A/N: I literally have like five minutes, but I was so excited, I wanted to post. You lucky ducks get a long chapter this time. One more chapter after this one and then an epilogue. I'm planning on posting the last chapter next week (Finals Week for me!) as well as the epilogue. We are almost done people! I've love writing this story, and I am so happy that I finished it. Thank you for sticking through with me.

I woke up lying in my bed in the treehouse. I was in a lot of pain. I tried to sit up and winced. I was sore all over. I lifted my shirt to see my side was sloppily stitched up. My right arm was stitched as well, both on my forearm and bicep. I wondered how long I had been out, and then remembered what had happened. Wendy was gone. After all that time searching and searching for her, I'd finally found her and now she was gone.

"Hello, is anyone here?" I called out through the treehouse.

The Lost Boys came running in. "Peter, you're awake. Thank God," Slightly sighed.

"How long have I been asleep? Where are Hook and Wendy? I have to stop him," I tried sitting up again and cringed at the pain.

"Slow down there, Peter, you're still weak as Hell," Slightly replied.

"Watch your mouth, there's a kid here," I smiled over at Nibs.

"Ha, ha," Nibs rolled his eyes. We don't know where Hook took Wendy; we're trying to figure that out. You've been asleep for a couple of days."

"A couple of days?! I don't have time for this, I need to save Wendy," I lunged out of the bed, cringing in the process, and hobbled my way over to the exit of the treehouse.

"Peter, where are you going? We don't know where they are. There's no use wandering around the island, wasting your energy, trying to find them," Slightly said. "Besides, you probably need more practice fighting, since Hook totally beat your ass."

"Language, Slightly," I rolled my eyes, sounding like a grown-up. "And I can't just sit here and do nothing. Hook is gaining power by the minute. If we take too long we can't stop him, and then we'll never get Wendy back."

I quickly walked out of the tree, and started off into the forest. "What do you think you are going to find?" I heard being yelled behind me. I didn't turn, and I didn't answer. The only thing on my mind was finding Hook and destroying him.

Tinker Bell zoomed up to me and said that she thought I should talk to Queen Clarion. She said that the queen would know what to do and might know how to stop Hook. I sighed and followed Tink to Pixie Hollow.

"This is not good, Peter," Queen Clarion said when she saw me. "Neverland is in grave danger. Why did you trade your youth with Captain Hook?"

"I thought if I kept Wendy hidden, he wouldn't be able to use the power, but he must have known that Wendy would come to try and stop me," I replied, ashamed. "I'm sorry. I had no idea Wendy played such an important role."

"You were not meant to. Even Wendy was not meant to know of her gift. To a human, it would seem that Wendy just had an active imagination. She was supposed to pass along her stories of Neverland to her children, who in turn would receive the gift, thus keeping Neverland in existence. When she had her memories taken away from her, she still had the gift, but it became lost, because she no longer remembered her stories. Wendy needed to regain some of her memories in order for Neverland to be real, which is why I assumed was one of the reasons behind Captain Hook trying to find you." Queen Clarion explained.

I nodded realizing that Hook had thought of everything. He knew that I would eventually help Wendy remember her past. No matter how many times he told me that he didn't want her to remember, he really did. And he knew that I would do anything to help her remember. "Why was nobody supposed to know about Wendy's gift?" I asked Queen Clarion.

Queen Clarion sighed, "For reasons such as this. It was known by many that you were they guardian of youth for the island. We wanted to be sure that if anything happened to you, we would have a way to save this land. I do not know how Captain Hook found out about Wendy's role in Neverland, but now that he has control of both, makes me fear the worst."

"I will stop him, Queen Clarion, but I need your help. I don't know what I'm doing, and I don't know what I'm up against."

"I will help you as best I can, Peter," the queen whispered sprinkling pixie dust over my wounds, which quickly healed. She gave me a new bag of pixie dust as well. "But you must act fast. Captain Hook's power and Wendy's gift will soon create a bond, just as you and Wendy had. Once this bond—"

"A bond?" I interrupted.

