After setting up camp again, we made sure Neal was ok before starting to form a plan. Neal had informed us of how he escaped Neverland when he was a boy. "Pan's Shadow?" Emma repeated. "That's your way off the Island?"

"Unfortunately, it's the only way." Neal replied.

"Oh, we thought you learned how to navigate the stars." David commented.

"I know how to navigate the stars, but I can't fly."

"I'm guessing that's where the Shadow comes in." Mary Margaret added. Neal nodded.

"That's why we have to capture it."

"Hold on a second, capture it?" I clarified. "We haven't been able to get close to Pan at all unless he allows us. I'm a pretty good thief, but I doubt even I could sneak close enough to steal his Shadow."

"Except Pan's shadow is rarely with him." Hook stated. "It's an entity unto itself. It can carry out his will from miles away."

"What does that mean for us?" David asked.

"It means we can get his Shadow without having to be anywhere near Pan." Neal reported. "As long as we know where to look. And I know where to look."

"Ok, you and I are on Shadow duty." Emma stated as she and Neal stood.

"As am I." Hook added. "This trek won't be easy. You could use another veteran of the Island."

"Thanks, man." Neal said.

"In the meantime, we'll give Tinkerbell a heads up." David confirmed. "See if she can make good on her promise to get us into Pan's camp."

"Ok, we meet back at Tink's." Emma stated. "Then we get Henry, and get the hell back to Storybrooke." I walked forward, gently touching Emma on the hand to lead her away from the group. "What is it?" She asked.

"I just wanted you to remember what I said about Magic." I said to her. "For each spell, you have to bring forth a different emotion to be able to cast it."

"Like fire being passion?" I nodded in agreement.

"Yeah. I also wanted to give you a quick rundown on some other useful ones. Light comes from hope, and ice from despair. Well, for me anyway. You have to find your own reason for Magic."

"Thanks Hads." Emma said softly. "I wish we could develop our Magic together."

"Me too Em." I replied. "But...if you need help with Magic, maybe ask Emma, or even Fairy Godmother if you ever make it to Auradon."

"Sure." Emma and I shared a tight hug before I gathered my things. I could tell Mary Margaret was mad at both David and I, and I wouldn't blame her. I lied to her face and now I'm stuck here. I was seated next to the fire, checking over my belongings. Curse-Prevention necklace, check. Ben's ring, check. Magic, in working order. And cutlass. I stared at my reflection in the blade, running my thumb down the flat surface of the blade. I gripped it tight, promising that no matter what, I would save Henry.

TIMESKIP

My parents and I soon found ourselves traversing the Dark Jungle once more. David out front with Mary Margaret behind him and me bringing up the rear. David took a drink out of a canteen before offering it to Mary Margaret. "I'm good." The princess stated, walking past him.

"Are you?" David demanded. "Because you've hardly said two words to me since the Caves, either of you." David watched as I brushed past him to follow Mary Margaret. He continued after us. "Hell, since yesterday. Look, I know you're upset that Hadley didn't-"

"Shut up." I snapped, glaring back at David. "Don't speak for me. If you're say anything, apologise for ratting out my secret." I turned on my heel and stalked forward.

"All I was saying was that it may not have seemed fair, that's all I was trying to do. Be fair."

"I think Tinkerbell's is that way." Mary Margaret said. I nodded, following after her. After walking for more time in silence, David spoke up again.

"I think...we're almost at Tink's." He said. Neither Mary Margaret or I responded. "I can see why she picked this area. Nice, quiet jungle. Might make a good spot for a hut, don't you think?" I could feel the question directed at me. "Or a treehouse, if you'd prefer. Hadley, Mary Margaret." We stayed silent. "Snow!" David called. "Hadley! When are you going to start talking to me again! When we're storming Pan's camp? When we're grabbing Henry? When? Both of you, you have to say something." Mary Margaret paused, causing me to as well. She turned on her heel and stood in the middle of David and I.

"Why?" She demanded. "Neither of you did, neither of you told me anything!"

"Look, I was hoping my Dragon Blood would cure me." I said. "I mean, nothing killed the Jabberwok except decapitation. I was going to tell you."

"Ok, but then you did find a cure." Mary Margaret contended. "And you still didn't tell me."

"I know-"

"So what? You were afraid to worry me again."

"No, that's not-"

"No, you didn't! You didn't think!" Mary Margaret shouted at us. "You didn't think I had a right to know that my daughter can never leave this Island and my husband decided to stay with her? Why didn't you tell me?" Maty Margaret turned to me.

"Because I was terrified." I cried.

"Did you think I wouldn't have stayed here with the two of you? After everything we've been through? Did you think I would ever leave your side? Abandon you again?"

"You don't understand." I breathed. "I know you wouldn't want to leave me, and that's what scared me. I grew up with this." I gestured to the world around me. "Hardship, pain, misery. I didn't want to have to experience it too. I never had a choice, Mum, with what happened to me. I didn't want to force my choice on you and make you feel as if you were obligated to stay here. I don't know why Dad wants to say, I think he's stupid for wanting to do so."

"Love means being together." Mum insisted.

"We know." Dad agreed softly. "It also means sacrifice. Protecting the people you love. How could part of me not want you to leave this place? Part of me wishes that I was the one who got poisoned so Hadley would be free to go home."

"I would happily build a tree house and spend the rest of my days dodging poison arrows and Lost Boys and learning how to survive as long as I had you both by my side." Tears started to form in the corners of my eyes. "But you should have told me."

"I know." I whispered. "Mummy, I'm sorry."

"Oh sweetheart." Mum breathed, stepping close and bringing me into a hug. I buried my head in her shoulder as we held each other tight. I felt pressure on my back as Dad joined the hug. "David...Hadley...neither of you believed. You needed to believe in our family."

"You called us Mum and Dad." Dad realised. "This whole trip." I let out a laugh, separating from the hug.

"I mean, that is who you are." I said, wiping my cheeks. "I just needed to take some time."

"Take all the time you need." Mum told me.

"And...if it's ok with you…" I looked up at my parents through my lashes. "Can I...call you Mum and Dad?"

"Of course." Dad said, causing me to smile. We then heard a rustle of leaves, and the three of us turned and saw Tinkerbell walking through the green.

"I was wondering if I'd see you again." Tinkerbell said. "But if you've come to talk me into helping you before you've found a way off this Island, I still-"

"We found one." Dad assured. "Or, we're about to."

"I'm not sure I like the sound of 'about to'."

"Pan's Shadow." Mum told her. "Emma went with Hook and Neal to capture it. That's our way off the Island."

"Capture Pan's Shadow? Yeah, I'm not lifting a finger until I see some proof you've actually succeeded."

"Here's all the proof you need." A voice said. We turned and saw the three aforementioned adventurers holding the coconut. "Been a long time, Tink."

"Bae...is it really you?"

'Yeah. Most people call me Neal now."

"We did it." Hook snapped. "Are you finally ready to do your part, Tink?"

"Yes." Tinkerbell said, looking around at us. "Yes I am." I smiled, following everyone as we walked back to camp.