Emily's POV

I could feel the wind flooding beneath the thin material of my shirt, my skin shuddering instantly as it brushed through the trees behind me. The day was almost at its end, the sun streaks caught between the opening branches of the jungle's trees, now replaced by long forming shadows where the light once captured the many vibrant greens. The days always seemed to be long until the sun passes the trees, then the island sets for dusk, slowly returning back to night, just as the eyes do before sleep.

It had been some time since it had captured my attention. I was sure the afternoon would have passed much faster if I hadn't been staring at it for so long. I thought I would have feared to gaze into the jungle since my dreams had only brought with it fear of seeing her tear down the ones I care about, leaving their bodies scattered on the ground within the ferns while the trees cast down over their bodies. They weren't alive and the jungle was dark. It's what she liked...the darkness. It seems that she wanted to remain in it forever, never coming out of it and never bringing me into the light.

That's what made this so admirable, seeing the light for myself during the day, finally knowing that I was awake. I was able to take in the jungle for what it was, not to be afraid but walk within it knowing I felt safe, that my feet would lead me on a trail and I would be able to find my way back. It was certainly different than my dreams, this much I could see, but most of all I could tell now that it was real. But there was just one problem, one little thing that I couldn't get out of my head.

I saw her here...not in my dreams.

I wanted to believe it was all in my head but I knew I would be lying to myself. Even if I am going crazy, there had to be a point I could be able to tell, a fine line between make-believe and reality...but how could I ever find a true reality in Neverland? The one place where your mind is set free, what could be your imagination creating your dreams could also be a nightmare...one that felt so real you wouldn't be able to wake up from it. I feared to shut my eyes more than having a dagger pointed at my chest, threatening to take my life.

I never thought I would be afraid to sleep; something that I had known to be peaceful had now awakened the horrors deep within my mind, many things I had forgotten until now. She liked to use that to her advantage, dig deeper until it's all I could think about each time I shut my eyes. But I guess that was my fault, I let her back inside my head. She took over my thoughts and now it's all I see and I don't know how to get them out.

"I can make you think anything is real, Emily. How do you think I'm standing here right now?"

No matter how many times I heard my own voice trying to convince me I'm someone I'm not, there was a part of me that considered the possibility that she could be right. My rational thoughts are not the same as they used to be, but my own stubbornness was enough to get me through sometimes. I knew there couldn't be two of me walking around Neverland, I knew this was just my mind playing tricks on me and I knew I was doing this to myself...I had to be, but that didn't stop me from talking to her.

"You're not really here. I didn't see you," I mumbled under my breath but it was enough to capture Will's attention.

"Emily, what's wrong?" He asks and again I could hear the confusion in his questionable tone that reminded me I was talking to myself.

"Do tell us, Emily, what's the matter?"

I froze still, eventually gathering the courage to slowly turn my head. She sat beside Will, bright sunset glowing eyes staring at me while a wicked smirk plastered her face.

"Are you really going to tell him that you can see me? Do you really think he will believe anything you say?"

She looked to Will and I did too but he didn't react, he didn't turn to her even though she was right there because he couldn't see her.

"Soon enough, he will think you're going crazy, that you have completely lost your mind...they all will."

I followed her eyes to Ethan and Ben who were still sitting by the tree talking.

"Do you really want that to happen?"

No.

"I didn't think so."

I watched her stand to her feet.

"You can't ignore me, I'll always be here."

"Don't listen to her Emily."

I followed her actions as we both turned back to the jungle where the voice had suddenly come from but no one stood there. I was able to recognise the voice to be Baelfire's but I wasn't the only one. I watched her eyes set ablaze, face turned to pure rage as she focused on the first group of trees, as if she could see him. I checked again but Baelfire was nowhere to be seen.

"You don't have to listen to her anymore," Baelfire spoke clearly.

I stood still, not daring to blink as I watched her lips part ready to speak, but no words came out. Her features twisted and she gave one final apprehensive look to the trees before disappearing where she stood just as the fire embers would fly into the night air. A lengthy silence followed after, nothing more filled my ears than the breeze passing through the jungle's leaves as I stared back to those trees, ignoring everything else around me, which made me flinch once I heard Will's voice.

"Emily?"

"Y-Yeah I'm alright, just a little tired is all," I managed to say, my eyes meeting Will's questionable gaze.

"You saw her again, didn't you?"

I knew Will could see right through me.

"I did," I admitted knowing there was no point in ignoring it anymore.

"Hey! Everyone's packing up!" Ben called as he helped Ethan up from the tree they were sitting at.

I found the last of the boys leaving the training area through the skull gate, their feet almost dragging on the ground behind them from exhaustion.

"Come on, let's go. We can't be the last ones back. Trust me, Pan's not in the mood," Will said as he walked in front, the three of us following behind.

"Oh, right, cause you would know all about that," Ben chuckled.

"Shut up Ben."

"Shutting up."

I kept my eyes on the targets as we made our way out of the training area. The grass field moved swiftly, the wind bending the thin strands towards the giant oak tree that stood proudly in the centre of the large open space, cut out from the thick jungle. Besides our footsteps scrapping the dirt, it was quiet; something I wasn't used to in the training area. There was always constant shouting from the boys who were watching over those dulling, the whistles of arrows piercing the targets one after the other, stabbing into the thick circles of wood that stood sturdy across the field and orders of Pan splitting the boys into groups to train.