"Yes, you and Wendy were both Children of Neverland. As you know, Neverland only exists because children believe. But that is not enough now. We needed something more or all of the creatures here would die. The Children of Neverland were born to help keep this land thriving. You and Wendy are the first Children. Wendy's gift helped keep Neverland real, and your gift kept Neverland lush and full of life. Your powers together created a special link between the both of you. Now that Captain Hook has the power, a bond will form between the two of them, and since I am sure Captain Hook is aware of this, he will be able to take control of it."

"What did this bond do to Wendy and me?"

"When you were both younger, it helped her learn about the stories of Neverland that she told her brothers. As she grew older she became quite fond of you. The bond was part of this. After you met Wendy, would you say that you grew quite fond of her?" Queen Clarion smiled. I turned beet red and nodded. "This bond was made stronger by the love that you two shared. This was not intended. This link was only meant to tie you both to Neverland, but when you heard stories about yourself, you could not resist listening in. When you brought Wendy here, the bond was stronger than ever, but Wendy knew deep down inside that she could not stay here. This was her gift working its magic. She had to leave. The gift would only work as long as she was able to spread the joy and wonderment of Neverland. When she left, it was no wonder that you craved to return to her. She was a part of you, as you were a part of her. Just as much as you wanted to be with her, she wanted to be with you."

I stood in awe. So I wasn't just crazy when I felt that Wendy and I were meant to be together. We really were meant to be together. And now that I've given up my bond with Neverland, my bond with Wendy was now broken. "Tell me what to do," I whispered to the queen fairy.

"You can find Captain Hook at Neverland Falls. This is where his hideout is," Queen Clarion began. I looked at her quizzically, wondering how she knew that. "Oh, come now, Peter, I know all that goes on in Neverland. Just like I knew you would give up your bond, but I never expected it to be done with Captain Hook. But I digress. At Neverland Falls, you will find Captain Hook. You two must battle, and you will have to be victorious. If you lose this battle, Captain Hook will have taken all your power from you, and there will be no way of stopping him."

"But how will I know that I've won the battle?" I asked. Queen Clarion was silent and somber. "I have to kill him, don't I?" The queen said nothing and looked away from me.

I couldn't do it. I'd never actually intended to kill anyone before. Living in Neverland I always thought it a game. I don't even remember ever having killed anybody. Perhaps I never have. I often forgot much of what I did as a boy. When I fought the pirates with the Lost Boys, I only ever battled Hook. How was I supposed to purposefully take someone's life?

Queen Clarion touched my cheek. "You must go, Peter. There is not much time. If you do not defeat Captain Hook before he and Wendy's bond is created, he will be near impossible to defeat. I have enchanted your dagger to help you. I believe in you, Peter Pan. I know you will find a way to overcome this trial in the most honorable way possible."

I stood up and thanked the queen pixie. "I sure hope so," I sighed, turning to leave.

"Oh, and Peter," Queen Clarion called after me. I stopped and turned around. "Twelve looks good on you," she smiled. I grinned and rolled my eyes as I turned, and ran towards Neverland Falls.

I reached the Falls and looked around. Where would Hook's hideout be? I wander toward the waterfall and tried to look beyond it to see if there was an entrance. I couldn't see anything, so I walked right through the waterfall and found a large stone door. The door was heavy, but when I finally got it opened, I saw a, surprisingly furnished, cave. It was much bigger than it seemed. I wandered around looking for signs of either Hook or Wendy.

I found a large wooden door with a big brass knob. It looked like it was an entrance to a room. I tried to turn the knob. It was locked. I turned around and saw a key hanging on the opposite wall. Stupid pirate I thought to myself as I grabbed the key and inserted it into the lock. Click. I turned the knob quietly and slowly entered the room.

"Peter," Wendy whisper yelled. She was tied up to a chair. I closed the door and ran over to her.

"Oh my god, Wendy," I began to untie her. "How long have you been tied up?"

"Thanks, Peter," Wendy said rubbing her wrists. "Um, I don't know. A while I guess." She stood up and tried to cover up a smile.

"What's so funny?" I asked, confused.

"You're just so cute," Wendy giggled tousling my hair.

