He's coming for you...

You better leave while you still can...

Escape before he takes you back...

There's no more time, he's already here!

Run Emily!

I forced my eyes to open as I sat up on the wooden floor, my mouth dry as I tried to calm my breathing down. My hand that was still slightly shaking placed against the hot, sweated skin of my forehead and let an uneasy sigh escape my lips as my growing fever began to blur my vision. These nightmares… the voices, they were all telling me only thing; to escape. They were occurring more frequently now, almost every night, each one the same as the last. The different voices that filled my head let no other noise in, as they shouted desperately until I was forced to wake up, a warning that I could not ignore. To escape from him...escape from Pan.

I slipped my cold feet into my worn-out boots, tugging at the creased brown leather before roughly knotting the frayed laces. I pulled the heavy coat off the rack before closing it over my shoulders, feeding my arms through the sleeves before opening the door. My fever seemed to have been brought down against the cold breeze as I walked along the narrow street of small shops, each one connected to the next holding a different purpose.

I turned to the main road, my steps trailing the single painted yellow line in the middle of the deserted road that continued on as far as the eye could see. I'm guessing I was in the centre of this usual small town. I looked around curiously to see the shops all closed, even the blinds and curtains were drawn behind the glass. There were no people and not a single car lined parked on either side of the street, making the wind howl that much louder. It was a ghost town that had been left in the middle of nowhere. The leaves beside my feet began to roll against the washed-out grey concrete and lift into the air as the breeze got stronger.

Welcome Emily

I was startled at the sudden voice that spoke against the silence of this unknown town, my feet instantly coming to a complete stop at the sound of a boy's voice whispering through the air. I turned around in hopes to find the source of the voice to reassure myself that it wasn't just another voice in my head, but there was not a person in sight. The town remained still as if it had been abandoned for years as the silence continued.

"Is there anyone here?" I called out to the empty street knowing it was a pointless mistake when I got no answer back.

I sighed, lifting my feet to keep walking. It's all in my head…

Not quite

I paused for the second time, the boy's voice now slightly higher in pitch, sounding a lot younger than I was.

"Where are you?!" I called out loud again.

Emily, come find me

I furrowed my brows as the boy's laugh echoed through the empty street. As the wind picked up, so did my feet as it carefully carried the boy's laughter down the main road. I walked faster but soon came to a stop right in front of an old wooden building that had been painted a now faded yellow. I read 'library' on the door that was closed with a large padlock. I stumbled back when hearing someone firmly knocking from the inside of the locked door. I backed away from the old building, my eyes trailing up noticing the large clock that was at the top of the building. I stared up at the old clock in confusion as the time read 8:15. That's strange. The clock tower was quite old so I guess it must be broken.

This way

Now used to the boy's voice that I thought had disappeared had now returned again as it guided from behind me. I quickly turned around following the voice that lead me back to the middle of the main road before its echo soon disappeared. My eyes fell to the ground noticing my feet reached the yellow line again. The wind picked up and the boy's voice soon returned.

He's here. He's coming to get you

"What?" I whispered as the boys voice started to slowly fade again."Who is coming?"

He's coming to take you back

I turned my head to follow the echo of the boy's voice but as my eyes looked out ahead to the main road; my body instantly ran cold as I felt the blood drain from my face. Standing there before me...it couldn't be. He was standing so far away I would almost think I was imagining it, but he really was there. My eyes widened as he lifted his head up so that I could see him clearly. Pan was standing there in the middle of the road, watching me.

The wind moved strands of his lightened brown hair and I soon felt the breeze rush past me. I blinked if not for a second to close my eyes only to open them to see Pan had appeared right in front of me. He exhaled slowly, his green eyes shifting to look to the empty streets as he moved closer. I wanted to move back but my feet were planted to the ground allowing Pan to place his hand against my cheek, his cold fingers slightly grazing my skin. I noticed Pan's green eyes narrowing as they met with mine.

"You're not supposed to be here." Pan said as he soon removed his hand, his face turning to a look of anger. It was a look that I had seen before, one he had shown me when I had broken the rules, "You have a test to finish, don't you?"

The test…

"It's time for you to wake up!" Pan growled.