My eyes locked with the targets, my gaze shifting past each one until the last one in the long row across the grass field.

I had seen her there, standing before me in front of that target...but now she was gone.

I ignored my thought and followed shortly behind Will, Ethan, and Ben who had already passed through the skull gate up ahead. My legs felt heavier as I walked under the hanging skulls myself, staring up at the countless bones. They were tangled with thick vines feeding in and out of the eyes and mouths of skulls, holding them together as the frayed rope that once did was now worn-out, broken apart on either side of the arch-way leaving many skulls to hang loosely from the wooden frame, their open mouths looked as if they would suddenly clamp down shut. It used to make my stomach turn as I never really knew who those skulls belonged to or how they ended up there besides the creepy stories Ben would tell me. I couldn't ever tell if he was joking or not since Ben was never one to really be taken seriously. I honestly didn't want to know, it made it easier to pass through them each time we would train.

I shut my eyes for a moment as the wind roared past, knocking some of the hanging skulls together as I continued walking. My boots scraped against the gravel and dirt path until they came to a sudden stop once I heard footsteps that weren't my own. I opened my eyes to see Baelfire moving out the jungle surrounding the left side of the path, his gaze fixed with mine as he stood before me. I couldn't help wonder if it really was Baelfire that I had heard before. His expression was still, but his eyes...the brown flecks were shining brightly.

"It was you, wasn't it? You made her leave."

"I did."

His voice was calm as if he was expecting me to ask that question.

"How?"

"You want to get her out of your head, don't you?" Baelfire said knowingly.

I stared, as though the words hadn't left his mouth, my stiff expression shifting in uncertainty but I eagerly waited for him to continue. I left all the questions I had behind. I needed to know if there really was a way to get rid of her for good. It seemed as though my reaction cued him to continue.

"I can help you, but I'm going to need that favour from you first."

My face fell while the rest of my body stiffened.

So this is what it's been all about.

I curled my fists, instantly knowing exactly what was coming for me.

A deal...a favour...it's all the same. It's all been lies and it has never given me what I want.

"Give you what you want first?" I glowered at him.

Not again. I am not going to fall into the same stupid mistakes. I've had to put up with people lying to my face my whole life, whether that was to keep me from asking questions or to make my life miserable...either way, I fell into those traps quickly, especially as a child. I was eager to believe anyone if it meant making my life better but as I grew up I quickly learned.

"I've been here long enough to know you don't get what you want by playing nice."

"Then don't," Baelfire challenged, "I never asked you to trust me, you don't even have to believe what I'm saying but I do have the answers you're looking for. I am going to help you get rid of her but I can't do that if you don't help me first. Do you really think I would escape this island just to come back so Pan can kill me? Do you think I would bother wasting my time asking you for help if I didn't need to? I came here for a reason and for that reason alone...I need your help. Trust me or don't, either way, you're going to get what you want."

"And what's that?"

"You'll know once you help me."

I relaxed my clenched jaw to scoff, "You really don't want anyone knowing why you came back here, do you?"

"Not yet."

I gave Baelfire a blank and rather frustrated look to which he sighed.

"Look, I know Pan's deals. I've been a part of them many times in the past and I know exactly how they work. Pan always gets what he wants and he makes sure of it. He uses us, we're just playing our part in his game with no way out...but this time we have an advantage."

"And that is?" I heaved.

"You."

I felt a weight sink further sink down my shoulders. The breeze picked up, rustling the stranded dead leaves along the gravel path causing strands of my hair to become loose. They slowly swayed in front of my face, but I didn't blink, I kept still, only thinking.

How could I be an advantage? All I have ever done since I arrived on this stupid island is gotten myself in unwanted trouble no matter if I caused it or not. Pan can hardly stand the sight of me and I have broken almost all of his rules. How could I be an advantage against Pan?

"Me?"

"You can block Pan out of your head. He can't read your thoughts; he won't be able to get to you because you won't let him."

I kept quiet, listening to Baelfire, watching his eyes spark as though he had been waiting for this moment.

"It's the only way. If we work together, I promise you will find the answers to everything you have been looking for."

"And why the hell would I agree to that? Why would I risk getting caught...why would you risk getting yourself killed!?"

"He is going to kill me regardless of what I do. The fact that it hasn't happened already means I'm cut short for time. The least I could do is help someone else."

I found myself staring at the ground unsure of what to do. Trusting people doesn't come easily, especially here...but there's nothing I want more than to get her out of my head. Still, that doesn't make up for my past mistakes. I hurt those around me. Those that actually cared, those who had been through a lot more than I have...and I blindly ignored them, only thinking for myself. It was a mistake I will not make again. I'll be ready this time. If anything happens, if Baelfire goes against his word...I won't follow down the same path.

"What will I have to do exactly?"

"Meet me after nightfall out the front of your hut once everyone has settled at the bonfire."

There wasn't much time before Ben had come running back, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. Baelfire had heard long before I did, clearly, his senses still remained heightened here on the island since he gave me one last look, caution glazing his eyes, but for the most part, they were hopeful that I would choose to trust him. He slipped back into the jungle, already disappearing within the thick trees and undergrowth before Ben could notice.

"You-are-so-slow...at-walking," Ben panted.

"That's because I wasn't walking, Ben."

He caught his breath back and turned his attention to me, brows furrowed.

"Then what were you doing back here?"

