His fingers circled the rim of the pipes, his thoughts occupied. The panpipes had been retrieved from an old drunk in Kensington Gardens after reports that he was making passers by march in formation down the Broad Walk or making strangers dance together, all under the influence of the pipes. The Home Office had interrogated him about how it came into his possession, suspecting a connection to Pan, but the old man had told them that a nice girl had given them to him some years ago. He said that he was instructed to keep them safe but the temptation to use them was too great to resist.

"I told 'em the Pied Piper was real!" he had stressed before the pipes were taken and replaced with a few sovereigns. Despite the money he seemed loath to part with the pipes but he did so, after some persuading.

"The Pied Piper..." John muttered, a frown between his eyebrows and reached for his father's pen and a note pad. In a large basket at his feet Nana slept, snoring softly. The Office used to be his father's study and ghosts of the former inhabitant were everywhere, a daily reminder of what had been torn away from him. Michael had suggested removing some items, storing them away but John refused. He did not want to forget, not for a second, what Pan had reduced his family to.

As John wrote, scribing the possible connection between Pan, his pipes, the ancient god and the Pied Piper his thoughts were stuck in the past. He remembered as a boy overhearing his father crying. It had been the first and only time that he witnessed such an outpouring of emotion from his father that wasn't anger or indignation. It happened when Wendy disappeared from Roedean and his parents were lead to assume she had died or run away. His father had cried with Mrs Darling, blaming himself because he had sent her away, possibly making her believe that she was unloved. His father died with regret and guilt in his heart, never knowing the truth.

Peter Pan did not kill his parents directly but if he had never kidnapped his sister, never interfered with the Darlings, then none of this would have happened. John pulled an old photograph out of a drawer and stared at it. On the night his parents died and Wendy had been taken they all had their picture taken in the garden. The family shot was framed and pride of place on the desk but the one in his hand was usually hidden in a drawer or in his pocket. Pan was sat next to his sister, staring at her as she smiled happily into the camera. It was a beautiful picture, he could not deny that. At a glance it looked like two young lovers together, one besotted and the other exceedingly happy but John knew the truth and it warped it. There was something desperate in his sister's eyes, something that made it look like she was holding back a scream. Pan smiled at her softly but it was sharp, cruel and along with it was a ravenous hunger in his eyes like he wanted to eat her whole.

John had stared and stared at the hated boy so many times now that he didn't even look human any more. His face was a mask and the true monstrous visage was just underneath, if you really looked. He had almost destroyed the picture many times but it was the only bit of hard proof that Pan had been with them, the only piece of evidence of what he looked like. So John kept it with him always, a reminder of what he was fighting and who he was fighting for.

He sighed and got to his feet, snapping the lid back on the fountain pen. He had booked a ticket to America and he would need to pack soon. The Home Office had got word that a girl in Kansas was claiming she had been transported to another world and returned home by the use of some ruby red slippers. It could be the prattle of an unbalanced mind but it was his and Michael's job to investigate, even if it lead them to dead ends.

"Late again," he sighed, looking at his watch. His younger brother was dating a girl, much to his slight annoyance. What use was romance and flowers when they had a war to win? Once Pan was dead and they had rescued Wendy all that could come after. John was now twenty two, had no lovers, no friends to speak of outside of the Office and he did not care. Michael held his grief quietly and his anger would burst from him sometimes but he was different. He wanted a life outside of the Office, he wanted a family and to move on. He would not admit it, for fear of looking defeatist but John knew. Michael was a warm person, emotional like their mother had been but John, even as a boy, was often cold and his anger fed into that until it solidified around him like ice.

Pan had destroyed his family, made a mockery of his sister before abducting her and he would not rest until he paid for that. John placed the picture into the briefcase, along with the pipes, and just as he snapped it shut the papers on his desk started to flutter. He turned to the window but it was shut and he looked back, frowning as a burst of green light suddenly erupted in the middle of the room. John ducked down behind a chair as a whirling vortex opened, making papers and other objects fly around the room in the intense wind it produced. He gripped a gun he kept under his coat, steeling himself and rose smoothly, pointing at the interlopers. What he saw made him almost drop the weapon to the floor.

"John!"