I gasped and sat up from the rock wall that I had fallen asleep against last night and instantly rose to my feet as Pan stood in front of me with angered green eyes. I moved my hands along the rock was and took a step to move away from him which caused a look of frustration to fall over his face over Pan's face as he grabbed hold of arms, holding me still in front of him against the rock wall. Trying to fight against his strong grip would only be pointless, and judging by the look on his face, if I attempted to do so, it would only make things worse. I let out an irritated huff as I felt my back press into the rocks. I couldn't move, and that's exactly what he wanted.

"What was that place?" I asked firmly, only for Pan to cut me off.

"Don't talk."

My angered eyes met his as he placed his hand against my cheek, just as he did before, although now it felt different. His hand was warm, in a frightening yet comforting way I knew he was really here, that this was really happening and not just another nightmare. It also made me realise that Pan was there, in that ghost town and in my head. He brought me back here…he woke me up, but was that a dream?

"You were there." I said to which Pan's eyes narrowed.

"You really have the audacity to talk after I told you not to."

I gritted my teeth.

"Yes, yes I do." I said mocked cockily, which caused Pan to let out a breathless chuckle as he lifted my chin up slightly so that I was forced away from his gaze.

My eyes widened as I felt Pan's fingers graze against my cheek where his hand was still placed before his thumb ran slowly over my bottom lip, only tightly touching the skin.

"You know, I'm surprised at how daring you can be, especially in a test like this where the fate of your life is in my control." Pan's words slurred off his tongue, his voice husk yet still holding a threatening tone as he brought my chin down to stare back into those piercing green eyes.

"You might not be aware of your darkest fears, but I can tell you they're not a pretty thing to overcome." Pan smirked as he pulled his hand away. "I've seen them, but I guess the real question is, are you ready to see them yourself?"

Pan moved away from me allowing me enough space to move off the rock wall. I realise what Pan's doing. He's taunting me, trying to get under my skin and make me fear him like the rest of the boys do and I'm not going to let it happen.

"I don't know if you have noticed yet, but I'm not just another one of your weak lost boys that you can control and push around. You can taunt and threaten me all you like, Pan. It hasn't worked in the past and it certainly isn't working now, but do keep trying. You're only wasting your time and mine."

A satisfied grin easily curled through his lips as I kept my glare.

"The voices in your head seem to tell you otherwise." Pan said smugly as he watched me carefully before continuing, "My words may not get to you, but yours most certainly do."

He took a couple of steps away until I could stand comfortably before turning his attention back to me, his grin now turned to a smirk.

"Since you argue that I have misjudged you from the other boys, I think we should test your belief."

The slight excitement I caught in his tone made my skin run cold.

"Let's call it a practice round, a challenge if you will." Pan proposed with enthusiasm before letting out a light chuckle.

I couldn't help but notice the bright green flecks in his eyes shift as his pupils dilated.

"We'll see what you truly believe in."

Once I had planted my feet firmly on the ground, sweat had engulfed my body and my head began to spin. My mouth was dry and trying to walk through a jungle this thick and humid with no path to follow was going to kill me before this test could get a chance to. I had been so focused on hunting for food and surviving through the first night that I had completely forgotten about water. It was the one thing Ethan had always told me was the most important. My last mouthful of water was yesterday by the stream but it was only a small mouthful since the day was almost at its end. It was only enough to keep me going to hunt and prepare for the night. I was definitely dehydrated and had to find some form of water fast or I wasn't going to make it through this test.

I moved through the trees as quickly as I could without stopping. Moving downhill was helping fight through my exhaustion but after what seemed like a few minutes I noticed my pace slowing down, my legs dragging behind more than they should as they began to feel heavy. I looked down and noticed a thick, wet, brown substance covering my boots that splattered and sunk slightly with each step I took. Mud meant that there had to be water; a lake, river or stream…there had to be something nearby. I walked in between a couple trees then climbed up the slippery rocks which were covered in mud. I looked out only to be disappointed to see a small swamp that was had plant roots sunken under the green water along the banks that was definitely not clean enough to drink from.

I had almost given up, already losing my energy as I continued walking past the swap and through the jungle again that seemed to grow more foreign the more I moved through it. The vegetation around me turned to different shades of green that were more darkly coloured while the trees I moved through grew thicker, their roots twisting and feeding into the ground that was nearly covered. I did make it somewhat harder to walk on roots and I had almost lost my balance when I suddenly stepped into something soft. I looked down to see my feet sinking into fine white sand that was sparkling against the sun's rays. I looked up and my face fell in shock to see the large open space that was cut out from the jungle. The sand surrounded a beautiful lagoon that was mixed with the clearest shades of light blue in reflection of the sky, while red and orange rocks cut around the other side in the distance. I sunk my feet into the shallows, not bothering to take my boots off as I walked to the water.