I looked to where Baelfire had disappeared and forced a smile. I knew I couldn't tell Ben. He'd go mouthing off to the first person he could see, even if that person was Pan. His strange admiration towards Baelfire could get any of us into trouble and there's no doubt he'd want to tag along to meet Baelfire later tonight, which I'm guessing is not what Baelfire was intending.

"Nothing, really. I just got a little side-tracked-" But as I turned back to Ben his drop-dead expression caused my confidence to fade almost instantly.

"You're lying."

His tone was low, blue eyes sharp like crystal but just as quickly, those eyes softened into crescents, a wide grin warming his cold features.

"I'm just kidding, I don't care," Ben said happily as he pulled me along the path, already quickly and excitingly telling me about what must have been on his mind.

"You have got to see what Felix's hunting group brought back! You won't believe it!"

Ben had kept rambling about the hunt, mumbling at a pace I couldn't keep up with - not with all that Baelfire had just told me - leaving me only catching on a few bits and pieces of his story as he dragged me along.

The jungle had eventually refrained from closing in on us, separating its tangled higher branches as the path grew wider. The dirt began fading and the tiny gravel stones were now more prominent causing the familiar crunching under our boots, an indication that we were approaching the end of the track between the training area and campus.

It wasn't a few moments later until Ben and I could see the circular line of huts slowly appearing first from the opening of campus. By now Ben was practically speed walking, kicking up the dust from the path for me to suffocate on while he released jittery noises of excitement.

"Ben slow down would you, my wrist is about to snap in half!" I finally spoke while trying to swallow down the remaining dust that had fallen trapped in my throat.

"Slow down?! But don't you smell it!?"

I couldn't smell anything compared to Ben's super senses until we finally entered campus. And Ben was right, just standing by the first huts I was able to see a commotion of lost boys all around the area of campus, a strong smell of burning wood filling the air.

"They're really picking up the pace now since the sun has almost set," Ben said as we walked along the gravel path by the huts.

I couldn't help but stop to watch as the boys all scattered like ants, each one in a set group completing assigned tasks. I stared at the older boys who were set next to the bonfire, my stomach turning in discomfort as I watched two boys hacking what was now large chunks of meat with handmade machete-like knives longer than their arms. The blood from the carcass soaked into the tree-trunk block it was cut on, but that didn't seem to disturb the boys at all. They were focused and rather skilled at carving and butchering the meat which they immediately transferred to the boys set behind them in front of the bonfire's flames.

There, the group of five had most of their cloaks and warmer layers removed, sleeves rolled up past their elbows as they sweated profusely, faces smudged but eyes focused. They lifted and tied the meat onto thick wooden posts that they then leaned against a hand-built frame positioning over the fire. Three out of the five rotated and checked over the cooking while the other two tended to the bonfire throwing mass amounts of wood into the flames when necessary.

On the other side of campus, completing the less gruesome of jobs were other groups of boys, mostly the younger, setting out what was normally seen for each night. The cutting of vegetables, mushrooms and other edible roots of plants that had been scavenged a few days prior were being prepared along with an assortment of berries and other fresh fruit that the boys were snacking on as they worked.

I didn't expect for them to prepare this much food after such a long day but every one of them seemed pleased and if anything excited to be dealing with such a feast. Now I noticed it was probably going to be the largest meal any of us have had in a while. With this much going on, I understood what Baelfire meant. Of course, no one would expect anything now, there were too many distractions. The boys were set to work quickly before nightfall and with a whole day of training on top of that, they would be exhausted, off their guard, unable to notice anything out of the ordinary...which now made sense.

A feast...a perfect distraction.

"Sure Pan makes us train hard but it pays off because we get to eat what we hunt, especially tonight," Ben said as he held out his hand that was filled with a bunch of berries. I hadn't even noticed he had gone to get them.

"Isn't this a little much? I mean, why not save some food for the next day since we only eat less than half of all this each night?" I questioned as I grabbed some of the berries from Ben's hand.

"I'd like to think Pan's making up for all the life-threating tests he has put us through but maybe we're just lucky for tonight. Whatever it is, I'm not complaining."

And I shouldn't be either. This is probably as good as it's going to get and with Baelfire running around with his secret plans there's no telling how long this will last.

"Even Pan looks...less like Pan," Ben exclaimed with a mouthful of berries, "Look at him, eyebrows relaxed and everything!"

I couldn't help but laugh as I pulled Ben away, his stare being too noticeable.

"Come on let's go before his eyebrows point in your direction."

Pan was gathered with a group of boys making last-minute adjustments before the feast would begin. He sent a group to gather more firewood, others running around campus after his demands but for the most part, Pan seemed more tolerable than he usually is. Maybe it was because of the feast...or maybe he just has everyone where he wants them, everyone except Baelfire of course.

"He is going to kill me regardless of what I do. The fact that it hasn't happened already means I'm cut short for time..."

Why did I have a feeling that time would come soon.

"Oi you sluggish lads over there!" Ben called as he stormed over to Will and Ethan, "Care for a berry!"

Ben threw a berry towards Will who simply smacked it away from hitting his face with the back of his hand. It splattered to the ground and Ben scoffed.

"You could have at least caught it!"

"Hey Ethan!" Ben continued with a smirk, raising his hand with another berry between his fingers.

Ethan hardly looked as though he cared but still pointed to Ben as a warning.

"Don't even think about it."

Ben chuckled and threw the last berry into his mouth, a cheeky grin on his face as he joined them.

