Chapter 11 'Losing Edge'

It had been two days after the curse broke and plenty had happened since then. First, a wraith came and nearly killed the Evil Queen. Then Emma and Mary Margaret were sucked into a portal subsequently after sending the soul sucker away (the wraith, not Regina). So now, Storybrooke was without a Mayor and a Sheriff.

Grace and Tigerlily paid Henry a visit at Mary Margaret's apartment. It was a struggle passing the streets with everyone trying to find love ones. There couldn't be a scenario more chaotic than that was currently their town.

Tigerlily's fist rapped against the door. It opened soon after, David's face poking out. "Girls," he said, stepping aside to allow them inside. Henry was hunched over the kitchen counter, and Grace went to talk to him while Tigerlily stood with David.

"Your majesty," She didn't look at him. She was surveying the apartment. Some part of her thought her teacher would walk into the kitchen, asking about her day whilst preparing hot chocolate for the both of them. Like Henry and David, she missed Mary Margaret. She wondered where she was but felt she and Emma were okay.

And as far as she could tell, he wasn't glancing her way either, "How are you dealing?"

She heard him sigh, "Well enough."

"Do you have a plan though?"

"Yeah. I'm going to find a way to bring Snow and Emma back home,"

Tigerlily turned his way, arms crossed, "I mean the town," she clarified. It was charming, if she could put it that way, how David had deep devotion for his family but he needed to take charge and help the town. Someone had to do it, "The Mayor is in hiding, the Sheriff's gone- it has to be you. And to be honest I'd rather have you guide us than someone like, I don't know, Leroy,"

David laughed, "Leroy? I've got to say, I'm flattered since Leroy has had some managerial experience. And has impeccable patience...with everybody." He was loosening up. Good. A stressed out prince wouldn't do much for the town.

Tigerlily thought this was an appropriate time to clarify something she heard from the other townspeople, "How were you able to get rid of the Wraith?" She would have helped with that if it weren't for keeping Grace safe. She knew if she was to do anything nowadays, her sister would want to tag along.

"A portal. A magic hat, to be more specific,"

Just what she thought. She threw a quick glance at Grace and Henry on the opposite side of the room then lowered her voice, "The Hatter's hat?"

David caught on and whispered back, "Yes. I'm going to talk to him today. If only I could find him,"

"Tell me when you do,"

"How long has it's been since Grace last saw her father?"

"He already left when I met Grace in the Enchanted Forest. Was gone a year before the curse started. I've met him before and I saw him quite recently when he kidnapped me and Mary Margaret,"

"He did what?"

"He has a house, in the eastern woods. You won't miss it,"

David grabbed his coat from the hanger, now making process with his plan to unite his family, "Thanks Tigerlily. Come on Henry. Let's go."

"No David. Leave him with me. The Hatter's a bit out of it. You wouldn't want Henry near him, trust me,"

"Tigerlily," He patted her shoulder, "It's okay. I'll take care of him."

Henry hopped off the stool and was about to follow after his grandpa when he remembered something, "Just a second. I have to grab my bag,"

David nodded and left the apartment. As soon as he cleared the stairs, Henry zipped by Tigerlily and shut the door. He took her by the hand and led her to the counter. Without a sense of what was happening, she sat on a stool beside Grace.

"Hey Henry, sorry about nearly killing your mother," she said, "I might have gotten carried away there."

"It's okay. She did bad things, but I don't want her to be killed," He let that hang in the air before he carried on his plan. He rummaged through the counter until he found Mary Margaret's answering machine, "Anyway, you guys need to hear this," He pressed a button and an automated voice announced one new message.

"Hello children," Silence hung over the three of them. It was Mr. Gold, a.k.a Rumpelstiltskin, "Pardon my intrusion but this message is for Tigerlily," Why would he be calling Mary Margaret's if this message was meant for her?

"So I see the squaw has returned, and for that so does our deal. Come to my shop in the next five minutes which should be around…10:30 A.M?"

A meeting with Rumpelstiltskin? She wasn't going to take any chances. She reached into her bag and summoned a hunting knife she borrowed from Mr. Tailor.

"Ah-ah," the message continued to play, "No weapons. We live in a civilized community. There is no need to be brusque on how we handle business. Make sure to leave the Hatter's girl with Henry. I'll be waiting dearie." A beep signaled the end of the voicemail.

"That was creepy," Grace noted. She checked her watch and it was indeed five to ten thirty.

"He rang last night," Henry said, "I was glad Gramps was in too deep of a sleep to hear it,"

"If he called last night, then how does he know-?"

