? POV

I would have thought that being in this much pain couldn't have gotten any worse...I was dead wrong.

Shouts and loud cackles of laughter were the only things I could hear as I kept my eyes shut tightly. Multiple kicks at a time jolted my body across the deck, several leather boots kicking into my chest and stomach, knowing that would cause the most pain. I was getting pushed up against the side of the deck as the men with foul breath and crooked gold teeth towered down on me.

I know this wasn't just a beating to tell me where I belong on the ship; this was revenge on the boys of Neverland. But there are too many cowards on this damn ship to set foot on the island, so instead, they're more than happy to waste no time in taking it out on one boy who was almost helpless in their possession. However, picking a fight with a pirate is probably the worst mistake I've made since being on this ship. Fighting with the captain was different, let's say, it was just as bad, but at least the show was over pretty quickly. This time, the crew members started this fight on their own. After I was thrown into one disagreement with thankfully only one person involved, it only led to attracting a crowd. I guess they don't get much excitement as they used to, so having an enemy on board must really give them the upper hand in getting back at what they lost.

"Alright lads, as satisfying as this is, I'm afraid Pan wants the package alive," I heard the sour voice of the captain speak over the crew.

I winced as the last kick was given before they began to back away from me, quickly obeying their captain's orders. I pushed myself to my side, away from the side of the ship, before rolling onto my back. I opened my eyes, my vision blurring as I looked up at the large sails that were being pulled back by the wind. After a moment my eyesight cleared and I noticed my breath as I exhaled into the cold night air. I could finally breathe.

It only lasted a couple of seconds before the sudden realisation kicked in and I curled to my side in pain. The bruising and swelling began circulating my entire body, throbbing at every limb that tried protecting myself. The taste of blood was something I should have gotten used to now but the salty displeasing taste still made my stomach turn. I forced myself to swallow knowing the consequence of spitting all over the captain's decks. Learning from the first time was worse enough for me to know to never do it again.

It wasn't too long before the ship fell silent. The crew must have received the captain's orders and moved below deck, a fitting fun night before they would crash down below deck, knocked out faster than the twisted killing drinks they live on each day.

My eyes now caught up on the sounds as I turned to my side as much as my body would let me see someone walking towards me, their boots creaking against the old wood of the deck, each step getting louder before stopping in front of my eyes. I followed the boots, turning my head but to meet the captain's icy blue eyes staring down at me. I tried to scold him back but my face only scrunched in pain as I lay stiff on the deck, now unable to move. The captain let out a bored sigh in response before I felt a hand grip onto one of my wrists and a cold metal hook around my other. I groaned loudly as my body weight was forcibly lifted off the deck and was thrown over the captain's shoulder.

I was in too much discomfort to fight back and the captain had already reached the steps of the main deck for me to try and fight back. It didn't help as they captain began walking down the steps causing my whole body to tense, my muscles aching from the bruising while the blood began to rush to my head. It was enough to concentrate on that I wasn't prepared when the captain had suddenly stopped walking. My stomach fell and so did my body, another groan escaping my lips I hit what I thought to be the hardwood floor that turned out to be the captain's desk.

"Don't you move," The captain snarled as he pointed one his ringed finger at me before letting go of my shirt.

I clenched my teeth and lay still on top of the desk. The only reason I was actually listening to the captain was because I was in too much pain to move. I watched from the corner of my eyes as he stood in front of his bookcases that lined the wall behind his desk. His eyes trailed over the many books, scraps of paper that lined between them and the many maps that were shoved in between pages and shelves. Other glass objects were scattered among shelves, balancing on top of books or using to hold rows from tipping over. His back was facing me so I couldn't see what he was doing but I could hear him opening some kind of box before ruffling things back onto the shelf. I shifted my gaze away from the bookcase as I noticed the captain turning around until he stood over me.

In his hand, he held a green glass bottle unlike any I had ever seen before. The glass itself was edged and curved around the bottle, the design holding a thin shape almost like a large vial. It had no label on it but I could see the liquid moving inside the glass. I had never seen such a vibrant green liquid before. It looked so elegant compared to the other flasks the captain would carry around. I averted my eyes away from the entrancing bottle before turning to the captains flickering blue eyes. He still gave me a burning look of hatred; one look we both exchanged all the time. He removed the cork from the glass bottle, his cold stare never leaving mine as he held it out to me.

