Chapter Forty – Welcome Home
The Never-Neverland park had been closed down for "renovations" was what people were saying around town. Mandy and Fred knew better. That night they went down to the docks and found that there were no ships. Off in the distance, they could hear sounds of celebration, lights blazing on the island.
"Looking for a ride?"
The shadow of a flying boy appeared between them, his hands placed on his hips as he looked down at them. Spinning around, they smiled as they came face to face with Peter.
"You're ok!" Mandy exclaimed, attacking him with a hug when he landed. "We heard there was some crazy storm that happened over her last night and there was a lot of noise and damage! We were so worried…!"
Peter waited for her to pull back, watching as she blushed and tossed her hair over her shoulder, acting careless. "Well, obviously, you're ok," she shrugged. "I mean, why wouldn't you be?"
Peter patted her head, smiling cheerfully. "Thanks."
"What happened with Mr. Fuller…er, Shade?" asked Fred, raising an eyebrow.
Peter's eyes dimmed, his smile wistful. "He's gone," he informed them. "He won't bother anyone again."
"Thank God!" breathed Mandy, remembering how Shade had possessed her. She shuddered, smiling as Fred placed his arm around her. "What happened to all the boats?"
"They're being repaired," Peter responded. "We're trying to fix things up before we go home."
At the mention of leaving, the couple gawked at him, the idea of them gone forever finally sinking in. Peter ignored their looks, whistling. Tinker Bell came forth, beaming as she glowed, her wings gently fluttering. "Dust 'em, Tink," he ordered, and she obeyed. Rising into the air, he gave them each a hand and helped them up. Mandy gripped onto his arm, frightened at the idea of flying all the way to the island, while Fred grinned and spread his arms, the wind mussing his hair. Gliding over the water, Peter smiled as he remembered how he had helped the fairies earlier that evening to tranquilize the Crocodile with magic, enabling them to tie her to the Jolly Roger and drop her off in Neverland. Hook was especially relieved that she was gone for the moment, giving him a good night's peace.
"Here we are," Peter announced, landing on the repaired pier. Mandy and Fred tripped as they landed, chasing after Peter as he strolled off without them. Walking under the neon letters of "Never-Neverland," he ushered them into the empty park, guiding them to the Indian Village. Arriving there, their eyes widened in amazement at the amount of food, the loud music, the wild dancing, and the intermingling of all the strange characters. Mermaids danced with pirates as fairies conversed with children and Indians stomped and whooped around a great bonfire.
"Whoa…!" Fred gasped, his eyes huge with wonder.
"WENDY! VI!" Mandy squealed, waving like crazy at the girls. Taking off, she ran to them and grabbed them, locking the two into a bear hug. "OMGGGGGG!" she laughed. "It's been for-ev-er!"
"Not long enough," Violet sighed, though she couldn't help smiling as well.
Wendy embraced the girl, beaming upon seeing her. "Mandy! You made it!" she cried. "We're so glad you could come! Are you hungry? There's plenty of food-"
"OMG, I'm so starving right now!" Mandy giggled, snatching a turkey leg off an Indian who was holding a platter.
"Have a seat," Peter told them, sitting criss-cross in midair. Gathering around the campfire, they all ate fruit, meats, and bits of cotton candy that the boys had salvaged.
"So…what'll you do now?" Fred asked, looking to Peter and the girls.
"Once the park is repaired, we're heading back to Neverland," Peter shrugged, tossing a marshmallow into his mouth. "I've handing ownership of it over to a family called the Berris."
With pleading eyes, Mandy asked, "Won't you stay? It's not so bad here."
"Yeah, Pete. Growing up isn't so terrible," Fred nodded.
"Maybe," Peter said, feeling Wendy's hand on his. With a smile aimed at the girl, he responded, "But Neverland needs me as much as I need it. Besides, now I really do have everything I could ever want." In turn, he tempted them once more. "You could come with us, though. We'll probably leave tomorrow night. There'll be plenty of adventures, and all the time in the world!"
Looking at one another, Mandy gave Fred a sad smile and shook her head.
"Thanks, Peter, but we'll have to turn you down," Fred shook his head at the boy. "Just like you said, I've got everything I could ever want right here." Offering the boy his hand, he said, "It's been…surreal knowing you, Peter Pan."
"Same to you, Fred," Peter said, shaking his hand. "If you ever change your minds, or just need something to lean on during hard times…look to the second star to the right," he pointed to the sky, one particular star gleaming brighter than the others. "That's where you can find us."
