Author's Notes: Hi guys! Sorry this took a while, but it was one of my longest chapters to revise! Hope you enjoy!

Updated: February 28, 2021

Chapter 3

He was furious.

When Felix told him that there had been a bombing in London, he immediately sent for his shadow to bring any potential Lost Boys back here, giving strict orders that the severely injured ones were to be left to die. He had no concern for the souls who were too weak to defend and protect themselves. Peter required strong soldiers that could be commanded without any question of his leadership and he was quite pleased when over a dozen boys were collected.

However, he was not pleased when he sensed a girl of all things in his waters. No girl had ever been allowed on his island and he certainly refused to break that rule now. They brought sentiment and emotions and morals with them, all of which he certainly did not need. As soon as he felt the feminine presence, he ordered Felix to capture her immediately.

The last thing that he needed was an oblivious little child stumbling around in the Neverwood. She would most certainly get herself killed-not that that was any concern of his, for he did not care-it would just be a pain to try and locate her corpse before any of the boys happened upon it.

As he made his way through the forest to meet up with Felix, he mulled over this situation. What would he do with the girl? He could not simply let her go back to London. She had seen too much already and he would ensure that his kingdom remained a secret. The brief idea to just kill her crossed his mind, but he shook his head. Peter was not above killing children-he had done it before-but that fate was reserved for the ones who truly deserved it.

He could send the small child to Hook and his crew. They were sure to accept her. Those filthy pirates had not laid with a woman for quite some time and something told him that they would be eager to take a small girl, even if she hadn't matured yet. Peter smirked to himself. It was decided. He would send the little child to the pirates.

He passed the tree line and stepped into the open field, a smirk appearing on his face as he saw the young child arguing with Felix. His brow furrowed, however, when he drew closer. The girl was older than he had imagined, almost as old as him, and she was wearing only a sheer slip that left little to the imagination. He felt a stirring low in his stomach, but pushed it away quickly. He would take care of that later in the privacy of his own home. Right now, he had more important matters to address.

Peter was silent as he made his approach, listening to the heated conversation between Felix and the girl.

"...have you brought us here. We have done nothing wrong."

On the contrary, Peter thought to himself. You have made a grave mistake.

His second in command flicked his eyes towards Peter, too fast for the girl to catch before saying, "Believe me. This wasn't my idea. I was just following orders."

Peter smirked. It seemed Felix was not too pleased with him that he had been sent to retrieve this girl as though he were an errand boy.

"Whose orders?"

I suppose that's my cue. Peter stepped up behind the girl. "Mine."

He watched in amusement as she froze and slowly turned around, her eyes widening when she saw him.

"Peter Pan."

The words blew past her lips, a soft and gentle whisper spoken in reverence.

"The one and only," he said, his mouth curling upwards in a smirk.

Wendy panicked as she turned to see that a boy had snuck up behind her.

He was lean, definite muscle wrapped around his thin frame. He was dressed in a dark green outfit and upon closer inspection, the fabric was made from small, dark leaves, woven together, allowing him to blend in with the surrounding forest. It was a curious outfit that looked oddly fitting on this boy.

His hair was a wavy, golden brown that framed his sharp jawline. His lips were turned up in a malicious smile and a few freckles dotted his cheeks. His eyes… his eyes. Something about them made her linger. She felt as though she had seen them before, she just couldn't put her finger on it. His eyes were a bright, emerald green with burning gold flecks that caught the sun's rays, making them shine.

This boy was rather handsome and the thought made her blush. But why did she call him Peter Pan? She hadn't meant to say it, the words simply flew out of her mouth before she could shove them back in. She had never even seen pictures of the fabled boy who refused to grow up. She had only heard stories from Mother about him, just like every other child heard the stories of Peter Pan at one point or another in their youth. But how did she know with utmost certainty that this boy in front of her was one in the same?

"What's your name," he asked and she crossed her arms over her chest, refusing to answer.

The boy only huffed a laugh before looking to Felix with a brow raised. "Wendy," Felix answered.

She gasped in outrage and threw a glare at her captor who looked utterly unaffected. "So, Wendy," the boy said, forcing her to turn. "Is there a last name that goes with that?"

"It's-"

She elbowed John in the side, stopping him from speaking. "Yes," she said, while her brother rubbed his abdomen with a wince. "But I don't have to tell you that. And neither do my brothers."