"...Michael?" he asked, bewildered. Standing before the portal was unmistakably his brother but he seemed to have aged fifteen years. Michael, if it was him, came forward and without another word hugged him roughly. John remained unresponsive, too shocked to move. Another man was behind him, someone he did not know. He walked forward, ignoring him and went straight to petting Nana, who did not seem to mind.

"It's me," Michael said and John got a good look at him. He really was older, though he hadn't seemed to have grown any taller. Michael gripped his brother's face, tears in his eyes, sad and joyful all at the same time. "I've missed you so much! You look so young!"

"What?" John tried to think, tried to make sense of what was happening but the other man was slipping a pen into his pocket. "Do you mind?!"

"Not really," the man said but put the pen back. He sighed and stared at Michael in boredom. "You ready?"

"This is Jefferson, he's here to help us. I know you must be confused and I will explain everything but we should go," Michael nodded and the man, who seemed to have power to keep the portal open, motioned for them to enter. John hesitated, deeply confused and suspicious.

"Is it really you?"

"Yes, we've travelled back in time. Though I admit I didn't think it would be back this far. You're unsure, aren't you? Than I'll prove it. You took boxing until you were nineteen, you found the spinsters and once you tried to hit Peter Pan with a teaspoon, " he finished with a twitch of his lips, proving his identity and John was satisfied but still confused. He grabbed his briefcase and followed Michael into the vortex, Jefferson trailing behind.

He was lead into a room, a room the likes of which he had never seen before. He was a jaded man, hardened through suffering but he turned in awe, mouth open. He stared at the doors, nodding, because he had heard of this place and suddenly knew who the man was.

"You're the Mad Hatter, aren't you?" he asked, turning. The seer sisters had mentioned that a man had the power to travel to other worlds in a hat but he was very hard to find. He thought it was nonsense but the real world was stranger than he gave it credit for. The Hatter's mouth thinned in distaste.

"I prefer Jefferson. You think anyone likes being called crazy? And I've never been to Wonderland in my life," he added and the brothers stared in shock. Jefferson had brought Nana along with them, who was sitting quite contently at his feet.

"What's she doing here?"

"There are rules that you're not aware of," he said and began walking Nana across the room, towards the casement window that leads to Neverland. "The hat has rules. If two people go through a door then only two can come back. You're planning on returning with someone else, right?"

Michael nodded and stared down at Nana sadly. She was their dog but she was more then that, she was the only remaining family member they had. Everyone else had either died or been taken from them. The brothers crouched down and stroked her fur, staring at each other. Michael was deeply sad while John tried to suppress it.

"If she could understand she'd volunteer," he said stiffly, like Nana was a solider rather than a dog. Michael smiled.

"She always hated Pan, maybe she'll finish him off so we don't have to."

"You hear that Nana? Show no mercy," John said and gave her a hug before standing. Michael took longer saying goodbye, knowing that once they went through the window he may not get a chance.

"So what do we do?" John asked, inspecting the glass stained casement window before them. It was an almost exact replica of the one in their old nursery. The window was halved in two and one side depicted a foggy London while the other was an island with a ship anchored in rolling waves. How it came to be here, why their nursery window was a door to Neverland he could not guess. Jefferson pointed at two stars placed at the top of the window, one on each side.

"Like I told Michael I avoid going to this place. It's not just the charming company that's a problem but the place itself. It's just...weird and never stays still. Sometimes the window hides," Jefferson explained in exasperation. "But luckily it's staying put. I don't know what you'll find on the other side, what time it'll be even. It changeable but I'll keep the window open for your return."

"Thank you," Michael said and gave Jefferson a sack filled with money. "It's half. Once we return with Wendy you'll get the rest."

Jefferson looked unimpressed but he took the money and stored it in his pocket, waking a small golden goose there. John starred and then shook his head. Sometimes there could be too much oddness to take in during one day and your brain ignores it for it's own health. Doing so John turned to Michael, took Nana's lead and they faced the window. Michael, now bizarrely the eldest, opened the Neverland side of the window and with a sharp intake of breath he climbed through it. John, pushing aside why Michael had gone back in time for him, closed his eyes, giving one last prayer before he and Nana followed Michael through.

Jefferson sighed and sat before the window, crossing his legs and pulled out the goose from his pocket along with a harp. He stared at them, chin in his hand and waited. He could just leave, close the window and forget the rest of the money but he had a baby girl to think about now.