"Drink up," He spoke harshly, sounding almost threatening.

I managed to hold myself up on my elbows before grabbing the bottle out of his hand. In doing so, I could see a slight smirk curling on his lips. I knew it couldn't be poison because the captain would lose the deal if he killed me. The liquid in the bottle surprisingly didn't have much of an intoxicating smell. It made the more confused when I noticed that the liquid in the bottle had barely been touched, the entire bottle was full. I looked back up to the captain.

"What is it?"

The captain let out a low chuckle as he twirled the cork in between his fingers, lost in a train of thought as he spoke.

"There is a tale of the green fairy spell that would twist a pirates mind if he was lost out at sea, daydreaming of the undiscovered voyages that no man had heard of," The captain paused as he turned to me. He saw that I didn't understand but his smirk never left his face.

"Let's just say, you will forget the pain."

Forgetting the pain...

Right now, that's all I wanted.

My hand tightened around the green glass bottle as I brought it to my lips. I could see the captain watching as I tilted the bottle. I instantly brought the glass bottle away from my mouth once I had swallowed, the sour taste remaining present on my tongue. It didn't burn, in fact, it was quite the opposite; it was soothing. The taste was like no other. It unleashed a craving that I couldn't stop. My mind was already at rest, all I needed was for the pain to be too.

I felt my fingers tingling as I took short breaths, my eyes plastered on the bottle in my hand. I needed more and I wanted more. I found the glass bottle already at my lips, the liquid running down my throat as I swallowed more of the substance tilting the bottle higher. I couldn't control the urge I had. My only opened when I felt a strong hand push me back down against the desk, the other snatching the bottle from my grasp. I looked up at the captain who now held the glass bottle in his hand, his expression shocked as he looked down at me.

"Bloody hell."

I heard the captain mumble under his breath as he put the cork back into the glass bottle.

After a short moment, I felt a sudden rush, my head beginning to spin as it rolled back against the desk, completely losing sight of the captain. I felt as if a huge weight had been dropped on my body. He was right in a way, that I could slowly feel the pain washing away but it was also doing something else. My whole body was tingling and I could still feel the bitter taste on my tongue as if I was still drinking it. My eyes gazed at the glass bottle that the captain had now placed on the desk. I noticed that it wasn't the bottle itself that was green but the liquid inside. There was only a small amount left, no more than a few mouthfuls. If the captain hadn't of removed it from my hand, I would have drunken it all and judging by the captain's reaction, it wouldn't have been the best decision.

I only just noticed the whole room spinning when I looked down at the captain's feet that were walking across the polished wooden floorboards. I hadn't even realised he had taken me off the desk and had me over his shoulder. It was a familiar feeling as I felt my stomach drop again, this time falling onto the small couch that I slept on each night in the captain's quarters. My eyes trailed for a moment until I finally found the captain standing above me, my eyes struggling to let me focus on anything.

"You were only meant to have a couple drops," The captain spoke bitterly, "You're lucky I stopped you when I did."

I smirked as I rolled onto my back to face the captain although it was hard to just focus on him since the whole room was swirling around him.

"Does the captain suddenly care?" I chuckled.

His expression instantly turned fierce with rage. I knew this, yet the feeling of nerves was gone. I blinked slowly to then see the captain hovering over me, his fist clenched around my shirt as he gritted his teeth.

"Trust me, I'll be handing you off to Pan in the worst condition you could imagine," The captain spat in anger. "I'll make you wish you never left that island."

I couldn't help but laugh as I remembered how long it did take me to plan an escape off the island. It took so long that when I had finally escaped I thought I had lost my mind. I thought it was another one of Pan's tricks or one of the games he would play. It was never a game you could win because Pan already had everyone where he wanted them. It would send your mind to the craziest and darkest of places if you weren't careful. Yet here I am, once again, three years later and it feels as if I had never left.

"What's the matter, captain?" I asked as I noticed his cold blue eyes sharpen, "We used to be friends, what changed?" I grinned.

I felt as if I had no control over what I was saying.

I wasn't going to lie; it felt good to say whatever I wanted.

I felt his grip around my shirt tightening before his hand moved to my neck. I could see the rage he held in his eyes, that anger had remained there for some time. His want for revenge, and his envy that he couldn't have it.

