"Most of the successful people I've known are the ones who do more listening than talking." ― Bernard M. Baruch
Past…
"Ava," the girl named Morgan says. "I know you have been through a lot. But I need you and Eleanor to tell me everything that happened to you both the moment you stepped inside the fairy territory."
Ava gulps. "When—Wait," Ava says as if she is making a realization. "How do you know her name,"?
"We have met before," Morgan responds.
I know no one by the Morgan. The girl steps to were I can directly see her.
"I have meet you before, but I remember your name being Molly."
"Oh! Sorry about that,"! The girl instantly apologizes. "I thought it would be best if I changed my name to one common in your world."
When I thought things were making since, I just discovered the girl who used to help me with school work knows about magic. Can this past few weeks be any more confusing?
"How long have you known about, um magic,"? Morgan asks me.
"A few weeks at the least," I respond.
"Can you tell me what happened,"? Morgan asks sweetly.
"My… my.. fath…," I try to tell her what happened, but instead, tears form in my eyes. I feel arms around me. I am being hugged. I have never been hugged before.
"You are welcomed to join us. We are going somewhere safe," Morgan tells me.
"Morgan, can you really trust her,"?
"I think I already told you that she has nothing to do with the other side," Morgan says sternly pulling away from the hug.
"My answer to bringing her is still no," Nathan says.
"Well I think she should come with us. And we beat you two to one," Ava tells her brother referring the votes to herself, and Morgan.
After that settlement, Morgan leads me to another spot while she takes a look at me.
"I do not remember you being this thin," she says. She pulls out something from her bag and hands it to me.
"What is this,"? I ask her.
"A banana," she replies handing food to Ava.
I look closely at the fruit; indeed, it is a banana. Being starved, I unwrap and take a huge bite. With a nearly empty stomach, almost everything tastes good. As I eat, Morgan lights a lantern.
"You have any more,"? I ask Morgan after I am done eating a banana.
"We need to be careful; it is unhealthy to eat too much if you have been living on an empty stomach," Morgan says giving me a flask. "And you need to make sure to drink enough water."
"We need to start heading out," Nathan announces.
"Come on," Morgan says softly. I follow the Ava, Nathan, and Morgan.
"How can you tell your going in the right direction,"? I ask directly to Morgan.
She either does not here me or pretends not to.
"She has been through this land many times," Ava whispers going to my side.
I purposely slow down a little and Ava does the same.
"How did you get break the wall in the cell,"? I ask her.
"I have a certain type of magic," she explains.
"Then why were they not guarding you,"? I ask the girl.
"They do not know I have magic. I, myself did not discover it until recently. But trust me, if they knew, my situation would have been worse," Ava admits. "Nathan told me to keep it quiet and only use it if is absolutely necessary."
"We should suttle in in for the night," Morgan announces.
Nathan and Morgan open up their bags and take out rope and blankets. Before I know it, there is a makeshift tent in front of me.
"Sleeping arrangements will be tight, but we will make do," Morgan says. Before I do anything, Morgan pulls me on the side.
"I know things here are different, but I personally will make sure….,"
"Morgan," I say interrupting. "What am I to do? Is there any way I can back to America,"?
She shake her head. "I am sorry. I going to your realm was extremely hard."
Not the answer I was expecting.
"Why were you acting as a girl who wanted to help me with my schooling,"? I finally ask Morgan.
"I owe someone a favor," she responds.
"Who,"? I ask her.
"To you, I do not know yet," she respond.
After a short silence, she changes the subject. "It is too late to get you cleaned off. First thing tomorrow, you and Ava will get a washing."
She leads me into the tent and points to the spot between her and Ava. I lay myself on a thick blanket between the two girls. I never though that a blanket on the ground would be so comfortable.
"Are you comfortable,"? Morgan asks me.
"Beats the floor of the cell I was in," I respond.
"Maybe I was a bit too rushed asking you and Ava what happened back there." Then Morgan looks at us both. "Just tell me when you think your ready, OK,"?
"If you want to know, I can tell you," Ava says. Then both sets of eyes are placed on me.
"I think I can open up enough to tell," I finally say. "I can stay up and…,"
"You need to rest," Morgan interrupts softly.
"I am not too tired myself," Ava says. "And I would be more comfortable telling you without my brother pointing out everything I could have done instead," Ava announces.
"First of all, your brother loves you and you know that. Secondly, are you not exhausted,"? Morgan says.