Wendy walked along the shore, the sky a hazy blue. It was incredibly hot and only a light breeze blew off the sea, making her hair lift occasionally. Every morning she would make this walk, watch the sunrise and than do the same at sunset. The rise and fall of the sun was not real, she knew that but she needed that normalcy, that way to tick off the days even if there were no days to count. Sometimes Peter would accompany her or Tink but that morning she was alone, Peter away and the fairy on the ship. As she came to the rock pools she saw with surprise that Rufio was sat there, sharpening a sword.

"Good morning! I thought you were away?" He usually went with Peter and Felix, helping them search or gather goods. Rufio stood, smiling and helped her up onto the rock.

"We just got back," he said and sat, not looking at her. For awhile now he seemed despondent, dissatisfied but he would not say why. She usually had to snatch moments alone with him, mostly when Peter was not there and so far they were the only times she had to really talk to him. Rufio had left, not that long ago and he had been excited. He would not say why but Wendy suspected that he had information about finding a cure for her. Maybe he had failed, thus his present mood.

"You seem out of sorts," she began and he snorted. Her sometimes genteel, tactful ways amused him.

"I learned something and it was not what I wanted," he answered vaguely, sharpening his blade with a whetstone. He was a skilled swordsman, even before coming to the island.

"Forget it then. Whatever it was, whatever disappointment you feel now, it will pass," she whispered, speaking of herself. She had experienced many disappointments and would likely continue to but she tried not to dwell on them. Well, except one, she thought guiltily but kept her face smooth.

"It's easier said then done. I don't know what I really expected to find here," he said, looking out to sea. "Eternal youth, who doesn't want that? But now..."

"You've changed your mind?" she asked, her heart sinking. Her feelings, or lack there of, had not changed but she did care deeply about him and counted him as her friend, Peter be damned. "I know you don't like playing second fiddle -"

"Its not that. Peter's in charge, I accept that. I might not agree with everything he says or does but he's the leader," he said, mouth thinning. He had been shocked and then enraged at Peter surrounding her cave with Dreamshade, though not as angry as she had been. Even now it still stood, though she could control it to a small degree now, letting those she wants in, much to Peter's ire.

"I know this place is not a paradise, not even close to one. I think that everyone loses something by coming here, even as we gain something new," she said, looking wistful.

"What did you lose?" he asked, finally looking at her. He looked tired.

"Well my adulthood for one. I had such plans," she sighed and he nodded.

"I wanted a family. I had this dream that I'd be older, not poor any more and a father. A good one and I'd take care of my family and nothing would hurt them," he said, gaze losing focus and something in Wendy ached. It was what she wanted, what she envisioned in such detail. No one had shared her desire before.

"I have the same regret," she confessed and he stared at her deeply. It was a half tormented half hopeful look and Wendy could have drowned in it. He turned suddenly, looking out to sea again.

"Maybe it's not impossible, maybe one day it will happen. Just not here," he said with a shrug and Wendy furtively looked away, mind going back to her cave. It was more than just a room now and sometimes, on days when she felt desperate and sad enough she did not share it alone. But it was a secret she shared with no one, especially not Peter.

Rufio pointed out to sea, at the Jolly Roger that could just be seen in a heat mirage. She stared, hand over her eyes. "Is there anything out there beside Neverland?" he asked and Wendy shook her head.

"Peter told me that once he swam and swam, wondering if there was anything else. He said he must have been swimming for days when he came across land. He thought he had discovered something new but he soon realised he was back where he started. Hook would tell you the same."

"Circles," Rufio said, drawing one in the sand and Wendy nodded. "This island is the perfect prison, if you couldn't leave," he said and looked at her pointedly, troubled again.

"I'm not a prisoner. This is my home now, I've built something important," she said, mind again going back to her room and the thing now in it.

"But you are stuck. What if...what if I told you there was a way to -" he began but stopped suddenly, staring over her shoulder in complete shock. Wendy turned and her mouth fell open.

A woman was walking out of the sea and she did not have a stitch of clothing on. Long, thick dark hair reached her hips and it blew in the wind as she walked out of the surf, her skin pebbled with water. Wendy jumped down onto the sand as Rufio turned his back, casting his eyes away. Wendy stopped at a distance, squinting at the young woman who smiled and recognition hit her.

