The fog in my head clearing; my consciousness catching up with me. My whole body ached and pained. My eyes fluttered open to see a stressed Charlie looking down at the floor. I was in the hospital tent again. The second he realised I woke up, he left abruptly.
I slowly lift my weak body while hissing at the pain in my lower stomach. The blanket on me falls to exposed a stitched up wound on my stomach, but that wasn't what I was afraid of. My shirt had been taken off. My tightly wrapped chest in view. Abruptly, I pulled the blanket back onto my chest as a habit of modesty and looked around for a shirt.
My eyes landed on Peter leaning at the door of the tent. Now he knows who I really am.
He looked up and down at me, not uttering a single word. He picked my shirt off the floor and threw it to me. I faced the other way as I put it on and then looked at him. His expression was indescribable. As if he wants to say something desperately, but can't find the words. He looked angered and calm at the same time. The way he just stared without considering how uncomfortable I was made chills run down my spine.
His blunt expression became dangerously sharp. Storming up to me, I cowered away in fright. My mind crossed to Marcus, what implications my identity will cause for him. Before I knew it, Peter had a deadly grip on my arm and pulled me out of the tent. Almost dragging my body to the middle of the clearing, for all the lost boys to see.
Peter threw me to the ground and pointed at me, "It seems to me that we have a traitor in our midst, and SHE is in deep trouble." I heard gasps in the background, but that wasn't my concern.
Peter growled, "Get Marcus."
I pleaded, "Stop! None of this is his fault."
Peter ignored me and once Marcus came into view, he put a dagger to his throat, "Tell me the truth about her."
I shout, "None of this is his fault." I lifted myself up, "he is my brother, I came here to save him because...he doesn't belong here."
Thankfully, Peter drops Marcus to the ground and points the knife at me. He spoke with a spiteful voice, "You've got it all wrong, you silly little girl. He heard my pipe, the pipe only lost boys hear. And you are most definitely not a lost boy."
My throat was slightly croaky, "No... your wrong" I took a breathe, "The night he left, it was I who heard the pipes. I woke him up and he told me he didn't hear anything. I made him go with me to find where the music was coming from. He started to join the group of boys, but I was hesitant: then in a blink of an eye, he was gone. When I heard the pipes again, I came here to save him since he doesn't belong here. My family loves him!"
Peter furrowed his brows in complete and utter confusion and faced Marcus with the dagger now pointing at him, "Is this true?"
Marcus finally spoke up, "Y-yes. I can't hear the music. But she came here to take me home and I refused. I'm a loyal lost boy!"
I looked at my brother in frustration. I can't form the words to say anything.
Peter gave me a chilling smile, "Well, you tried to convince Marcus to escape with you... you should be banished."
My heart dropped at the idea of facing those mermaids again. The image of them ripping me apart didn't help. I had to find another option, I couldn't die. Not yet.
A small boost of confidence hit me when I found a loop hole, "Those rules apply to Lost Boys. I might of heard the pipes, but I'm no boy."
I felt relief when Thomas stepped in, "Peter, you can't deny we need her for this War you speak of. She's good with a bow and a dagger."
Ian added, "What's the big deal if she's a girl?"
I heard other lost boys hum in agreement. It felt kinda good to know some people had my back. But then Adrik barged in, "Girls are weak and fragile. She will only be weighing us down."
I watched his two minions behind him, Mason and Dipper I believe, cheering his opinion on.
Peter wasn't bothered for this debate. He wanted to see me in pain and found the best excuse for it.
His voice echoed through the camp, "All of you shut it! Let's say we prove her worth. Today's full moon game is manhunt. If she last's 24 hours, she's worthy. If one of you catch her before then, then you win...dead or alive." My body froze in fear.
"What does the winner get?" I scoffed at the sound of Adrik's voice.
Peter gave me a menacing grin, "A wish. Any wish I could possibly grant. That includes a one way ticket out of here." That was the irony of this punishment. The wish was more of an incentive for the lost boys to kill me. Are they capable of murder? I had never questioned that before, but by the looks on their faces, it said it all.