"I was exhausted of traveling, but I cannot lay down and sleep," she responds.
"If you think you are ready, go ahead," Morgan says giving up the battle.
"The escape than was going well at first, but after I got my things together to leave my home. Before I could sneak out of the window, a loud siren came out of nowhere. The law enforcers found me in my bedroom as if they were immune. They kept me blindfolded until I was at the base. They are getting stronger, I tried to fight them, but I couldn't. They put in me in a cell with Anna made up of Rhenium," Ava explains. I look over at Morgan to see she is getting pale.
"How did you escape,"? Morgan asks her.
"I took a cup of water, and splashed liquid on it, and I forced it crumple using air magic," Ava explains. "Luckily they do not know I contain that type of magic. Me and Eleanor got out and with the odds against us, I found fairy dust on the ground. Then we walked to the area we agrees to meet at. And you know the rest"
I really hope Morgan understand, because I certainly do not.
"Wait, were did you find fairy dust at,"? Morgan asks Ava.
Ava shrugs, "the ground."
"You know, chances are is that they left it there on purpose," Morgan states.
"And why would they do that," Ava asks.
"I do not know. That just seems suspicious."
After I short silence, I decide to speak up.
"One day, my father came home from a business trip. He told me to meet him in the basement. He then threw something on the ground and a green whirlpool appeared and we jumped. The next thing I know I am in a prairie. He eventually knocks me out and I wake up in a room sitting down. A lady comes in and tells me I am dangerous and needed to be locked up. She told me that my father gave me to her. After that, I was locked in a cell. I am not sure how long. Then I meet Ava, and she told you what happened afterwards."
"Do you why the lady said you are dangerous,"? Morgan asks me.
I shake my head.
"Eleanor, do you know who your birth mother is,"? Morgan asks me.
I shake my head again.
"Do you think-," Ava starts.
"I do not know for sure, but chances are, she is," Morgan replies.
What are they talking about?
"Would make sense," Ava points out.
"Please remember that I am still new to everything that is going on," I say.
"I am so sorry," Morgan apologizes. "We were thinking that you were a half-breed."
"I heard that word be mentioned before," I admit.
"It is nothing to be ashamed of," Morgan ensures me. "You just means you have parents who are not exactly the same species as each other. I think it is safe to say I am one. My father was a mermaid and my mother was human."
My eyes widen when she says that.
"Go ahead and asks," she says.
"When you said mermaid, were you referring to the creatures who look half fish, half-human"? I ask her. As soon as I said that, I realize that probably was offensive.
"Yep," she responds.
"Since we are letting everything out, I am half-fairy, half-human," Ava admits.
Why did I even think things were starting to make sense?
"And that is the reason I was locked up," Ava says.
"That does not make much sense," I admit.
"Its crazy, I know," Ava says. "But the king was able to convince the people that we are dangerous people."
"How can they tell if you're a half-breed,"? I ask Ava.
"They made a weapon. They take a sample of your blood and place on the object. If the object turns green, you are not a pure blood of any kind," Ava explains. "At least that's how they used to it. But something new and scary was invented recently. I am not sure how it works, but it supposed to tell you if you're a half-breed immediately."
"Wow, you know a lot," I say.
"Well, Morgan told me all of this," Ava admits. I look over to Morgan to see her nodding.
"And how do you know this without ever being caught,"? I ask her.
"I have been living with a group of half-breeds in hiding. Because of their hiding status, it is important for them to know what they need to avoid imprisonment," Morgan admits. "And that is where we are heading."
"Will they except me,"? I ask Morgan. "I believe I am pure human. I do not feel otherwise."
"Do not worry," she says squeezing my hand. "Firstly, because they never turn down anyone who needs their help. And secondly, I know no half-breed who feels different feelings than humans."
After an awkward silence, Ava breaks the silence by saying, "Where is Nathan going to sleep at,"? she asks Morgan.
"He is sleeping on a blanket, not in the tent. He agreed to take first watch; when he gets tired, I will take watch," she says extinguishing the lantern.
I am tired and I need to get some sleep, but my mind is full of thoughts keeping me up. Who sent Morgan? Why does Nathan have a sudden hate for me?
The next think I know, I am being shaken awake. Weirdly, I do not feel sleepy.
Opening my eyes, I see Ava leaning over me.
