Hey everybody,

we're are kinda half-finished with Never looking back...So happy 30th chapter!

*spoiler: Pan goes to see Aura*

Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own Once upon a Time, just the crazy ideas in my head that I incorporated into this story!

Chapter 30

Peter's POV:

Baelfire was the boy's name, and the Dark One had made sure he wouldn't be visiting Neverland tonight. Not yet. I would have to be patient; only time wasn't on my side, literally.

It took all my focus and energy to transport all the new Lost Ones and me to the right place and right time. But as my feet touched the dirt ground beneath me, I felt relieved when I recognized the familiar surroundings of the camp and the voices of the Boys that had lived with me for so long.

I stumbled forward, not being able to control the spinning in my head and leaned against a tall tree to stop the dizziness. Whilst taking deep breaths, I hoped no one noticed how weak I had gotten. As I scanned the area, trying to calm my fast-beating heart, Felix's grin and piercing gaze caught my attention. He actually looked satisfied with me being in this fragile state. Or maybe he was just smirking for no reason…so I let it go.

'Boys, listen up. We have company. They are now part of the family, so show them around.' I stood up and proclaimed.

The camp buzzed with excitement; everybody greeting each other and then leaving camp to guide them through the island. I, on the other hand, simply wanted to get some rest and retreat to my treehouse. But as I moved towards my little home, I had another vision. Closing my eyes, I let the images flood my mind.

I was dangling above treacherous waters, holding onto the edges on a cliff. To my right, I saw Aura struggling with the same problem. Felix was standing on the cliff, creating a perfect imaginary triangle with me and Aura.

He seemed to be contemplating who he should rescue first, although he would only be saving one, as me nor Aura could hold on much longer; our fingers slipping every now and then.

Felix then moved towards my direction, but after shooting me an apologetic look, he rushed to Aura and hauled her up. Completely taken back by his sudden change of heart, I whispered. 'You are not as loyal as I thought, Felix.'

I had lost my most trustworthy companion to her. Aura gave a small nod and I fell. Everything vanished.

My eyes opened and they shot straight to Felix. How dare he? He was supposed to be my friend, my most faithful Lost One, my brother.

I walked towards me, my rage fueling my energy for the moment, until I stood right in front of Felix.

'Oh, Felix. Haven't you learned? You lost her, and will lose her again. Blood might make you related, but loyalty makes you family. Best you forget Aura.'

The once powerful fire was replaced by the empty look in his eyes he had before Aura had visited. I knew my monotone Lost Boy was back; and would stay like this until I told him otherwise.

While everyone had settled in their beds and drifted into their dreams, I stayed awake, restless. Not only did the events of today scare me, telling me my powers were slowly vanishing, but images of Aura kept flashing before my eyes. I had wanted to pay her a visit; and now, in the dead of the night, seemed like the perfect timing.

I kept telling myself I would only be taking a quick peek, see if she was well, nonchalantly check on her, but I knew in my heart this was so much more. It longed to be with its counterpart. I remembered hearing a tale whilst searching for new stories to tell the Lost Boys about the hearts of true love. How humans were originally created with four arms, four legs and a head with two faces. Fearing their power, their powerful creator had split them into two separate beings, condemning them to spend their lives in search of their other halves, for their other heart. Not that I believed that old woman's tale.

Growing tired of trekking through the dense jungle, I transported myself directly to the small island in the Echo Caves. There I found Aura sleeping in a comfortable-looking bed, the burning torch on her nightstand providing enough light. Books lay strewn across the area. What a clever Lost Girl. She still believed in magic to be able to manifest those things. She seemed to be fine on her own. My mind kept telling me to leave now, I had seen enough, but this time, my heart won. Just looking upon her sleeping form had me entranced.

And yet, as I reached to brush the loose golden strands from her face, to stop the itching in my fingers, I refrained myself mid-movement.

I had one mission, but tonight I would be committing treason. Only tonight.

Making the torch disappear, I lit a small candle that was on the nightstand next to her bed. In Aura's presence, I could feel my powers getting stronger. Not wanting to wake her, I quietly slid beside her into bed. She started to rouse and shuffled closer to me, so I wrapped my arms around her delicately, warming her with my body as the closeness enveloped us both.

Resting her head on my chest, she opened her eyes for a split second and whispered, 'Pan, tell me a story,' before they fluttered close.

I was sure she had fallen asleep the next second, but I didn't mind. Just holding her in my arms made my heart beat erratically.

'Once upon a time, there was the King of Neverland, who had a Queen. Only he kept battling with his heart and mind, but he knew in his being, he loved her...'

After some time, our breaths and heartbeats became one and I slipped into the world of dreams.

I was standing in front of a mirror, but the most peculiar thing about my reflection was its' two halves. My left side was looking youthful, a playful glint in the left eye; at the same time my right side was dark, the hollow under my eye noticeable, the same dull look Felix had at present.

'Only he kept battling with his heart and mind' was written all over the mirror.

'I love you, Peter. I know your heart does the same.' Aura appeared on my left side, an ethereal glow omitting from her skin as she touched my shoulder.

'Best you forget about me.' The Aura on my left side disappeared, instead the pale, almost dead Aura from my latter visions materialized on my right side.

Then everything vanished.

I shot up, my shirt clinging to my body with sweat. Glancing to my side, I saw a peaceful Aura sleeping, her chest rising and falling evenly.

'I do love you, Aura, with all my heart,' I whispered, kissing her one last time on the forehead before getting out of bed. Her heart started to glow, just as I had expected it to.

'Best you forget about Aura.' The deep voice in my mind commanded me.

And I followed his orders, transporting myself back to my cold bed in my treehouse.

I never visited the Echo Caves again.

So..yeah...I shed some tears while writing and re-reading the end part...*sniffles*

Where do you think this is all going to head?

Reviews are always appreciated!

Love you all,

aureaborealis