Y/n's POV:
The days blended together in an indistinct haze, each one an echo of the last, wrapped in the suffocating stillness of the cage. It had been too long since I'd seen Neal or Wendy. Peter had whisked them away for whatever twisted purpose he had planned, and I was left behind—just a forgotten piece on his board. It was almost laughable how insignificant I felt in comparison to them. But it was the truth. I was not part of his grand design. I was expendable.
The thought gnawed at me as I rocked the cage back and forth, the metallic creaks accompanying my futile attempt at escaping the monotony. What else could I do? The cage was high up, a constant reminder of how small I was in Neverland's grand scheme. And the only interaction I ever had with anyone was when Felix, of all people, would lower the cage to feed me.
"Henry," I whispered into the empty air, the words barely escaping my lips. "I'm so sorry... I couldn't help you." My voice cracked, the guilt eating at me. What would Emma think of me? Of my inability to protect him? I had failed him, failed all of them. I could never be the hero I'd always wanted to be. I wasn't strong enough, and maybe... maybe that's all I would ever be—a shadow, destined for nothing but disappointment.
As the weight of my thoughts threatened to drown me, I heard it—the sound of ropes being pulled. Felix.
"Hey," he called, and the sound of his voice made my stomach tighten in annoyance. Ah, yes—my favorite island boy, come to deliver the one thing I could count on. Food.
The cage descended slowly, the motion familiar by now. I rolled my eyes, not in the mood for his charm or his games. I knew what was coming.
"Your dinner," Felix said, offering me the plate with an expression that, despite everything, seemed genuine.
I accepted it with a quiet nod. The food, always well-prepared, was the one thing on this island that felt somewhat like home. But my gratitude was a thin veil, easily torn by the resentment I felt toward him.
Felix, ever the creature of habit, trusted me enough to leave the cage door open while I ate, something I took advantage of—often, though never successfully. I had tried. Oh, how many times I had tried. But the moment I even hinted at running, I was either grabbed by the wrist or threatened with Dreamshade, its sharp sting forever etched in my mind.
"Thanks," I muttered, biting into the food, not bothering to look at him.
Felix leaned against the bars, watching me, an almost amused look in his eyes. "You know, I'm not as bad of a guy as you might think."
I chewed slowly, eyeing him skeptically. "And what makes you say that?"
He shrugged, his posture casual, as if trying to convince both me and himself. "I just wanted you to know that I do what I'm told, and for good reason. Pan calls the shots. I'm just the guy who carries out his plans..."
There was a pause, the weight of his words sinking into the silence. "Just know that I wouldn't harm you unless Pan told me to. That is, unless you try to escape again, of course."
I let out a dry laugh, my voice thick with sarcasm. "Seems to me you're a whole lotta talk and not a lotta action. If you were really a 'nice guy,' you'd let me go."
Felix sighed, his gaze falling to the ground. "You know I can't do that," he muttered, his voice a little softer than usual. He leaned back, looking up at the sky, as though caught in some internal struggle.
"Then you're not a nice guy in my book," I said, a sigh escaping my lips. I set the plate aside, the sudden weight of the conversation settling on me.
"Before you send me back to my... cozy prison," I added, my voice dropping slightly, "can you tell me one thing?"
Felix raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"How is Henry doing?"
"Oh." He hesitated, then seemed to stiffen, as though his answer was not what I expected. "Uh, he's okay."
A rush of relief flooded through me, though I quickly masked it. "Good," I replied, feeling something stir deep inside me—something I hadn't allowed myself to feel in a long time. The faintest glimmer of hope.
I handed him the empty plate, and with a slight nod, he set it aside. The moment of peace, however, was fleeting.
"Now," I said, looking up at him, "you can lock the door again."
Felix stood there for a beat, his expression unreadable. Then, without a word, he closed the door, locking it securely, and pulled the rope, lifting the cage back into the air.
"Bye, Y/n," he said, his voice oddly gentle.
"Yeah," I muttered, feeling something stir in my chest. "See you at breakfast."
Felix's POV
I hated to admit it, but the moments I spent delivering Y/n's meals had begun to matter more than I cared to admit. The more time passed, the more I found myself looking forward to those brief interactions, even though I didn't understand why. Maybe it was the way she responded to my teasing or the way her eyes would flash when she fired back with a retort. Maybe it was the way she made me feel—alive, in a way I hadn't felt in ages.
I'd made excuses to Peter, told him I was the one best suited for this task. I even made sure the other Lost Boys were so busy that they couldn't interrupt our time together. I'd convinced myself it was nothing more than a duty—after all, Peter didn't trust anyone else to do it—but deep down, I knew it was more than that.
Every time I saw her, something in me stirred. Her sharp wit, the way she looked at me with that mixture of resentment and reluctant respect—it was addictive. Even the damn nickname "Blondie" made my heart skip a beat. I didn't know what the hell was happening to me, but I knew I couldn't stop it.
And then... there was that day.