"I can't believe I even considered you to be one of us. If it weren't for this deal I would have killed you the first time you betrayed us," The captain spoke through gritted teeth.

I felt his hand squeezing my neck while his silver hook placed under my chin pushing my head back making it easier for him to take the air out of my lungs. My head leaned further back into the small cushion that was placed under my head. No matter how slowly I blinked the ceiling still span in circles. I could see green mist floating around the room getting twirled into a spiral of the ceiling. It was beyond anything I had experienced before and I still felt the thirst for more of the emerald green liquid.

I guess I was lost in my own world to not notice that the captain was chocking me to death. I couldn't breathe but didn't feel the need to. That was until the captain removed his hand and I found myself chocking. I heard a huff of anger from the captain as I watched him leave the room, or what I thought was the room. I'm not even sure I could see the difference anymore. I didn't matter as I would soon wake up the next day to see the captain again, all the days I will be counting down, suffering in the hands of the pirates until the deal is done. Until then, no matter how bad things get, they can't kill me, the captain can't kill me.

I just have to keep waiting.


Will's POV

"Will?"

I lifted my head and quickly stood up from the ground. Once I had turned around I froze, my legs heavy as they planted to the ground. I hadn't seen her in so long. She looked at me with pleading eyes as she too stood still. So much has happened that we both didn't know what to do. I could see the worried look on her face as she looked over me. I didn't know what to do; I just swallowed the lump in my throat and slowly found my voice.

"Emily."

I couldn't help it. I said her name and felt as if I was chocking inside. My eyes burned as several tears escaped my eyes soaking into my already stained cheeks before falling from my chin. I felt weak for crying in front of her but this is how she made me feel...as if I was breaking apart as if I was losing everything important to me. After all that we have been through, all I can think about is her wanting leave. That empty feeling returned as I looked at her, the feeling of self-worth slipping, like I would be nothing if she had left, that I would be alone forever. I couldn't take it anymore, the nightmares every night, the constant worry of her leaving for good, and now she was standing right before me. I grabbed my hands together to stop them from shaking. I didn't want her to see me like this, not after losing Fin.

"Will, I am so sorry," Emily whispered.

I could see it all on her face, the pain and guilt.

I gripped the white crystal in my hand. It was all that I had left of Fin. I held it tightly as I backed away from her as she moved closer to me. I could see a look of hurt change in her eyes as she hesitated when she saw me move away.

I couldn't let this happen again…I can't go through this again.

Emily's POV

I could feel my eyes slowly blurring as I tried to hold back my tears. I watched with desperate eyes feeling my stomach tighten in guilt as I looked at Will who was staring back at me in shock, tears falling helplessly from his eyes. His skin was so pale with dark circles under his eyes. He looked like he hadn't of slept in days. It was tearing me apart to see him like this and know that I was the reason why he was barely surviving this test. That if I hadn't of been so self-centered and had of actually looked after him the way he did to me like I should have...then we wouldn't be in this situation. And what did I do instead? I betrayed and hurt the one person that cared for me. I tried to leave thinking it could be my one chance but I was so caught up that I didn't know I was leaving behind the one person that made me feel sane, and the one person that made me feel safe here. I never wanted it to happen, and I wish it would have never happened. I just wanted to talk to him; I wanted to tell him how I really felt.

"Will, I am so sorry," I tried to apologise but it came out as a whisper.

I could see his object placed in his hand, he was holding onto it so tightly that if he would have dropped it then the delicate crystal could shatter into a thousand tiny pieces. I tried to take a calming breath before taking a step forward. Seeing him back away from me made me stop, I looked at him and I could see the betrayal in his eyes as he slowly backed away.

I suddenly realised the worst and my stomach sank at the sight of him moving away. I feel like I was going to lose him, this was my chance to bring things back to normal and my chance was slipping. I couldn't look away from his scared and hurt expression as he moved away from me. Before I could do anything else the tears I had been forcefully holding back had finally fallen at the thought that I could be too late, that there was no changing what I had done and the way Will sees me now.

I watched carefully through blurred eyes as Will wiped away his stained face quickly before looking back at me, his eyes now narrowing as he took a deep breath. He stood his ground and faced me and I never felt more nervous and scared. I could hear my pulse beating as I waited for him to say something.

"Please don't," I heard him speak softly as he lifted his head so I could hear him better, "You made it very clear that you wanted to leave," Will spoke with anger. I could see the redness in his eyes as he glared at me. "I thought you cared!"

