Chapter Thirty Four- The End

Archer blinked open her eyes, just realizing she had been briefly knocked out. Papa suddenly appeared next to her, holding her head in his hand.

"Oh my little tomboy Smurfette." Papa sighed, smiling small. "Why would you try to smurf such a powerful spell?"

Archer only coughed in response.

"Just hold on." Papa encouraged, slinging Archer's bow over his shoulder and scooping her up bridal style. The ground began to shake and the stone cracked. Papa knew he only had so much time till the entire castle imploded on itself. He ran off in the direction of the drawbridge, thinking he could jump off the wall, land on the bridge, and run to safety. It got harder and harder to run as the ground moved and shifted like sand. Papa kept going, holding Archer close. He managed to reach the edge of the wall and jumped with all his might, just as the castle collapsed. He was falling straight towards the drawbridge, holding Archer tight. Then, to his horror, the drawbridge crumbled and fell into the lava moat. He desperately tried to position himself to fall closer to the rocks, but there was no way to do it.

"Papa!" Smurfette screamed.

"Archer!" Clumsy shouted.

The rest of the Smurfs shouted and screamed in terror. Some tried to run forward to catch them, but the falling rocks made them retreat. They were forced to watch as Papa and Archer disappeared from sight. There was a still and mournful silence. Baby Smurf started wailing. Suddenly, a roar rang out. The moat monster rose from his home and crawled up onto solid ground. He lowered his head and allowed Papa to slide off.

"Thank you, moat monster." Papa said gratefully. The moat monster roared and lumbered off into the forest, no doubt to find a new home.

Gutsy ran forward and his eyes widened at the sight if Archer. Her head rested on Papa's shoulder and her entire body was limp if you didn't count the fact that she was shaking violently. Her eyes were still open but glazed over; she stared into space.

"Papa?" Gutsy's voice was a little squeaky.

"She's drained a lot of energy and magic." Papa said. "We have to get her to the village now."

Papillon looked down the path. "I think we have a ride for you."

Everyone followed her gaze as a female wolf bounded up to them, followed by her litter of nearly adult pups.

"Dat's de wolf family Archer told me about." Gutsy realized.

"They be followin' us since we passed their cave." Miner added.

The mother wolf knelt down next to Papa, allowing him to climb onto her back. "We'll meet you back in the village." Papa said.

"Good luck." Harmony said.

"We'll be right behind you, Papa Smurf." Tailor nodded.

Papa smiled and lightly kicked the wolf's side. "To the village, my friend! Hurry!"

The wolves took off into the forest. Papa kept glancing down at Archer as she continued to shake and barely breathe. His concern grew every minute the village wasn't in sight. He kept a firm grip on the wolf's fur until they stopped in the Smurf village. Papa jumped down and ran as fast as he could to his house, thanking the wolves quickly. He gently laid Archer on his bed and magically summoned his medical bag. He gently brushed Archer's hair from her face, noticing that her eyes had finally closed and she wasn't shaking anymore. But she still breathed and her heart continued to beat, so he knew she was still alive. He grabbed his bag as it floated up to him and opened it quickly. He rummaged around before finding a bowl and some rags. He reluctantly left Archer's side to fill the bowl with warm water and soaked a few rags in it. He folded a rag and placed it over Archer's forehead. He searched his bag, but didn't find anything that would help. Archer had no open wounds and, as far as Papa knew, no internal wounds.

Papa jumped as Brainy, Smartette, Dabbler, and Gutsy suddenly appeared, panting.

"We're here to help." Dabbler said. "The other Smurfs are waiting outside for a report."

Papa wasted no time in giving orders. "Brainy, I need my book of spells titled Magical Preservatives and Healing Charms. Quickly!" Brainy nodded and hurried off as fast as he could. Papa scribbled something on a piece of paper. "Smartette, run to Farmer and Chef and get these herbs." Smartette took the parchment and, after casting one last worried glance at Archer, ran out of the mushroom as fast as her legs could carry her. "Dabbler, check her vitals. See if she has any wounds at all." Dabbler pulled up a chair and started his examination. Gutsy sat on the other side of the bed and took Archer's hand, making it clear he would not be letting go anytime soon.

Many hours passed. The Smurfs outside dispersed to distract themselves from the horrifying thoughts of what may happen to their comatose sister.

Nat looked up at Papa's window, sighing. "Do you think Archer's gonna—"

"Of course not!" Sassette snapped. "Archer's the smurfiest and strongest of any Smurf I know! No stupid wizard is gonna..." She sniffed angrily and wiped her eyes dry.