Peter noticed my immense panic, "I'll give you a sixty second head start. One...two..."
My eyes widened, "what? We're starting now?"
He carried on counting with a smirk, "Three...four..."
I stole a sword from Adrik's scabbard and ran. My heart was pounding loudly in my chest and my legs were aching. I grasped for breath. As I ran it became harder and harder to breathe, and tears blurred my vision. After a minute, I took a left turn to put them off my tracks. In the onslaught of fatigue, I tripped over a thick tree root, and hit the ground hard. My knees scraped against the debris of the forest floor, opening up fresh wounds as I scrambled to my feet and hurriedly searched for a place to hide.
I just couldn't run anymore. In the sunset, I could hear boys cheering and rooting. They were having fun hunting me down. My blood curdled, and despite my panic, managed to find a hollowed out trunk of a tree just a few feet away. It was close enough to a bed, so I laid down in it. My eyes fell shut in exhaustion while my hand still had a strong grip on my sword. I knew I wasn't safe, but I was too tired. Sleep overtook me.
My eyes fluttered open to see a black silhouette amongst the fog and moonlight. There was still the tiniest twinge of hope. Frozen in place, not daring to breath, I turned slowly, praying that what I saw was a hallucination, perhaps made by the juxtaposing darkness and moonlight. Maybe it wasn't the monster from my nightmares, but was an irregular rock formation, or an oddly growing bush, which had morphed into a man as a result of adrenaline in my veins & the eerie shadows of the night.
But to my horror, the distinctive form only became more humanistic as it rested its arms on its hips.
The figure spoke, "Don't fret again little one" he chuckled, "I just came to see how you were doing. I'm surprised none of the Lost Boys haven't found you, considering the fact that you've been resting in the same place for 14 hours."
Slightly shocked that I had slept for so long; I kept my head down and remained silent. As long as I didn't see his face, he wasn't there. Just a passing stranger speaking gibberish.
He noticed my silence and came out of the shadows, "You were so courageous. Willing to stab me with a dagger and trick me into believing you were someone else. But look at you now, at my feet and hoping I vanish in mid air."
Crouching in front of me now, he grabbed my jaw roughly to face him, "That's what I like about you. So deceptive. You are two different people. With the boys, you are hard as flint. With me, you melt like ice."
The glint of satisfaction on his face fuelled me to do something despicable:
I spat in his face.
He pushed me to the ground and wiped the muck of his face. Some landed on his lips, but I didn't care. My heart jumped and so did my body as I made a break for it. I was relieved that he didn't chase after me, but my celebration was shortly lived as I saw Adrik in my sight. I realised I left my only weapon behind and cursed under my breath.
The corner of his lips reached his ears when he saw me defenceless. He pointed his sword at me, "I'll give you two choices since you're a helpless little girl. Number one: I tie your hands together and I take you to camp cooperatively. Or number two: I kill your sorry-ass and I'll have to drag you to camp. You choose."
I couldn't lose. Not like this. Then I remembered about my training. My posture spoke ease and even confidence, although I was crumbling inside, "Do I have another option? One that doesn't involve getting caught preferably."
He angrily spoke, "I don't have time for this. Chose number one or two."
I furrowed my brows, "uh...forgive me, but what was number one again?"
Confusion passed his mind and I noticed he loosened his grip on his sword. I seized the opportunity to duck down and kick his right leg. He didn't even comprehend my movements until his back hit the ground.
I picked up his sword that he dropped and went running again. Internally thanking and cursing Peter at the same time. I couldn't help a snigger when I remarked that this is the second time I stole his sword.
I slowed down and began taking in my surroundings. It's was quiet to my relief, apart from the sound of my footsteps. I made a small revelation: my body could not handle anymore running. I had to be stealthy, if I wanted to last the next ten hours. I took my shoes off and tied the laces to my belt so my shoes were hanging at my waist, so the sound of my footsteps I made kept itself to a minimum. And began my venture.