"Foresight," Tigerlily answered for her. She laid down the knife on the counter and slid out of her seat, making her way to the door, "You heard him. Go with Henry and David,"

"Why would you have a deal with Rumpelstiltskin?" Tigerlily didn't hear Grace's question. She already made it out of the apartment, shutting the door close behind her.

Rufio and Tigerlily returned to the compound the next day. She couldn't sleep the night before, her yearning to find out what Peter's been keeping from her prevented her from enjoying rest.

Nearing the compound she heard music of pure revelry and was suddenly whisked into a celebration of some sorts. The Lost Boys were scattered, each one immersed in their own way of celebrating. Peter's frolicking figure caught her eye. He was dancing as he whistled into his pan pipes. She searched for signs of new boots, angry boots. But no, he was regular Peter. This was him at his finest, with no care in the world and only focused on the present.

"Guys, Tigerlily and Rufio are back!" The Lost Boys transferred their electric energy onto their visitors. Rufio was pulled away for a game of darts. He showed no disinterest and was eager to play. Tigerlily breathed a sigh in relief. The Lost Boys adored him, really treating him like one of their own.

That would only make it harder for her to break the news that he was to be her husband.

Arms encircled her waist out of the blue. Her guard up, she spun around to face her attacker but was met by none other than Peter. She felt silly for thinking she was in danger. That just proved how much of what Peter said about being a girl was merely an incorrect observation.

"Peter, you are better,"

"Better? That I know," he said, oozing arrogance, "Name any man you know and I promise you, they're only a spark compared to this radiance that is me."

"No. You are glowing. More alive,"

"Yes, now that you're here," He took a moment to admire her, having his eyes wander over her. With the way he was looking at her made her curl up or hide her face. She felt smaller under his scrutiny.

She unwrapped his arms from her waist, "You promised an explanation."

Solemnity washed over his face. The merriment gone, "Let's discuss this in the treehouse." He had Tigerlily follow him out of the compound. They entered the treehouse and Peter traipsed to the balcony while she lingered near the hatch.

"Where's Ombra?" she decided to ask first.

"I banished him," This was a shock. Peter used to be so adamant keeping his new friend and now he shooed him off.

"He's been a terrible influence, forcing me to hurt my boys. They could have gotten killed by my hand. He's been the one ordering me around. And no one orders Peter Pan around,"

"Why were you doing what he said?" Peter was strong-willed, independent. The meaning of obedience was foreign to him. He couldn't be persuaded so easily. So, how did Ombra get through to him?"

He sighed, ashamed to fall prey to trickery. She never thought she would see the day when Peter Pan got tricked. The Lost Boys would never believe her if she told them.

"I guess he fed me this idea that powers were what I need. The secrets he told me about magic. It was hard to stop practicing. It was addictive," He stared at his hands with mix fascination and curiosity. It reminded Tigerlily the way she looked at her hands after summoning that light.

Should she tell him? No. She didn't understand it, so there was no way he could understand it either. She stayed silent, adding another secret to her belt.

"I will not use magic like the way I was using it before," He declared.

Tigerlily moved to the balcony, joining his side. She leaned over the railing, now rapt by the beauty that was the Nevermountain in the horizon. The sun was high above the formation, providing enough light to see everything including Peter's face. He was supposed to be jolly but after the mention of magic, there was a grim aura surrounding him.

"He's part of your life force now, after joining your shadow," she reminded him, "How could you let him leave? Is there a way to separate him from your shadow?"

"I wish there was. But the plan currently is to keep our distance, observe him. See who he is and what he's really here to do. Okay, I've been serious long enough. Picnic. At the lagoon. I think the boys deserve it,"

Sounded good to her, but she didn't want to leave on that subject. She needed to find a way to free Peter from Ombra permanently. A visit to Tinkerbell was in order. Even if she didn't have much information before, a second look at the fairy archives wouldn't hurt. There had to be some solution.

She set out to tell the Lost Boys when Peter's sword caught her eye. It lay on the bedside table. On a whim, she wrested the blade and unsheathed it. Upon hearing his sword being drawn, Peter pivoted. He didn't like anyone touching his sword.

"Not funny, Tigerlily. C'mon give it here," he beckoned for her to fork it over but she wouldn't. She was feeling mischievous and ventured to the back room. There was a bamboo wall separating the storage space and the bed. It served as storage as well as the armory. He chased after her.

"Your stance is incorrect and so is your hold," he critiqued. Once in the room, Peter grabbed another sword. Again, a fight was their special way to settle disputes. His sword aimed for her sides and Tigerlily shakily blocked it. Peter knew he had her. He pursued, playing offensive while Tigerlily struggled to defend herself. The duel was over too quickly when Peter knocked the sword out of her hand, "I win!"