Wendy looked at her siblings pointedly, a firm command to not reveal anything else. "Oh well, I suppose it doesn't really matter," the boy said, shrugging. "You'll be going to Hook either way."

"Hook," her brothers both exclaimed. "Please, Peter," John pleaded. "Please don't send her to the pirates."

Wendy laughed. "John, what are you talking about? There is no such thing as pirates." She waved to the boy in front of her. "And that is not Peter Pan."

The boy's eyes narrowed. "I am Peter Pan."

Wendy merely scoffed. "You can't possibly be."

"And why not," he said, his voice growing dangerous.

"Because," she said, hesitantly, looking between Felix and her brothers. "Pirates? Peter Pan? They're just stories our Mother used to tell us before we went to sleep. They don't actually exist."

But even as Wendy said the words, something rattled in the back of her mind, making her uncertain. Was she not brought to this place in the arms of a shadow? Surely she hadn't imagined that? And if such a thing as living shadows could exist within this world, was it not possible that Peter Pan existed as well?

The boy took a step closer, looming over her with animosity in his eyes. "Are you saying I don't exist?"

Wendy paused, her eyes roaming over this boy carefully. If Peter Pan did truly exist, he certainly was not this boy. He looked too...human. Ordinary.

She shook her head. "No. You are obviously real, but you are not Peter Pan."

"And if I'm not Peter Pan, there is no such thing as pirates, too? Is that what you're saying?"

"...Yes," she said, unsure of where this was going.

The boy merely flashed a malicious grin. "I wish I could see the look on your face when you realize how wrong you are." He looked over her shoulder. "Felix, take her to Hook."

Before Wendy could question what he was talking about, Felix lifted her into the air and threw her over his shoulder. She screamed with indignation and thrashed in her bindings, but the rope did not loosen. She could hear her brothers begging with the boy to reconsider, but it seemed that their pleas fell on deaf ears. As she was carried away from her brothers, Wendy rattled her brain for anything to get her out of this situation.

She smiled when an idea came to her. "Peter," she called out, her voice ringing across the clearing. Felix paused for a moment and she saw her opportunity. "That's what you want to be called, isn't it?"

He approached her, his brow raised. "I'm afraid acknowledging my name will do little to help your situation, darling."

Wendy sucked in a breath, only to release it a moment later when she realized that the boy-Peter-meant 'darling' as a condescending remark rather than announcing her last name. "Listen," she said, false bravado in her voice, "You really want me to believe your Peter Pan? Then, how is sending me off going to convince me?"

The boy said nothing, seemingly thinking over her words as she continued hurriedly. "If you want me to believe that you're truly him, then take me with you. Show me."

Wendy anxiously waited as she saw the boy take a deliberately long time weighing her offer. After what felt like hours, he smirked. "Alright. You might be of some amusement to me."

She glared at him, but was relieved when Felix set her down and untied the rope binding her wrists. She delicately touched the raw skin, hissing when it burned, and sent Felix an accusatory look. "So," she asked. "Where is your little underground hideout? Isn't it supposed to be underneath a tree somewhere?"

"Wait 'till you see it, Wendy," Michael said next to her, practically vibrating with excitement. "It's-"

Peter lifted up a hand, silencing the younger boy from speaking. "I think we'll leave it a surprise, Michael."

Wendy narrowed her eyes, but said nothing more on the subject. "Lead the way, then," she gestured with a wave of her hand.

Peter gave a smirk and bowed mockingly. "It would be my pleasure. Follow me."

And with that, the boy turned and strode into the forest with Felix, Wendy, and her brothers trailing after him. The group was silent for a minute or so, nothing but the crunching of leaves underfoot and chirping of birds up above could be heard in the forest, until Wendy spoke up.

"So, Peter," she started, catching the boy's attention. "I don't suppose you know how to get back to London?"

"Sure I do."

"Would you care to tell me?"

"Not particularly."

"Why not," she demanded, her patience wearing thin after the rather trying day she has already had.

"Don't want to."

Wendy huffed in frustration, giving up for the moment. No matter what she said or did, Peter would not be telling her how to leave anytime soon. It seemed as though she was stuck here for the time being.