Two hours of walking, I found a stream and drank from it. I checked the coast was clear before I imagined another cheese and onion sandwich. Initially I tried to imagine an entire breakfast, but obviously I had to think strongly of something for it to work and the memory of enjoying a cheese and onion sandwich before going to school when I was younger and happier was something I was still fond of.
My heart rate slowed down and I began thinking about Pan's game. Whoever catches me first will be granted a one way ticket out of here. What if I caught myself? Then he must grant my wish. No. What a ridiculous idea. The game only applies to Lost Boys and I am certainly not a boy. I started to think of another flaw in his words and it struck me.
"A one way ticket out of here."
His voice embedded in my brain. I figured it out. I found a loophole! I need one of the Lost boys to use that one way ticket on...who?
I could use it on myself, but that defeated the reason of my arrival.
Marcus!
It had to be Marcus. I needed to stay here and wait until Rumple told me how to leave, so Frankie could take his place. It seemed like a solid plan, but I was ripped out of my thoughts when I heard noise in the background. I didn't run this time, instead I slowly urged away quietly since the potential predictor wouldn't have heard my footsteps.
Suddenly someone gripped my arm from behind a tree I was going past and covered my mouth. I closed my eyes in fear.
I was caught.
Locking my lids and throwing away the key; I couldn't help but keep my eyes shut in disbelief. Water seeped through my closed eyes and landed on the hands on the person who caught me.
"Shh Aurora, don't cry. It me."
The bricks weighing my heart quickly vanished as the relief washed through me. It was Thomas.
He spoke again with grief stricken eyes, "I'm sorry, but I can't help you since that would be cheating and Pan hates cheaters. He banished them."
I could barely process it. My only hope gone. Then a plan premeditated in my head, "It's okay. Take me to Pan."
He was in shock, "You can't give up that easily. You still have seven hours left."
"I have a plan. You need to trust me." He nodded in response, "You take me to Pan and use your one way ticket out of here on Marcus."
He trembled, "I'm sorry but I can't have Pan think I'm against him."
"I have that sorted too. Just say that 'he isn't a real Lost Boy. He doesn't deserve to fight alongside you in the battlefield and to send him home. Unlike us, he has the opportunity to be with a family who cares about him. Something that any of us would kill for.' Its fool proof."
He shook his head, "I don't know, I've never lied to him before."
Although it was wrong, I had to manipulate him, "You would do it for your younger brother Cory. I know you wouldn't think twice about it, I wouldn't too. He has the chance to be with a happy family, wouldn't anyone want that?"
"W-what about you? You'll still be stuck here. Who knows what Pan will do to you."
"It's my fault Marcus is here. The least I can do is take his place. You would do the same for Cory. I don't care what happens to me and you can't convince me otherwise."
He groaned, "Don't ever use Cory against me like that. But your right." Sighing he pulled out a rope, "Let me tie you hands."
For the first time in a while, I smiled. But deep down, I knew I was on a suicide mission. He tied my wrists together loosely. On the way to camp, Thomas had mentioned the cleverness of taking my shoes off to prevent my footsteps from being heard and helped me put them back on.
The second we got back to camp, everyone silenced. A few pity looks here and there, but that wasn't what bothered me. Peter happily stood in front of the huge fire pit that centred the camp, which only added to his menacing look. I gave Thomas strict instructions to treat me like dirt on the way there, and he did gratefully. He threw me to he ground lightly, in front of Pan.
In return, Pan had a suspicious look. He shook it away once Thomas spoke, "I found the little liar. The girl thought she could beat me in a duel. Pathetic."
Adrik was nowhere to be found and I wasn't surprised. Being beat by a 'weak girl' would definitely have hurt that little ego of his. Pan was very convinced at Tom's performance, "So, what's your wish? A ticket out of here, I can guess."
Thomas lifted his head, "Yes, but not for me. It's for Marcus. He lied to us and doesn't deserve the title of a lost boy, or even fight alongside us in battle."
