WARNING: This chapter contains violence and mentions of blood.

Metanoia: changing one's way of life with repentance.

"You shouldn't abuse your powers, you little fire-demon." Ares's soft, teasing tone reverberated around the little girl's bedroom. He ruffled his daughter's hair affectionately as she gazed up at him with a toothy grin, though she was missing some milk teeth and waiting for her permanent teeth to grow.

"You told me that my nature is to cleanse people so they have a clean slate at life." Metanoia pouted uncomprehendingly.

Ares smiled, before picking her up and setting her in her bed, underneath the covers.

"I did, but that doesn't mean you burn them alive, dear ... If you kill them, you're not really giving them a chance to live, are you?" He poked her nose playfully, and Metanoia giggled, kicking her little feet excitedly.

"Then how am I meant to cleanse them, father?" She asked curiously, looking up at him.

"Teach them the error of their ways. Remember, Metanoia, you hold so much power that could be used for greatness, but can also be used to bring everything to chaos. You need to make sure you don't lose control, okay?"

Metanoia scrunched her face in confusion, not quite comprehending the weight his words held, but she nodded anyway. She was just a child - how could she have possibly understood the profound responsibility she was doomed with, yet destined to have?

The next few days have gone by in a blur. Everyone was too skeptic to engage in playful conversations with Metanoia after witnessing the possession of her supernatural powers, and her thirst for spilling blood. Metanoia would attempt to speak to her friends, but the Lost Boys either fled before she could reach them, or they would reply with tight, dry responses. She evidently wasn't who she claimed she was, and in a way, not only do they feel as though their lives are not only threatened by Pan, but by Metanoia now too - but also betrayed by her deceitful lies towards her true identity.

It hurt Metanoia deeply, especially when she tried to speak to Nate two days ago, but he wordlessly walked away from her before she could say anything more than an earnest "hello." The only person who was talking to her apart from Pan was Theodore, but that was only due to him already knowing about her true identity from Pan. He would offer her his sincerest comfort, and as much as Metanoia appreciated it, she still missed her friends.

Even Peter was being suspicious around her, and it was starting to aggravate her. It was as though he was walking on eggshells around her, and she couldn't fathom why. Metanoia felt avoided by everyone, for even though Theodore was sympathetic towards her, she could still see the caution lingering in his eyes whenever he came near her. It was soon established in her poisoned mind that she was a mortifying, ugly monster in all their eyes.

She knew she wouldn't be able to change how they felt about her, but Metanoia still tried. She'd keep approaching different Lost Boys, and she'd keep getting rejected. It was like a stinging slap to the face. But Metanoia still tried anyway. At some point, Liam hesitated when she approached him. Instead of instantly walking away from her, he stopped for a moment, and she was so hopeful. She could see him fighting an internal battle in his mind, but he then walked away from her.

By the sixth day, Metanoia gave up.

Instead of attempting to fix what she had caused, she decided to own and accept the role they've given her. Peter was lining them up to put them in pairs to duel against one another with no weapons, and he gave them the option of choosing their partners. Of course, she wasn't picked.

Why would anyone want to go against the freak murderer with magic powers?

Standing angrily alone, Metanoia could feel her face reddening with rage, but Pan clocked her, and offered her a teasing smile.

"Well, what'd you expect Metanoia?" His voice rang across the training clearing, causing everyone to halt their movements and eye the two of them uncomfortably, yet with a hint of curiosity to their gazes. "Did you really think anyone would be on your level to fight you apart from myself?"

At this, Metanoia smiled. She was grateful for his quick swoop to spare her from further embarrassment, and she shuffled over towards him. Standing about three feet away from him, she asked, "You really want to fight me?"

Pan cocked his head to the side and observed her with a knowing smirk. "Are you getting cocky, Metanoia?"

She shrugged. "I'm just saying, I feel stronger than I ever have. I think I might have unlocked all my dormant powers."

Pan's smile flickered ever so slightly, though Metanoia didn't notice. Peter wasn't quite certain what to make of Metanoia's powers, let alone what she could do with them. Indeed, he wished for her to be as insane as he was, as vile and vindictive as he dreamt she would be, fighting by his side, in his name. He got what he desired, but was it really the best wish to come true?

It would be, if she never turns against him eventually.