"Tiger Lily?"

The mermaid nodded and lifted a hand in greeting. When Peter had been stuck in London his connection to Neverland had been severed and with it his control. The mermaids native to these waters, once trapped, were free to move onto other realms. Since Wendy had returned she had not seen Tiger Lily and suspected that she had escaped with the rest. But here she was, not much older than she had been before and completely unconcerned with her present state. She lifted out a hand to shake and Wendy laughed and took it, thinking back to the first time they had been properly introduced.

"Hello. It's been some time but it is so good to be back here. I've come to ask for your help," she said and her eyes flicked to Rufio who was still standing with his back to her. A small frown line appeared between her brows. "Have I offended him?" she whispered, confused and Wendy laughed.

"No, he's just displaying good manners," she said lightly and tugged on the blouse she wore. Tiger Lily's eyes widened.

"Oh, I always thought the fabrics you wore were odd but landlubbers are strange creatures, especially in a place as hot as this," she said but waved a hand before her body. Seconds later she was clothed but only enough to cover her modesty. Wendy wished she could be so uninhabited.

"Do you want to speak to Peter?" Wendy asked, leading the mermaid to Rufio where she cocked her head in bemusement, eyeing him.

"You can turn around now," Tiger Lily said and he did so, eyeing her swiftly before looking at the ground. She smiled coyly. "Is it customary for you to lower your eyes before a woman?"

"No," he said, looking up sharply and the mermaid laughed. This time he did not look away and kept his gaze on her.

"Pity," she said, almost daring him to look down again and Wendy stared between them, wondering what was happening. She turned to her old ally who had trouble keeping eye contact, often glancing back at Rufio.

"I thought you had left with the others?"

"I did. You succeeded, like I knew you would, and we were free to swim to other waters. I never thought I would see my home again but then I heard tales. The seas were calm, the stars shone and skies were clear because of the queen on the island."

"I'm no queen," Wendy demurred as they made their way into the jungle.

"Come on, he doesn't run this place on his own," Rufio countered and Wendy walked a little taller. However Tiger Lily stared at her in confusion.

"I thought you had escaped so I did not think it was you. I'm sorry he has netted you again but I can see your happiness," she said softly. Every so often she would become distracted by the way light shone through a leaf or a bird that flew overhead and would just stand there, watching in awe. Wendy turned during one of these moments, hands on her hips.

"I'm not something caught in a net, not any more. Whatever help you want I will give it, if it's in my power."

"My people want to come home. We want to return to Neverland but we must have his assurance that we will be free. We know why he trapped us all those years ago but that threat is past," she uttered mysteriously, losing Wendy.

"What threat?"

"That is his tale," she answered, eyeing a butterfly in wonder. Rufio's mouth quirked at her naked joy at such small, simple things but his smile fell when he looked at Wendy. He cleared his throat, coming to the camp and Wendy could see Peter standing with Felix. They were sharpening swords, like Rufio had been doing. Tiger Lily grew serious, eyes pinned on Peter below.

"I would speak with him," she said and was about to march in when Wendy took her arm.

"Let me talk to him first. He still thinks you're the mermaid that tried to kill me so confronting him without warning would not be...wise," Wendy said and she stepped back, nodding.

"Very well. Blushing boy," she addressed Rufio suddenly and his eyebrows shot up. "You're new to the island? Tell me of the changes you have seen."

Wendy left them to talk and approached Peter. He watched her coming to him, no doubt aware of Tiger Lily's presence the moment she swam into this realm. Wendy took his arm and lead him to a quiet place, motioning for Felix to follow them.

"She wants to talk with you about her people coming home," she started but he was already shaking is head.

"Why should I listen to her? She tried to drown you once."

"She actually wanted to save me, from you. If she hadn't given me the squid ink to freeze you my plan wouldn't have worked," she said and he snorted, eyeing the mermaid standing with Rufio.

"They seem chummy," Felix observed and Wendy looked up, hearing Tiger Lily laughing loudly. She had not known the mermaid for long but she knew when someone was smitten.

"Yes, so it seems. They met just minutes ago," she confessed but Peter shrugged, eyeing the pair thoughtfully.

"I'll grant her request on one condition."

"What?"