I brought my hands down capturing as much water that my hands would allow me to hold before bringing it to my mouth. I savoured the refreshing taste but my thirst for more water only grew stronger as I sunk my hands beneath the clear surface to continue drinking until I was satisfied enough to stop.

Taking a calming breath, I lifted my heavy boots through the swallows but to my surprise they had suddenly dropped from under me causing my body to completely submerge to my neck. I kicked my feet and moved my arms just below the surface to tread water. I couldn't believe the lagoon had suddenly dropped off; I had only walked a few steps. I ducked my head under, feeling the water coat through my hair and relax my body as I floated on the surface of the lagoon, closing my eyes as the sun hit my face.

"We'll see what you truly believe in…"

The second I let my mind wonder, the sooner I realised I was still in this test. I ignored Pan's words that remained lingering in my head and turned in the water to swim back to the ledge of sand to get out of this lagoon. Before I could take a single stroke towards the swallows I felt something move through the water against my leg. I quickly looked down but couldn't see anything, but what I did notice was how truly deep this lagoon was. From what I know, lagoons were not deep. I should be able to see the bottom but all there was to see was the dark blue hues. My eyes widened as I felt something slithering against my leg once again and that was when I noticed a large dark shadow moving under my feet. There was definitely something under me.

I held my breath before looking under the water. Thankfully, unlike the ocean, I was able to open my eyes without feeling a burning sensation. Even though my vision was blurred, what I saw was clear enough that I felt a cold wave of fear run through my body. It held the shape of a human, but its long hair moved through the water swiftly, while an odd shape curved through the rest of its body from their hips down. Even at that depth where the sun's rays could hardly be seen shining through the water, they still seemed to reflect off its shiny coat. It swam up closer causing my legs to instinctively kick away from the unknown creature. I waited until it had swum around to face me and almost chocked when I saw none other than what appeared to be a girl. Only this girl also had eyes that began to glow under the water once they met mine and a set of fangs that opened out from behind her lips.

I gasped and kicked my legs eagerly to swim to the surface but before I could move, a strong grip pulled at my ankle until I was forced to take a breath as my head submerged under the surface. My eyes opened and I instantly looked up to the surface to see it gradually getting further away, the creature below me continuing to pull me down to the never-ending depths of this lagoon. My lungs struggling under the pressure, burning and straining to hold the small amount of that was left, my eyes in a distorted state the deeper I was pulled down my this creature. It wasn't until I turned away from the barely visible surface and I looked down to try and get a sense of what this at the creature was that I saw something moving through the water behind the girl. Her legs were replaced by rows of scales, each individual one a turquoise shade that shone brightly as she moved through the water. I perfectly shaped scales down until they came to a stop where a large fin was powering through the water. There was one thing that came to my mind. I wasn't sure why it had taken me so long to realise. Maybe it was because I didn't think it could be true, but it all made sense now. It also made me realise the danger I was in.

I didn't give it a second thought before kicking at her wrist where her hand was tightly latched against my ankle. I heard a high pitch screech followed by a hiss as her grip let go. I tried my hardest, kicking and pulling at the water to get away from this creature but when I had managed to get a certain distance between us, my struggle had been for nothing as she effortlessly swam up to reach me before looking directly into my eyes. Her features were glowing of beauty, yet her piercing blue eyes were sharp as they locked onto me like prey. Her hair was a thick red, flowing around her, while four gills lined her neck on either side below her ears. It was her shark-like teeth that emerged from behind her conniving smile that made me lose the last remaining amount of air I was holding in my lungs.

I watched her eyes narrow as she focused on something just below my neck before letting out another piercing screech, now lunging towards me, her hands grabbing a firm hold of my neck as her nails dug into my skin like knives. My hands instantly grabbed hold of her wrists to try and pull them away but it was no use as they kept slipping from the strange texture that coated her skin. I thought she was trying to drown me but her hands were desperately trying to pull at something around my neck. That's when I remembered I still had the necklace that Pan had given to me around my neck…that's what she was trying to grab.