"Yes, quite a miracle, isn't it?" Pan murmured to her quietly, careful not to draw nosey ears to listen to their conversation.

Metanoia nodded eagerly. "I feel like I've gained so much energy, and an infinite beacon of powers."

Pan tutted. "Careful, love. You don't want to be overconfident and have yourself knocked out by a dangerous opponent such as myself."

Metanoia grinned, before shooting him a wink. "Let me be the judge of that."

Peter didn't give her a warning, and used the wind around him to violently flick her towards a sturdy tree. Metanoia gasped sharply at the harsh impact of the wood hitting her back, and she tumbled to the ground, face first.

He smirked, the Lost Boys stopping their duels to watch. "You were saying?"

Metanoia lifted herself up by the elbows, before standing once again and scowling at her leader. "I wasn't ready."

"No one will give you a warning in the real world, love." Pan drawled, sending her a severe look, and wishing to prove a point. Just as she was about to lift her hand, he enchanted the tree behind her to latch onto her and squeeze her against its bark at a painful grip.

She gasped, squirming against its grip while sending Pan an irritated glare. "What's going on with you?!"

Peter squinted at her and cocked his head to the side as he observed her. "It's a duel, Metanoia. Did you think I'd let you beat me?"

Metanoia opened her mouth to speak, but Peter used another branch to press itself against her mouth. Her eyes widened at him, startled. Shooting her a stern look, Peter added, "I never fail."

The Lost Boys watched with intrigue, and Nate focused on Metanoia with a hint of worry for her. The Lost Girl was bubbling with unfathomable rage, and without warning, the branches restraining her ripped apart, and her eyes glowed a bright bloody shade, as her face was set into a stony expression. Pan was slightly startled, but he quickly reacted when she walked towards him angrily. He lifted her in the air, but Metanoia raised both her arms, and swung them towards him, causing the leaves to shed off their respective trees, and swarm Pan's figure.

She was sharply flung to the ground when Pan lifted his magic off her to put an end to the leaves surrounding him. Metanoia wasn't done. Instantly, she harnessed the power of the sun, and concentrated its heat onto Pan, and Pan alone. Everyone suddenly felt freezing, but Pan was hissing in pain as he felt his skin burn. But Peter Pan wouldn't be who he claims himself to be if he didn't have the final move, and so, with a final lift of his arm, he magically slit her throat, causing her blood to spray out and pool around her. He earned several gasps of horror from the Lost Boys, but he was too focused on her to give them any care.

Metanoia fell to her knees as she struggled to breathe, her hands desperately attempting to apply pressure onto the deep gash Pan forced upon her. She was losing far too much blood, but Metanoia still fought to stay alive. The psychotic boy slowly walked towards her, heaving as he stared her down intensely. She gazed up at him helplessly, wordlessly begging him to heal her.

He raised a single brow, before he hissed, "Do it yourself."

She gulped at nothing, and was starting to feel herself losing consciousness. Nate worriedly stepped forward right at the same moment Theodore did.

"Pan." Theodore called out.

"What is wrong with you?! Heal her!" Nate yelled in disbelief, gesturing towards Metanoia.

Pan rolled his eyes. "Perhaps some of you haven't figured it out yet, but Metanoia has the ability to heal herself." Turning back to look at Metanoia, whose eyes started drooping shut, he snapped, "Damn it, Metanoia, fucking heal yourself."

"She's going to fucking die, Pan." Sam stepped up with the remaining shred of bravery he had.

Pan groaned, before looking back at Metanoia, who fell completely onto the ground. "For fuck's sake."

~•~

Once again, Peter Pan found himself standing alone at the shores of the mermaids' territory, scowling at the aggressive waves dancing in the distance, and the wind wildly whipping his hair back to expose his forehead. He breathed quietly through his nose, his nostrils flaring as he struggled to maintain whatever shred of patience remained within him. A few seconds ticked by, and Peter counted every one of them, before a head emerged from the water in front of him, and her siren-like eyes sizzled with a deep-rooted hatred towards him. Instinctively, Peter offered her a sinister smirk.

"It's such a pleasure to see you again, Leah." The words rolled off his tongue mockingly, as though he deliberately wanted to get a rise out of her, and he did. He always wished to torment his victims of his past cruelty inflicted upon them. It was a constant reminder that he was the superior being, and they were absolutely worth nothing.