"If Rufio fights me for it," he said and Wendy blinked at him. "If he wins then they can move as freely as they once did. If I win it will stay as it was."

Wendy rounded on him, fuming. "How can you be so unfeeling?! They should not have to fight for anything! This is their home as much as yours! After you trapped them this is the least you could do!"

"After I trapped them? Oh you have no idea," he said through gritted teeth and left her standing there red faced and angry. He motioned for Tiger Lily to approach and she did, Rufio at her side. It looked like he was with the mermaid but Wendy knew he would not hesitate to protect Peter if he had to.

"Wendy has told me about your request and I agree. However a handshake or signature is boring. Fighting for things is a lot more fun, shows that you really want it."

"Fight?" Tiger Lily said, eyes flashing and Peter grinned.

"Oh not you. Rufio promised me a friendly duel this morning but I think this makes it more interesting then just your routine combat. If he bests me in a dual than I will agree with your mandate."

Tiger Lily shook her head, confused and angry. "But this is not fair. These boys follow you, they will not try to beat you. I can not win unless I fight you myself," she said and meant it. Peter shook his head.

"Oh I could never fight a lady, though I do not doubt you're a warrior. You see I want to prove something to myself. Wendy picked some of the boys here, she wanted the most perfect Lost Boys possible, one with empathy and compassion but I want boys that can also follow orders, that can shed blood if they have to. Every loyal boy here, by rights, should do as I request even if it's fighting me."

"That makes no sense!" she said and Peter chuckled.

Wendy could see what he was doing and hated him for it. If Rufio fought him his position would change. If he lost and Peter won he would be humiliated but if he won Peter would look weak and Rufio could possibly incur the wrath of the other boys. There were already whispers of his unrest at Peter's leadership. But what it really boiled down to was that Peter needed an outlet, he needed to fight Rufio because every single day he was with them the jealousy that Peter felt increased and with it a violence. This was just an excuse to cause as much pain as he could without killing anyone.

"This is ridiculous," Wendy groaned but Peter smirked, eyeing Rufio who sighed and withdraw his sword. He knew exactly why this was happening, she could see it on his face. She went up to him, hand on his arm. "You don't have to do this."

"I think I do, I think it was gonna happen whatever the excuse," he said and turned to Tiger Lily. "I'll fight for you."

"This was not what I wanted," the mermaid said and leaned over to kiss his cheek. "Thank you. I will hold no blame in my heart if you fail."

"Uh thanks..." he said and flexed his shoulders back and looked at the ring of boys that had now formed. He grinned suddenly, a cocky gleam in his eyes and lifted his sword. "Come on! For the Lost Boys!"

"The Lost Boys!" they shouted and Peter narrowed his eyes but said nothing. Wendy went to his side, tugging him close and hissed into his ear.

"If you hurt him I will never forgive you."

"I thought I was past forgiveness? Don't worry, I'll let him walk out of here," he answered arrogantly and Wendy dug her nails into his arm. Sometimes she felt like screaming and shaking him but restrained herself. She could save it for when they were alone but either way it was pointless. He did not care.

"I'm rooting for him to win, not because of who he is but because this win means so much for so many. This is about more than your petty jealousy over nothing," she whispered and he finally looked at her.

"Nothing? You don't see what's happening but I do. No one takes what's mine," he said and she knew he meant more than her. Peter was taking those mutiny whispers seriously.

"He's not trying to overthrow you," she said quietly but he stared deep into her eyes.

"Don't you remember what the spinsters said would happen when I returned here? Insurrection. They weren't referring to Slightly." He tightly gripped his sword as the boys chanted Rufio's name and Peter stared at Wendy pointedly before stepping into the ring.

Wendy stood by Tiger Lily's side, heart pounding and watched as Rufio and Peter bowed to each other civilly. She had seen Peter fight with a sword a handful of times, he preferred using a crossbow but he moved the weapon with an easy, strong grace. Rufio might be skilled but he did not have three hundred odd years of experience.

"The first one to draw blood wins," Peter stated and Rufio nodded.

"Just avoid the face."

"Likewise."

Wendy grabbed Tiger Lily's hand as the boys began to fight, dodging and parrying, getting the feel for each other before Rufio lunged. Wendy gasped, jumping but Peter blocked the move with his sword and pushed Rufio away. He grinned, which the dark haired boy returned.