"I do care Will!" I said truthfully but the look on his face told me he didn't believe me.

"Then why did you want to leave us behind!" Will shouted, "You were going to leave us behind!" He took a breath as he looked to the ground to regain himself. "...leave me behind."

"I never wanted to leave you behind, Will," I tried desperately to explain to him. "Connor had used some kind of dust to knock me out and kidnapped me. When I woke up he had the chance to escape right there and then, and before I could even think-"

"You chose to leave. You wanted to leave and you would have if Pan hadn't of stopped you," Will interrupted me, his eyes cold as he breathed heavily. "You made that decision and now I'm making mine."

I looked at Will with pleading eyes. I knew I wasn't ready to hear what he was about to say.

"Once we finish this test, you and I…we won't be friends anymore," Will paused as he looked up from the ground, his eyes looking directly to mine, "It will be exactly what you wanted, it will be as if you left."

No…

I didn't have to blink; I only stood still, my tears being the only thing that moved as they fell from my eyes, the salt burning and distorting my sight. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I didn't know what to do anymore...I felt as if there was nothing I could do. I was sad but also angry that it didn't matter what I said, Will still won't forgive me and it scared me most that he might never forgive me or trust me again. I didn't want this to happen; I didn't want to lose him. I could see the hurt in his eyes like it had pained him to say it as much as it pained me to hear it.

It was only when he began to turn to walk away for good that I felt something inside me break.

"Will please!" I begged in hope that he would stop but he didn't.

I went to step forward but a voice stopped me before I had the chance.

Let him go.

Pan's voice rang through my head and I felt more tears escaping my eyes as I shook my head.

Emily, let him go.

I didn't want to let Will go. I care about him!

I ignored Pan's voice and ran.

"Will, please listen to me!" I said and to my surprise, he turned around, except his look of anger grew as his red-stained eyes now narrowed.

Being this close to him and seeing how different he looked made me stop in my tracks.

I did this to him…

"I don't care what Connor did!" Will raised his voice, his chest rising and falling as he looked me in the eyes. "...it was what you did!"

I could hear the frustration in his tone. His words only weighed down the endless surging regret that sunk my stomach because I knew he was telling the truth. I knew that it was my fault. It was my mistake to even consider leaving Will behind when we promised we would both escape together, and I had completely abandoned him. It was a stupid mistake that I wish I had never made.

"Emily you wouldn't understand!"

Will glared at me, his expression showing one I had never seen before.

"You don't know what it's like to lose someone important to you! You have never had anyone to care for, you just care about yourself!" Will yelled.

His voice created silence between the both of us in the open area of the jungle. I could only stare at him and let his words repeat in my head while Will's face fell in the realisation of what he had said. He held his hands up and I could see that they were slightly shaking. His voice was quiet now as he spoke.

"Emily I-"

He stopped himself short when my eyes fell to the ground. I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked down to the ground letting my hair fall in front of my face. I was already a mess; I didn't want him to see me break.

I could just hear the wind flowing and the rustling of leaves between the trees around us, but that was it. The yelling had stopped and it was just...quiet.

I've never seen Will this way before. It felt strange as if the time we spent apart after what happened with Connor has led him to hate me.

Does Will really hate me?

I watched as the ferns on the ground blurred together just for a moment until I felt that familiar wet substance building up and stinging my eyes before soaking my cheeks.

You don't know what it's like to lose someone important to you! You have never had anyone to care for, you just care about yourself!

What he said hurt.

I thought he knew me better than this.

No...it was my fault that Will is angry at me and I had to fix it.

I curled my fists and wiped my eyes with the back of my hand before looking back up at Will who was standing still, his lips parted.

I knew he couldn't have really meant it but the truth was he was right.

"You're right. I don't know what it's like to lose someone important to me because I've never had anyone care for me."

I finally built the courage to look him in the eyes as I continued.

"But I do know what it's like to be alone. I know that feeling because I've felt it my whole life! My whole life has just been a mistake! Since I was born I wasn't wanted, I wasn't good enough for my parents or anyone for that matter!"

I caught my breath and sighed.

"I know exactly what it's like to be alone."

I noticed another tear had not only escaped my own eyes but also Will's.

