Hey everybody,
now we get to see Neverland! Hope you like this chapter!
Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own Once upon a Time, just the crazy ideas I incorporated into this story!
As we reached higher altitudes, the people I had left behind began to shrink.
I gripped Peter's hand tighter, fearing that letting go would make me plummet to my death, but he didn't seem to notice me cutting off the circulation of his hand.
I was flying! The wind rushed through my hair, and for once in my life, I felt free. The shackles that had previously restrained me to the ground were torn away, letting me forget all the worries and pains for a few exhilarating seconds. I pushed the memories of mother and Hook to the back of my mind, and concentrated on the world underneath me, knowing I would most likely never have another chance for see it from this view.
Etching the sight in my mind forever, I turned to gaze at Peter, who seemed fully concentrated on the horizon, where the sea met the endless sky.
While soaring over the indigo sea, Peter let go of my hand, making me float alone. He started showing off his skills, flying in loops and zig-zags around me, but seeing the uneasy look in my eyes, he returned to holding my hand, flying beside me, laughter playing at his lips.
'We're almost there.' He pointed towards an isolated island.
Right before we reached Neverland, I started falling. The green-glowing dust that made me fly wasn't working anymore; my belief was failing.
This wasn't a dream. There would be consequences, painful ones.
I closed my eyes, fearful awaiting the impact, knowing it would surely be my end. Instead I felt strong arms tuck under my knees and wrap around my waist.
Peeking through my lashes, I saw an amused look on Peter's face.
'You do have a tendency of falling, and then ending up in my arms, don't you?' he grinned cheekily.
Before I could answer, we tumbled clumsily onto shore, the sand softening our fall only a bit. The drop knocked out the air from my lungs, and being pinned down by Peter's body wasn't helping, either.
'Could you please get off me?' I huffed.
Our eyes locked for what seemed like an eternity, his intense gaze, the proximity of our bodies and the feeling of his lips so close to mine made me turn my head to my side, trying to hide the blush that spread across my cheeks. He shouldn't be making me feel this way. Just because he was my rescuer; just because I had chosen Neverland… I tried to rid the colour from my face to no avail. Only then did he roll over, allowing me to catch my breath. He seemed to be needing a breather, too.
After a moment, he got to his feet, held out both his hands, which I took, and pulled me to my feet.
'Welcome to Neverland, Aura.'
Holding both my hands, he led me through into the jungle.
It was extremely different from the Enchanted Forest.
The evergreens and deciduous trees were replaced with tall pines with thick foliage that only let a few sunrays to hit the ground. Various creature-like noises I had never heard make me cautious with each step. And the heat was unbearable in my leather attire.
'Don't worry, you'll change into more suitable clothes once we arrive at camp.' He spoke calmly, as if reading my mind.
We reached a clearing, and sure enough, it was Peter's camp. Some children were prancing dangerously close the fire, others were fighting with sticks just as a knight would with a sword. I couldn't help but think of all the similarities and differences from what was right in front of me and in my book.
'Boys! Meet our Lost Girl!' he called, catching every single one's attention.
'Aura is very special, so try not hurt her, or else you'll be dealing with me.' His tone, oozing with authority, sounded almost nonchalant as he made the threat.
'Tonight, we shall celebrate her arrival.' The boys started whooping and continued causing chaos.
Peter turned back to me and gestured to a tree house. 'Up there you should find clothes that should suit you.'
I climbed the ladder and entered the small room. There was nothing special, just a bed, table and shelf filled with books. I noted in my mind to check the books later and grabbed the neatly folded clothes from the table.
I stayed put in the tree house, wearing the appropriate garments, and smiled to myself. In some way, my dream was coming true, even if the timing was off and I had already grown up.
After some time of just sitting on the bed, doing nothing, my eyelids felt heavier and I sank into Pan's pillows, dosing off into a dreamless slumber.
The sound of pan flutes woke me up. Rubbing my eyes, I yawned and proceeded to the entrance of the tree house, eager to see what was happening outside.
Night had already fallen upon and all the boys were dancing around the huge campfire, while Peter sat on a stone nearby, playing his instrument.
Descending from the house, I walked in a dream-like state towards all the boys, wanting to join their fun.
While twirling and frolicking around, with no parents or adults to tell us what to do or rob us of our joy, I noticed Peter eying me with a certain look on his face. I paused my dancing and advanced towards him. His pupils were wide and the fire reflecting in his eyes made him look dangerous and hungry, like an animal.
All of the sudden the music ended and Peter stood up. 'Time to go to bed, tomorrow is an important day.' The Lost Boys groaned in annoyance, somebody was telling them what to do, but they still obeyed, everyone returning to their huts or tree houses.
Peter's hand wandered to the small of my back and pushed me towards the tree house I had been earlier.
'Get some rest.' He spun me around, the closeness of our bodies making my heart beat erratically.
Cupping my face, Peter gently caressed my cheek with his thumb and put several strands of hair behind my ear. I leaned into his touch and placed both my hands on his chest.
'Goodnight, Aura.'
And just like that, he was gone.
Soo...yeah...don't tease, Pan!
Love you all and enjoy your holidays,
aureaborealis
P.S Reviews are always appreciated!