"There be no shame in bein' sad, Smurflin's." Wooly assured. "But we gotta keep hope."

"I'm gonna bake Archer the smurfiest cake ever!" Greedy piped up. "That'll cheer her up when she wakes!"

"I'll work on some of those cookies she likes!" Baker hurried home.

"Wait for me!" Chef called as he followed. "I'll help!"

"How about we get some of our toys for her?" Snappy suggested.

"I'll grab some of our storybooks!" Slouchy offered as they ran home.

"I'm gonna smurf her chimney so clean it'll be spotless!" Sweepy rushed off to Archer's house, followed by Wooly.

"I'll get some flowers!" Smurfette called.

"I got a surprise just for her!" Jokey laughed.

"Come on!" Dreamy encouraged. "Let's smurf some presents together! Archer's gonna be so surprised when she wakes up!"

"I'm gonna start cleaning her mushroom!" Vanity offered. A group of Smurfs followed him.

Smartette gazed out at the Smurfs hurried to work. "Archer's in for quite a surprise when she wakes up."

Papa nodded. "Smartette, why don't you go help? Brainy, Dabbler and I can handle this."

Smartette stared worriedly at Archer, still unconscious on the bed. She had a hard time pulling herself away from her friend. In fact, she refused to move at all until Papa gently steered her outside.

After finishing his examination, Dabbler found no internal or external wounds and left ("Got to do some...organizing". He had muttered bitterly). Brainy remained by Papa's side and ran to get anything the elder needed. Papa worked hard, trying to revive Archer and keep her alive.

Brainy jumped a little as Papa shook him awake. "Brainy, go home. I will remain with Archer."

"No, I'm fine." Brainy insisted.

"This won't be like the time Baby was sick." Papa assured. "Go home."

Brainy tried to refuse, but finally agreed when he finally noticed Smartette was gone. He stared at Archer for a moment, waiting for her to wake up and call him Owl Eyes. He sighed and trudged off home.

Papa turned to Archer and Gutsy. Gutsy still had a tight grip on Archer's hand; Papa noticed he had also slipped the ring back on her finger. Papa put a hand on Gutsy's shoulder. "How are you doing?"

"Fine." Gutsy murmured, keeping his eyes on Archer.

"Sleep, Gutsy." Papa ordered gently. "I'll allow you to stay. But you need rest." Gutsy only nodded.

"Papa Smurf."

Papa looked up to see Aleron peering through the window. "May I speak to you?"

Papa cast one more look towards Gutsy before journeying outside. Gutsy scooted his chair closer to Archer's head and placed his head on her chest. He closed his eyes and listened to Archer's soft heartbeat lull him to sleep.

"What do you want?" Papa asked a little angrily.

"We have come to bid farewell." Papillon said as she and Oliver appeared behind Aleron.

"Archer is not well to travel." Papa said. "And I don't think she—"

"Papa Smurf, please." Aleron smiled kindly. "I have no intention of taking Archer away."

Papa blinked in surprise. "Really?"

"I cast a simple spell on Archer in between your charms." Aleron said. "And I discovered that the magic within her has disappeared."

"Really?" Papa repeated.

"It's been reduced so much that she no longer poses a threat." Oliver affirmed. "She can still perform magic, but she won't be controlled so easily anymore."

Papa breathed a sigh of relief. "So, you won't take her away?"

"I am not a bad man, Papa Smurf." Aleron nodded. "I could not separate such a strong family."

Papa smiled broadly. "Thank you. But shouldn't you say goodbye?"

"We must be going." Papillon insisted. "We have jobs to do."

"But tell Archer to visit whenever she wishes." Oliver said.

Papa nodded. "Thank you."

"Of course, Papa Smurf." Aleron nodded. "Just take good care of her. She truly is one of my proudest creations."

Archer opened her eyes slowly, blinking a couple times to make sure her vision was clear. She realized she was lying down and sat up, pushing herself to her feet. She looked all around her and saw she was in Papa's bedroom. At first, she was confused as to how she got there, but she almost screamed at what she saw next.

Her still body was lying on Papa's bed.

Gutsy was asleep in a chair next to her body, his head on her chest. Archer took a couple breaths and looked down. Instead of her white trousers and silvery strip of cloth/shirt, she wore a simple, long sleeved dress that swished across the floor. She turned to look behind her, and then sighed in relief when she didn't see wings.