"Ever since I came to this damn island I've experienced the worst but I pushed through because one person told me that I deserved better, that I mattered and he also taught me what it's like to care for the people closest to you."

I took a step closer to Will who only stared at me in shock, not speaking a word.

"Will, I care about you more than I have anyone else and I would never leave you!" I ended up speaking louder before finally calming down.

I waited for him to say something but he stood silently. I don't know if he would forgive me but I had to tell him how I really felt, he had to know that I do care about him.

"You should walk away before you get hurt again."

My eyes narrowed as I heard Pan's voice echoing in my head.

Get out of my head Pan.

I heard his chuckle as if he were standing right beside me.

"Emily, you are the one letting me in your head. You are the one who wants me to stay."

I don't...

"Then why am I still here. You have no control over your mind because it's clouded and confused."

"Emily, I'm sorry."

My eyes widened as I looked up at Will. I heard the words leave his mouth only in a faint whisper, his expression softening as his hazel green eyes looked up from his feet and met mine, he waiting for me to stay something.

"Emily-"

I heard Pan's voice start but I cut him off as I quickly walked up to Will.

Pan, I hope you're watching.

I could hear his voice sharpen in anger.

"No, stop...what are you doing!"

Proving to myself that you have no control over me. In other words...I'm clearing my mind.

Will looked at me in confusion but before he could say anything I grabbed hold of his shirt, closed my eyes and placed my lips on his. Will stepped back in surprise but he didn't pull away. His lips were soft though the rest of him stood stiffly. I wasn't sure how he was going to react, I thought he would have pushed me away instantly and be even angrier, but it was the complete opposite.

After a moment I loosened my grip on Will and pulled away, breaking the sudden kiss. I opened my eyes and instantly felt the heat rising to my cheeks as I realised how close we still were. His hazel green eyes opened, locking with mine. I could hear his uneven breaths as he gazed down at my lips.

Will's POV

My eyes slowly opened as Emily pulled away. The electric feeling that was running through me had suddenly come to a stop. I looked into her eyes that were widened in shock at what she had just done. I was filled with regret after yelling at her. I shouldn't have said the things I did, I was so caught up in the rage I had towards Connor that I took it out on Emily. I blamed her for what Connor did and it made me so mad that I couldn't control what I was saying. When she fell silent I thought she was going to hate me, I thought she would never talk to me...I thought that was going to be the end and I had realised what a big mistake I had made.

But then she kissed me.

I couldn't believe it at first until her soft lips moved against mine sending a warm electric feeling through me, reminding me of the person I truly knew standing in front of me, but just as I went to pull her closer she pulled away. Our faces still only a couple inches away and I could see the rosy pink rising to her cheeks, bringing out the golden brown flecks in her eyes once she realised too. I bit my lip, unsure of what I should do. We always had a connection but it was nothing like this. This was different, it felt different.

I noticed her expression change as her eyes lowered to the ground. She looked unsure and a little scared of what she should do.

I can't believe I spoke to her like that!

I clenched my fists and looked down to my feet. I won't let it happen again. I'll protect her and make sure we both get away from here just as I promised her I would. I don't know what was going to happen to us now but for the first time in a long time, being with Emily and having her here with me now, knowing we were both safe, made me feel at peace. I couldn't let her go, not now. Not while we were so close.

I glanced at her lips and placed my hand on her cheek stroking it softly. I wanted to kiss her but as I moved closer to her my eyes squinted as the sunlight hit my face. The warmth grew stronger just like it did each time the sun would set over Neverland.

Wait...the sun was setting.

That also meant that the day was coming to an end and this test was going to finally be over.

I forced myself to pull away from Emily, watching as the sun directly passed through the trees and into my eyes. Emily looked at me with confusion until she followed to the direction I was looking. She must have understood as her expression turned to a look of concern. We both put our feelings aside for now and focused on what was more important and that was getting out of this test alive.

She quickly turned to me, "Can we still make it?" Her eyes flickered in panic.

I squeezed her hand in reassurance before letting go.

"We have to hurry," I spoke hearing the nervousness in my own voice.

The truth was, I wasn't even sure if we were going to make it or not.

I placed the small crystal that was all I had left of Fin into my pocket.

"I'm so proud of you Will. I know you will get out of here one day, and I know she will help you find your way..."

I took a deep breath before glancing at Emily. Fin was right; Emily did help me find my way. I wasn't going to let either one of them down.

