Hey everybody,

a new chapter just for you! Hope you like it!

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

Chapter 49

Peter's POV:

'You broke me, Pan. My heart just doesn't work like that anymore, you can't expect me to...' That was all I needed to hear; she wasn't denying my declaration, nor was she agreeing to it.

Before Aura could finish the sentence, my lips brushed hers ever so softly.

'I will do all I can to make you whole again.,' I promised; ready to give her my all, my heart.

That's when I saw a tiny golden gleam sparkling from her chest. I hadn't seen this kind of pure magic in a century, it was the truest of all. After all, love was the most powerful magic. As I moved in for another kiss, she turned her head sideways, averting my advance.

'I...need time, Pan.,' she said in a similar monotone voice to my most loyal Lost Boy's.

She was denying it, the most obvious thing. Her heart had just proved it! But I was going to be patient. This love would have to develop. Nonetheless I was ready to commit; to pour in all the emotion I should've shown with my first chance.

I was going to make her fall in love with me, no strings attached, no hidden motives.

'Then I will wait.'

Her eyes were transfixed on some point in the room, she slid her hand out of mine. Aura seemed to be in a invisible bubble, unreachable from the outside. I stood up to stack the plates; do something to distract myself from the beauty sitting on the stool, when a shiver coursed through my body.

Somebody had left the island; without my permission. This wasn't good.

'Aura, I...I need to leave on an errand. It won't be long, but you never know. Please, don't try to leave the treehouse, just stay inside. Uhm...I'll make us dinner, okay?' I started to pace around, hoping my words would reach her.

She only nodded absent-mindedly. As I stepped out, I surrounded my treehouse with a cloaking spell; not because I didn't trust Aura, but because I didn't want any Lost Boys coming in; only I could enter. Seeing the after-glow of magic on my hands, I felt more powerful than before, the magic coursing through my veins. Aura's heart was working again, little by little.

'Someone's leaving Neverland.' I approached a sword sharpening Felix.

He immediately responded, dropping his things to the side. 'Where? How should we stop them?'

'It's too late. We just need to get word to our friends in Storybrooke, they can handle this. All it does is move our timetable a touch. We need to get Henry ready. And we'll need a chat with our friend in the other cage.'

I still required Henry's heart; I wouldn't give up a plan I had thought through for a hundred years like that. I needed the Heart of the Truest Believer to make me immortal, keep me alive after professing my love; to keep Neverland from being destroyed by unbelieving children, thus keeping Aura and my Lost Boys safe. Even with the new acquired magic I had once lost, I wouldn't make it till the end of the week.

I needed Henry to believe in me, fast.

'There you are! Care to take a stroll? There is someplace special I'd like to show you.' After dinner, maybe I could show Aura someplace special, a tiny speck of Neverland untouched by darkness.

'I'm not going anywhere with you.'

'Why not, Henry?' I knelt down, talking to his back.

'I think you're lying to me. My family, they're here in Neverland, I know it.'

'What makes you so sure?' I didn't understand, what had changed him in day, from being a Lost One to this distrustful boy?

'Doesn't matter.'

'No, it doesn't. But I'd be remiss if I didn't point out what does. If your family is here, why didn't they come for you?'

'Maybe you're keeping them from me.' He slowly turned around, I could see in his eyes he was weighing the credibility of my answer.

'Henry, I promise you, I'm not holding your family prisoner.' Only keeping them occupied until it was too late.

'Then why do you keep disappearing into the jungle? You're hiding something from me, and I'm going to find out what it is.' Henry stormed off into the jungle, and Felix voiced out the thoughts in my head.

'Would appear we are losing the boy.' Not only Henry, but Aura was being distant; though I was sure that would change quickly.

'He just requires...some effort.'

'Shall I bring the cage here?'

'No, I have another idea.' I would alway be at least ten steps ahead of everybody, I would always win the game- after all- Peter Pan never failed.

After discussing the mission for today- gathering the stuff we needed and getting ready- I walked with Felix behind me away from camp.

'Head to the other side of the island and deliver the supplies.'

'Understood. Anything else?'