I placed my hand over the blue pearl which caused another screech to sound through the water causing my ears to ring as her fingernails clawed over my hand and neck, tearing at the skin that had already been cut open. I could feel my lungs swelling as I choked on more water in attempt to swim away from this deadly creature. My attempts were useless and at this rate I would surely drown. I let my remaining hand to reach down and grab out my dagger from my belt. She seemed so focused on wanting that necklace that I was able to quickly stab the blade of the dagger into her body. I wasn't sure where it had it her or if it had killed her but the scratching at my neck stopped after she let out a cry of pain and jolted away from me. I left my dagger in her, having no time to try and retrieve it as I kicked to the surface, my lungs begging for air.

My hand was stretched out to break the surface, soon followed by the rest of my body as I choked up the water that had been sitting in my lungs as gasped for air, taking in as much as I possibly could. I was breathless, my chest rising and falling so quickly to try and get my body functioning again but my mind was still in a panic thinking that creature would come back to finish me off. I turned in the water to see I was in the centre of this large lagoon and tried to find the nearest escape to swim to which were the rocks that lined part of the lagoon. I pulled the water behind me, stroke after stroke before reaching my arm out of the water, rushing to grab the first rock I could to pull myself up from the water. I had managed to lift majority of my body out of the water but before I could place my foot firmly on the rock a hand gripped around my ankle, pulling my leg back in the water. I trembled in horror as I looked back to see the ferocious gaze the creature held on her features. My dagger was still stuck in her body, bloody now covering around the wound, running down her white skin before staining the clear water around her. I turned back holding my grip against one of the rocks but my hands were wet and began slipping. It was no use, the amount of strength this creature had was beyond anything I had seen. If it weren't for my dagger I would have been dragged back in the water by now.

"Help!" I cried out as my fingers began to slip from the rocks. "Please somebody help me!"

Before I could shout for help again I felt someone grab hold of my arms and pull me up on top of the rocks and out of the lagoon. I panted lying clenched against the rocks as the scratches around my neck began to burn now that I was out of the water. I heard footsteps moving behind me and lifted myself to turn onto my back to see a boy standing at the water's edge, his hood over his head while a torch was clenched in his hand as he waved the flame onto the water. The creature hissed at the flames before ducking back under the surface until she was submerged under the water and out of sight. My lips parted in shock as the hooded boy turned around to face me.

"Felix?"

He gave me a sour look before lowering his flaming torch. I could only stare shocked at him as he grabbed my arm and lifted me to my feet.

"Just this once Walker, I better not run into you again."

That was all he said before he walked past me and continued on through the jungle, disappearing before I could even say a word. I definitely was not expecting Felix to come and help me. I guess none of the boys, including Felix wanted to see anyone leave the island.

I stared down at the lagoon that was now perfectly still as if nothing had ever happened. I sighed and reached down to take my boots off and empty out the water before pulling them back over my wet socks. I was drenched but I wasn't planning on staying anywhere near this lagoon to get dry. I decided I needed to keep moving to try and get through the rest of this day. Walking through the jungle was enough to dry up most of my clothes but it didn't change the fact that I had no weapons to defend myself. I was exhausted from trying to fight off that creature and only lasted about an hour until the dense jungle began to change as tree roots soon became large boulders to climb over. It all seemed to make sense once I stopped at the giant cliff of rocks that the jungle was forced to spread around. It made me realise just how big this island truly was.

I stared up at the small mountain of rock before my eyes followed the jungle to judge which option was best to take. It would definitely take too long to try and walk around and it didn't seem too high to climb over. I walked on top of the rocks that replaced the ground and stared up at the cliff seeing large enough flat shaped rocks to climb and rest on the way up. I reached my hand up to start climbing but instantly retrieved it back to my side, letting out a sharp yelp of pain. My face scrunched as my eyes trailed down to see bright red scratch marks all around my neck and chest. The mermaid's nails were like claws and had even managed to cause some of the scratch marks to bleed. I bet she even tried using those teeth too seeing as though she was so desperate to get a hold of that necklace. I cautiously lifted the blue stone necklace that was hidden away under my shirt before resting it in my hand; my thoughts trailing back to the night Pan had told me about these creatures…the mermaids.

"It belonged to a mermaid…"

"She took something of mine so I brought her here and killed her…"

"That stone is probably all that's left of her."