I turned my back towards the sun, Emily following my actions as we both began to run.

Emily's POV

I let a small smile escape my lips as Will squeezed my hand. He was trying to comfort me but the concerned look on his face was also telling me that this was the last step, the final stage until this test was over. I was scared we weren't going to make it but I had no time to be scared anymore. We had come this far, been through so much to get this far, all the boys have...there was no way I was going to give up now, not when we were so close. I had finally gotten Will back; I wasn't going to lose anyone else in this test.

I ignored the pain that my body had been put through and ran after Will as we both bolted through the jungle, passing each tree and brush as fast as we could.

I could feel the ground under my feet getting firmer with less fallen branches in the way and that's when I knew we were getting close. The shadows of trees began to form in front of us as the sun behind us began to slowly set through the trees. My lungs burned and my throat was dry from forcing myself to breathe without having had much water in the last day as we ran. I felt a sense of relief as I noticed the line of trees that surrounded campus and the break off between the thick jungle was just in the distance.

We were here; we were going to make it.

Will and I began to slow down and soon came to a stop just before the line of trees. The both of us breathing heavily, trying to catch our breaths back but there was no time. I watched as Will quickly reached his hand into his pocket and held out the small crystal that he rolled out in the palm of his hand. His face fell as he stared down at it. I stood by his side and looked more closely at the small crystal. Will's fear.

There was only one thing I could think of, and that was Fin. I remember Ben telling me about him and how hurt Will was after Pan had taken him away. I lowered my head and thought about how much Will had gone through...not only how much pain I had put him through but him having to face his darkest fear completely alone. No wonder he was so angered and hurt when I tried to apologise. He was scared of being hurt again, afraid of losing someone again.

I tightly held onto Will's arm as I looked over his saddened face.

"Will, I'm sorry about Fin and for hurting and not being there for you," I spoke softly.

Will did something I thought he wouldn't do. He turned to me and gave me a small smile.

"It's okay, we both made some stupid mistakes but I know it won't happen again," Will paused before looking down at the small crystal, "Fin's not gone completely, I know he will always be with me."

A warm smile was brought to my face as I looked down at the crystal.

"Let's finish this test," I said as I pulled out the sword Ben had given to me, the same sword that saved my life and the same sword that helped me destroy my darkest fear.

Will and I both looked up at the clear barrier that was placed in front of the line of trees. I carefully focused on the barrier and after a moment I could see what looked like little water ripples running up the clear barrier. Looking from the right angle was the only way you would be able to tell there was a barrier placed at all. I turned towards Will and he gave me a small nod indicating it was safe to pass through. Staring straight ahead, I could no longer see the barrier, it appeared as nothing more than the jungle ahead.

Once gripping the sword tightly my attention instantly became drawn down to the bright green light that began illuminating the blade. The crystal in Will's hand was also shining a light blue. We watched our objects carefully as the light on both began to fade and flicker, warning us that we were almost out of time, that the test was coming to its end. I took a breath in, stepping forwards and walking through the barrier feeling the electric field tingle my skin. By passing through the barrier the sword returned back to the silver blade it once was.

I sighed in relief knowing we had made it through, that we have finally finished this test. Will held the same pleased expression but once his eyes met with mine we both turned away. I thought of the kiss and I guess Will had too. I didn't know what I was feeling. I needed a way to get through to him; I need him to believe that I still care for him. I don't know what had come over me to kiss him, maybe it was the situation we were in and the thought of losing him for good was too much. He is my best friend, but I wasn't sure how to feel now.

"Shall we find Ethan and Ben?" Will questioned, pipping in.

Will's POV

Emily and I are finally both on the same page, perhaps a little confused from the sudden kiss but now I understand. I should have trusted her, she was trying to prove that to me before and I didn't listen. I think for now we just need to go back to our normal selves, especially after everything that has happened in this test. I got Emily back; I knew she was safe, now all we had to do was find Ethan and Ben. I left my thoughts and turned to Emily, playfully nudging her in the arm.

"Shall we find Ethan and Ben?" I suggested to which Emily smiled warmly and nodded in agreement.

It had been so long since I had seen the two of them.

We walked through the final line of trees and set across the grass that surrounded the open area of campus. I looked around at the line of huts and the large bonfire where most of the boys were gathered. It seems like the majority of the boys had already come back. Some of the younger boys were sitting at the bonfire while the older boys tended to others that were hurt. I was relieved to see so many who had come back safely. Now it was just time to find-

"WILL, COME HERE!"