"Cut it out! It's not funny," I grumbled smoothing out my hair. I was getting sick of this. Being a kid again is what I've always wanted, but it didn't mean that I wanted to be treated like one, especially by the girl who had my heart.

"I'm sorry, Peter. It's just that, I'm finally remembering the adventures I had with you, and now that you look the way that I last saw you, it brings back memories."

"What's your favorite memory?" I asked.

She pondered for a moment before answering, "Do you remember when we were in the treehouse, and I was Mother and you asked if that made you Father? I think that's when I finally knew that I meant more to you than anything else. I know it's lame, but that's my favorite memory because that's when I really knew that I loved you."

I sighed. I wanted so badly to talk with Wendy about everything, but time was running out. Soon the bond between Hook and Wendy would form, and I wouldn't be able to stop Hook. "Where's Hook?" I finally replied.

Wendy blushed, embarrassed that I didn't respond in the way she thought I would. "I don't know. He came in here a little while ago. Why?"

"I have to kill him," I replied solemnly. Wendy stared in shock. "If I don't, he will become too powerful and I won't be able to stop him." I ran out of the room to find Hook.

"Peter, wait. You can't just go and kill him. You need to have a plan," Wendy called chasing after me.

"I don't have time to make a plan. Time is the enemy. It's always been the enemy. If I don't stop Hook soon, I'll lose everything. Including you."

Wendy stopped in her tracks. "Lose me? Peter, I'll always be on your side."

"It's hard to explain. It has to do with your gift that the fairies gave you. Our lives were connected. We're Children of Neverland. You and I both had gifts given to us, and I gave mine to Hook. If I don't kill him, he will be connected to you, and he will become extremely powerful and I won't be able to stop him."

"You can't kill him, Peter. You're not a killer."

"But our bond will be permanently broken. And I don't know how I could live without you." I sighed.

"I don't believe that. The connection between you and I goes beyond Neverland. If it didn't, why would we both be here, alive? I should be long gone, yet here I am, with you."

"How precious," Hook came sauntering in. I pulled out my dagger. "You're not going to kill me. You heard the girl: 'you're not a killer.' You don't have it in you."

I charged at Hook, but he casually moved out of the way. "Ah-ah. Bad form, Peter Pan. You know how I feel about bad form." He pulled out his sword and we began to dual.

The battle was hard. I thought Queen Clarion enchanted this stupid thing. I thought since I was unable to get a clear jab at Hook. We continued to battle. I was exhausted. I was struggling to keep up with Hook. His swordsman skills were much better than mine. Looks like Slightly was right. As usually. I thought. I finally found a clean shot. I lunged forward, my dagger plunging into Hook's stomach. As I pulled the dagger back out, it began to glow.

Hook laughed at my weak move, but then had a look of terror on his face. "What's happening? What did you do? I feel weak," Hook panicked. I stood back in horror looking down at my glowing dagger, my hand shaking. Hook fell to the floor. He began aging rapidly, forties, fifties, sixties, until he was an old man. "Look what you've done to me! This isn't fair, I finally won. This is supposed to be my happy ending."

Hook suddenly stopped shouting and moving. Wendy ran over to him. "He's dead."

I dropped the dagger and fell to my knees. I had killed someone. Intentionally. I'd never done that before. I felt sick to my stomach. I began crying.

"Peter, you did what you had to do," she was crying too. "I understand. "

Queen Clarion flew in. "Well done, Peter."

"Well done? I killed him! I feel horrible." I screamed.

"You did not kill him. Hook's selfishness is what killed him. The dagger was enchanted so that when it was plunged into him, it would take what he desired most: his youth. The magic is now stored in this dagger. It is for you so that you may once again become the guardian of Neverland's youth."

I picked up the dagger and stood up. "I have to stab myself in order to become the guardian again?"

"No, a mere prick on the finger will suffice," the queen stated.

"If I prick my finger now, I'll stay twelve forever?" I asked.

Queen Clarion nodded. "It is what you have always wanted, right?"

I walked over to Wendy. "It was. But I know that I'm supposed to be with Wendy. I'll just leave for the Mainland and live there for a few years until I'm sixteen again. She was right. We're still connected even without the bond."