Y/n's POV
I swear... Felix.
Why was he so impossible to ignore? Sure, he was a jerk. He worked for Pan, was the Lost Boys' enforcer, and had the temper of a wild animal. But for some reason, I found myself drawn to him, unable to escape the undeniable tension that lingered between us.
We had this... thing. A game, really. A back-and-forth, witty banter that both annoyed and entertained me in equal measure. I hated how much I enjoyed it. But there was more to it than that.
That day... that moment... we almost kissed.
After my escape plan gone rye, I was found face to face with my captor, literally...
He tumbled on top of me, tackling me to the ground. If I had any dignity left, it was damn near dwindling by now.
We breathed hard, my back against the hard earth, looking into his eyes.
Thinking back on the moment, I couldn't believe it. He had leaned in, so close that I could feel the warmth of his breath on my skin. His eyes flickered to mine, and for a brief, inexplicable moment, neither of us moved. The world around us faded away, and all I could think about was him.
But then, just as quickly as it had come, the moment was gone. He pulled away, almost as if ashamed.
"What kind of dumb escape plan was that?" Felix asked, laughing as though nothing had happened.
I didn't respond immediately. I just lay there, my breath caught in my throat, watching him with a mix of confusion and... something else.
He grabbed me, dragging me back to the cage, and I could've sworn I saw the slightest blush on his cheeks. But maybe it was just the wind, or maybe it was my own imagination.
I was still reeling from the moment when he locked me back in the cage, his gaze lingering for just a fraction too long.
"Bye, love," he said, a sly smirk on his lips.
I turned away, flustered. "Bye, Blondie."
The moment the ropes pulled the cage higher into the air, I was left with nothing but my racing heart and the lingering memory of the near kiss. What was happening to me?
Felix's POV:
I couldn't stop thinking about her. About that moment.
The near kiss.
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw it—her face, flushed with something between defiance and confusion, her lips so close to mine. I had nearly given in, nearly kissed her. And for what? A fleeting impulse? Or was it something more?
What was I doing? Why did she matter so much to me?
The truth was, I had no idea. But I couldn't ignore it any longer.
"Goodbye, love," I whispered to the empty night, the words tasting both sweet and bitter on my tongue.
~Time skip~
Peters POV:
I watched Henry as he sulked away from Wendy's place.
"Why so glum, chum?" I said as Henry walked by. He turned and started walking towards me.
"You said you weren't keeping any secrets," Henry said. "But you lied. I found Wendy and I still have no idea where Y/n is."
"Henry, I can explain."
"Wendy's dying isn't she?"
"I'm afraid she is. Just like much of the island since the magic here is slipping away. I would have told you but I didn't want you to have all that weight on your shoulders. Knowing that a young girl's life depends on you."
"So I'm the only one who can save magic?"
"You are."
"Then how do I do it?"
"The question isn't how Henry, it's where. Follow me." I led him through the jungle, to a cliff with the perfect view of the final part of my plan.
"See that?" I asked.
"Is that Skull Rock?" Henry asked.
"Yes. Inside is where our salvation awaits. Salvation that only the heart of the truest believer can bring."
"Me?"
"That's right Henry. But I won't lie to you. It will require heroism and sacrifice. The only question is, are you up for the task?"
"Yes," Henry said confidently.
~Short time skip~
I made sure to brief Wendy earlier about how she still needed to act sick. I took Henry to go and see her, which was still all part of getting Henry to fully believe me.
"How is she?" Henry asked.
"Getting worse," I answered.
"But if I save magic, she'll live?"
"Yes, but more than that, Henry. If you save magic, you'll save all of us. But to do it, you have to truly believe." Right on cue, Wendy started coughing.
"I do," Henry said confidently.
"Good," I replied. "Because we don't have much time. Follow me." I lead Henry back to the campsite. Little did he know his friend Y/n was stuck in a cage, not far from here.
I stood on a rock and grabbed every Lost Boy's attention.
"My brothers," I said. "Tonight, the dream of Neverland will awaken from its slumber. Tonight, the heart of the truest believer shall fulfill its destiny, and with it, our destiny. Tonight, Henry saves magic!" Everyone shouted and cheered for him. Everything was going according to plan.
Emma's POV:
We were about to enter Pan's main perimeter.
"All we needed to do is grab Henry," I said. "Go in and out. Simple."
"What about Hook's daughter? Has anyone ever wondered where they could be keeping her?" Charming asked.
"That's a good question. We have been so focused on saving Henry, we forgot to make sure we added Y/n to the list of lives needed to be saved!" Snow White said.
"I didn't want us to stray from our mission," Hook said. "I love my daughter but she can handle just fine on her own for a little while longer. She's strong."
"Hook is right," Regina said. "Find Henry first, get Hooks's daughter later."
"Everyone good with the plan?" Emma said. Everyone nodded.
"Well then," Emma said. "Let's get Henry."
