Chapter 5

                                    

                                          
Warning: This chapter contains some triggering events and something (not explicit) about prostitution. Please be mindful. Have a good reading! 

                          
You walked toward the spot Tinkerbell indicated you would find the Shadow. It was the dead of the night, and it was a miracle that none of the sentinels saw you leaving the camp. Even Hannah didn't wake up when you left. It was also far away from the camp, and you had to be careful to not get lost on the way back.
                          
You tripped and nearly fell again. You groaned, thinking that going to see the Shadow was a bad idea now. But you needed to find a way to fight Pan, a way to protect you from his hands and his manipulative ways. Maybe you could overpower him? It was a foolish idea, and a dangerous one. What mattered now was your safety. 
                          
Finally you reached one of the highest hills in Neverland, and as you walked past burnt trees, you stopped. Everything was quiet, too quiet. Like... time had truly stopped in this place. And it seemed like there was no color, no life in this part of the island. You gulped as you reluctantly started to walk again. 
                          
"Shadow..." You murmured, like you were talking to attract a small cat. "Shadow...?" 
                          
You screamed and fell backwards as a black and shiny humanoid appeared from the dark of the night. It looked a bit like Pan, however it didn't really have a face. It was floating around, staring and observing you. Remembering Tink's words about bravery and not showing that you were frightened of it, you stood up, and stomped your foot down. 
                          
"I want to make a deal." You stated.
                          
"What kind of deal?" It asked, approaching his face to yours. "You have to be more... specific. Speak your mind, little girl, for no one can hear you here... and no one will save you from my claws if you dare attack me." 
                          
"I want to... to be protected from Pan. Tinkerbell sent me." 
                          
"Do you only demand protection? Are you certain you don't desire for more...?" 
                          
You didn't know where this conversation was headed but you had to admit: you liked where it was going. Sensing your likeness for this idea, the Shadow seemed to smirk and floated around you, examining you again. 
                          
"Yes... I will make you a powerful leader." 
                          
"Aren't you submitted to Pan?" 
                          
"The little man will be nothing compared to you... I don't belong to anyone. I am as free as the wind." It spoke quickly. "However... I am bound to him. When he accepted to become the host, I believed he would serve me well, and would accomplish his duties toward me and the island... But he did nothing. He never did." 
                          
"What makes you think I am different?" You asked, in a confident way which surprised you because you were definitely terrified of the situation you were in. 
                          
"Because, little girl, I will ask for something different in return. Those conditions will assure me you will fulfill what you need for Neverland. However, when I will be bound to you, Pan will remain as powerful as he is right now. You will need some kind of magical artefacts to be stronger."
                          
"I don't care." You assured him. "All I want is something to protect me from this pig. I will do anything!" You begged. 
                          
It stood up right in front of you, and asked for your hands to seal the deal. The Shadow firmly grabbed them, and you groaned painfully as you felt a burst of energy filling your veins and body. It chuckled darkly again as it watched you fall on the grass, hovering over you. You had felt so full of life a moment ago, but now you were exhausted. 
                          
"Don't worry little one, I just have one more thing to do with you..." It whispered as you closed your eyes. 
                          
When you woke up, the Shadow was nowhere in sight. You stood up with difficulty, feeling heavier than usual. You stumbled, still tired because of your short night, and tried to call the Shadow, but it didn't come. You frowned over that, and decided to head back to camp. You really hoped no one noticed your little disappearance... Well, you also hoped that Hannah didn't poke her nose through your business again.