A grin instantly spread across my face as I heard a high pitch voice yell.

I groaned but laughed as a familiar blonde haired Ben jumped on top me and tackled me to the ground. I could barely breathe as Ben squeezed me into a bear hug but that didn't stop me from hugging Ben back just as tight.

"Man, am I happy to see you!" Ben grinned as he finally let me go and helped me up off the ground.

I smiled and dusted the dirt off of my clothes.

"It's good to see you too Ben."

His blue eyes sparkled with joy despite the life-threatening test we were just put through. I guess that's what I loved about Ben, he could always make the best out of the worst situations, that...or he's lost his head, either way, Ben will always be Ben.

"So...where's my woman?" Ben asked, clasping his hands together in excitement.

I gave him a blank look while he fixed his hair but eventually did look to my side in confusion to find Emily was gone.

"She's around here somewhere, we both passed through the barrier together," I explained to Ben while looking between the bonfire and the huts to spot her but I had no luck.

I knew she passed through the barrier with me, she was safe somewhere in campus.

Ben pouted. "Too bad, I was going to kiss her."

I almost choked as I turned to Ben.

"You w-what?"

"Well, I did save her life and all, twice actually!" Ben noted before crossing his arms. "Can't a boy get a bit of love around here?"

I relaxed knowing Ben was only fooling around, well, at least I think he is.

"Why?" Ben suddenly asked and I couldn't help but feel my cheeks burning up.

"N-Nothing," I replied.

My eyes widened as Ben suddenly appeared right in front of me, grabbing my face with one hand. He squished my cheeks and began tilting my face side to side as he curiously inspected me. Ben stopped turning my head but still squished my face as he looked at me suspiciously.

"What's up with your face?" Ben asked in all seriousness.

I furrowed my eyebrows.

"W-what?" I mumbled barely being able to talk.

"It looks weirder than usual," Ben said.

I rolled my eyes before moving his hand off my face but as soon as I did Ben gasped loudly which made me jump in surprise.

"I know that face!" Ben said quickly, his blue eyes narrowed as he grabbed my shoulders. "You're hiding something!"

"No. No, I'm not-" I paused before quickly changing the subject, "H-Heyy, where's Ethan?" I asked quickly.

I was actually curious about where Ethan was. Ben pulled away from me and looked around. I soon began to worry once I saw Ben's face fall.

"Hasn't he come back yet?" I asked Ben who turned back to me.

"I've been keeping a lookout on the barrier but I haven't seen him yet."

The nerves began building in my stomach as I looked in the distance to see the sun setting.

Ben and I watched the barrier as the sun slowly began to set through the trees.

"Will, he's going to make it, right?"

"He has to."

I felt my pulse beating quickly as the light of the sun quickly fell darker and darker. Ben fists were clenched while his eyes concentrated straight ahead at the first line of trees. Neither of us made a sound, we just waited.

"Times almost up," We heard Pan call over the boys.

My eyes lit up as a boy came through the first line of trees. He was out of breath but continued walking through. As he got closer to the bonfire I could clearly see his face but it wasn't Ethan. He met with some of the boys at the bonfire who surrounded him. I turned my attention back to Ben, his eyes glued to the barrier. He didn't look away. I felt my stomach drop as the last bit of sun was about to turn to darkness.

"Will-"

"He's going to make it," I said.

I could hear my heartbeat pulsing in my head as night soon fell, that's when I noticed something moving between the trees.

"Ben look!" I said squinting my eyes, "It's Ethan!"

And it was Ethan, he had just run through the barrier.

A smile rose to my face when I could see him more clearly as he walked closer. I turned to Ben but he was no longer standing beside me. He took off running after Ethan. I chuckled before running after him, watching as Ben didn't slow down his pace and by the time Ethan had noticed it was too late, Ben had tackled him to the ground earning a loud groan from Ethan.

Ben un-wrapped Ethan from the hug and his face changed to a look of anger.

"Ethan you little shit!" Ben shouted as he hit him across the arm, "Your lazy ass was late and it almost got you killed!"

Ah, friendship at its finest.

Ethan flinched and chuckled as Ben punched his arm but eventually Ben gave in, excitement taking over as he hugged Ethan once again.