No wonder the mermaid was trying to rip my throat out. I wasn't sure exactly what kind of past Pan had with these creatures but he did tell me he killed on of her kind. Judging from these scratch marks across my neck, she wanted the stone that badly she was willing to claw at me to get it back rather than drown me. It must have happened a long time ago, but those creatures definitely remember what Pan had done even if Pan may have forgotten. It had seemed as if she was waiting there for someone to come lurking around the room and stand in its clear waters. I wondered how many of them were down there but the more I thought about how truly deep it was and the fact that I had almost got clawed and drowned to death made me want to clear those thoughts from my mind.

I ignored the pain and began to climb up the large rocks of the cliff. I kept lifting myself to the next rocks, the sun beating down on my skin causing a thin layer of sweat to cover my body. My clothes were now completely dry once I reached about half way up the cliff to rest. Once again my eyes looked over my fresh wounds around my neck and chest and noticed that the skin was red all over and sweating under this sun was only burning the scratches even more. I lifted my hand over my head to see the top of this rocky terrain wasn't much of climb to go. Determined to get out of the hot sun, I took a calming breath before reaching my hand to place firmly on top of the next rock, finding a reasonable grip to lift myself up. It wasn't long until I had reached the top of the cliff, my eyes widened in shock once I was able to see the view ahead.

The rocky cliff formed a large crescent shape that gradually got lower until the rocks at the bottom of either sides of the small mountain of rock tied in with the jungle that sat waiting at the ground. It mirrored the same way I had climbed up, only with a large drop on this side of the cliff. The jungle that rested at the bottom of this side was not as thick as the side I had come from as only a few groups of trees surrounded the grass filled open space. Ferns and smaller plants I recognised from the jungle filled the area instead and looking down from this height made my legs relax at the thought of finally getting some rest. I wasted no time in thinking any more of it and began to carefully climb down the edges of rocks that surrounded this side of the cliff. After what had seemed like a whole days' worth of climbing my feet finally jumped from the last of the smaller boulders and landed softly against the grass beneath my feet. It was a feeling I had never felt before, the grass was almost like carpet, short and soft to walk on unlike the glass that filled the open area of campus that had been stomped on for so long it felt as if you were walking on the flat ground. I walked felling the soft plants with huge vibrant green leaves brush at my sides and turned around to look up at my surroundings. I had never seen a cliff that was shaped so strangely before. It was almost like a wall of rock that cut the jungle apart. I was amazed that places like this even existed in Neverland. Sure I was yet to discover the whole island but I'm sure this was only a small portion of the island.

The trees that were on this side of the cliff were so different to those I had seen around campus or the jungle districts that were designated spots to hunt in. Thick trunked trees were covered in a light auburn bark, engulfed in all sorts of moss and fungi that formed patterns around the tree down to the large roots that spiralled in and out of the ground, it growth remained a healthy bright green, untouched from being trotted on. I wasn't sure I had seen any before but they caught my eye as I noticed the wild flowers surrounding the ground beneath the large ferns that grew overhead; their spots of red and orange contrasting against the dominant green that overrides the jungle. It made me realise how beautiful Neverland truly was. I was somewhat surprised that everything was so peaceful here, as if it hadn't been discovered yet, remaining undisturbed from any destruction that could come of it, and even if a pair of eyes lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the secret beauty that lied deep within the island, they sure would be entranced to not lay a single finger on it. Even in a test to face my darkest fears where I should fear for my life, all sense of fear seemed to have vanished after discovering a place like this. There was no eerie darkness that followed behind the shadows of the trees, no voices in my head that were warning me of any danger…no sense of being alone.

Now probably wasn't the best time to sleep in a death test but my eyes seemed to have made up my mind for me as they began to forcefully close, becoming heavier as I blinked through blurs of green. I don't remember the last time I had slept properly since the nightmares had remained clouding my dreams but now might finally be my chance. I turned to the shaded area of large plants that looked well hidden and couldn't help myself. I was tired and this could be the only rest I could get for the next couple of days. I should only sleep for a little bit before I keep moving. I fell to my knees and climbed beneath the ferns before lying under the large leaves that created green shadows over my body by blocking out the sun. I rested against the soft grass and closed my eyes knowing I could rest peacefully since this area of the jungle was hidden away and surrounded by cliffs.