"Come on! We are going to get washed off," she says. I feel the grime and dirt that has been on me for weeks. A rinsing would be nice. I leave the tent were Morgan ushers me to a lake.
I have no idea why I was hoping for privacy.
"I think we are safe for now," Morgan says looking around. Ava lifts up her tights a little pass her knees and her sleeves pass her elbows. She then takes a rag and water and starts to scrub herself. Morgan hands me a rag and socked it with water. I am a little resistant of lifting my skirt.
Privacy is a privilege that I cannot have here.
The sleeves I peel off are slimy. Just by looking at it, I cannot tell it was once white. I wipe away the grime and dirt.
"Feels good, doesn't it,"? Ava asks me from my side.
"Yes," is all I say.
"When you are done," Morgan says from behind me. "I have clothes for you. They are probably too big for you. But we will make it work."
In less than a minute, I finish wiping my face and legs. We head back to camp; Morgan and Ava let me get dress in the tent. The clothes consist of a dark purple shirt and black pants. The shirt is soft against my skin and goes down to mid-thigh. The black pants is also soft and loose around my wait and goes a little pass my knees. The shoes are black and cover my feet.
"Would you like me to brush your hair,"? Ava asks me when I come back to sight.
No one has ever offered to brush my hair in years….
"If you want to, you can," I respond.
Soon after Ava makes me feel almost fresh again, we start to move on again. Unsurprisingly, Morgan and Nathan are fast packers.
"How far is this place we are going to again,"? Ava asks Nathan.
"Not that far, we should reach there after night fall tonight," he responds.
What is a long distance for these people?
I know I should not eavesdrop, but it is extremely hard to since the four of us are close to each other and there is nothing else to listen to.
"Do you have family who lives there,"? I ask Morgan trying to stay out of Ava and Nathan's conversation
"No," she responds. "But the lady in charge, her name is Melissia, treats me as if I am her daughter."
The time went by moving conversations between Ava and Morgan. Nathan does not seem to want me to talk to me. We stop only for lunch that consisted of a meat that I did not bother to ask what it was. Night fall came, but instead of stopping for the night, but Nathan insisted we kept going.
"We are here," Morgan announces holding up her lantern. All I can see is an old shack.
Morgan opens the door and hand motions us to follow her. The only light is a lantern that Morgan lights. She then opens a board on top of the floor. She walks down holding the lantern.
"Ava, go after her," Nathan says lighting the room again with a lantern.
Ava looks annoyed, but she stays quiet and goes down the cellar. I go to follow her, but I feel myself being pushed against the wall and an elbow against my upper chest.
"If you think about hurting my sister in anyway, think again. Morgan and Ava may think you are week, but do not think you can trick me for a moment," Nathan hisses.
Does he really thinking me, a thirteen-year-old, working for the people who mistreated me?
"I understand," I say quickly.
He lets go and I go down the staircase. It reminds me of the basement back home. Expect the stairs here are narrow and the path down is longer. Ava and Morgan are there waiting for me and Nathan at the bottom. There awaits an opening door. The first I notice walking in the door is light and the smell of cleanliness. There are people of different ages; some are holding sheets and clothes, some are holding children's hands.
"It's Morgan,"! I hear someone shout.
A middle-aged woman with brown hair and looks tired walks to us.
"You three, stay here," Morgan orders us as she ushers Melissa to the side of the room.
"She is probably explaining why she brought someone extra," Ava says.
Before long, Morgan and Melissia walks back to us.
"We have beds, food, and clothes for you three, follow me," Melissia says seeming to be unhappy about something. Morgan leads us to another room with white, stone walls and beds on side by side. Most of them was a bed topped by another.
"What is Melissa upset about,"? Ava asks Morgan.
"It has nothing to do with three. I told her I was going to bring a couple of people who were endangered here. She asked me to bring no others, but I did. She also asked me not to risk my life, which I also did," Morgan explains.
This shocks me. Morgan does not seem at all to be a rule breaker.
"Let us not worry about that. In the basket, there are clothes for girls in different sizes," Morgan says pointing to a basket on the side of the room. "Nathan, follow me to the boys sleeping area."
As they leave the room, Nathan points at his eyes, then points to me.
"He threatened you, didn't he,"? Ava asks.
I nod. No use lying to her.
"Like I said before, he is overprotective, do not worry about it," Ava says pulling me by my arm to the clothes basket.
