Disclaimer: I own nothing!

Authoresses Note: And so we near a close! Only 2 chapters left at the most! And then... ONTO THE SEQUEL! Because, honsetly people, I can't leave Alex pregnant! And surely you know I can't do all of that in 2 chapters! And if you think I can... you've had alot more chocolate and alot less sleep than I've had! Anyway, please review! (oh and I hope to have it finished by Sunday... depending on the review count. So it's up to you guys... just saying)

The Return

Chapter 15

"Edmund, stop it, put me down!" Alex exclaimed.

"Never, m'lady." I laughed, situating her more comfortably in my arms.

"Now this position isn't so bad." she smiled, leaning her head on my shoulder.

"This is just strange." I heard a voice say from behind us. I turned to see Eric there.

"What?" I asked.

"It's just... I've never seen my sister so... happy. And I must say it's a refreshing change of pace." he said.

"Awwww, that's sweet." Alex said.

"Only for you sis, only for you." he chuckled.

"Awwww, even sweeter." she laughed.

"Ed, Alex, Eric?" I heard Peter call. I looked over and saw him coming towards us.

"Yeah?" I asked.

"It's time for the assembly." he said.

I felt Alex tense up. I gave her a questioning glance but she only shook her head and got out of my grasp. I pulled my arm around her waist as we walked and she seemed to relax, if even the slightest bit. Susan, Lucy, and Caspian were already at the assembly and the Narnians and Telmarines were assembled a little further down. I was forced to let Alex go as we stood before the crowd and out of the corner of my eye I saw her look down.

"Are you alright?" I heard Peter ask her. I saw her give a brief nod of her head. I looked down at her, blocking out everything else.

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"I... I'm not sure, Ed. Give me a few minutes." she replied.

I kept my eyes locked on hers but looked away as I heard Caspian ask "Who will go first?" A silence followed, and only the breeze could be heard. Finally someone spoke up.

"I will... I will accept the offer." Glozelle said stepping forward.

"So will we." Prunaprismia said, stepping forward, her child in her arms. Her father was behind her, and stayed close by her side.

"Since you have spoken first, your future in that world shall be good." Aslan stated. He then breathed on them.

A tree beside us began twisting until is was in the form of a door. Aslan looked back at them and nodded. They walked towards the door, and a moment later they were gone. The crowd gasped, and I took Alexs hand in mine as she tensed up even more.

"How do we know he is not leading us to our deaths?!" one man shouted.

"Your majesty-" Reepicheep spoke up "-if it would be of any help, I will send 12 mice through that door without hesitation."

Aslan chuckled. "No, brave mouse, you have more you are meant to do here." Aslan then looked over at Peter. Susan and Peter exchanged a sad glance before Peter stepped up.

"We'll go." he stated.

I clutched Alexs hand tighter. "We will?" I asked.

Peter nodded. "Come on... our times up." at this he looked at Susan. Peter walked over to Caspian, pulling his sword, still sheathed, from his belt. "After all... we're not really needed here anymore." he stated, holding the sword out to Caspian.

Caspian took the sword slowly then look at Peter. "I will look after it until you return." he said.

"That's just it." Susan spoke up "We're not coming back."

My heart seemed to stop right then and there. I could probably handle not coming to Narnia again. At least I knew it was in good hands. But I would never see Alex again! And that... I wouldn't be able to go on living.

"We're not?" Lucy asked, looking at Peter.

"You two are. At least... I think he means you too." he replied, walking toward us.

My breathing regained it's regular pattern.

Lucy looked at Aslan. "But why? Did they do something wrong?"

"Quite the opposite. Your brother and sister have learned what they can from this world."

"Don't worry, Lu. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. One day you'll see too." he said.

As they walked over to the Narnians that we had befriended the quickest, I turned to Alex.

"I suppose... we have to say good-bye again." I said.

"Stay strong, my love, it's not forever." she said.

"But... it feels like it." I was horrified to find my voice cracking. I could see the tears in her eyes, but none fell as she reached up to kiss me.

Reluctantly, I walked back to my siblings as Eric stood beside Alex.

"Will you be alright?" Peter asked me.

I took one last glance at Aslan then Alex and nodded. "As long as she's safe... I'll be fine."

"Then lead on, dear brother."

I sucked in my breathe and stepped towards the door.

Suddenly we were back at the train station, people running around us as if nothing had happened. The train doors opened just in front of us, and it took a moment to register what was happening.

A strange boy looked directly at Susan. "Are you coming, Phyllis?" he asked.

Peter and I exchanged a glance before looking at Susan.

"Long story." she mumbled grabbing her suitcase.

The others grabbed theirs and boarded the train. I stood for a moment before grabbing mine and getting on beside Peter, just in time.

I searched through the bag at my side and inwardly groaned. "You don't think there's anyway we can get back, do you?" I asked, looking at Peter.

He shrugged and I looked over at Lucy, who also shrugged.

"Why, Ed?" Susan asked, concerned.

"I know this may seem quite petty concidering all we've been through the past few days, but... I left my new torch in Narnia!"