He relished in his small victory while Tigerlily kept silent. Peter took notice, "What? You've lost to me before."

But not consecutively, she thought bitterly to herself. First it was the wrestling match, now it was swordplay. She admitted she never used a sword before, but this losing feeling...she didn't like it. Lately she had been getting distracted by Peter. She conceded in an argument the other day when she would have continued to defend her position until the bitter end. She was getting soft.

He held her chin up, "Come on. Don't be such a Felix."

She swatted his hand away and shuffled to the hatch, "We have to hurry if we want to reach the lagoon before midday," She was insolent in her mannerisms and Peter didn't understand it. He didn't get a chance to ask since a conch shell followed by the beating of drums rang through the jungles.

"Your tribe," he recognized it as a distress call, "Something's happened."

He flew out of the treehouse and landed in the compound. It was abuzz with activity. The boys were gearing up, strapping on their bamboo armor and getting their weapons from their tents.

"The shaman's been kidnapped," Devin explained, giving Peter his armor. The leader waved it off. He preferred not to be weighed down, especially in flight, "Shaman?"

Tigerlily joined them, "It means healer. The healer of my tribe and that is Moon-Eye," she turned to Devin, "Kidnapped by who?"

"Hook. He had Smee tack this on several trees. Fled before we could catch him" Pockets came forward with a pile of parchment. Peter snatched them out of the boy's hand. Much to his misfortune, it was a letter, and he couldn't read, apart from his name. It was scribbled at the top. Hook was drawing him out, he wanted him to rescue Moon-Eye.

"Someone read it!" The flyer was switched hands until it reached Thud, who had enough of an education to know how to read and write.

"It says that we need to bring pixie dust to get the healer back,"

"Why would he want that?"

"To escape," Felix answered. He picked up his club and took lead, "Let's make the exchange. We get the girl back to her people, they get their dust. They'll leave and magic will be in balance once again. No more worrying about who would sprout an inch or two over night. Our youth will be ours once more."

Peter wasn't sure of the idea. He knew there would be the day when the pirates will leave them be, but never thought it would happen like this. A part of him wished for them to stay to keep the excitement going and on account of his past history with Captain Hook. But running them out of Neverland would solve the magic crisis and keeping his boys young and well was his main priority.

"Someone go to Tinkerbell and ask for the dust," He issued out, "Tell her we need it to save the shaman and she'll give you a pouch. Meet us at Skull Rock. Tonight we'll say goodbye to those pirates for good."

Tigerlily stormed into the pawn shop, slamming the door open. She didn't care if she made a ruckus, this was urgent, "Stiltskin!"

"The sign says we're closed, dearie," The Dark One peeled back the curtain leading to the back of the shop, exposing himself, "though I didn't expect a squaw to read."

"You summoned me, remember?"

"Oh that's right, princess,"

"Don't call me that,"

"You don't seem to mind it when my brother calls you that,"

"Our deal?" she rushed, not wanting to dwell on the subject of Peter.

Tigerlily remembered their agreement. When she left Neverland, she had gotten into a tight spot with her powers- the Light it had been called. After nearly dying from attempting to control it, she resorted to a deal with Rumplestiltskin. He would give her monthly dosages of this potion that mediated the Light...for a price of course. It had been a while since she drank some potion, so she needed it more than ever.

Rumple hobbled to the cash register and relocated a stack of travel maps of nearby states. He spoke as he put them off to the side, "I've given this some thought and came to a conclusion not to continue,"

"What? You can't. If you don't hold up your end-" Tigerlily maneuvered through the main display case until she was behind the register. She saw that Rumple was packing the maps away into a suitcase.

"I'm well aware of what happens,"

"How am I supposed to control the Light without it?"

"You don't need this," Rumple pulled out a vial of blue liquid out of thin air. "Harness the Light yourself." He then made it disappear.

"But I can't. I nearly died!"

"Now what is this? Rumple asked, "This isn't the girl of legend in my shop. You don't need assistance. You get the job done yourself. Don't tell me you're losing your edge? Now if you excuse me," He resumed with packing.

"You're looking for him, aren't you? Baelfire?"

Rumple turned his back on her. This conversation was over, "Goodbye Tigerlily."

She slammed her fist on the counter before stalking to the entrance. Before she could leave, the door swung open and David barged in, "It seems that when I bought that 'CLOSED' sign, I was just throwing my money away."