She helps me pick out clothes. I have never seen clothes like this. I put on a green short sleeve shirt with brown pants that go all the way down to my ankles. I keep the shoes Morgan gave me. Minutes later, a girl came in took me and Ava to a washing room where we got actual bathes with privacy. The soap I have is hard but smells good. And getting the grease, dirt and grime out of my hair never felt so good on my scalp.
"Girls, finish up, we are going to eat before going we rest for the night," I hear Morgan announce.
The rest of the night was silent. We ate a tasteless salad with a bit of chicken. The nice thing is the food is fresh and the water is cool. The sleeping room is full of females of all ages. I learned that the beds on top of each other are called bunk beds. Ava offered to take the top one. Unsurprisingly, the blanket is old but is the most comfortable think I have slept in a long time.
Morgan wakes me up when I just felt like I closed my eyes. Breakfast was eggs and milk and after that, an adult then took about sixteen mix of teenagers and kids outside to pick fruits. I did not recognize many of the berries or leaves; I just picked what they told me to. Afterword's, they play a game of ball while I sit out and talk to Ava and Morgan.
The next few weeks seemed to be in a tight schedule. In fairness, I have to remind myself these people are in hiding and have to be careful whenever they go outside. But surprisingly, they go outside more often then I thought they would.
I am right now going to the kitchen to get a glass of water. The routine of waking up middle of the night for water has been happening since a few nights after I arrived. I am so used to the path that I know the path without any light to guide me.
When I go back to bed, I feel a hand grab me. Before I could shout, a hand goes over my mouth. "Shhh!," I hear someway say softly. It is Ava.
"Do you by any chance feel like you cannot fall asleep anytime soon,"? Ava asks me taking her hand off my mouth.
"Yes," I whisper back.
"Follow me," she says softly grabbing my wrist now and pulling to another room.
"I am going outside, would you like to accompany me,"? Ava asks stopping in the kitchen.
"is that allowed,"?
"Morgan and Melissia told us that we can leave if we want to," Ava says.
"I think she meant that we are not prisoners," I point out not wanting to admit the main reason is because I am scared.
"Come on, we will be outside for less than an hour. Plus, if we are endangered, we can just go back inside," Ava urges.
I do not say anything. I just there feeling nervous.
"Just five minutes," the eager girl says at this point begging.
"Alright, I will go," I say after feeling a bit pressured.
"It will be worth it," she says heading outside using the very little light of a candle. But the hardest part was going up the creaky stairs. Every time a step made a sound, I would freeze for a few seconds. Sometimes Ava would have to bring my mind back to focus. After a nerve-racking hour, or at least it felt that long, we made it to the door that leads to the outside.
Being outside at night is nice. The weather is a bit too cool for my sleep wear, but besides that, the weather feels perfect.
"The weather is hardly this nice. I wanted to show you that this land is not completely terrible," Ava admits.
"I never thought the land was terrible, just the hospitality," I admit.
"Everyone here is going through a rough time. Family betrayals seem to be common. That is why me and Nathan knew we had to leave.
"To top things off, the leaders are very discriminative," Ava says finishing off.
"Is there anyone with some power who can stop them from being the rulers,"? I ask Ava.
She shake her head. "Everyone who has any power is corrupt."
"Has there been any rebellions,"?
"I am supposed to believe there was, but I think that the uprising made up to blame us," Ava replies.
I say nothing and look around with only the candle and the stars as light. We have been walking for a long time.
"Ava, how long have we been out here,"?
"I do not know, but we should probably head back," she replies.
We turn around and head toward the other direction.
"If I am not at the bunker before the sun is up, my brother is going to kill me," Ava says a bit fearfully.
I do not think it is Ava who needs to worry about being killed from her brother if we are not back in time.
After walking for a few more minutes, Ava says, "I think we walked to far."
"You want to turn around and go back the other direction,"? I ask Ava.
"We might just have to stay were we are and wait for the sun to come," Ava says. Our absence will be known by then. I hear the movement of her sitting down and I do the same. The is the first time I gave my attention to the candle went out and we only have the dim stars light.
"Do have any questions you been wanting to ask,"? Ava asks me assuming for passing time.
"How do you and Nathan meet Morgan since he does not open up often,"? I ask her.
"Nathan was the one who got introduced us both. Find confidence to talk to him," she replies.
It felt like hours, well it probably was before the sun came up. I think I took a couple of quick minute naps every now and then. As soon as the smallest light of the sunrise was visible, we stood up and start studying the area.