'Just be certain Henry doesn't find out what you're up to.' I was fully aware that said person was lurking right behind us, hiding against a tree, hearing our exchange.

Now all I needed was to get a certain girl at the designated spot. Unfastening the shackles to the cage, I saw the face of Wendy Darling.

'Am...am I free?' she asked with uncertainty.

Holding out my hand to her, I replied. 'Not yet, but that doesn't mean you can't come out and play.' And with that, I transported us to a cave with a bed, making it look like a children's room despite the uninviting rock walls.

'Now be a good girl and follow the rules: pretend you're sick and say what I have always told you. The child, Henry will be here any moment.' Motioning to the bed, I hid behind a room divider, intent on listening to the conversation.

It came to my attention I was slowly slipping, turning back into that monster who manipulated people for personal gain. But I was indeed preserving my life so I could in return preserve the life of Neverland and its inhabitants. Maybe this was only a mask, something that would come out when needed, otherwise I would show my other side only to Aura. It was a thin line, separating the dark from the good, but I would try my best.

'Well done, I couldn't have played the part better myself. And that bit about dear old dad? Excellent job.'

'I don't like lying to him.' Wendy's face fell.

'Well, don't think of it as lying. Think of it as...providing motivation.'

'Motivation for what?'

'Doing what needs to be done. For all of us. See, Henry has the Heart of the Truest Believer, and I need to control that belief.' Something made me feel sorry for this girl, for I, too, had locked her up for a hundred years as a piece in my games. Maybe I would let her go after I had achieved my goal.

'What do you need him to believe in?'

'Me. Now back to your cage.' Henry was going to get back to camp soon, and unless I was there, today's plan would never work.

Sitting underneath a tree, I watched Henry stroll by. Not noticing me, I finally spoke up. 'Why so glum, chum?'

'You said you weren't keeping any secrets. But you lied, I found Wendy. She's dying, isn't she?'

'I'm afraid she is. The island, too, because the magic here is slipping away. I would've told you, but I didn't want to put that weight on your shoulders, knowing that a young girl's life depends on you.'

'I am the only one who can save magic?' This was it, now or never.

'You are.'

Looking up, I could see the resolve in his eyes; he had finally made up his mind. 'How do I do it?'

'The question isn't how, Henry. It's where. Follow me.' It was amazing how trying to save someone drove people to do crazy things, I guess I would've done anything to keep Aura alive and well.

We both arrived to a clearing, in front of us the shore of Neverland, and…

'Is that Skull Rock?'

'Yes, inside is where our salvation awaits. Salvation that only the Heart of the Truest Believer can bring. You, Henry. It won't be easy, it will requite heroism and sacrifice. The only question is: are you up to the task?' I could feel my gain of control over the boy again; I was this close to becoming immortal.

With determination, he gave a short answer. 'Yes.'

As we both arrived back to camp, I made my way straight to my tree house. Upon knocking a couple of times against the wood, I waited patiently for a reply from the inside.

Except none came.

Panicking, I rushed through the opening, only to find a sleeping form lying surrounded by stacks of books. Aura must've fallen asleep before I had the chance to keep my promise and make dinner for the both of us. Gently, I picked her up; my arms tucking under her shoulders and knees, and laid her on the bed, deeming it more comfortable than the hard floor.

She began to rouse, her eyes fluttering open, but then again closing. Grabbing the collar of my tunic, she pulled me into bed along with her.

'I waited...' she whispered, her face so close to mine; our noses touching, our warms breaths mingling.

Was she aware of the effect she had on me?

Then she moved to the other side of the bed, creating a small distance between our forms. I didn't even bother moving closer to her, she had made it obvious tonight we wouldn't be touching. Pulling the covers over our bodies, I bid her goodnight and made the lights go out.

And for once, I slept in peace. Even if my arms weren't around her like I had wanted it to be, her presence; our proximity calmed the storms; the dark tempests in my mind.

So...yeah...my heart just keeps fluttering every time I read the last part...just imagine it in your head: Pan is carrying you bridal-style to bed and sleeps next to you...*tries to breathe normally*

Reviews are always appreciated!

Love you all,

aureaborealis