Leah lingered in the water, her face half visible as the bottom part remained underwater, but her eyebrows and eyes said everything she desired to speak. She wanted him dead. Deep underground with his soul doomed to an eternal suffering, but Peter wouldn't let himself meet such a morbid fate.

"You're late. Again." His smirk broadened, and Leah lifted her head entirely, a sour look crossing her gorgeous features.

"King Trident was giving me a few warnings before coming to escort you to his castle." She replied astutely, and Pan quirked a brow curiously.

"What kind of warnings?" He wondered.

"Warnings to make sure I don't end up voiceless again." She stated with an edge to her tone.

Peter chuckled darkly, before nodding to the waters. "Good call. Now lead me to your King."

She clenched her jaw, before diving into the water, and Pan followed suit. Just like the first time, the water didn't exactly touch him, for Pan had enchanted it to be kept at bay. He swam after Leah, following the same route Leah had taken the first time. King Trident's magnificent castle was soon in Peter's view. It was engraved with gold, with gemstones imbued all through its large pillars and gates. Two guards greeted them at the entrance, and Leah took Pan to the throne room.

As soon as the grand doors opened up for him, King Trident was seen poised on his large throne, gazing right back at Pan with a displeased look on his face. Pan completely disregarded his evidence unwelcome for being in the merfolk kingdom, and instead observed boldly, "You've gained some weight."

King Trident scoffed. "That's really what you've got to say?"

Pan shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm just stating the truth. You need to get off your lazy ass every once in a while, you know. Not good for your health to sit day and night on that old, uncomfortable thing you call a throne."

King Trident balled his fists in annoyance. "What do you want?"

Peter raised an eyebrow. "Not in the mood for a nice conversation, hm?"

When King Trident did not respond, Pan rolled his eyes and huffed, "Fine."

Taking a step towards the throne, he claimed, "I believe your waters are harbouring someone of interest to me."

King Trident sat up straight, suddenly intrigued and alert, before he shot defensively, "You are not abducting one of my citizens."

Pan's face twitched irritably, before he snapped, "As if I'd ever want to kidnap someone who reeks of the stench of fish."

King Trident glared at him furiously, but Pan carried on speaking. "I'm here because I'm sure Greek God of War is restrained somewhere here - within the parameters of your kingdom."

King Trident's eyes widened in bewilderment. "Ares?"

"Yes. Ares." He quipped. "And because you seem to be aware of the Greek Gods, it tells me you know something I don't."

"I don't. I just know that I have the fountain of truth." King Trident rested his back against the throne again.

Peter's eyes narrowed at him suspiciously. "What are you not telling me?"

"Even if Ares was here, which I'm doubtful of, there is no way I can allow you to wreak havoc in my kingdom and destroy it to find who you're looking for, Pan. This isn't a land which belongs to you."

"Not yet, perhaps." Pan swiftly responded. "But it will be."

King Trident laughed dryly. "You talk a big talk, Peter Pan, but we've coexisted for centuries, and you haven't done a thing so far. So, it appears to me that you're constantly bluffing."

Peter's eyes darkened lividly, but before he could speak, the doors to the throne room opened, and a child's voice thundered behind Pan, "Papa!"

Pan turned around, and found a little mermaid with long crimson hair and a pair of bright, blue eyes. Pan smirked mischievously, and spoke sweetly, "Aw, who do we have here?"

The guards rushed to keep Peter Pan restrained, but Pan stunned them as he did the first time.

"Ariel!" King Trident's voice boomed across the walls. "Leave us, NOW."

Ariel, the little mermaid, gazed confusingly at her father, and was about to swim away, but Pan lulled softly, "Not yet, Ariel. We haven't been introduced yet!"

Ariel focused her gaze onto Peter, who was smiling sincerely at her, but he was far from genuine. King Trident gulped in terror.

"Ariel. Leave." He begged her. "Stay away from her, Pan."

"I'm Ariel." She stated curiously to Pan, and Pan laughed.

"Nice to meet you, Ariel. I'm Peter Pan."

Ariel giggled. "You have a funny name."

Peter's smile widened. "And you have a funny father."

She cocked her head to the side. "Do I?"

"Yes." Pan nodded firmly. "He thinks it's funny to not listen to me, but maybe it'll be even funnier if I hurt someone he loves for not obeying me."