Allowing her mind to wander as she walked, Wendy thought back to the stories her mother used to tell her and her brothers every night before bed. "If you're Peter Pan-"

"Which I already said I was."

She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "As I was saying...if you're Peter Pan, how come you're not flying. Would it not be faster and easier?"

Wendy saw the smallest flutter of his jaw before he responded, "Don't feel like it."

"Well," she said, sighing wistfully, "Maybe when you feel like it, you could take me with you? I would very much like to fly again. It was quite exhilarating the first time."

Wendy recalled the brief moments of her awareness when she was being carried into the sky by the shadow. The feeling of weightlessness and the adrenaline pumping through her veins was unlike any other sensation she had ever experienced before in her life. Even though there was nothing but phantom arms carrying her hundreds of feet into the air, she had never felt more safe than in that moment. She wished to experience it again.

Peter whirled towards her, halting in his steps and staring at her intensely with furrowed brows. "You've flown before?"

"Yes," she nodded breathlessly. "It was amazing."

Peter waved off the last half of her statement with a flourish of his hand. "When have you flown before? Such a thing is not possible for mortals."

"I wasn't the one flying," Wendy explained. "It was the shadow. It protected me from the explosion and I believe it carried me here. Although, I wish it hadn't dropped me in the ocean. It was quite cold."

"What?"

Wendy laughed lightly. "I know how silly that must sound-a shadow carrying me to safety-but it's the truth."

Peter clenched his fists as he spat, "You said a shadow brought you here?"

She hesitated, noticing for the first time the fury written across the boy's face. "Yes," she said cautiously. "What does it matter?"

"It matters," Peter hissed between his teeth. "Because he disobeyed my orders."

"...You mean...you sent the shadow to London," Wendy asked, making the connection, her voice growing higher in pitch and volume with every word. "You sent it to take me and my brothers? You took us away from our home? From our parents?"

With just two powerful strides, Peter stood right before her, their bodies only inches apart. Wendy tensed at their proximity, her breath stuttering.

"I saved your life, darling," he stated coldy. "Your brothers' lives, too. If it weren't for me, you would all be dead."

Peter stepped back and she felt as though she could breathe again, but he wasn't finished. "Don't expect me to do it again."

His eyes were lifeless, void of any emotion despite the living fire within them. He turned to Felix. "Take them the rest of the way," he ordered.

His second in command nodded once and that was all Peter needed before he headed deeper into the forest, leaving Wendy and her brothers with Felix.

"Where is he going," she asked curiously, watching his retreating figure.

"Doesn't matter," Felix said, continuing at a brisk pace. "Come on. It's late and I'm hungry."

As though on cue, her stomach growled loudly. Felix lifted an eyebrow and Wendy flushed, placing a hand over her abdomen to silence its grumbling. "I suppose a small meal wouldn't hurt," she mumbled, following Felix and her brothers who had begun to chase each other, laughing and screaming with reckless abandon.

The two travelled in silence and Wendy watched her brothers play, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. At least she knew that they were safe for the moment, but the same could not be said for her parents. Did they find shelter from the explosions? Were they worried about her and her brothers? Were they looking for their children right now? She wished that there was some way of letting her parents know that they were alright.

Wendy sighed, causing Felix to flick his eyes down to her for a moment before looking away. He cleared his throat. "Don't walk in the Neverwoods alone. It's dangerous if you don't know where you're going."

Her eyes widened in surprise and she turned to study the boy, but his expression revealed nothing. The warning was a small act of kindness though, one she was grateful for. "Thank you."

Felix shrugged.

Eventually, they stopped before a massive wall of vines and Wendy was about to question what they were doing there when her brothers suddenly ran through the foliage, disappearing.

"John, Michael," she called out, growing frantic when she heard no reply in return.

"Relax," Felix said, walking up to the vines and parting them. She peered into a dark cave that was hidden behind the vines.

"Nothing is going to attack me, right," she asked, staring into the cavern with a skeptical brow.

Felix chuckled and shook his head. "You want to eat, don't you?"

Wendy bit her lip as she slowly stepped into the darkness, hearing the boy enter behind her. The vines closed around them, sealing them inside. "Alright. What do we do now?"

Felix didn't respond, instead gripping her shoulder and guiding her forward. The warmth of his hand was a stark contrast against the cooler air of the cave and she could not help but shudder under the touch.