Peter spoke nonchalantly, "Why let him go home? The liar surely deserves to die."
Tom spoke again, "Send the runt home and let him be with his caring family. If any of us had that chance, I know I would take it"
Ignoring my existence, Peter called out to Marcus. Who had stayed silent through the conversation. When in my view, he begged, "please don't send me home! I love it here, take my sister home, please!"
I finally had the courage to speak, "Mark, it's okay. Go home and be happy. I love you and it's my fault you're here. Don't tell anyone about Neverland and live a normal life. Can you do that for me?" My voice was caring and gentle.
With a snap of pan's fingers, Marcus disappeared. He had an uncertain look on his face and I watched as the sorcery overtook his body. A circulation of black smoke was left behind, which quickly faded like my heart. I didn't even get to say goodbye...
I watched the remnants of smoke dissolved in the air, my mind in a lost haze. I couldn't think straight. My mind kept replaying the whole thing. I had saved my brother; I couldn't be anymore at peace, but the fear of what's next for me was overwhelming.
Peter interrupted my train of thought, "What am I to do with you?" He couldn't help, but smirk.
I stayed quiet, looking down at the ground as he spoke again, "Lost Boys, any ideas?"
"Banishment!" Mason answered.
"Cage her." Another said.
I heard Charlie's voice, "Just let her go. She's no use to us."
Peter silenced them and spoke to me with spite, "Well, what do you think? I simply cannot banish you. Like you said, you are not a lost boy and only lost boys are banished. Maybe for now, I'll keep you in the cage until I know what I'll do to you. I hope you enjoy every second in there, not knowing which one is your last."
I didn't give him the satisfaction of speaking back and gave him a death stare. I looked him in the eye, long and hard, instead of looking down. I didn't cower away. I didn't fall into his domination. This simple gesture somehow angered him more then slitting his cheek. He spoke in pure abhor to the others:
"This little flower needs to know her place. I will not let her go unpunished for her crimes against me. Every single one of you take a punch at her. Do your worst, but don't kill her. Just take her to the cage and let understand that her punishment has only just begun."
My heart dropped and my eyes lingered at Thomas. He looked distraught. My eyes kept switching between Thomas and a scared Frankie. I knew Tom didn't want to leave me to suffer, but he knew there wasn't much of a choice against Pan. Tom took the hint and grabbed Frankie by the shoulders and took him back to our treehouse subtly. If I was going to endure this, I didn't want Frankie to suffer too. He's too young to watch such brutality.
I closed my eyes, prepared for the worst; slowly bracing myself for the pain to hit me. But nothing happened. I opened my eyes to find that the boys were to scared to hit me.
Peter growled at this offence, "If you are a lost boy, you will do as I say: BEAT HER. Whoever doesn't do it is going directly against me, and therefore will be banished. Felix take the first shot."
I cursed under my breath. He was manipulating these pure and innocent souls into beating me. He got them to do his dirty work. It make me sick to my stomach.
Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my back and fell to the ground. Another came on my stomach. Then another. And another. At some point, I was certain I heard a rib crack. The pain was excruciating. I was on fire. At that moment, death seemed more luxurious. Deafening screams erupted from my dry throat, pleading and groaning. I couldn't escape; my body was too weak. I tried to think of hope to distract me from the pain. Anything. Like Marcus having a normal life. My mother and father drowning in happiness when they see his arrival. If I'm going to die, then I'm going to die as a hero.
A small smile tugged of my bleeding lips. I opened my eyes to see Pan. His sadistic smirk faltered when saw my weak smile. He almost looked scared, or at least shocked that I could endure such pain with a smile.
I didn't want him to see me weak and frail, I couldn't give him that satisfaction. Black spots started to take over my vision again and I knew I was fading out of consciousness. Before I gave up, I had to give one last punch.
My voice was too croaky to speak, so I mouthed to Peter:
"Fuck you."
And fell out of consciousness.