"Don't scare me like that!" Ben said.

I laughed pulling Ben off once I saw Ethan's face turning red from Ben suffocating him. I pulled Ethan up from the ground and gave him a hug.

"Finally this test is over," Ethan sighed as the three of us walked towards the bonfire where the other boys were gathered.

We all faced our darkest fears and we made it out of this death test, surprisingly alive.

As we were walking I noticed Ethan clenching his hand over his chest, his face scrunched in pain. I was about to ask him what was wrong but Pan spoke up.

"Congratulations to all of you for completing this test. You have shown each of your individual skills and strengths through many challenges. It wasn't easy, but you have all been able to survive your darkest fears and make it out alive on your own. You have proven to me that you all have what it takes to be the lost boys!"

All the boys erupted in cheers and howls as Pan lifted his dagger into the air, a smirk rising to his face as he turned to the bonfire before throwing a handful of dust into the pits of the bonfire causing the already burning flames to spark as they rose into the air. The boys began to cheer even louder as the smoke from the large flames burned into the night sky.

"Let us celebrate with a feast!" Pan shouted over the boy's shouts and howls.

A few boys dragged out two deer that had been hunted and ready to be thrown onto the fire. The boys crowded around the bonfire as the meat began to cook. The first thing I could think about doing was going straight to sleep but I knew it was going to be a long night.


I walked over to where Ben and Ethan were sitting and passed Pan who was talking with Felix. I moved through the boys so I wasn't noticed by Pan but close enough to hear what they were saying.

"How many?" Felix asked.

Pan stopped eating and clenched his fists, his expression blank yet his eyes flickered over the flames of the fire.

"We lost four."

I felt my body freeze even though I forced myself to keep walking past. All the boys had been so relieved that the test had come to an end that we didn't even realise this was a death test, you had to survive to pass the test and four boys didn't make it.

Why didn't Pan tell us?!

After a moment I controlled my anger and thought about it carefully. Pan probably didn't tell the boys because they had already been through enough, some barely making it through. If it wasn't now, I'm guessing it would only be a matter of time before Pan had to tell the truth.

"Will?" Ethan laughed as he stopped clicking in front of my face once I turned to him.

I wasn't going to tell Ethan or Ben just yet. We had all been through a lot and we had just gotten each other back.

"Where's Emily?" Ethan asked.

"I-I don't know," I spoke in true honesty but mentally kicked myself for stuttering because Ben's eyes widened and he gasped making the same face as he did last time he asked me.

"Don't you see?!" Ben shouted, making both Ethan and I jump.

"See what?" Ethan asked turning to me with a confused look.

Ben gave me another strange look while I tried my best to act normal to Ben's liking.

"Suspicious!" Ben hissed as he pointed at my face as if declaring that was my name.

Thankfully Ethan rolled his eyes giving up on asking what Ben really meant.

I looked over all the boys to see if I could spot Emily but she wasn't here. I turned around to look down the line of huts but there was no windows lit.

Where is she?

Emily's POV

I inhaled deeply and turned onto my back, rubbing my eyes awake.

I was sleeping?

I opened my eyes and tried to think of what had happened but my mind was clouded. I couldn't remember what had happened after Will and I had made it through the barrier and walked into campus. I ran my hand over the soft fur-quilt that was placed over my body.

I was in my hut?

I felt a cold shiver run along my skin as I looked at the room that was much bigger than my hut. It was twice the size with bamboo covered walls holding different books and papers that were scattered all over the room. There were all sorts of plants that were tied with string up against a rack on the far wall. I felt my stomach drop as my eyes widened at not only the size of the room but also the size of the bed. I quickly flipped the covers and crawled out of the unknown bed, backing myself away from it until I reached the wall behind me.

What happened?

Did the test end?

I struggled to control my ragged breathing as I looked out of the small window beside my head to see I was a level higher from the ground of Campus. I swallowed the lump in my throat, moving away from the window as I stood still in the middle of the room realising exactly where I was.

I was in Pan's hut and not only that...

I was in Pan's bed?


Hey Everyone!

I hope you all liked this chapter.

What you think will happen next?

Believe me, some secrets are going to be uncovered soon.

Let me know if you have any thoughts or predictions of what could happen next!

Also please leave me a review! I love reading all of them so thank you for your support!

I'll see you next chapter.

- C