Tigerlily left the two to deal with business. She exited the shop but stuck close to the door to spy on the prince and sorcerer.

"What happens...when you cross the border?" Rumple asked the prince.

"You lose your memory of everything of our old lives," David spilled the terrible truth, "I guess we're stuck here." The prince pushed through the door and left. Tigerlily concealed herself until she watched him walk away with his potion.

She returned to the door and peered inside. She saw Rumple take his cane and smashed a display case. The scene might be frightening for some, but it amused Tigerlily. Seeing the Dark One coming close in finding Bae, only to be stopped by the town line. Though if Rumple found a way around it, there was another issue. Bae did not wish to be found. He was hiding, and fate was helping him.

"Late as always,"

His crew had laid out the gangplank for Peter. He didn't fly, which struck odd to Hook who was at the helm. He nodded at Smee before coming down the steps to meet his enemy, "I was starting to think you wouldn't show, but you'll always have to play the hero don't you Pan,"

Peter brought the pouch of pixie dust from behind his back and tossed it around mindlessly, "I only play hero when there's a villain involved. And that's what you are, a villian," He smiled in satisfaction at the way Hook's calculating eyes followed the pouch as it moved between his hands. He aimed to throw it into the ocean, Hook's features tensed.

"The dust, if you please," he said, disguising his desperation with irritation.

"The shaman, if you please," Peter returned whilst mimicking the pirate's voice with uncanny accuracy. The crew cocked their head in confusion, sworn they heard their captain in Peter.

"Well, isn't imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? Mullins!" A tall pirate emerged from below decks with Moon-Eye. He hauled her forward gruffly, making her whimper. She was coiled in ropes, her hands and feet bonded together forcing her to hop along. She was then handed off to Hook, "Fork it over."

Peter stretched his arm to give the pouch but paused. He stepped back and put a finger to his chin, "I'm a little lost here, Hook."

"It's a trade, Pan. I think you would know what that is,"

"No. It's just your plan," He sauntered past Hook and Moon-Eye until he was on the helm, before the wheel, "You didn't kidnap her to draw me out. Then why would a pirate need to kidnap a shaman, unless-" It hit him. There was one thing he knew Hook would go through such trouble to kidnap one with a spiritual standing, "You finished it, haven't you?"

Hook nodded, "My revenge is nearly complete, Pan. The final ingredient to the potion needed to kill my crocodile is missing. This lovely lass served as both a consultant and a bargaining chip. Very convenient," Hook grew impatient. His opponent was stalling.

"My revenge isn't something you should be concerning yourself about,"

"You have no idea how much I'm involved. You killing Rumplestiltskin poses a problem for me,"

"Oh, does it?" Hook's attention was on Peter now, losing his hold on Moon-Eye as he looked up at the boy opting to steer his ship, "Boy, you have alot of nerve touching my ship."

He heard nothing. No witty remark or attempt of ridicule. Craning his head, he saw the helm was empty apart from Smee. Where did the boy go?

"Cap'n!" His stout first mate pointed, "Look!"

Hook shifted to find out the shaman was no longer by his side. His next instinct was to look up and there, clear as day, was Peter and Moon-Eye escaping through flight. It seemed like a lost cause, but Hook refused to be tricked.

"Jukes!" He yelled to his crew memeber at the crow's nest. The man had lost a leg courtesy of Tigerlily and was restricted to being lookout. Hook prepared him for this very task because he knew Peter would try to fly away, "Now!"

The pirate obeyed and began whirling around a piece of rope before lassoing it around Peter's foot. He pulled the lead Lost Boy down, but by then a crow resounded throughout the whole deck. A swarm of Lost Boys, including Rufio and Tigerlily gained passage on the Jolly Roger by climbing up the side of the ship.

A battle commenced.

The Lost Boys and the pirates squared off in a fight of clubs and swords. Peter was being dragged by Jukes, bringing Moon-Eye down with him. Tigerlily finished off a cabin boy to regard the issue. With a fluid motion she swapped weapons, going for her bow. She notched an arrow at the rope holding onto Peter and it sliced right through. Peter crowed once free and sent a salute Tigerlily's way.

He and Moon-Eye flew aft until they couldn't be seen behind the Jolly Roger. They had a series of canoes provided by the Picaninny to aid them with the rescue. Peter landed in a canoe manned by Felix and gently set the shaman down across from the Lost Boy.

"I have to get back. Watch her,"

"'Tis' my purpose in life," the blonde replied dryly while cutting Moon-Eye from her bonds.