"I don't know why I don't do this more often. It's fun!"

"Yeah, using apples as target practise gets boring after awhile," Rufio agreed and Peter smirked.

"The apples weren't the targets," he struck forward, aiming low and Rufio blocked him. The clash of sword against sword rang in Wendy's ears, making her blink every time the noise sounded. At first Peter had the offensive but then Rufio started to fight harder, quicker until Peter was the one defending himself. Wendy could see the irritation on his face increasing as sweat poured, could see the realisation that he did not have the upper hand here. He was not in control and Rufio was winning.

Tiger Lily let go of Wendy's hand and clapped, bouncing on her feet and making strange cheering noises and Wendy joined in, unable to stop herself. Peter's eyes flicked to her, unbelieving and she smirked but then gasped as he was suddenly pushed down to a knee. Boys cheered, though most of them gasped, watching apprehensively.

"Do you yield?" Rufio asked, panting but Peter stared up at him through narrowed eyes.

"Never," he breathed. Peter challenged him with a look, mouth curling because he knew that even on his knees he was the winner. All Rufio had to do was nick his skin, the smallest scratch and he would have won for Tiger Lily. But if he did that he would be playing into Peter's twisted game. So Rufio did the only thing he could, he lowered his sword and stepped back, leaving Peter unharmed.

"I forfeit," he said, looking at the mermaid sadly. Peter got to his feet, looking annoyed.

"You can't forfeit! Only cowards do that. Are you a coward?" he asked, grinning and Rufio tensed. Wendy moved forward but Rufio held out a hand, stopping her. He turned to Peter, sword still lowered.

"Cut me then, beat me and win," he lifted his arms, giving Peter ample targets but he glared at his rival.

"That would be no victory, not one that's handed to you. Fight me!" he ordered and his voice rang out. Rufio sighed, shaking his head but lifted his sword.

"If I fight it's for the real reason. Enough of this game. You want to fight me for her," he said and pointed at Wendy. "Admit it!"

"No one is fighting! Do you hear me?!" Wendy shouted, moving between them. "Listen to yourselves! I'm not a prize to be won. Whoever wins this ridiculous fight will not take me and if either of you tried I'd stab you myself. Peter," she addressed him softly, "stop this and come away." she took his hand, pulling him from the ring but he stood still, glaring at Rufio.

"I know what you're thinking, I know what you plot in your dreams," he said and Rufio stiffened. He looked in pain, guilty but then he started to smile softly, eyes dark.

"And I know the secret you're keeping from her," he said and Wendy stared at him, confused.

"What secret?" she asked but neither boy would answer her. Peter's eyes pinned Rufio, flickering until he suddenly smiled and inclined his head, like Rufio had just defeated him and he was acknowledging it.

"Mermaid, you've got your wish," he said and Tiger Lily blinked in surprise.

"He has won?"

Peter said nothing and walked away, letting go of Wendy's hand. She stared at him, deeply confused and after nodding at Rufio she chased after him.

There was a place in Neverland that Peter took no one to see, not even Felix. The Thinking Tree was said to be next to an old pixie dust grove but Peter confessed to her that he moved it around, so no one could find it. Wendy ran through the grove anyway and soon became lost. She knew just about every corner of the island but like the house she had created for herself it could change with a thought. If Peter did not want to be found then he wouldn't be.

"Come on! I don't even want to see your blasted tree!"

"Good because you never will," he uttered behind her back and she spun around to find him sitting on a tree stump. He was clearly in a spiteful mood and Wendy wished she had left him to cool off. He was not used to losing and Wendy realised that the sky above was darkening, clouds blocking out the sun. Wendy sighed, moving closer.

"For someone so old you really are still a boy in many ways."

"Oh, did you just notice?" he uttered sarcastically and Wendy's lips thinned as she rolled her eyes. She sat beside him as he glared into the middle distance. She had known Peter for years now and she knew when he was truly conflicted. He hid away.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing to concern yourself with," he answered curtly and Wendy fisted her skirt over her knees in frustration.

"I'm just trying to help."

"See that's the problem," he said, turning to her. "I don't want it or need it," he fixed his intense gaze on her as Wendy got to her feet.

"Fine," she uttered, disgusted and wanted to walk away and leave him to sulk but she turned back. "You know not everything is about you and sometimes you won't get your own way."