"ENOUGH!" King Trident roared.

"It's not enough until I say it is." Pan replied coolly, before he snatched Ariel's arm tightly. Ariel cried out in pain.

"Please." King Trident begged. "Please, let go of her."

"Will you tell me everything you know?" Pan raised an eyebrow.

"I will. Just please, let go of her."

Pan released the grip he had on Ariel, who then swam away immediately and out of the room, crying childishly.

"Now," Pan started, not breaking his gaze off the king. "Where were we?"

~•~

Metanoia blinked her eyes open, her mind a complete fuzz, and she felt more than disoriented. She could tell she was in a bed, but she couldn't recall how she got there. Slowly, the events of her duel with Pan flickered into her memory, and her eyes widened, and gasped loudly, flinging herself up in bed, but she groaned in pain, and fell back. Suddenly, she could see a couple of heads looming over her, carrying concerned looks.

"Oh god, she's alive." Nate huffed in relief, and laughed shakily. "She's alive!"

"About damn time, you drama queen." Sam grumbled. "You gave us quite a scare."

Metanoia furrowed her eyebrows, and groggily asked, "What is going on?"

"You got too cocky, that's what's going on." Theodore tapped her nose, smiling down at her. "Welcome back."

"Back?" She asked in confusion. "Did Pan kill me and bring me back to life?"

Elijah and Charlie laughed, before Elijah mused, "I think even Pan has his limits, Metanoia. He can't bring back the dead."

"He can enchant skeletons to chase you in the Echo Caves though." Charlie countered, referring to her second trial, and Metanoia rolled her eyes at the memory.

"How am I alive?" She asked, wincing in pain when she felt the scar on her neck.

"Pan healed you." Nate replied. "The ass didn't want to though."

Metanoia felt her heart clench at the comment. After everything they've been through together, she would have thought that Peter would not harm her.

"He wanted you to do it, actually." Theodore clarified upon seeing her looking glum. "Said that you were capable of healing yourself."

Metanoia hummed. "Well then ..."

She trailed off awkwardly, and stared at the few Lost Boys sitting in her room and watching her every move. She was still aware of the tension around them, but her heart warmed at the fact that they still cared for her.

"Do you guys still want nothing to do with me?" She asked shyly, and Theodore rolled his eyes.

"It was never about wanting nothing to do with you, Em." He argued, and Metanoia flinched at the nickname.

"Yeah." Elijah confirmed. "We were just ..."

"In shock." Sam finished for him, earning nods from everyone.

"Why didn't you tell us what you were capable of, Metanoia?" Nate asked her gently, and smoothed out her hair away from her face affectionately.

Metanoia smiled at the gesture. "Pan told me not to."

"Of course he did." Charlie muttered under his breath.

"Yes, I did. And for a good reason." Pan interrupted them all with his presence, and his sharp gaze landed on Metanoia.

"How are you feeling?" He asked her calmly.

Metanoia glared at him. "You mean after you slit my throat and left me to bleed to death?"

"I healed you!"

"After they told you to!" Metanoia snapped.

The Lost Boys glanced at each other uncomfortably, before they quietly fled the room, leaving Pan and Metanoia glaring at each other wordlessly.

Metanoia slowly started to sit up, but Pan walked towards her and demanded, "You need to rest."

The moment his hand touched her shoulder, she slapped it. "Don't suddenly pretend to care."

"I do care!" Pan argued stubbornly. "Don't you think it hurts me seeing you like this?"

Metanoia shot him a look of sheer disbelief. "But YOU did this!"

Pan stepped forward, sending her his fiercest glare, but he was momentarily stunned to realise that he no longer frightened her. No, Metanoia was long past that phase. She now possessed the power to strike fear upon him.

"I wanted you to fucking learn how to heal yourself." He spat, seething. "I may not always be by your side, Metanoia. What if you get hurt - horribly hurt, and you die because you couldn't heal yourself?"

Metanoia gulped, unable to answer his question, and gazed into his eyes dancing wildly with an unlocked fear. Her heart ached, and her hands trembled beside her, yearning to hold him.

"I can't lose you." He stated factually, the emotion in his tone dying out. "I won't lose you, and to prove that I actually give a damn about you, I've gone to see King Trident