So apart from the preparing, hacking, cooking, sorting, burning and scurrying around...I found the three of them sitting on the logs of wood furthest away from the bonfire and the hassle, legs relaxed over the ground, expressions not merely amused with all the chaos that was going on.

Why was I not surprised.

After nightfall, everyone gathered around the bonfire taking in the large warming flames that seemed enough to last through most of the night. The thick smoke had disappeared after the last remaining blocks of wood were thrown into the fire. The meat had been handed out and quickly eaten but there was plenty left, which didn't stop a certain someone from stuffing his mouth.

"Ben, you're going to be sick," Will laughed as he came back with a handful of berries.

"And you're going to still be hungry," Ben sassed back gesturing to the berries.

Will took a seat beside me and offered me some which I took even though I felt the ache in my stomach growing from how much I had already eaten.

"I had to get what I could before they start smashing them," Will said as he ate a few.

"Smashing them?"

"When we can get enough saved up, they turn the rest of the berries into a drinkable liquid. It rarely ever happens so everyone will want to get their share of it before the night ends, "Will explained as he adjusted the collar of his shirt.

I had noticed he had done it before but what I didn't see was the cut across his skin under his chin. I knew that was no accident. It was a clean cut, no grazes or bruising around it. Only a blade could cut through skin like that.

Will's POV

"Your neck," Emily said, as she stared at the cut, "Pan did that, didn't he?"

I let out a light sigh as I recalled my run into Pan earlier today.

"I may have followed Pan and listened into something I shouldn't, which didn't turn out as well I thought it would."

Emily had turned to me giving her full attention, taking me by surprise.

I wasn't surprised that she had found the cut; it was that she appeared more observant than she had been for the last few days. Her brown eyes were sharp, focused on the moment she was in. I couldn't help but wonder back since it was only earlier today when she told me the visions she kept seeing, were getting worse.

"Emily, can you still see her here while you're awake?"

She nodded her head but stopped hesitantly; lost in her own thoughts and I instantly regretted asking.

Hope you haven't forgotten our chat earlier.

Pan.

My head shot up as the echo of his voice filled my ears. I quickly found him seated on the other side of the bonfire, eyes burning as they reflected the flames. A smirk curled through his lips as his eyes met mine.

You can hear me, can't you, Will?

I knew that look; I knew exactly what it meant.

Did you really think I would be done with you after what you did today?

His lips were sealed but I could hear his words loud and clear. He knew I could.

What do you want from me?

I want your help.

I watched his attention shift to Emily and a surge of anger quickly took over my thoughts. I knew exactly what his intentions were.

You can keep trying but you will never get back inside her head!

I watched as Pan chuckled lightly at my outburst, his green eyes straying from the flames as they met mine again, now holding his stare.

I don't have to. I'll use you instead.

My face fell. An unknown weight had brought down my shoulders and my curled fists were now limp. Pan's voice had faded and I could only hear the faint ringing it left behind but it was enough to let the words sink in. I held my breath, waiting for Pan to give me some kind of sign that what he said really was just in my head, that he hadn't said it at all...but how could I expect so much.

No...you promised me you wouldn't do that again.

The ringing continued like a gentle hum and I knew it had begun. I knew he wouldn't stop now until he gets what he wants. He had done this many times before. He used his magic to forcibly speak his words through me...as me. Before he had used me to speak to Fin in the past...now I had to feel the same pain for Emily. No matter how hard I would fight against it, I wouldn't stand a chance against Pan's magic. It was much more than just hearing his voice. If I refused what he wanted me to say I would only be making things worse for myself. I knew that.

You're in no position to throw around promises.

I shut my eyes momentarily dreading what Pan had mentioned earlier.

"...be the good little friend of hers you are and find out for me...you're going to tell me exactly what she sees and don't even think about lying to me..."

Good to see you've been paying attention.

Just like that, as if it were natural to him, he read my thoughts. He saw the exact moment of my memory that I did.

Will, you're making this a lot harder than it has to be. You know what to say.

"I thought I did see her during training but something...got in the way and she was gone, for now anyway."

Emily's voice halted Pan's for a moment as he too listened to what she had said. I could see her hands were tight together, her head tilting to the ground. I could hear how pained her words were but that was of no interest to Pan, and why would it? He only cared about himself.

I felt Pan's burning gaze set on me as I remained quiet, unsure of what to say. I refused to face him but trying to ignore him only sent a sharp ringing sound to pierce my ears. It continued to grow louder until I was forced to speak to stop the pain, only then did the noise fade back to the soft humming.

"Your nightmares are different from your visions, you know that. It doesn't feel the same, does it."

I tried to hold back but Pan let my words slip without any empathy at all. I didn't even sound like myself...I sounded like him and I hated it. It only made things worse as she flinched at my words, her sudden confusion going unnoticed leaving a building regret to sit in the pits of my stomach. She thinks I'm the one doing this. I stared daggers to Pan's cold, unchanged expression. He didn't care. He didn't care about anyone but himself!

You bastard! How could you do that!

Because unlike you, I don't let petty emotions stop me from getting what I want.

"No, it does feel the same," Emily's spoke quietly bringing my attention away from Pan.

Her eyes stared at the ground, her features faltering.

"When I see her, I feel so helpless. I can't move. I can hardly look her in the eyes. And the things she makes me see and do is horrible, Will."