When Wendy took a few more steps and suddenly felt as though she were walking through water, her limbs sluggish and heavy. Felix kept pushing her forwards as the resistance grew until it ceased completely and she stumbled, catching herself before she fell.

Light shone into her eyes and she squinted, holding a hand up in front of her to block...the sun? Wendy whirled around. They were in the forest again and the cave had disappeared, as if it had never existed in the first place. Her eyes were wide as she sputtered for an explanation.

Felix chuckled beside her. "It's an enchantment," he explained. "It conceals our camp from enemies. Even if a person were to walk right passed us, they wouldn't be able to see us."

"But where is the camp," she asked, only observing more trees and rocks.

Felix didn't reply and instead led her to the base of a tree. He brought two fingers up to his lips, whistling a sharp, high-pitched note and a rope with a small platform lowered to the ground a moment later. Wendy watched with wide eyes as Felix stepped on and grabbed the rope, gesturing for her to do the same.

"So, no underground hideout," she asked nervously, eyeing the contraption.

Sensing her reluctancy, he rolled his eyes and held out a hand, a silent offer. "Are you coming or what?"

Wendy sucked in a breath and took his hand, stepping carefully onto the platform. Once she had grabbed the rope, holding onto it tightly, Felix whistled a low note and they began to ascend into the trees. She gasped and clung to Felix instinctively, too preoccupied with the dizzying height to feel embarrassed about her untoward action.

Wendy wasn't afraid of heights, but the platform they stood on was rather small and the only thing stopping her from plummeting to the ground was her own grip, and that terrified her. She didn't trust herself enough and that fact alone made the distance to the ground rather unsettling.

Felix smirked at her frightened appearance, but allowed Wendy to keep her tight grip on his jacket as they reached what she assumed was the top of the tree. They came to a stop at a larger wooden platform and Felix stepped off first before offering his hand once more. She took it gratefully and felt her nerves settle when she was on more solid...ground.

The camp was beautiful. The sun had completely set and flickering candle lights illuminated the treetops, giving the distinct impression of fireflies. Bridges and walkways were built between the trees and she noticed that small homes had been carved into the thick trunks, lights glowing from the windows.

"It's incredible," she breathed, whirling around to Felix. "How did you-I mean, how is this even possible?"

"Magic," he answered simply.

"But." Wendy struggled to find the words. "There's no such thing as magic, right? How can there be?"

Felix raised a brow. "You still don't believe that magic is real? You were carried here by a shadow. You walked through an enchanted barrier. And you refuse to believe that magic doesn't exist?"

She contemplated the boy's words, reflecting upon the past two days. There were things that had happened that couldn't be explained by reason. Things that made no logical sense. And Wendy supposed that if scientists could discover particles that they couldn't even see, then there was no reason to reject the possibility that magic did exist.

"So...he really is Peter Pan?"

Felix stared at her pointedly, sensing she already knew the answer. "And if he's Peter Pan, then," Wendy paused, looking around with wide eyes as though she were seeing everything in an entirely new light. "Are we in Neverland?"

Felix sighed, exasperated with her questions. "Are you done now? Because I want to have dinner before all the boys eat everything."

"Boys? What boys?"

Felix rolled his eyes and grabbed her wrist, tugging her along one of the walkways. "I'll tell you on the way."

"What were you thinking," he hissed, clenching his fists tightly. "How could you be so foolish?"

Shadow crossed his arms over his chest and turned around, acting very much like a child.

Peter ground his teeth in frustration. "I gave you specific orders to take the boys. Instead, you bring me a girl of all things to the island after I had banned them over a millennium ago."

Shadow whirled around, throwing his arms out as though pleading.

"I don't care that she was about to die," Peter shouted. "You should have let her. One less girl in the world to screw things up."

Shadow shook his head vigorously and placed a hand over his chest.

Peter laughed humorlessly. "Her? You really think that pathetic girl is the one the old hag was talking about? Don't be ridiculous."

Shadow surged forward, pointing a finger at the boy.

"What do you mean, 'you felt something'," Peter asked, rolling his eyes. "I can't feel anything, remember? We found that out two centuries ago."

Shadow shook his head, but the boy held up his hands, interrupting him.