Meanwhile on the Jolly Roger, Tigerlily was battling with Smee (out of all people) when she spotted Rufio fighting Hook from the corner of her eye. Hook's moves were calculated and had an array of attacks already up his sleeves. Rufio on the other hand had more experience than the pirate but had been used to tussling with more animals than humans. Humans were unpredictable and more complex than animals.

Rufio was lost balance when Hook swiped at him, accidentally letting go of his club. That was it for him. The pirate was ready to skewer the boy but another blade made contact with his. A much thicker blade, one of an axe.

"Tigerlily,"

"Killian,"

"I don't go by that name anymore," With a battle cry, Tigerlily launched off of him and invited him to come at her, replacing Rufio. Hook took it with tenacity. Their blades clashed once more and already Tigerlily could tell this wasn't about Moon-Eye anymore. It was personal.

His sword kept aiming for her chest and she deflected each move with ease. Then she tried lunging at him but was counteracted with a sidestep she didn't see coming, making her lose her footing. A cold object licked her arm.

"Princess Tigerlily, the girl forged by the spirit of the cheetah and the beauty of the flower for which she was named," Hook mocked. She spun with her axe outward but was caught by the pirate's hook, "I suggest a title change."

Tigerlily retaliated by putting the man in an axe chokehold, quieting the captain. He clawed at her, his mouth agape. He had gotten hold of the handle and pushed it away from his throat, "You're not going to best me. I won't let you,"

They were face to face again. Tigerlily threw a quick scan around the ship. The boys were faring due to the strength in numbers, but the pirates were rallying together to take on the younger ones. If they held them at swordpoint, the older boys would be forced to stand down. An easy victory for the Jolly Roger crew.

"What happened wasn't my fault," she said, circling him. The only way to leave this battle in victory was to win against Hook. She needed to plan her next move carefully, "I did what needed to be done."

"You lied. You told him Dreamshade was a cure. You took his life! You and Pan!"

"Your brother was stubborn. That was his downfall,"

Hook growled and picked up his sword, ready to continue. He was going to end this insolent cur for what she had done to Liam. Though when he swung his sword about, another blade cut in. Peter had intervened, having arrived from placing Moon-Eye in Felix's care.

He forced Hook's sword down, "You don't touch her."

"And the White Eagle has swooped in-"

"Back away, Killian!" Fire laced his words, causing Hook to step back. He had never done such a thing to provoke his adversary like this.

"I see," he carried on, turning around to let the knowing smile spread upon his lips without risk of Peter seeing, "But if you want me to back away, then you might as well give me the dust."

Peter drew back his sword and held up the pouch. It was empty. He had used it on Moon-Eye to get her to fly.

"You broke your word."

"No. A loophole. In your ransom note, I recall you said to bring the pixie dust. You never said to give it to you,"

Hook threw down his sword in a fit of rage. The fighting ceased around them. Both pirate and Lost Boy were watching the encounter, "You're not letting me go. You're keeping me here just to spite me! Sending me away- that's what everyone wants. As long as me and my crew are here, your youth will fluctuate,"

"I need to keep you here,"

"Why? I'm done playing games!"

Peter ignored him. He backed away and collected his boys. The pirates just stood off to the side, letting them to pass.

"Pan! Answer me!"

He muted out Hook's cries behind him as he hopped over the ledge and onto a rowboat. Tigerlily climbed in next and was immediately Peter's main focus.

"Are you okay?"

No. She wasn't. She was humiliated, her pride having been insulted with Peter's interference. She didn't need him to swoop in and fight her battles. She didn't answer him, turning away to face the other boat occupants.

The ride back to shore was silent and long. Once they docked, Tigerlily took Moon-Eye and Rufio back to her village without so much of a goodbye to the Lost Boys. She ushered them into the jungles beyond the beach when she felt a tickle on her arm. She checked her scrape which she received from Hook's sword. It was gone.

She looked back at the boats and was met by Peter's apologetic gaze. He thought he was making right with this gesture, but she didn't wish to be treated this way, like she was fragile. She could handle things herself.

A/N: I know I promised something else a few chapters back but I felt I need to get this in here. I wanted there to be an interaction between Tigerlily and Rumple.

And in regards to Guest's question, the history between Hook and Tigerlily doesn't really have anything to do with the curse. It more ties into how Tigerlily left Neverland and maybe why Peter started collecting Lost Boys in the first place. But we'll get to that soon.

Okay, leave reviews on what you would like to see happen. I feel like I need to amp this up, going back to the initial energy in which I wrote the Jaguar scene. I need you lovely readers to help me come up with something creative. I would really appreciate it.

*~ Pan Never Fails~*