Teary eyed, Mandy sniffled. "Oh, I hate goodbyes…Oooh! I just remembered!" Sticking her hand into her purse, she withdrew a set of three charmed bracelets, each one with a heart that said three different words: "Best Friends Forever."
Violet took one look at the trinkets and rolled her eyes. "Ho, boy."
"Here!" she gushed, handing one to each girl. "I've got 'Best,' Vi can have 'Friends,' and Wendy gets 'Forever!' Neat, huh?"
Violet smirked at the irony of the words and who got which, but remained silent.
"Thanks…" Wendy took her, trying not laugh. Slipping it onto her wrist, she admired the little bauble.
"Oh, and this is for you, Peter!" Mandy blushed, pulling out a cell phone charm in the shape of a star.
Peter took it, holding it in his palm and staring at it as thought it were some great puzzle.
"It's a…goodbye 'kiss,'" she explained, causing Fred to raise an eyebrow at her.
"Hmm…" Peter took hold of it by its chain and deftly tied it to his pouch where he held his spare fairy dust. Patting it to reassure himself it was secure, he rose and bowed to Mandy the way a gentleman ought to. "Thank you, Mandy."
She giggled some more, and at that Fred decided that they ought to leave. As Peter returned them to the island, Violet and Wendy watched.
"You're not jealous of that flirt?" Violet asked, amazed by how calm Wendy was about the blonde's behavior.
"Why should I be?" Wendy smiled. "I love and trust Peter, and I know he feels the same about me. Really, there's no reason to get like that. Besides, as Peter said, we have eternity to be together."
"Well, when you put it that way…" Violet grinned, catching sight of Ruff. "Excuse me, I've got a date with destiny…"
~NEVER-NEVERLAND~
Just as Peter had said, the following night, the Jolly Roger was prepared and boarded, the final preparations for the park finally made. Hook supervised everything, with Smee to his left and Christine on his right. Noticing movement in the air, Hook glanced up, his eyes locked on a certain boy.
"Pan, you doodle-doo, just where are you going?" he snapped. "The ship is here!"
"I can see that, Captain Codfish," Peter smirked. "But first, I have some business to attend to!" He waved a packet in his hands, reminding Hook of what he planned to do. Bowing to Christine, he grinned upon seeing a shining band around her ring finger. "I don't suppose you two snuck off yesterday and got hitched? You vanished for quite a while last night during the celebration."
Hook cracked a smile in defeat. "Aye, Pan. You are now looking at Captain and Mrs. James Hook of the Jolly Roger."
"Then allow me to congratulate you," Peter said, bowing to the couple. Christine blushed, pecking Hook's check. He in turn started to blush.
"Oh, isn't it lovely?" he sighed, a goofy smile on his face as he watched his captain and mistress get romantic.
"I'll be back in a jiffy!" Peter promised, saluting as he soared away, Tinker Bell hot on his heels.
"If you're late, don't expect us to wait around for you, boy!" Hook hollered after him. He could hear Peter's laugh as he flew away, waving in understanding before looking to the mainland.
"Even with a wife, he's still insufferable!" Tinker Bell grimaced. "It's a good thing Neverland is a place where you never grow up."
"Why do you say that, Tink?" Peter asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Because I can't imagine having little Hooks running around and driving him or us crazy!" she retorted, causing Peter to tumbled and flip from laughing so hard. He grinned impishly at the prospect of Hook ever having his own brats. He could barely handle Peter and the Lost Boys!
Cutting the night air, Peter and his trusty fairy made their way to the home of the Berri family, catching sight of a light from the second story window. Swooping down, he landed lightly on the sill, his eyes widening and his smile growing.
The window was open.
Inside were the Berries, Jaime, Margaret, and little Gip, all seated on the bed just as he had left them the last time. Tapping the window to be polite, he waited until they faced him. Their faces lit up upon seeing him wave.
"Peter! Come in!" Jaime urged the boy.
Pushing it open, Peter hopped inside and bowed to them. "Good evening, Berri family!" he crowed. Gip gurgled happily upon hearing his voice, shouting, "Pe-ter! Pe-ter!"
Laughing, the Eternal Youth flew to the baby, tickling him under his chin. "Hiya, Gip. Miss me?" Gip clapped his hands, his eyes shining with recognition. Tinker Bell kissed the baby's nose, causing him to laugh.
"Peter, it's so good to see you!" Margaret smiled, catching him off guard and kissing his cheek.
Blushing, he rubbed the kiss off like the child he was and shrugged. "I came to say goodbye."
