doing is trying my patience.

NC: We wouldn't give it to you even if we did have it. Neal told Pan.

Pan shook his head.

PP: It didn't have to be like this…

KJ: What are you going to do without your band of Lost Boys here to protect you? Hook asked as he held his sword out.

Pan slowly drifted down to the ground.

Appearing defenseless before Emma, Killian, Neal and Amber the boy stood very still. Then slowly a mischievous grin appeared on his face. Amber realized that he was not looking at them, but he was looking pass them. Spinning around on her toe Amber looked back to see what Pan was smiling at.

AP: Oh my god! She gasped and grabbed Killian's arm.

Killian looked back over his shoulder to see dozens of shadows rising from the ground and taking the shape of a human.

Turning his back to Pan, Killian raised his sword to the shadow army forming behind them. Emma saw Killian spin around and once she caught sight of the shadows she and Neal did the same thing.

ES: How are we supposed to fight a shadow army?

PP: I just want my coin back. Pan told them.

From the corner of his eye Hook looked to Neal. They did not know what to do. They couldn't give Pan back the Trolddom Pendel even if they wanted to.

****Flashback****

Carefully stepping through the forests of Neverland, which were laced thick with booby-traps, Lila and Jefferson made their way to the part of the island known as Pirate's Cove.

LJ: On one of the treasure hunts Pan sent us on I found myself in Pirate's Cove. Most of the Lost Boys had gone to Mermaid Reef, but I knew the only treasure to be found there was a chest of pearls which were guarded by the mermaids. I saw no point in going back there, so instead I ended up in Pirate's Cove. It made sense for Pan to hide a treasure there because it was a hidden cove. It could only be found when the tied rolled out.

Jefferson stepped over a log and listened as Lila told him more about the time she spent in Neverland.

JH: So that is where we are going?

Lila nodded.

LJ: When I got to the cove I found a cave. I thought about turning back to join the other Lost Boys. It was so dark I couldn't see anything. I did not know how long I had until the tide came back in, but it was nice to get away from the disgusting boys for a little while. She smiled and looked over at Jefferson, who smiled back, I am not sure exactly how long it took me to find it….

JH: Find what? What exactly are we looking for? Jefferson asked.

LJ: It's small…. Just as small jar.

JH: A jar?

LJ: Lila bit her lip and shrugged, Inside is this magical dust. Or at least that is what Pan told me when he found me in the cove about to take it. He was furious. As if it had just happened Lila felt the fear building up inside her as she pictured Pan's sharp glare and flaring nostrils, I thought he was going to kill me then and there. She told Jefferson, I don't know how he did it but suddenly I was surrounded by hundreds of shadows. Shadows I assume he had stolen from the Lost Boys when they first came to the island. The shadows were closing in on me. I reached for my dagger ready to fight them off, but how do you fight a shadow?

The tears fell down Lila's cheek and she hadn't even noticed. Jefferson reached out and grabbed a hold of her arm. They stopped walking and he wiped away the tears before pulling her close to him.

LJ: I don't know how I survived. Before long I could see nothing, the shadows had engulfed me. I assumed Pan told them to bring me back to the camp. With her head against Jefferson's chest she finished explaining.

Jefferson did not say anything else or as any other questions even though he wanted to know how she intended to lead them out of the cove this time if the shadows were there to guard the dust. Instead he just held her trying to let her know that it was ok.

A few minutes later Lila pulled away.

LJ: We need to keep moving. By now Pan already knows we are here. We need to get the dust before he figures out what we are after.

*********Present Day********

Within the castle the Red Queen sat on her throne staring down Jefferson and Lila. They still had not come to an agreement. They both had something that the other wanted but neither of them would give it up until they were sure they were getting exactly what they asked for in return.

RQ: You would think by now the two of you would know better than to go up against me. Cora threatened.

JH: You won't do anything to us. Without us you won't ever know where we have hidden Henry. Jefferson said.

Cora shrugged.

RQ: And you won't get your heart back. I am afraid you do not have much of an argument there, Hatter. She poked at him, Meanwhile your dear sweet Grace … While you have been here with me where has she been? Cora knew full well that Grace was with Emma. She just wanted to see the pained look on both Jefferson and Lila's faces at the mention of Grace's name, I'll tell you she is not safe at home that is for sure. So while you are standing here arguing with me over completing your job, Hatter your daughter is in danger.

Cora could hear the nervous gasp that escaped Lila's lips. She knew she had struck a nerve.

RQ: You know, I am really not as horrible as everyone wants to believe. I have a daughter of my own… She said as she rose from her throne and stepped down towards Jefferson and Lila, This is what I will do for you. I will give you until midnight. If you can find your heart by then I will let you go free. If you do not find it… I will not only keep the heart but you will be forced to bring the items to me.

Lila and Jefferson looked at one another. Making a second deal with her was dangerous. Neither of them wanted that, but they also did not trust Cora to follow through with the first deal.

JH: Fine. Jefferson expressed both his and Lila's thoughts, If we find the heart we will be free to go.

Nodding slowly Cora smiled to herself as she watched Jefferson and Lila leave the throne room. She knew they would never find the heart, and at midnight she would use Jefferson's heart to force him into bringing her the items she requested.