"Not quite," Queen Clarion said solemnly. "You are connected right now because you are still a Child of Neverland. The bond took longer to form for Hook because he was not a child. Once this magic is placed inside someone else, you will no longer be a Child of Neverland, Peter."

"But the magic doesn't have to be in someone right away. I'll just go to the Mainland and come back when I'm older to claim the magic." I tried to bargain.

"You know that is not how it works. If no one has the power, Neverland, and its inhabitants, will age. It does not matter if you go to Earth and Wendy stays here. She will age unless someone is the guardian."

I didn't know what to do. I couldn't stay twelve years old anymore. Growing up was still terrifying, but I knew I had to be with Wendy. I had to believe that our bond really was stronger than just a link to Neverland.

"It's okay, Peter," Wendy whispered, tears forming in her eyes. "I love you, but maybe I was wrong: maybe we aren't meant to be together."

"No! I refuse to believe that. Come on Wendy, you've got to believe. I've spent so long trying to find you. Now I finally found you and you're giving up on me. On us." Tears streamed down my face. "Please, you were the one who said our connection exceeded Neverland. Believe that's true, please."

"Okay, Peter," Wendy voice shook.

"We have to find someone to be the guardian," I sniffled, wiping the tears off my cheek. "It has to be someone I trust. Wendy, would you be willing to be the guardian of youth?"

Before she could answer, Queen Clarion said, "She cannot. She is already a Child of Neverland. She cannot have both gifts. If something were to happen to her, all magic would be lost forever."

"Well who else is there?" I asked.

"I'll do it, Peter," Slightly said wandering into the cave with Nibs. "We followed you here, and heard what happened. I'll do it. I never liked living on the Mainland anyway."

"Thank you, Slightly. I knew I could always count on you." I handed him the dagger.

"We should not do this here," Queen Clarion said. We should go get Peter prepared for his journey to Earth. If you really believe that you and Wendy will stay connected, you will want to say your goodbyes. I am not sure how it all works. This has never happened before."

We headed out of the cave and walked toward the beach. Queen Clarion made a boat using her magic for me to go to the Mainland. I was ready. I began to say my goodbyes.

"You're sure you're okay with staying four years old, Nibs?" I asked smiling.

"It's not too bad. It's not like I act like a four year old. I just have the body of one."

"I'm so sorry I'm leaving again. But I have to. Please forgive me."

"I'm really okay, Peter. I know why you have to leave, and it's okay. I'll see you when you return." Nibs smiled and hugged me goodbye.

I turned to Slightly. "Thank you, Slight. You are a life saver, literally." I chuckled.

He nodded. "I don't think I'll be as good a guardian as you were, but I'll do my best." We hugged.

"Wendy," I said looking at the ground. "I really believe that we are supposed to be together. I hope you believe too, because if you don't, this won't work."

"I know, Peter. I'm just scared. What if I'm wrong? What if we really aren't connected beyond Neverland? I love it here, but I don't want to stay here forever. I've always known that I was supposed to grow up. I don't want to be sixteen forever. I've been sixteen for a hundred years," she chuckled.

I smiled. "I know. And I promise, when I come back we can leave here whenever you want. I realize now that being with you is more important than staying a kid forever. I love you, Wendy. And I always will."

Wendy smiled. "I love you too, Peter. I've lived a hundred years, but these next few are going to be the longest." She hugged me and kissed my cheek. "Forgive me for not having a better goodbye. It's just too weird to kiss a twelve year old," Winnie laughed.

I laughed back. "That will just make our reunion even better," I replied touching her cheek.

"Okay, Peter. It is time," Queen Clarion stated.

I pulled the dagger off my belt and handed it to Slightly. "I fully trust you, my friend. You will be a great guardian. Slightly nodded and took the dagger. He took a deep breath and pricked his finger, wincing at the pain. The dagger glowed brighter until it faded out. I felt a rush through me. I was no longer a Child of Neverland.

"Okay, Peter. We'll see you when you return, I love you."

I looked up at the girl hugging me. "Who are you?"

A/N: Please don't kill me...