"You think I give a damn about winning against him or any of them?" he hissed, eyes burning. "I could care less. There are larger matters and things are moving, wheels spinning and they have no idea."

"What secret was Rufio talking about?" she asked, guessing that was the root of his current ire. Peter rolled his eyes and got to his feet.

"You should be more concerned with his secret. Lets just say your precious Lost Boy is not as pure and holy as you believe."

"That's rich coming from you," she scoffed and he smiled, coming to her side.

"I make no illusions, I am what I am though you seem committed to change that. While I give you some leeway here don't ever forget that this is my island and everything stops with me," he breathed and she leaned back, heart racing.

"You're like a child throwing a tantrum. Grow up!"

"You first," he laughed and she sneered and turned from him. She walked away, forcing herself not to look back and only started running when his cruel laughter faded from her ears.

Spite ran through her veins, making it impossible to sleep. She knew that Peter was cruel and devious but since being on the island she had seen other sides to him, sides that she pulled out of him without meaning to. She would be deceiving herself to think that a few sweet moments and kisses could truly mask what he was at heart. He could not help it, he was not devoid of all soft emotions but he was incapable of true compassion or love; she knew that but it made her feel angry at herself for clinging onto those small moments and the hope that he could give more.

She climbed out of bed, looking at the dark bulk at the end of the room and wanted to make it vanish but she did not have the heart. She had woke one morning to find the crib there, something else that had escaped from her dreams. She had approached it, not breathing but it had been empty but since then it had been sitting there, as if waiting to be occupied. Wendy had not let the fantasy get that far but it had come close, very close.

She gripped her hands around the banister of the baby's cot, a mobile above with the feather she had attached to it twirling as she blew against it. Peter did not care about her wants, not really so why should she show him the same consideration?

"He can't have everything," she whispered and her mind made up she left the bedroom and crib behind and headed towards the Dream Caves.

The mirror, his mirror was dark and nothing moved on it's surface. At first she thought that he had blocked her or she had the wrong one but as soon as she called for Peter's dream the mirror appeared in front of her. Maybe he had no control over it, in the same way he seemed to lack the ability to stop having nightmares. This was not his realm.

But it wasn't hers either and so she sat and waited on her knees for something to happen. Just as she was about to give up, feelings of shame starting to overtake her spite, the mirror flickered to life and she sat up. Something rippled over the dark glass and an almost inaudible noise issued from it but she cocked her head, leaning close and could just hear the sobs of a child. Unable to look away Wendy braced her hands on either side of the mirror and leaned closer, trying to see. The ripples were water and shapes floated on the surface, possibly petals.

"Foxgloves...?" she muttered and leaned closer. Too close. Her forehead touched the surface and she was sucked into the nightmare before she could stop it.

- a baby's stubby fingers, chewing on pink petals, a pain shots through her stomach, a woman sings a lullaby, eggshells, oaks and acorns, a woman screams in fear and rage, a baby laughs -

I can't breathe, the thought flashed through her mind and she tried to drag herself out, tried to breathe but she could not. Cold water filled her lungs and she was helpless against the flashes of images and sensations.

- water sloshes, flowers drifting above and a pressure against her – his – chest builds. Hands hold them under as someone cries -

Wendy, seconds away from death, was pulled roughly out and she collapsed onto the clear floor, staring but not seeing the many mirrors below. She breathed raggedly as Peter dropped to his knees beside her.

"You – you!" he stuttered, too enraged to form sentences but Wendy did not care. She started to sob, her throat tight and sore and she panted, cheek pressed against the floor.

She had felt him, felt his confusion, his crippling fear and absolute betrayal as if it had been happening to her and it tore her apart. She groaned as she was yanked up, tears blinding her and before he could do anything she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him to her. He was breathing hard, almost out of control but as she shook against him Peter pulled her in tight, fingers digging into her flesh.

"I'm sorry," she uttered gutturally and it was not an apology for her actions but for him.

"Sshh, I don't want to know," he said, pressing his fingers over her mouth. "Not one thing, not ever."

Wendy nodded, pulling his hand away and kissed him. Tears fell on his lips and he tasted salt in his mouth, like he was drinking her sorrow and could not stop.

a.n:

that was a long chapter! So I think you can guess what may happen next...;)