I stirred uncomfortably, trying to move without breaking my sleep but something was weighing me down. I rubbed my eyes and slowly let the light seep in, waiting for everything to become clear. Once I had finally regained my consciousness I was able to focus my attention down to the weight that was over my waist but couldn't believe who was beside me.

"Pan!" I almost shouted abruptly out of shock, my eyes opening wide as I tried to back away from his still figure beside me.

I had never seen him in such a state. Pan remained lying on his front beside me despite my outburst; his eyes were shut as the right side of his head rested soundly against the crook of his elbow, his face calm as he too had been sleeping. His other arm now lay resting over my stomach as I sat up. His chest would rise and fall steadily but his relaxed state seemed to have been disturbed as I heard a groan escape his lips before he lifted his head slightly.

"You're a lot less loud and jumpy when you're asleep." Pan replied bluntly as he slowly lifted himself from the ground before standing to his feet. "I guess the fun lasted as long as it did." He continued in a smug tone while wiping his clothes down, his attention then shifting down to my frozen state as a smirk curled through this lips, "But then again, you are only dreaming."

My face fell in confusion to which caused an amused chuckle to escape his lips. He let out a sigh and crouched down before me, my back already against the trunk of the fern keeping me still as Pan filled the remaining space.

"You prefer it like this don't you?" Pan said calmly as he placed his hand softly against my cheek.

I could only stare at him in disbelief, my lips slightly parting to see such a sudden change in his behaviour.

"I've seen it before; you seek to feel warmth because no one has been able to give it to you before…comfort, a way to not feel alone."

I averted my eyes to the ground, pulling myself away from his gaze to see the same shades of green around us as I had in his eyes. I had never thought about it that way, but perhaps he was right. I never did feel comforted as I grew up; I only briefly experienced that warmth of being cared for, but just like everything else, it had left me alone. It was always cold…I was always cold.

I looked back to Pan who was waiting, knowing I had realised it myself.

"Your hands…are cold." I whispered.

Pan hummed, his green eyes shifting as they locked with mine as a light harmless chuckle escaped his lips, his thumb creasing over my cheek.

"You're learning."

His voice was soft, so unfamiliar that it left me staring at him, unsure of what I should say.

"So tell me what that means?" He continued; his thumb now still.

"You're not really here."

"Not exactly, I am here…but not like this." Pan said as he gestured to his closeness between us. "You're only seeing what you want to see."

What I want to see?

"To put it simply, you're dreaming."

I let the words run through my mind for a moment, but that moment seemed to have passed pretty fast once I blinked quickly, confused to no longer see Pan in front of me but now standing before me, his piercing green eyes narrowed as he glared down at me, his expression stiff while his jaw clenched in anger. I felt my skin run cold as I realised he had changed back to the boy that owned this island and everyone on it, the boy who craved control over others, the boy who knew your weaknesses and used them to break you from the inside before you even knew of them yourself…the boy from Neverland.

"Time to wake up." Pan growled.

I tried to stand to move my hands back only to feel a jolt at my wrists. I looked down, confusion instantly changing across my feature as I found metal cuffs wrapped securely on either of my wrists. I tried to lift my hands once again but they wouldn't budge. They weighed so much I couldn't lift them from the ground no matter how hard I tried. I knew it was some kind of magic but I had no idea what Pan was intending to do by using it on me. I turned to look up at Pan only to see his features stiffen.

"What are you doing?!" I shouted as I tried to move the cuffs from my wrists.

"Teaching you a lesson." Pan said, his voice holding no remorse.

I watched carefully, my heart beginning to quickly race as I watched his eyes trail over the ferns around us before shifting to the barrier of cliffs surrounding the open area. When those eyes turned back to me I instantly froze once seeing the defiant scowl on his face.

"If you want to prove yourself then fight and survive. If you don't, I will turn these dreams you've been having, into nightmares." Pan threatened before turning his back to me and began walking off through the jungle.

"Pan please!" I shouted but he continued to walk away as if he couldn't hear anything.

I felt tears welling in my eyes, mostly out of anger but a part of me was sad. I have experienced this far too many times to count, to be forced to watch people walk away, leaving you behind, they don't care what happens after your left alone, they are not there to find out…you weren't even there in the first place. Don't leave me...don't leave me like everyone else has.