But...if she wasn't dead and (as far as she knew) she wasn't alive...what did that mean?

"Hello dearie."

The room around Archer disappeared and everything went white. Two figures stood before her. One was a Smurfette with rusty auburn hair and multicolored eyes: one light blue and the other lavender. The other was a Smurf with Gutsy's rusty red hair and deep, dark eyes. Both were dressed in white gowns with sparkling silver wings on their backs.

"Luna?" Archer breathed. "Brave?"

Luna came forward and pulled Archer into a motherly embrace; an embrace Archer gladly returned. Luna gently stroked Archer's acorn hair. "Oh my sweet little Archer. You've done so well."

"Way to go, kid." Brave punched Archer's arm playfully, almost knocking her over.

"I don't understand." Archer sighed as she pulled away. "Am I alive or dead?"

"Neither." Brave shrugged. "You're kinda in the middle."

"Then what are you two doing here?" Archer asked.

"We're here to help you smurf back." Luna replied simply.

Archer's gaze went downcast. "I can't. I promised—"

"Sweetheart." Luna shushed, tilting Archer's head to look her in the eyes. "We know of your promise. We've been watching you a good many years."

"You have to go back." Brave insisted. "The Smurfs need you."

"And don't you say a word about being a danger to them." Luna spoke firmly but gently. "You are one of the greatest things that has ever happened to them. And, if I'm correct, you have a marriage proposal to answer."

Archer sighed. "Can the Smurfs forgive me? What about Grandpa Smurf? He looked pretty steamed."

"My father will learn that he can trust you." Luna assured. "Just give him time."

"He can't hold a grudge forever." Brave noted. "Besides, he's easily outnumbered in the whole Archer stays, Archer goes ratio."

Archer finally smiled and nodded. "Good point."

Suddenly, the whiteness drifted away like a fog, and the trio found themselves in Papa's bedroom. Archer's unmoving form still rested on the bed, but Gutsy was gone. Papa now rested next to Archer, his arms being used as a pillow as he slept beside her.

"They need you." Brave said. "Go be with them."

"And we'll always be right here." Luna assured. "Just keep singing my old lullaby to them, and everything will be just smurfy."

Archer laughed. She nodded as she stepped towards her comatose body. The simple white dress she wore disappeared and was replaced with her usual clothes. As Archer began to lie down in her body, Luna piped up, "Do you know how I know that lullaby?"

Archer shook her head.

"Papillon sang it to me as she did to you."

Archer's eyes widened. Luna and Brave's laughter echoed as her world went dark.

Archer's eyes blinked open to stare at the ceiling. "That sly little imp." She muttered. She looked to her left and saw Papa still asleep. She slowly sat up and leaned against the headboard of the bed. She gently placed a hand on Papa's shoulder and shook him.

Papa jumped a little and pushed himself to sit up. When he saw Archer awake, his eyes widened and he looked ready to fall out of his chair. "Archer..."

"Good morning, Papa." Archer sighed.

Papa couldn't contain himself. He jumped forward and hugged Archer as tight as he could. Archer returned the hug with twice as much strength. Papa was forced to let go first. He couldn't stop staring at Archer, smiling and tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Papa, stop crying over me." Archer laughed. "How long was I out?"

"Almost a week." Papa sighed. "We were so worried."

Archer's smile disappeared. "Is Aleron...?"

"He's gone." Papa explained everything that happened, from his discussion with Aleron to the Smurfs' activities as they waited for her to wake up. He warned Archer that they cleaned her mushroom multiple times and her living room would most likely be filled with homecoming gifts.

"They'll be so happy to see you." Papa finished. "Before they do, can I make a request?"

"Anything, Papa Smurf." Archer nodded.

"Don't ever do something so suicidal again." Papa ordered. "You are my child, and I will not lose you."

Archer felt tears well up, but she wiped them away. She hugged Papa tightly, sniffing a little. "I love you, Papa. I never wanted to hurt you."

"It's alright, Archer." Papa assured. "You are one of my little Smurfs, and I will always love you and care for you."

Archer sighed happily. Then, she noticed the crystal ring on her finger and she remembered Gutsy's proposal at Balthazar's castle. She pulled away slowly, staring at her ring. "Where's Gutsy?"

"I think Hefty and Farmer dragged him away to get his mind off you." Papa said. "He spent the entire week with you." Papa looked out the window. "Ah yes. He's out on the bridge."

"Good." Archer jumped out of bed and started stomping down the stairs. "I got a bone to smurf with him."