I could hear it in her voice. She's been through all of this alone and I could tell she was almost at a breaking point. I have felt that myself. All I wanted to do was tell her she was going to be alright, that I would do what I could to help her but I wasn't sure I knew how. And I couldn't do anything now, not with Pan controlling me like this.

"I don't want to become anything like her. But I can't stop her, believe me, I've tried. I have nothing against the power she possesses."

"You saw it, her power?"

Pan had forced my words out so abruptly it makes it seem as if I didn't care at all.

"It was always too blinding to see when she used it, but it was always inside her."

"Is it stronger than Pan's?"

Before Emily could say anything I gathered all the strength I could to block Pan out of my head. Emily continued talking but I knew Pan couldn't hear her clearly. The ringing started instantly and I knew I had done it. I could feel Pan taking his rage out on me as the high pitched sound filled my ears again growing louder by the second. I flinched forward wincing as my head span, while my vision began to blur. I wanted to cover my ears but I knew that wouldn't do anything.

"Yeah...I think it is."

Emily's voice was distorted as if I was listening to her underwater but I caught what she said.

"I don't want to think about it anymore. I don't think I'll find a way to sleep again if I do."

I couldn't do this anymore. I didn't want to force anything else out of her...not like Pan was doing to me. All I needed was a few extra seconds and I knew it would be long enough. He hadn't heard anything she said and I was glad he didn't. That question meant more than the others. Of course, it did. Anything that could pose a threat to Pan and put him at risk is a priority for him to find control over.

My head was throbbing. I was sure my ears were close to bleeding by now as the sound chimed louder than I have ever heard it before. I let my head slip between my hands. I hadn't realised they were there trying to stop the noise. I couldn't bear it any longer. I found where Pan was on the other side of campus which appeared only as a blur.

Stop! Can't you see she's had enough! I'll tell you what she told me just hold off for now!

A moment passed and I couldn't see Pan anymore. All I knew was the noise had suddenly stopped and I felt what I could only think was blood running down the outer skin of my ears. I waited for my vision to clear and that's when I found Pan now standing to his feet across campus.

Get over here, now.

I clenched my jaw and managed to stand to my feet but not without swaying where I stood. I turned back to Emily but she wasn't sitting beside me anymore. Instead, I found Ben standing in front of me. I could hardly concentrate on what he was saying.

"Hey? Hey!" Ben snapped his fingers in my face, his voice was muffled, "What did you do? You sent pretty lady awa- what the hell happened to you?!" Ben shouted thankfully in a whisper as he noticed the blood on my ears.

"Pan," I said irritably, in no position to be explaining now. "Stay here with Ethan; I'll be back in a moment."

"Ethan went to his hut to sleep," Ben said quickly before I could turn around.

"Then wait here for Emily."

Ben sat at that and I made my way across campus to face Pan.

Emily's POV

I couldn't explain it but something definitely seemed off with Will. It didn't take much to notice it but I knew his words seemed forced, unlike his own. I've never heard him speak in such a straight-forward manner before. But at least he was able to give me some perspective. I couldn't just sit here and wait for her to come back and torment me. I needed to find out more if I'm ever going to get her out of my head and there's only one person that has done that so far, even if it was only temporary. Baelfire sent her away. I had no idea how he did it but I'm going to find out.

"Meet me after nightfall out the front of your hut once everyone has settled at the bonfire."

I stood from the halved log and found the gravel path quickly, my boots crunching with each step I took along the huts until I finally stopped in front of my own. I looked carefully but Baelfire was nowhere to be seen. I exhaled in frustration as I waited in the dark, my body shivering, missing the heat from the bonfire.

Why would I even bother trusting the boy with all the secrets-

I silenced my thoughts as I heard the rustling of ferns from the side wall of my hut. My eyes narrowed through the darkness but I couldn't see anything standing from here. I walked carefully between the two huts, placing my hand along the wooden walls of my own for balance, but not having any light to see made things more difficult than they had to be. My feet stabbed into fallen branches as I made my way to the back of my hut, meeting the thick group of tangled trees that started the jungle. The rustling had stopped by the time I stood still, my eyes could barely make out the trees in front of me as I tried to see if Baelfire was there.

I sighed as I stood alone in the dark. This was absolutely pointless if I can hardly see.

"Hello, Emily."

I jumped at that voice, lucky enough to hold back a scream as I quickly turned around to make sure it was who it belonged to. I looked down to Fin who stood still before me, his expression calm with a hinted smile.

"What are you doing out here, Emily?" Fin asked curiously as he reached into the pocket of his cloak, fiddling until he pulled out a tiny glowing crystal, one that mirrored an exact replica of Will's.

The light emanating from the crystal lit both of us so we could see clearly but Fin kept his hand covering it from the direction of campus. I couldn't believe my eyes. To think I would be talking to the ghost of a child who looked very much alive. It was just Fin, himself, in the flesh, not in my dreams or visions but here speaking to me while I was awake.

Sure, everything is normal...

"Fin...how can I see you?"

"Because I am letting you, silly," Fin let out a laugh that brought a smile to my face, "Don't worry, you're not going crazy," He tried to reassure me.

"Would I be crazy if I said I didn't believe you."

"No. It took me a while to figure out too. But I am actually dead, this isn't happening inside your head. You're only seeing what's left of me from Will's memory. My soul was finally released after Will completed his darkest fear and my memory is now kept in a tiny crystal just like this one," Fin says as he looked down at the ball of light in his hand fondly. "It's all that remains left of me."