"Recognize anything," Ava asks me. I shake my head.
"I am so sorry, we are lost, and it is my fault," Ava says with remorse in her voice. "We can either stay right where we are or, look around for the bunker or someone from there."
We ended up deciding to look around the area. But everywhere looks the same. This makes me wonder how anyone can find the bunker. Five minutes after we stand and leave, I hear something getting slammed on a tree. I look over to Ava to see her eyes widen.
"It may just me being paranoid, but I think we are being followed," she whispers.
"They can hear us," another voice whispers. I
t was not me or Ava; it came from someone else.
"We need run," Ava whispers. We both take off toward a direction.
I am the first one to stop running and fall on the ground panting.
"Who do you think that was,"? I ask Ava
"Someone dangerous. Even if he was not a bounty hunter, the only people who go of their village are dangerous in different ways. Ava explains. "Some are slave traders and…"
She gets interrupted by another tree slam.
We both stay frozen laying on the ground. The sounds of footsteps coming near us scares me. I slowly turn my head to see two, tall teenage boys a good twenty feet away from us. They glare at me and Ava as if they are confused.
"Do you guys know were a place called the "bunker" is at,"? one of them asked. The other boy grabs his shoulder and whispers something to him. Me and Ava glare at each with widen eyes. We do know what they are referring to. These boys look innocent enough, but we were warned not to tell a single soul were the bunker is without the other person knowing the safe words.
"Are you guys going bunkers,"? the other boy asks me and Ava.
I bite my lip from laughing; the safe words were randomly made by a teenager. Something that would not be guessed by another person at random.
"Proudly was, and always will be," one of the boys respond. I look at Ava and she responds.
"We are lost," Ava admits as I sit up. "I am afraid we are waiting for someone from the bunker will find us."
"Do you know by any chance a girl named Morgan,"? one of them asks.
"Does she have blond hair,"? I ask standing up.
"Yes," one of them says with a little excitement in his voice.
"Everyone seems to know her," Ava says also standing up.
The boys and me and Ava walk over to each other. Both of the boys are tall. One has orange hair with freckles all over the face, the other is a bit taller and has blond hair. Both were wearing similar clothes. Brown shirt that goes to their elbows, and brown trousers that goes down to their knees.
"Where did you too come from,"? Ava asks the teenagers. "Or am I asking questions a little too personally,"?
"Just a little," the orange hair boy responds.
"There you two are," I hear a voice say. Morgan.
She runs towards and turns around to look at the two boys. She then runs to hug them as if they are long lost family. Nathan is right behind her and pulls Ava to the side having a silent conversation.
"Guys, I love seeing you two here, but why did leave home,"? Morgan asks them breaking away from the hug. They are probably family.
"The threat is getting worse; we were told to join or leave," the orange hair boy answers.
"And I see that you two, Eleanor and Ava have been inquinate," Morgan says.
The turn to me and one of them asks, "Are you Ava,"?
"Eleanor," I correct.
"Joshua," the orange hair boy says handing his hand out for me shake. But I do not take it.
"Jonathon," the tall, blond boys says with a little softness in his voice.
"I think we should carry this discussion while heading back to the bunker," Morgan announces loud enough for Ava and Nathan to hear.
"Perhaps that is best," Joshua.
Heading back, there are two conversations being held. One is between Ava and Nathan, the other is between Morgan, Joshua, and Jonathon. Stuck in the middle, I am getting bits of pieces of each group. Nathan is telling Ava never to pull that stunt again then promising she will never leave his sight again. When Morgan thinks that I am not listening to her, she is explaining to Jonathon and Joshua reasons why I am shy. I just keeping keep my head down and continue walking.
Someone's hand grabs my shoulder and I jump. It is Jonathon with a finger over his mouth signaling me to be quiet. There are noises of some people talking. Everyone's eyes are switching on each other. Jonathon grabs my wrist, and gently pulls me to a corner of a rock. A spot that you would have to surely look hard to find anyone. He tucks himself on the other side. Footsteps sound as if they are maximum two feet away from the hiding spot. It sounds like adults. I keep hearing words like "I heard voices," and "I swear I saw some teenagers." If feels like hours as the adults looking at other hiding spots, even looking over the rock me and Jonathon are hiding at. But they could not see us. The group consists of men and women wearing black pants, with a long sleeve top made of a material I have never seen.