"I don't want to hear anymore. Do not go against my orders again, or there will be hell to pay. Understand?"

Shadow nodded slowly before ascending into the air.

Peter watched him go and sighed, running a hand through his hair. What the hell was he supposed to do with the girl now?

Felix guided Wendy towards a huge tree located in the center of the camp, the sounds of laughter and clapping spilling out of the carved windows. Felix pushed open the wooden door and gestured for Wendy to enter.

She was instantly greeted with the delicious smell of stew and her mouth watered at the aroma. A long table rested in the middle of the large space with benches on both sides where boys sat, talking animatedly. She spotted John and Michael amongst the rowdy group and they waved at her before diving back into conversation with the other boys.

Wendy briefly noticed that Peter was not sitting among them, but was quickly distracted when she saw that every boy had a large bowl of stew in front of them. Felix guided her to an open seat at the end of the table and she signed, grateful to rest her aching feet. Felix sat across from her, conversing with a smaller boy with auburn curls. Neither paid her any mind. Wendy glanced beside her, scrutinizing the massive chair that was placed at the end of the table.

It was made of dark oak that had been tangled and twisted together, giving the impression of overgrown vines. In the center of the chair was a large, gleaming emeral and Wendy resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the ostentatious embellishment. There was no doubt in her mind that that was Peter's throne.

A bowl of stew was placed in front of her, pulling her from her musings, and she smiled in thanks to the boy holding a ladle. Wendy was silent as she quickly devoured the best stew she had ever eaten in her life.

Around her, the boys laughed and talked energetically and Wendy's eyes drifted over to Felix. She watched him smile widely and couldn't help but giggle. He looked to her, brow raised in question and his perplexed expression only made her laugh more forcefully. Felix opened his mouth to speak, but a gust of wind blew kicked open the door.

All heads turned to see none other than Peter saunter in, exuding confidence and arrogance with each stride. He collapsed in the huge chair and threw his feet onto the table, right in front of her face. Wendy threw him a glare.

"Do you mind," she asked irritably.

Peter smirked. "Not at all."

Wendy scowled and resisted the urge to throw a wooden spoon at his head while Peter turned his attention to the unruly boys crowded at the table. He cleared his throat. "As I'm sure you all have noticed by now, we have some new recruits with us tonight! Stand up, gents!"

Wendy looked on in shock as several boys, including her brothers, climbed on top of the table and danced around to the clapping and howling of the others. Amidst the frenzied applause, Wendy leaned towards Peter. "What do you think you are doing," she hissed.

He flashed her an innocent smile. "I don't know what you mean."

"My brothers are not going to join your pack of wild children. We have to go back to London," she pleaded, her eyes searching his desperately. "Our parents must surely be worried about us."

Peter smirked. "You're not leaving Neverland. You're to be my toy until I grow tired of you. And when that happens, I'll give you to Hook."

"Why are you so intent on keeping us here?"

Ignoring her question, Peter turned to the boys who had settled back down. "Lads, welcome to Neverland!"

He raised his cup and the others followed suit, draining the contents quickly before continuing with the revelries. Wendy did not share in the celebration, opting to remain silent as she watched her brothers laugh with some of the younger children. How were they ever going to get back home?

"Peter," a boy called out from amongst the noise, "Who's the girl?"

Wendy lifted her head at the unexpected acknowledgement and her cheeks burned with the sudden attention of everyone in the space. Peter turned to her and flashed a wicked smile that filled her with a sense of dread. "She's our new storyteller, lads."

"Stories," another boy asked. "Stories about what?"

"Me, of course."

Peter took a long, slow sip of his drink as he stared at her with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He set the cup down and licked his lips. "As I seem to recall, she is quite the expert with stories about myself. I know she will not disappoint."

Wendy shot him a withering glare, but said nothing more as dinner was finished and boys began to retire to their rooms. A few approached her to introduce themselves, but none stayed too long. They acted as though they had never seen a girl before, speaking to her with wide eyes and trembling bodies, but surely that couldn't be possible. She couldn't be the only girl in all of Neverland.

"Have they never seen a girl before," Wendy asked Felix when she managed to catch his attention.

"Well-"

"'Course not," Peter interjected, cutting Felix off. "I don't allow girls in Neverland."