Papa trailed after her, concern etched across his face. "Now, Archer, let's not be hasty."

"This won't be hasty." Archer assured.

She stomped out of the mushroom, Papa close behind. Archer continued until she reached Gutsy, who stood on the bridge with Hefty, Grouchy, and Farmer. When they saw Archer coming towards them, their faces lit up and they sighed in relief. Gutsy jogged up to Archer.

"Oh thank de gods yer all right!" he laughed.

Suddenly, Archer's fist met his cheek. He stumbled backwards, rubbing the sore spot on his face. He stared at Archer in shock, who only glared back. Papa, Hefty, Grouchy, and Farmer stared.

"I suppose I deserved dat." Gutsy said. "I don' know why, though."

"Because you're a son of a smurf!" Archer snapped. Before Gutsy could speak, Archer interrupted him. "Proposing to someone right when you and her are about to die? Are you serious? That's not romantic! It's not cool! It's not even proper! Who does that? I mean, seriously, who does that? Are you smurfed in the head?"

Gutsy had a sheepish look. "I thought we were gonna die! And I couldn't think of a better time."

"Well think harder!" Archer snapped. She shoved a piece of paper into his chest. She spun around and stomped away.

"Archer!" Gutsy called.

Archer held up her right hand. "Smurf to the hand, Gutsy!" She disappeared from sight.

Grouchy put a hand on Gutsy's shoulder. "Don't worry, bud. I'm sure she'll get over it."

Gutsy didn't answer for a while. "She was wearin' the ring."

"What?" Papa asked.

"She was wearin' de ring I gave 'er." Gutsy repeated. He unfolded the paper Archer gave him. He read its contents and started busting out laughing. He handed Papa the paper; the elder Smurf started cracking up as well. The paper was passed around until everyone on the bridge was laughing like lunatics.

Scrawled on the paper was this: "Marry me you smurfin' smurfstard. Archer"

"Ow!"

"Hold still!"

"How can I hold still when you're pulling my hair out?"

"Oh smurf up."

"Not a chance. You can't make me."

"You wanna bet?"

Archer groaned but remained standing up straight. Smurfette pulled the hairbrush through Archer's long acorn hair one last time before nodding in satisfaction. "There. Now it's all shiny and smooth!"

"Great." Archer muttered.

"Lift your skirt up and let me see your feet." Vanity encouraged. "I have your shoes ready."

"They aren't heels, are they?" Archer asked worriedly.

"They're ballet flats." Smartette assured as she pulled her hair into a bun at the nape of her neck. She brushed out the skirt of her formal dress from the Winter Dance.

Archer let Vanity slip the shoes onto her feet and sighed when she realized the shoes were quite comfortable. She brushed the skirt of her dress out. She breathed a little hard, gulping the bile back down her throat.

"Rattling rattlesnake's tail." Sassette giggled. "Archer, you're shaking like one!"

"I'm nervous!" Archer snapped. "I've never been scared like this in my entire life!"

"It's not that big of a deal." Sassette shrugged as she twirled in her dress.

"I'm getting married!" Archer shouted. "How can that not be a big deal?"

"Give her a break." Vanity soothed. "She is only a Smurfling."

Archer took a breath. "Okay, I'm okay."

"And you're ready!" Vanity said, stepping back. He, Smurfette, Smartette, and Sassette stepped back and stared in awe.

Archer wore Luna's wedding dress, but Tailor had spent a week putting sleeves on the dress and making it sparkling and look brand new. The sleeves reached down to her wrists and trimmed with lace. The tiara was the same one Archer wore at the Winter Dance and Tailor had sewn a new veil to attach it to. She didn't even wear a hat; the white silk veil blanketed her smooth hair. Smurfette, Sassette, Smartette, and Vanity wore the same clothes they wore for the Winter Dance. Everysmurf did except Gutsy, who was currently with some of the boys getting dressed.

"You look so beautiful!" Smurfette sniffed, wiping a tear from her eye.

"Do I really?" Archer asked uncertainly.

"Gorgeous!" Smartette agreed.

"Beautiful!" Sassette chirped.

"It's like looking in a mirror!" Vanity sighed. Everyone laughed.

Knock knock knock. "Archer! Are you ready, my dear?"

"Coming, Papa!" Archer called. She and the others journeyed downstairs and to the door. Smurfette and Smartette lifted Archer's train up off the ground.

Papa straightened his jacket as he waited for Archer to come down. When the door opened, he smiled and almost started crying again. "Oh Archer. You look just like Luna when she and I got married."