I watched with glassy eyes as Pan clicked his fingers before disappearing into the jungle. I quickly looked down at the metal cuffs only to be disappointed that they were still weighing my hands to the ground. Instead of being free, water instantly rose from the ground, submerging the grass and my hands with the cold wet substance. I gasped, shocked to see the water quickly rushing up rapidly out of the ground like a broken hose. I tried to crawl away but these magic cuffs kept my hands to the ground letting the water rise up not only from the grass around my hands but the entire area was flooding rapidly at an unnatural pace, one I could not keep up with.

I could hear my heartbeat pulsing in my head. Short breaths escaped between my lips as the plants around me begun submerging in underwater. I looked around to see water bursting up from several other areas of the ground. Before I had a chance to understand what was happening the water had already reached up to my waist. It was spreading so fast I had no idea what I could do, I only strained my arms trying to lift my hands from the ground but the cuffs kept them weighed down. During such a small amount of time the water had spread so much that the whole area filling this part of the jungle up like a swimming pool. I watched breathless as the water began to rise up against the rock walls of the cliff that I had climbed down. I thought almost getting drowned by a mermaid was bad but this was absolutely terrifying.

Why was Pan doing this to me!?

I squinted as the water had reached under my neck causing some to splash against my face. I tried to lift my head but the force of water that was coming out from the ground only grew stronger and soon enough I began to panic and scream out for help until the water shot up over my head. I could only take a small breath; my body instantly floating off the ground with my hands still placed against the grass. I tried to pull against the chains once more, hoping that they would break but it still made no difference and only caused me to struggle as the water slowed my movements down. The pain shot to my wrists as I pulled the metal cuffs.

I felt the force of the water shoot up past me. The water moved up through my clothes so fast that my body got pulled upside down, the metal cuffs being the only thing keeping me from rising to the surface. It wasn't until the water calmed back down that I was able to float once again, ignoring the aching pain that was building around my wrists and in my chest. I felt the familiar feeling of my lungs slowly collapsing as they burned trying to maintain the small amount of air that remained. The pressure pushed against my ears that had now built up since I couldn't equalize the pressure.

I opened my eyes and almost lost all the air I was holding when I saw all the trees completely submerged under the water. It was too dark to even see the surface. The water must have reached right to the top of the cliffs by now, the walls of rock around me trapping the water so there was no other place for it to go.

Why did Pan do this to me?

This couldn't be my darkest fear…Pan did this himself, to test me.

I couldn't think of a way to get out of these metal cuffs because they were powered from Pan's magic. He knows I won't be able to get out of them so what was he testing me on?

It was too late now. I closed my eyes and let go of the remaining bit of air I had left as water instantly entered through my mouth and down into my system. I coughed the water up but more just came in. My head began to feel heavy and I could no longer breathe. I was drowning. I stopped struggling against the chains and let my body float in the water

Is this what Pan had planned all along?

Is this what he really wanted, to let me die like this?

I couldn't prove to Pan that I was strong enough. I won't get to apologise for what I had done to Will; I won't get the chance to tell him the truth…I won't be able to say goodbye. I wanted to fight against this, I wanted to prove myself but Pan's magic is something I can't fight against. I even thought for a second, even if I was dreaming, when Pan was sleeping peacefully beside me that perhaps there was something...but I guess I was wrong.

Pan's POV

No...

I was so sure of it. I tried with through her dreams but she still wouldn't do the one thing I need her to do. I curled my fists as I watched the water reach the top of the cliff. She could only break free from the magic if she believed. I could sense that she was trying hard to search for what I wanted but for the wrong reasons.

Yes, she believed in Neverland, but there was one thing she still refused to believe in.

Me...

My eyes narrowed as I watched air bubbles break on the flat surface as the water settled. She was drowning. I put her up to this, I wanted to see if she could finally believe in me but she still refuses. It made me so angry that I can't get through to her like I had with the other boys.

I don't know why but I still felt the urge to save her but something was holding me back. I couldn't explain it but I couldn't be the one to do it.

I clenched my teeth and turned around, hesitating if only for a second before I walked away from the edge of the cliff.

Sorry it has been awhile since I updated, I have been busy with school.

What did you think of this chapter?

Do you think Emily will survive this test?

What do you think the other characters darkest fears will be?

I hope you're ready for the next chapter!

See you soon ~ Zimbardo