I still didn't understand how such a young boy could still be happy after what had happened to him.

"But Pan...Pan killed you didn't he?" I said sadly.

I watched Fin lift his head to look up at me, his eyes were still but they still held the innocence of a child…someone who did not deserve to die in the hands of Pan.

"Yes...he did. Will freed my soul allowing me to roam the island but my body still remains trapped here on the island. Pan put in in the forest no one would dare to go...where all bad things are trapped."

I furrowed my brows trying to make sense of what Fin was saying.

"I was sent to watch over your friends. I have to make sure Will is kept safe but I can't do that if you can still see her. I don't want you to hurt him, Emily. You won't hurt him, will you?"

My eyes widened as I matched Fin's voice to his same voice I heard from my dream, remembering the pain in his eyes as he desperately told me.

"P-Please, please don't hurt Will..."

"Don't worry Emily, I know you can get her out of your head. When you do this will all make sense one day."

"How do you know that? Who sent you here to look after Will?"

The crystal began to flicker, losing most of its light.

"You did, Emily."

Everything suddenly snapped back to the dark, my eyes adjusting quickly as Baelfire suddenly appeared out of the trees in front of me, both of us jumping back in surprise. My hand rushed straight to my chest as I tried to take calm myself. Baelfire looked as shocked as I did.

"Where did you come from?!" I gasped as I felt my heart beating furiously.

Baelfire panted and just gestured to the trees behind him, his expression soon changing questionably.

"Who were you talking to?"

Fin had disappeared as quickly as I saw him which only made me think that talking to him really was just happening inside my head.

"No one," I sighed, "what took you so long? I was thinking you weren't going to show up," I added rather bitterly.

"Just taking care of other matters but more importantly, I went to find what I retrieved earlier today," Baelfire reached beneath his cloak, pulling out a tiny glass vial filled with emerald green liquid.

"That explains why I saw you in Pan's hut. Forgive me for being the inexperienced one on the island but do you really think stealing from Pan's hut in broad daylight is that subtle to your grand plan?"

"I'm only stealing back what was mine," Baelfire retorted, staring at the vial. "Pan took it from me when he brought me back from that damn ship. I managed to save what was left when I was held prisoner. I was forced to drink it to numb the pain so I was ready for their round of torture the next day."

Pirates...of course. Stupid me to think of anything logical in a place like Neverland.

"What are you planning on doing with it?" I said gesturing to the vial to stop Baelfire from staring at it obsessively.

"Oh, not me. You."

"Me? I don't want anything to do with that! For all I know, it could be poison."

"You're smarter than you look."

I couldn't tell if Baelfire really meant anything he was saying, that was until he continued.

"Emily, meet the green fairy. It's one of the strongest and most intoxicating liquors you could ever lay your hands on. Just a mouthful can shut the body's system down for a while causing powerful hallucinations your mind has no control over."

"Right...and what do you suppose I'm going to do with it?"

"You're going to poison Pan."

Baelfire's serious expression gave everything away. He meant every word.

"Poison Pan?"

"Oh come on, don't tell me you haven't thought the same since the moment you found out precious Peter Pan isn't the fairy-tale everyone thought to be."

He wasn't wrong.

Even still, staring at the vial was enough to tell me this could go wrong in so many ways.

"Why can't you do it! This is your plan after all, which by the way you have told me little to nothing about."

"I can't be the one to do it. Pan doesn't trust me-"

"And you think he trusts me! I've fought against all of his rules since I got here-"

"That's right and you're still here. Yes, you have broken a lot of his rules but you're not dead. Pan has kept you alive for a reason and you're going to use that reason to give this to him. He doesn't just keep people alive if they have done what you have."

What's he trying to say? I haven't died yet so it's time to fulfil my potential before it's too late?

What the hell...

"Wonderful. So am I just supposed to cheers with eyebrows and hope for the best that he doesn't kill me?"

"It's up to you to give it to him, Emily. Pan will only need a few drops. But I'm warning you. Whatever you do, don't let it touch your lips. If you do this the plan won't work."

"And where will you be during all of this?" I demanded.

"Haven't you noticed she isn't bothering you anymore? I've been keeping her away so you can help me."

"How?"

Baelfire sighed, eyes refusing to meet mine.

"I can't tell you that, Emily."

I curled my fists in frustration.

"Why not!"

"Because! Don't you understand? If I tell you, I'm telling her."

That can't be true.

It's all in my head.

It has to be.

"I know you don't want to hear this...but you are the same person, she is a part of you," Baelfire said sadly but his eyes still remained hopeful, "but it doesn't have to be that way. You can get rid of her. I will, once we do this."

Baelfire held out the vial for me and I reluctantly took it from his hand.

Will's POV

I had followed Pan as he walked away from the group of boys who were talking loudly together by the fire. The air was cooler as I strayed away from the bonfire but all I could feel was burning rage the moment I stared into those unforgiving selfish green eyes.

Pan had his back to me as he walked ahead. I watched his feet until they stopped to turn around and curled my fists tightly, swinging my hand as quick as I could out of pure anger. I knew it was pointless but I needed to do something. I couldn't just look him in the eyes. Not after what he did to me.

Pan made no effort as he caught my hand.

"That was rather stupid, don't you think."

"Heal me. Right now," I said through gritted teeth.

Pan glanced at the blood without care.