Wendy sighed, exasperated at his interruption. "Why not?"

"Becuase they are fickle and emotional creatures that have no place in my realm."

"I think that's a little extreme," Wendy said, narrowing her eyes. "Don't you think?"

"No."

She groaned in frustration and Peter smirked, only vexing her further.

"The new recruits are staying with some of the younger boys," Felix announced suddenly before Wendy could fire back a retort. "We just need a place for her."

Peter's eyes drifted to her thinly-clad form, running a mischievous gaze over her bare skin that the white slip revealed. "She'll stay with me, Felix."

Wendy crossed her arms over her chest as her cheeks flushed. She had momentarily forgotten the state of her undress, but was very conscious of it now.

Peter smirked at her fidgeting. "I'm sure we can find ways to occupy ourselves. It might finally shut her up when I put that pretty mouth to use."

Wendy gasped indignantly and swung her hand towards his face. But before her palm could connect with his skin, a hand wrapped around her wrist and pulled her back.

"She can stay with me," Felix voiced from behind her.

Wendy frowned, not sure she approved of that idea either. But it was certainly better than spending the night alone with Peter in a confined space.

Peter shrugged. "Just try not to be too loud."

He left the room without another word. Wendy was fully intent on chasing after him, demanding he apologize, but Felix wrapped an arm around her waist, halting her. "Don't bother," he said, as though he could hear her thoughts. "He will never apologize."

She huffed. "He is such a child."

"Trust me," Felix chuckled. "He is nothing like a child."

Felix led her to a home carved into the trunk of the tree, nestled deeply in the foliage.

Within the dark oak walls, the room was furnished with a small bed, dresser, and table. A few candles were scattered about the space, offering a warm glow, but overall, the room was sparsely decorated and lacked any character that would hint at the owner's life or personality.

The floorboards squeaked behind her and Wendy started, having momentarily forgotten she was not alone. She eyed Felix carefully as he moved passed her and approached the dresser. Without hesitation, he pulled his jacket over his head, revealing a lean, muscular back and tossed the garment to the floor.

Wendy stared at the tanned skin exposed in the dim light before seeming to remember herself. She squeaked and turned around, cheeks heating furiously. "C-Couldn't you have warned me?"

She heard Felix chuckle, followed by the rustling of cloth.

After another several moments of her hands firmly clasped over her eyes, Felix cleared his throat, signaling that he had finished. She hesitantly peered behind her palm, relieved to see that the boy was adequately covered in a loose shirt and trousers.

Wendy then shifted her gaze to the small bed. She was incredibly tired and a bed sounded heavenly in that moment, but...Felix had been kind enough to allow her to stay in his home for the night. It would be in poor taste for her to deprive Felix of his own bed.

Resigning herself to her fate, Wendy grabbed one of the pillows and a thin blanket that had been thrown carelessly onto the bed and lowered herself to the floor, making the wooden slats beneath her as comfortable as possible.

"What are you doing?"

Wendy turned to the boy, confused at the question. "What do you mean? I'm going to sleep."

Felix raised a brow. "On the floor?"

"Yes."

Felix said nothing and Wendy rolled onto her side, closing her eyes and trying to ignore the rough wood scratching her exposed skin.

"Get up."

Wendy opened her eyes and glanced towards Felix. "What?"

"Take the bed," he ordered, snatching the pillow and blanket from her. "I'll sleep on the floor."

"What? No, Felix. You don't have to-"

The boy grabbed her wrist and tugged Wendy onto the bed before lying on the wooden boards himself, his back turned towards her. "Honestly, Felix. I don't mind-"

"Go to sleep, Wendy."

"Are you sure? Because I can-"

"Now, Wendy."

She pursed her lips.

Felix seemed stubborn in his resolve and she saw no use in arguing with him anymore. Sinking into the bed, Wendy was surprised at the soft mattress and warm blankets that seemed to cradle her tired body. Relaxing for the first time in what felt like days, she stared up at the ceiling, her mind still very much active.

What was she going to do? Her and her brothers certainly could not stay here forever amongst these wild boys and their arrogant leader. There had to be a way on and off this island.

And she was going to find it.

Author's Notes: So...for those of you who have already read this original chapter, there were a few more changes than usual, but all in all, the general plot is still the same! I hope you guys liked it!