Where Shadows Lie (Once Upon A Time)

The shadows seemed to close in around him as he lay in his cell, trying in vain to stifle the sobs that stabbed his chest. It was surprising that the cell wasn't flooded already, with the rate of the tears streaming down his cheeks. The only light came from a small, barred window, on which he now gazed, as outcast as Adam gave to paradise. The setting sun cast long shadows in the damp cell, making everything an eerie grey. He was truly alone, now that his mother was gone, lost, in a pitiless world. It was all too much for a thirteen year old boy.

Only today, when he was strolling through London's streets, on his way home from an all too normal day of school. The streets were milling with people of all sorts, and the stench of the Thames wafted through the air, all too strong for any non-Londoner to handle. Gangs loitered in doorways, and snickered as he passed. In particular, the Lost Boys. Let's just say that he and the gang's leader, Ruffio, didn't exactly get on.
Many such cults have tried to persuade him to join one. The same number failed, which often resulted in threats. He swore long ago never to join a gang, like most poor kids did. The only problem with staying independent, was that you never knew who to trust.
So, as far as he was concerned, nobody was trustworthy unless they proved otherwise. Caution was one of many other things which kept him alive. He was a survivor, come hail or high water, no matter what.
The same could not be said for his mother. The image of her, sprawled on the ground like a rag doll, throat slit, bore into his mind. This was how he found her, when he came home. It will haunt him for the rest of his days.

It was as if God above was against him, for next the bobbies came, and arrested him, for suspect of murder.

He felt as if he were standing on a shore, with stormy waves crashing against him, never calming. How would he navigate the storm, and go on?
His sea blue eyes were bloodshot, as he wept, and wept, with each tear spilled, more hope abandoned him. Who would do such a thing? His mother didn't have any ememies, not that he knew of. No, she was too nice for that. He had to be an enemy of his.

Well, they've sure been successful, he thought. I will never be happy again.

With these thoughts loud in his head, he didn't hear a key being turned in the lock of his cell door. The door opened halfway, shocking him momentarily. He quickly wiped the tears from his eyes. A figure in a patchwork cloak appeared at the doorway.

"Are you here to punish me?", his voice cracked. "Just get on with it then."

He heard a chuckle. The figure let down his hood. He was a boy, not much older than himself.
"No, of course not. I'm here to rescue you. Come on! We haven't got all day, Killian Jones."

The fact that his rescuer knew his name, should have surprised him. However, he was much more surprised to find that Peter Pan, of the Lost Boys, was actually here to rescue him.
Killian only vaguely knew of him. Everyone knew that Peter wanted to become leader of the Lost Boys. The leader's right hand man was not enough a promotion for him. He always appeared arrogant, flamboyant and utterly reckless--too reckless to be a leader, when you had responsibility.
Killian stood up quickly, thankful that it was too dark for him to see he had been crying, and made to go out the door, eyes scanning the corridor. They were alone.
"Is this a trick or something?"he hissed. "It's bad form to give a murderer" he spat the word. "False hope. Do you realise what I have just been through?"

Peter frowned, but showed no sign of sympathy. "Guess you're right to be cautious. I would if I were you." He held up his hands. "It's not a trick, I swear! Besides, do you think I'd risk my life to come here, just to taunt you?" He raised an eyebrow. "Come on, I have more self preservation than that. So, you coming or not?"
Killian didn't need to be asked twice.
They ran down a corridor and turned right, passing three sleeping guards. At least, he hoped they were only asleep. He expected guards to come out any second, or Lost Boys. He didn't know what was worse. "You have a way out of here?", he asked in a low voice.
Peter muttered,"Never break into somewhere, unless you know how to get out."
"I guess that's a yes then."