"Thanks, Papa." Archer smiled.

"You just need one more thing." Papa said, pulling out a bouquet of white roses. Archer smiled and took the bouquet. She and Papa linked arms and made their way to where everyone sat. Not only were all the Smurfs there (including Grandpa) but many of the Smurfs' friends were invited: Father Time (who would be the preacher), Mother Nature, Johan, Peewit, King Gerard, the Clockworks, the pussywillow pixies, the fairies, and more. Even many of the forest animals showed up, having known Archer for a long time. Aleron, Adora, Papillon, Oliver, and the rest of the residents of the stork palace were there as well.

The band started playing and everyone turned to see Don Smurfo (Gutsy's best man) and Smurfette (Archer's maid of honor) walking down the aisle, arms linked. Smurfette looked ready to faint from pure bliss. Sassette the flower girl walked behind them, tossing flower petals everywhere. Most of them hit the guests rather than the ground. Vanity and Smartette carried Archer's train as she and Papa took up the end.

Gutsy thought he would pass out, right there at the altar. He wore a silver/gold plaid kilt today, specially made by Tailor. But when he saw Archer in all her beauty, his fears melted away. Don Smurfo went to Gutsy's side and Smurfette went to the other. Sassette went to sit in the front row with the Smurflings. Smartette and Vanity joined her. Papa gave Archer's hand a squeeze and handed her over to Gutsy. The bride and groom couldn't stop smiling at each other. They almost forgot to say "I do" when Father Time recited the wedding proceedings. Many of the Smurfs (especially Weepy) got teary-eyed.

When the newlyweds finally kissed, everyone erupted into cheers so loud that it woke up Gargamel from his nap. Thankfully, nobody heard his rant about the noise and how he hated it and the Smurfs. Gutsy and Archer went arm-in-arm down the aisle and into the mushroom they shared. Gutsy's house, since it was bigger, became their new home. Many of Archer's things had been moved into it. Anything extra went into Archer's house, now a storage house for furniture and various items. Handy even built a bed big enough for the two of them.

Archer and Gutsy insisted on a party after their wedding. Since the incident at Balthazar's castle just weeks before, everysmurf believed that at least a feast was needed to celebrate Archer's victory and survival. Greedy, Baker, and Chef set out a giant feast and music rose up into the air. Many of the Smurfs wanted to dance with the bride, but she stayed with Gutsy for most of the night. The newlyweds kept getting congratulated by everyone. Some of the fairies and pixies put on a spectacular showmanship of flight. Gutsy couldn't help but notice how Archer's eyes sparkled like sapphires and diamonds. He kept smiling at her, wondering how he managed to get to marry her.

Papa stood off to the side after a while, watching Gutsy and Archer dance. "Oh Luna. If only you could be here to see this." He suddenly felt a warm breeze on his neck and turned, thinking he'd see one of his Smurfs sneaking up on him. But his eyes widened when he saw the ghostly figures of his wife and brother. Brave smiled and nodded in greeting. Luna waved as she, too, smiled broadly. Papa smiled and waved back.

"Papa?" Clumsy asked. "Whatcha looking at?"

Papa looked back to where Luna and Brave stood, but they had disappeared. "Nothing, Clumsy."

Clumsy looked back towards Gutsy and Archer. "They make a smurfy pair, huh?"

Papa nodded in agreement. "Yes, yes they do."

Gutsy carried Archer through the door of their mushroom and shoved the door shut with his foot. He set her down and twirled her about.

"Gutsy!" Archer laughed. "Enough dancing! My feet are gonna fall off!"

Gutsy laughed. "All right, lassie, I'm pretty tired too."

"Then let's go to sleep!" Archer said as she started to fall backwards.

"Not on de floor!" Gutsy laughed. Archer laughed and lifted her skirt so she didn't step on it as she and Gutsy walked upstairs. They lay down on their bed and sighed simultaneously in exhaustion. Gutsy pulled the blanket over them, neither of the two caring that they were still in their wedding attire. Archer moved in close to Gutsy, putting her ear to his chest.

"Why do you get ta listen ta my heartbeat first night?" Gutsy asked coyly.

"Snooze you lose." Archer yawned.

Gutsy chuckled. "Den I get ta listen ta yours tomorrow."

"Deal." Archer nodded. She nuzzled her head under her mate's chin.

Gutsy kissed his love's forehead. "I love you, lassie."

Archer sighed through her nose. "I love you too, laddie."

They laughed.