I feel a shake on my shoulder, and a hand comes out to help me up. I take it and the group gathers again.
Ava is the first to speak. "Are they HBH's,"?
"Yes," Morgan says.
"What are HBH's,"? Josh asks.
"Short way of saying Half-Breed Hunters," Ava replies.
"We were told the Enchanted Forest was safer than-," Jonathon says before getting cut off.
"It was, but not anymore," Morgan says cutting him off.
"We should continue our way back," I hear Nathan's voice say.
Everyone follows Nathan and Morgan back to the bunker. The rest of the walk did not take long. The shack that leads to safety instantly makes me feel relieved. Morgan goes up to open up the door, but the door knob would not turn.
"They must have changed the locks," Morgan announces.
"Why would they do that if you were out,"? Ava asks.
"Why do you think they made sure that everyone knew that we would be inside all night,"? Morgan asks sounding frustrated. "Me and Nathan went out when it was still dark to look for you two."
She is right, the adults would tell us to stay inside, but then again, they told us that every night. They could no also risk not changing the locks if there are only four missing. They have plenty of others to worry the safety for.
"We cannot wait for them to realize we are missing and go searching for us; we are our own for now," she announces.
"We passed by a village on the way here. I can trade in a few things for supplies. And later, we can fish," Joshua announces.
"I will not surprised if I lose half my weight by next week because of how much we are walking," Ava groans.
No words were said as the older boys took the upon themselves to guide us to a village.
"Is this your first time going to a village in this realm,"? Morgan asks me breaking the silence. I am relived she calmed down.
"Yes, and I am a bit excited," I admit.
"Well, there are a few things you need to watch out for. Thieves, traffickers, and some will attack others for no reason at all. What I am getting at is to stay with one of me or the boys," Morgan says.
I read her message clear: Do not go out alone, and when you are with somebody, never let it be Ava.
Like they say, you learn something new every day.
Neverland:
"Explain that again, I am confused," Baelfire says.
"We need to capture a shadow using fire, and force to fly us out. And like I said earlier, I am working on the details" I explain for the fourth time.
"I think Pan would notice if one of his shadows are missing," Baelfire points out.
"I thought about that, but the one of the deals was not to hurt you. And clearly it did. I thought at first Pan ordered it to. But it came to mind that he would not do anything that could kill either of us. And,"-
"I bet he would think that is hilarious," Baelfire interrupts.
"Continuing my thoughts, I think the shadow has a mind of its own," I say continuing.
"What if you are wrong,"? Baelfire questions me.
"I really thought you would be excited that I figured out a way to get off the island," I say ignoring the question.
"I think we should wait a little longer to execute that plan. See if we can come up with another idea that will not get us killed," Baelfire says.
"We can give ourselves thirty days. If nothing comes up by then, I will personally start on the plan," I say.
Thirteen days have passed, and I can tell Baelfire brain has been scrabbling for an idea to get off the island. So much so, I think the lost boys noticed something is off about him. No one wants him on their team for capture the flag, hide and find, or any one-on-one competitions.
The latest "game" that was played was to dare one another to eat something gross. Devin thought it would be funny to try to get me to eat a live worm. None of them were surprised that I refused to. I have been trying to keep a balance of the activities I do with the boys. But the game capture the flag is too fun to ignore. Mathew spent some of his time teaching me water plants that are edible, and little ways to make food taste better. The event I always leave for is dancing around the campfire which happens once a week. I do not like the feeling of blacking out and waking up and finding myself covered in sweat. Currently, the people on the island I cannot have a genial discussion are Peter Pan, and Felix. I stay away from the mermaids. As for the pirates, I have seen them, hiding behind bushes. The pirate known as Captain Hook proceeds his name. Another activity I stay way from is play pranks on them. But I will watch from a distance. From what I have heard, the pirates are doing Pan's "dirty work" in a deal that will get them off the island.
I wake up to a scream. This is common. The yells and screams now sound the same. I sit up on my makeshift bed in the cave. It takes a second to bit me that me hearing the yells this loud is not a good thing. Whenever I hear noise near the cave, I get all jumpy. It would not be the worst thing if the others know where the cave is, but I like the privacy. I grab my shoes and peak through a small hole, and I see no one. I splash water on my face, eat, and head to the camp.