We walked to the first defense of Lost Boys and hid behind some bushes. Regina used her magic to put the boys to sleep so we could get past them without any issues. We all then walked through the camp, coming from all sides, looking for Pan.
"Henry?" I shouted.
"He's gotta be here somewhere," Charming said.
"Help!" Someone shouted. We all ran towards the voice to see who it was. When I arrived, I saw a little girl in a nightgown. She was locked in a wooden cage.
"You're an adult?" She said.
"My name is Emma," I said. "And I'm looking for my son. Have you seen him?" Neal was the next to arrive after me. He stood and looked at the girl as a look of recognition fell across his face.
"Wendy?" He asked.
"Do I know you?" Wendy asked.
"It's Baelfire," Neal said.
"Bae!" Wendy exclaimed.
"You two know each other?" I asked.
"Ya, we do," Neal said. He kneeled down and took a rock and started bashing it into the cage. The door got smashed by the force of the rock against the bamboo and it opened. Wendy reached out her arms and gave Neal a long hug.
"I thought I would never see you again!" Wendy exclaimed.
"What are you doing here?" Neal asked.
"Well, I came back to save you," Wendy said.
"You did that for me?"
"Well, I couldn't bear for you to not have a family after you told us your parent died."
"You told her I died?" Rumplestiltskin said.
"Well, it's easier than telling her that my own father abandoned me," Neal said.
After our quick conversation with Wendy, we got her a blanket to wrap herself in and started a small fire to warm us up. Neal walked over to Wendy, hoping to find some answers about Henry.
"Hey Wendy, Since you've been here, have you seen my son?" Neal said. "His name is Henry."
"You have a son?" Wendy asked.
"Ya," I said. "Has he said anything about the heart of the truest believer?"
"No, I'm sorry," Wendy said. "He never mentioned anything about a heart."
"She is lying," Rumple said. "I've carried enough lies in my life to recognize their burden." Rumple stood up and tried to walk towards Wendy, but Neal and Charming stopped him.
"She knows where Henry is," Rumple continued.
"Is that true?" Neal asked.
"You don't understand," Wendy said.
"That you're helping Pan?" I asked.
"He is keeping John and Micheal alive, only if I do what he says!" Wendy said urgently.
"Trust me," Rumple said. "Whatever he has promised, he will go back on his word."
"Why would I trust a man who abandoned his own son?" Wendy asked.
"Because your brothers did," Regina said. "They trusted a woman named Belle. They helped her get this box, so we can defeat Pan."
"They're ok?" Wendy asked.
"For now," Rumple said. "Only if we succeed."
"Wendy," Neal said. "We will save John and Micheal, I swear it. But, right now, I need your help. Please. We need to know where Henry is."
"Aye, not only do we need to find Henry," Hook exclaimed. "We also need to find my daughter, Y/n." Wendy thought for a moment before speaking.
"Pan told Henry that he needs the heart of the truest believer to save magic but it's a lie. He needs it to save himself."
"What do you mean?" Hook asked.
"Pan's dying," Wendy explained. "He needs Henry's heart to absorb all of the magic in Neverland. And once he does, he will be immortal and all-powerful."
"Then what happens to Henry?" Snow asked.
"Well, it's a trade," Wendy continued. "When Pan lives, Henry will die."
"Oh no..." Regina said.
Hook stood up and walked towards Wendy.
"Now, about my daughter," Hook said. "Where is she? Have you seen her?"
"She is in a cage just over that hill over there," Wendy replied, pointing east.
"It's where they kept me and Neal. She will be in a tree. All you need to do is untie the ropes holding the cage in the air and she should come down."
"Thank you," Hook said to Wendy. With our newest pieces of information, Charming, Snow White, Me, and Hook all went in the direction Wendy pointed us in.
"There she is," Charming pointed.
"OH MY GOODNESS!!" Y/n shouted. "THANK THE STARS! I'M SAVED!"
"Give us a minute darling!" Hook said, looking for the ropes to help her down. Hook grabbed his sword and cut the rope. The cage came tumbling down.
"Ouch," Y/n said. "You could have just untied them." Hook then took a rock in his hand and started banging it on the cage, just like Neal did to Wendy's. The door unhinged and Y/n came leaping out.
"Thank you!" She said. She jumped forward and wrapped her arms tightly onto Hook. She turned to me as she wiped a tear from her eye.
"Emma..." She started. "I am so sorry... I- I couldn't look after Henry. They locked me up in here and there was nothing I could do... I-" She could barely finish her sentence without sobbing.
"It's ok kid," I said while spreading my arms for a hug. "You tried your best and that's all that counts. Now, it's time to save my son."
A/n: Sup my little beans! Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I know recent chapters haven't had a lot of "you" in them but I am really trying to help you understand the storyline while also giving you time with a love interest. It's a lot of work. Anyways, leave your comments, and hope to see you next chapter!
*Updated A/n: hey guys... I edited this chapter 🤪 hopefully, I will be adding more angst and you and Felix in bc I feel like this story deserves more! Happy reading!