"Maybe I'll consider it if you listened to me for once," Pan said before an evil grin found it's way to his face, "But that must be quite hard for you now, isn't it?," Pan chuckled, the green in his eyes darkening with each twisted word, "Well, I guess you should have thought of that before you interrupted me."

"If you want to know so badly then yes! The power is stronger than yours!"

I was surprised to see that he actually looked taken back. I guess he wasn't actually expecting the answer he didn't want to hear.

Somehow, that was all I needed.

To know Pan may finally have a challenger was enough for me. Though I did usually have no fear of facing Pan when I wanted to, this moment just made it that much sweeter. I watched his jaw clench shut as I took a step forward, staring right into his eyes. I knew he could read my mind and this time, just this once, I wanted him to.

"Go ahead, Pan. Tell me I'm lying."

Emily's POV

"Hey, Ben!" I called in amusement as I watched him lying across the log, picking at the grass in pure boredom.

He lifted his head and his face lit up.

"You-" Ben attempted to roll over but fell to the ground with a groan, but that didn't stop him from quickly rising to his feet, "Where did you go?"

"On a little midnight stroll," I said trying to sound convincing enough while clutching the vial tightly behind my back, hiding it beneath my sleeve.

"Oh, come on," Ben whined, now mumbling his words, "You should have said something...there's only so much grass I can pull out of the ground."

"I'm sorry Ben, I'll make it up to you," I said which brought a smile back to his face.

I looked around campus to see only a few of the older boys sitting around the bonfire that was gradually getting smaller. It looks as though they were ready to put it out for the night. The rest were gone, including Will and Ethan from what I could see.

"Where is everyone?"

"Ethan and most of the other boys turned in for the night," Ben said as he too looked around, "Will...I think got into some trouble with Pan."

I turned to Ben who looked at me and put his arms up in defence.

"He didn't tell me anything, I swear. I didn't even think he could hear me, not with the blood coming out of his ears-"

"The what?" I asked in surprise but soon remembered how forced Will's words were.

"Pan did that to him."

"How do you know?"

I gave Ben a blank look and he quickly nodded his head in agreement.

"Right, it's Pan."

"Where's Will now?" I asked scanning campus again for any sign of him or Pan.

"Here."

Ben and I turned around to see Will behind us, the blood was gone but a bruise was becoming more noticeable as he walked closer to the fire. Collapsing on the log, he sighed running his hands through his tangled wavy hair that was starting to grow out again. Pushing it back Will stared at the two of us with tired eyes.

"Had a pleasant night?" Will asked in a dry tone.

"Would it make you feel better if I said I told you so twice in one day?" Ben playfully suggested as he stared at the bruise on Will's face.

"No," Will groaned.

I watched his attention shift beyond Ben and I followed in the same direction to the bonfire where Pan had just taken a seat by the two other boys who were drinking from bamboo calved cups. Ben also turned and gasped shooting to his feet making the two of us flinch.

"No! Did they finish it all?!" Ben asked quickly.

"I doubt there would be much left but you can go help yourself to as much as that dreadful drink as you want."

Ben didn't take any time to stick around as he quickly made his way over to Pan and the other boys.

"You can get some of that poison if you want," Will added from behind me causing my eyes to widen, my legs stiff as I turned back around thinking I had been caught red-handed.

"Poison?" I repeated quietly, my stomach turning as I nervously waited for an answer.

Will's brows furrowed once he looked up to see my reaction.

"Emily, don't worry. It's not actually poison," Will chuckled.

A wave of relief washed away any doubts I had. A thought came to my mind, a stupid thought that I should ignore but there wasn't anything else I could think of for this to work.

"I may as well try it," I said more to myself as I turned back around to face the bonfire.

"Good luck!" Will called sarcastically.

I gripped the vial tightly in my hands as I approached the fire and Pan.

"I'm going to need it," I said under my breath.

Ben was standing at the wooden carved table that had been brought out earlier, fruits and plant roots were left scattered about the table while the large carved bowl held what looked like the last of the berry-crushed drink Ben has been so eagerly waiting for.

I watched Ben already filling up his cup again, bringing it to his lips and almost spitting it across the table once he noticed I was standing beside him.

"It's only one cup each, but I couldn't help myself!" Ben dragged on unnecessarily as I moved around the opposite side of the table, his purple, and red-stained lips quickly moving to defend himself while I poured what was left of it into a cup of my own, "But I didn't get any last time -which was a long time ago!- You can't tell Pan-"

"Tell me what?"

We jumped a little, as Pan appeared beside Ben. I hid my cup beneath the table before Pan could notice. My chest began to swell with nerves as I tried to pick a moment. All I needed was a few seconds for Pan to be distracted. I had to be careful, continue to make eye contact with both Ben and Pan. I couldn't draw attention to myself.

"Pan has kept you alive for a reason and you're going to use that reason to give this to him..."

I can block him out of my head.

I do think that's a pretty good reason for Pan to keep me alive, I had only done that so recently I don't think it's the only thing. But for now, it was going to be enough.

Luckily for me, Ben's able to talk himself out of most things, especially when he's nervous. While Pan's attention was on Ben, I acted as fast as I could, holding the cup tightly under the table in one hand and the vial in the other. Lifting the tiny cork with my thumb, I tipped the vial, emptying it completely into the cup until it's weight felt no more than a thin glass tube. I brought the cup into view and neither of them noticed I had.