As the heavy doors closed behind them Jefferson and Lila turned to look at one another. Lila forced a weak smile.

LJ: We can do this. She tried to sound confident. We will do this for Grace.

Jefferson nodded and glanced over at the enormous grandfather clock across the hall.

JH: We need help. If we are going to find it in time we will need some help.

LJ: I was already thinking the same thing. Lila agreed knowing exactly where Jefferson was going with this, He will know where she keeps her hearts.

With a firm nod Jefferson led the way out of the front of the castle and down the path that looked like playing cards. They walked until they reached the fork in the road. They headed down the path towards Tulgey Woods.

Lila recognized the same intense expression on Jefferson's face now that he had while they were in Storybrooke.

LJ: She will be alright. Lila said softly.

Pulled from his thoughts Jefferson glanced over at Lila. He cocked his head to the side expressing his confusion.

LJ: Grace, you said that woman, Emma who was with her would take care of her.

JH: I know. He sighed.

LJ: Plus she is smart like her father. She will be ok. I know she will.

JH: He nodded, I just… I.. I keep thinking about when I last saw her. I promised her I would be back before sunset. He sighed, clearly feeling guilty for breaking his promise.

LJ: Jefferson, you are a great father. You have always been there for her even if you couldn't physically be right there beside her. She loves you…. No matter what. Lila's gaze fell from Jefferson's face as she added the last bit.

JH: She love you too. You know that, right? Jefferson asked.

Lila did not say anything.

JH: Lila, you do know that don't you? He asked again.

LJ: You can't love someone you don't know. She replied.

JH: Lila…. .

MH: It is time for tea! The March Hare called from the front step of his cottage as he saw Lila and Jefferson approaching.

The March Hare hurriedly hopped over to the couple.

MH: I have been waiting for you to return! He said excitedly, There is much talk among the flowers and the trees. The March Hare ushered them into the cottage and closed the door behind him. He began pouring them each a cup of tea.

JH: It is good to see you again. Jefferson chuckled at their old friend.

LJ: Hare listen, we don't have time for tea right now. Lila said placing a gentle hand on top of the hare's head. He looked up at her as if he was just seeing her for the first time, You have always been a good friend to us, and now we need your help once more.

The March Hare nodded.

MH: They will be here soon. In the mean time we will have tea. He responded as he continued to pour the tea.

****Flashback***

Through the dark forests of Neverland, Lila led the way. Eventually Jefferson and Lila had fallen into a silence as they walked. Jefferson tried to imagine Lila living in this dark place.

LJ: We are almost there. Lila whispered.

JH: I thought you said this place was guarded by shadows? We haven't come across anyone since we have been here. He said.

LJ: It doesn't mean they aren't here. Lila continued to whisper as she glanced around them, They are just waiting.

JH: For what?

LJ: The game to begin. She said looking over at Jefferson with an expression that he knew to mean for him to stay on his guard.

They walked on for a few more feet and the forest broke off into a sandy shoreline. Just up ahead the shore curved and revealed Pirate's Cove. Jefferson's gaze widened and a sly smile broke upon his lips.

JH: It is just like you described! He exclaimed.

LJ: Keep your voice down. Lila hushed him. The shadows are one thing, they won't do anything without Pan's say so. If we alert Pan to where we are we will never get out of here alive. She warned him.

Together they crossed the shore towards the cove. They stopped when they reached the dark cave that Lila had spoken of.

Before walking inside Jefferson took hold of Lila's hands. He smiled at her and kissed her softly.

JH:I just wanted to thank you for insisting on coming. I couldn't have done this without you.

Lila smiled and blushed.

JH: I love you, Lila.

Lila reached up and pecked him before they turned their attention to the cave. Carefully they headed inside. The darkness seemed to swallow them up as they walked hand in hand into the cave.

They walked deep into the darkness until they came to a fork. Each tunnel before them looked exactly the same.

JH: Do you remember which way you went?

Lila shook her head.

JH: Should we flip a coin? He teased.

Lila smirked, but remained focused.

LJ: We will split up. She saw the hesitation on Jefferson's face, It is the easiest way to find the dust.

JH: Alright, but we will meet back here in ten minutes. He said squeezing her hand.

With a firm nod the two went their separate ways.

*****Present Day*****

From their safe hiding place in the forest the White Rabbit and Grace watched as Pan's shadow army rose from the ground.

WR: Oh no! Oh no! This is bad. Very bad! The White Rabbit panicked.

GH: I am scared. Grace whispered.

WR: We must get help. The White Rabbit said before grabbing hold of Grace's sleeve and pulling her along with him.

As they raced along the path Grace looked back over her shoulder at the disappearing shadows behind them.

GH: Where are we going? She called to the rabbit.

WR: To find someone who will help.

The trees blew past them as they ran. The White Rabbit only slowed down when they came upon a small cottage.

GH: Do you live here? Grace asked.

WR: No but the person who does can help us.

The White Rabbit knocked on the door. He waited a moment and when there was no answer he knocked again. This time the door slowly opened.

MH: It is time for tea! The March Hare sang out when he saw the White Rabbit and Grace. The March Hare took hold of Grace's hand and pulled her inside the cottage, We have been waiting for you, Grace. He said as the door closed behind Grace and the White Rabbit.