Heading into camp, I notice that it is quiet. Something surprising because I was just listening to yells. Those thoughts are interrupted as I feel myself being thrown to the ground. I scramble to get up, but something, no someone is holding me down. Using all of my upper body strength, I turn so my stomach is facing up and I can see my attacker. Felix. I am not surprised, he only speaks to me with threats. He quickly places both of his knees on my hands with him sitting on me. Before I could comprehend anything else, he wraps his hands around my neck, choking me.
I struggle with all the energy have left. He weighs more than I do, and he is stronger. Odds are against me.
I try to open my heavy eyes, but there is no avail. I remember the feeling of weight forcefully coming off of me. I feel a churn in my stomach. The feeling of not being to fight back haunts me. I pride myself on being physically strong. I will not be surprised to see a huge, colored bruise circling my neck. Fairies have delicate necks, but that excluded me. Even for a human I have a strong neck. That is what probably what kept me from having more damage than a bruised neck.
Part of me wants to sleep, while my brain is telling me to get up. Bring my knees up, I notice a cloth was thrown over me for warmth. I sit up and open my eyes. I am under a tall tree and on top a pile of fresh, green leaves. I place the blanket off and off to the side I see familiar dark, curly hair. He is staring at the sunrise sitting with his arms around his knees. I walk over to him and soon as he turns to see I am awake, I hand him the blanket.
"I worry for you," Baelfire says without looking at me.
"I really hope you know that I did not start what happened back there."
"I figured as much. Felix hopefully will not bother you anytime soon. Pan saved you and pulled Felix over. I can tell the words between those two were not pleasant."
"If Pan did not bring me here in the first place, this would not be an issue."
I scoot right next to Baelfire to see what he is looking at. There is just a sunrise. My guess is that he was deep in thought before I woke up.
"Seeing you passed out was scary." Baelfire admits.
"I was nervous about your idea, but I am going to admit it is more dangerous to stay than to take risks of escaping."
All I do is nod.
Shouldn't I be happy that he finally came to his senses?
"Have you planned out the details,"?
"Nothing more than I have explained to you," I say.
"Alright, I am going to get some sleep; I was up all night."
He hands me squashed berries over bread and then leaves. I eat as I head back to camp to do something stupid; confront Felix. As I enter the camp, eyes went to me, or more pacifically, at my colored neck. Before I can go far, Mathew walks to me.
"How you feeling,"?
"Could not be better."
"Do you think it is wise to be going to him so soon,"?
"I did not know any of you cared."
"Please stop acting like everyone is your enemy."
I bite my lip as he tells me this. I am trying to be kinder, but I still treat almost everyone as if I want nothing to do with them.
"Where is Felix,"?
"Are you sure it is wise trying to find me after what happened,"?
Felix is leaning against a tree with his arms crossed, smirking. If he has any remorse for his past actions, he is doing a great job hiding it.
"You think is wise to try and kill me again after what happened,"?
"You are no better than you were before this."
"Then tell me, what was I like,"? I ask folding my arms.
"Naïve, clumsy, pushy, annoying, and selfless."
Did he just complement me?
"Why don't I remember anything,"?
"I do not know," Felix says in a calming voice.
"And I suppose you will not tell me about anything else."
"Depends, I can if you give me something later."
"You are not in the possession to make deals, especially after you just tried to kill me."
He shrugs, he places his face inches away from me.
"Look, I know you are desperate to put each piece of the puzzle together, and with my help, you can achieve it."
I step not feeling comfortable with both of how close he is to me, and the deal he is trying to make.
"Sounds appealing, but I am not in the mood to make any deals."
"Pan made it clear I cannot kill you, so I need to try a new tactic."
"Then I suggest you talk to someone who is gullible and try to make a blind deal with him."
Walking away, I notice many of the boys seem surprise I am alive with working bones.
"Why did you have to go after him,"? Baelfire asks. We are currently outside the camp talking over a fire.
"I want to take back control of my life, and I am starting by figuring out why Felix has been wanting to kill me since the second we made eye contact."
"Please do not die while trying to do that."
"You do not need to worry about that."
His heavy breathing and the cracking of the fire was the only noise that could be heard.
"A boat," Baelfire says with a little excitement.
I look behind me and saw the pirate ship.
"What about it,"?
"That is our way out."
"Are you saying we ask the captain to help us? You were the one who said not to trust- Oh," I say realizing what he was saying.
"We can start tonight if you have no plans," I suggest.
"I do not and please try to keep it away from prying eyes."
"You do not have to tell me twice."
Thanks for reading!