"You can have the last of it," I said as I placed the cup on the table getting both of their attention, "I heard it's not as good as it seems."

I was thankful that my voice was calm but I was hoping it would be enough.

"That's a good idea!" Ben hurried as he moved around the table, dodging Pan in the process, "I've had enough myself."

Ben quickly made his way back to Will and Pan picked up the cup, his eyes staring down at it for a second before they met mine.

"How very generous of you," Pan said as he rose the cup to his lips.

I watched but froze still as Pan lowered the cup ever so slightly from his mouth before he could take a sip, revealing a knowing smirk. His eyes met mine mirroring the same green as the liquid in the vial.

"How very generous indeed," Pan's tone lowered.

I stepped away from the table but that was the last step I took before I felt a grip at my wrist, my vision blurring for no more than a second. There was darkness, the bonfire was nowhere to be seen, campus was gone and my eyes soon adjusted to the trees around me. Pan was standing not too far away from me, still holding the cup in his hand as he gazed down at it, just a figure in the dark. He didn't make a sound leaving my chest to burn as I anxiously watched him slowly turn around.

Pan appeared right before my eyes, holding his hand out quickly using his magic to throw my body backward. My feet lifted off the ground until I collapsed into the nearest tree. My breath was taken away for a moment as the air knocked out of my lungs. I winced at the throbbing pain in my back settled in. Pan's magic kept me still against the tree as he lifted the cup to my face, looking into it as he spoke.

"Would you mind telling me what you put in my drink?" Pan asked calmly but I could hear the underlying threat that followed.

I had only just gotten my breath back and could barely get the words out which didn't help defend myself any better than Pan wanted.

"I d-didn't, it wasn't anyth-"

"Oh really?" Pan said as he placed the cup in my hand, "Then drink up."

My lips sealed just at the thought of drinking poison but Pan held his stance, lifting the smallest amount of his casted magic so that I could move my hand. I was hesitant, my fingers shifting on the cup while staring at the green eyes that towered down on me. They didn't stray away, even as he reached for my arm lifting the cup to my lips himself. I willingly tilted the cup myself, keeping my lips sealed shut as I felt the liquid reach my lips, holding it for a moment and pretending to swallow the poison.

Pan took the cup from my hand. I waited for his reaction, a sign, anything that told me he knew what I was up to. I wondered if blocking Pan out of my head was really going to be enough to trick him like this. But what he did next completely threw my thoughts out of order.

He drank it…all of it.

"Don't ever try anything like that again," He warned.

I waited but nothing happened. The magic trapping my body to the tree was still surrounding me, holding still while Pan moved back, his unreadable expression gave nothing away, but I could hear it in his voice. He knew something was wrong. I leaned forward and just like that, Pan's magic was gone. The poison was taking effect and I moved off the tree, never looking away from Pan as he stared down into the cup with furrowed brows before letting it slip from his fingers.

Pan's POV

Something's wrong.

I could feel my throat tightening with every panted breath. I felt different, lighter than normal and I knew instantly she really had put something in that drink...and she wanted me to drink it. I looked back at her in the corner of my eyes to see her free of my magic. From here I could see the fear in her eyes, her feet hesitantly stepping away from the tree as she watched me carefully.

I took a calm breath to disappear out of this closing in the jungle but as I used my magic to move, my body hitched forward and appeared against the tree just in front of me. A groan escaped my lips as I collided with the tree, barely bringing myself to my feet. My vision was blurred and in a sudden rush, the trees began bending in all directions. I couldn't concentrate on my surroundings but I kept my mind at ease, gathering my thoughts.

She poisoned me...and my magic is faltering because of it.

I gritted my teeth as I let harsh breaths escape fuelling the burning bitter taste that poison has left in my mouth. I raised my hand, grabbing the tree to pull myself up, breaking the layer of bark in the process as I rose to my feet. The anger I had been controlling for so long was now gone, there was no barrier holding me back, not anymore. I recognised the poison now that it is taking effect. The green fairy. Anyone else that drinks this may fall into a euphoric state, leaves their mind clouded, it helps ease any pain...but for me, it's the complete opposite.

That wasn't' the only thing that became clear. Someone put her up to this. I knew she wasn't capable of doing this, not on her own and I know who helped her do it. Only a pirate could hold possession of the strongest liquors, one that can also be used as a poison if you drink the right amount. And there was only one boy that came from that ship. One boy that held possession of such a poison that I took from him after bringing him to the island.

I turned back to Emily but she was gone.

I knew exactly where she was going. I knew exactly what Baelfire was planning. Neither of them are going to get what they want. Even without the full strength of my magic, it won't be enough to hold me back from what I'm about to do...not in the slightest.

They made a big mistake giving this poison to me.

I'll kill them both.

Hey everyone!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! What did you think of it?

Do you have a favourite moment from this chapter?

I can tell you now that eyebrows won't be too happy in the next chapter...

I'm also very curious because this book is soon going to take another turn! Oh, what a surprise. Do you have any predictions of what might happen next? Are you lost with what's going on? I wouldn't blame you if you have forgotten, that's kinda my fault for taking so long -.-

Please leave your reviews! I love reading them!

Also, I have been having trouble uploading chapters as I tried uploading this one multiple times in the last week but it wouldn't work. I'm still kinda new to this site so if any of you know what's going on please let me know otherwise I can't give you new chapters!

I'll see you guys next chapter!

- zimbardo