Hey everybody,

here's a new chapter for you! Hope you like it!

Also, I get two weeks off, so that means daily chapter updates! Which also means we're getting closer to the ending!

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

Chapter 37

Peter's POV:

I should have felt some form of relief when I saw my Lost Boys bring a boy with a sack over his head into the camp. That boy, the one whom I had been searching for, was finally in my grasp. Or as I liked to call it "under my protection".

Not relief, but disappointment coursed through my body as I gripped the wooden railing of my treehouse. With a curt nod, I acknowledged the work Felix had done, silently sent out the order to let the boy be and retreated inside to the comfort of my bed.

Although I felt more powerful, Baelfire was but a small step in my path to full immortality. He didn't have the Heart of the Truest Believer; and I was growing restless searching for it. Maybe it was time to meet my nephew.

'So, Baelfire. You must know better than anyone how it feels like to be abandoned and lost.' Taking the sack from his head, I knelt to reach the same level as the boy.

At first, his eyes frantically scanned the surroundings; then stared defiantly at me. This one had fire.

'What do you want with me?'

'Well, Baelfire. Because you are lost- I mean, your own father chose power over you and this pirate just sold you out- I grant you a place amongst my Lost Boys. You would fit in perfectly.' I stood up and started walking towards the hut with the weapons.

'How do you know about my father?'

'I know everything. And I know you secretly wanted to get away from your father; why else did you hear my flutes the first time?' As I handed him the crossbow, I turned to rally the rest of the Lost Ones.

'You're the Pied Piper. I remember.' The sense of recognition was evident in his brown eyes.

'So, Baelfire, I would like to welcome you to the Lost Boys, but first we have to play. See, I like games. And games we shall play. I call this one "target practice".' Holding out the palm of my hand, I made an juicy red apple materialize.

I would've loved to see the shock on his face, only I needed to pick someone holding the target.

'Felix!' I barked; and for once, I saw fear etched in the features of my most loyal one's face as he took a step forward.

I threw him the apple and pointed to the top of my head; indicating where the target was supposed to be placed.

'I have heard of a man who was ordered to shoot an apple off his son's head. But I want to make the game more interesting: the arrow tip is laced with poison; motivation not to miss your target.'

As I distanced myself a couple of steps back, the Boys surrounded the scene; chanting encouragment. By the burning hatred in Baelfire's eyes, I could guess what target he meant to hit exactly.

Life had become quiet a bore, sitting and waiting; I could've used the thrill.

Just as Baelfire's eyes bore into the red apple, the crossbow set on Felix, he twisted and let the arrow fly towards me; my heart.

He was going to be a challenge, but it was going to be fun.

Slowing the speed of the arrow, it slid into my hands; the tip almost piercing my tunic.

'Exhilarating, isn't it?' I asked out of breath, the rush of adrenaline pumping through my veins.

With each day, I became more frustrated with Baelfire. He wasn't complying to the small amount of rules I had set up, he didn't interact with any of my Boys, he wandered around and did things whenever he pleased. I had had enough of this behavior, but I stayed calm. Never raised my voice or hand as I used to with others.

But one day, a vision came to me. The Heart of the Truest Believer would be the son of a Saviour, a product of true love, and a Hero, someone with Dark Magic in the family. And that hero was going to be Baelfire.

So keeping him here was actually getting in the way with my plan. It was counterproductive. Since he was getting on my nerves, I would be rid of him and tip fate in my direction. I just needed it to seem like I wasn't letting him go, rather he would be finding a way off the island himself.

Every now and then, I would drop hints about stars and pixie dusts, waiting for him to register and concoct a plan of his own. A little push never did any harm.

Felix's POV:

With Baelfire gone, things fell back to their normal routine. There still was no sunrise or sunset, it seemed as if the game wanted to be shot and eaten; there wasn't any challenge.

In a place where time stood still, the days dragged on.

But nonetheless, us Lost Boys felt safe in Neverland, protected by Pan. That was until his outburst.

One day, he woke the Lost Boys in the middle of the night with a guttural scream. But since we all knew he had been having nightmares recently, nobody bothered to check. I couldn't fall asleep after that and went for an early hunt. Heavy grey clouds surrounded the island and the I could hear the clashing of the waves in the distance. Pan controlled the weather, so something was off. Except my sudden realization came too late.

When I finally made it back to camp, I was faced with the evidence of Pan's actions. He had managed to wipe out the entire Indian's tribe and set half of the island on fire. On his maniacal destructive spree, he ripped off the shadows of those who didn't comply to his rules; setting the unfortunate death of a Lost Boy named Rufio, who questioned Pan's logic, as an example. Even though Tinkerbell was somewhat of a fiery, back-talking fairy, he kept her alive - only he knew for what reason.

Pan had truly gone mad, but in fear for my dear life, I kept my mouth shut and continued being his loyal Lost Boy.

So...yeah...Pan went berserk..as did I (cooped up in a car with my family for 22 hours)...not a very pleasurable experience.

Reviews are always appreciated!

Love you all,

aureaborealis