Jaime and Margaret gasped, stunned by his news. "What do you mean?"
"Remember how I said that when it was time for me to leave, I would give you ownership of the Never-Neverland park?" Peter asked. Taking the man's hand, he placed the packet in his grip. "These are the papers and contacts you'll need to help you claim the park and start getting her ready for business again."
"Speaking of business, we heard you closed the place due to 'renovations'," Jaime said, eyeing the boy with suspicion. "What happened?"
"I had an enemy to deal with, and a figure from the past to face," he admitted. "The park was damaged, so we repaired it as best as we could. We're leaving tonight."
"Must you go?" Margaret asked, reaching for him. "You could stay here-!"
"And leave behind my friends?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "Forget the girl I love? Abandon an enemy with whom I enjoy fighting with? Leave my homeland and all the adventures and dangers it comes with? NEVER!" He paused, smiling shyly at the woman. "But thank you. It's good to know people care." Looking to Jaime, he asked, "How is your job?"
"Not any better," he shook his head. Looking down at the packet, he added, "But with this, I might be able to manage…I won't forget about Great Ormond Street's Hospital, either."
"Good," Peter nodded, with Tinker Bell on his shoulder. "Then I guess my work here is done." Turning back to Gip, he asked Margaret, "What did you name him?"
"What?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, Peter, we didn't change his name. We kept it. His name is Gip Peter Berri."
Peter stared at her, stunned. A cocky smile grew on his lips as he realized where the name came from and he gave a happy crow. "No one's ever named anyone after me! Thank you!" he laughed, hugging the woman.
She embraced him tightly, tears in her eyes. "Would you…like to hold Gip before you go?"
Peter took the child, holding him like he used to before he was given away. Gip's eyes were drifting shut, yawning contentedly. Kissing his forehead, he smiled sadly. Tinker Bell sniffled, patting the baby's head. "I promise…I'll come and visit every so often, so you don't forget me."
"I don't think we could ever forget," Jaime reassured him, squeezing his shoulder.
Handing the baby back to his mother, Peter shook hands with the grown-up, startled when Jaime pulled him in and embraced him tightly. "Thank you, Peter…you've saved us."
Closing his eyes, Peter enjoyed the brief feeling of a father-figure holding him, feeling wanted and safe. Pulling away, he gave them all his cockiest smile, hiding the aching pang within his breast, and flew out of the window before they could see his eyes shining with tears.
"You did a good thing, Peter," Tinker Bell tinkled softly. "He'll be happy there…and they'll be all right with the money from the park once it reopens."
"I know," Peter nodded, thinking happy thoughts of his future to distract himself. Smiling at his fairy, he said, "Y'know, Tink, this has been a grand adventure, but I can't wait to see what's in store for us back home!"
Shaking her head at him, she sighed, "Oh, you silly ass!" and kissed his cheek. Swerving in the air, he landed on the decks of the Jolly Roger, flicking Hook's hat over his eyes.
"I see you made it back in one piece," Hook frowned.
"And on time, I might add!" Peter smirked.
"Then we are prepared to launch!" Hook called to the bosun. "Let us go, Smee, back to Neverland!"
"Aye, aye, Cap'n!" Smee cheerfully responded, blowing his whistle and relaying the message to the men. A cheer filled the air as they began to move, the ship slowly drifting from the island.
"Ok, Tink! You know what to do!" Peter grinned, his fists on his hips as he stood at attention by Hook's side.
Saluting, the fairy called to the others. Gathering in a swarm, they flew around and over the ship, coating it with their magic dust.
"Look, we're going up!" Mikey exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder as he watched the vessel lift up from the water, steering steadily into the skies above.
"HURRAY! We're going home!" the Lost Boys cried, jumping up and down. The Indians gave a great whoop, chanting thanks to the Great Spirit for guiding and protecting them all this time. The mermaids began to sing a song of their home waters, praising Peter Pan and their own beauty. The pirates laughed and clapped one another on the shoulders, glad to be back in their old territory.
Wendy ran to Peter, her face filled with excitement. Lifting her off the deck, he spun her around, kissing her sweetly. Hook watched with amusement, actually feeling happy for the boy. A wicked, taunting thought wriggled through his brain, a horrible and sad realization occurring to him.
"So, boy…this ends our truce," he said once Peter was settled with Wendy on his arm, his eyes to the sky. "Now that Shade is gone, your father rests in peace and we return to Neverland…to the ways things were."
Christine detected a hint of sadness in his voice, his eyes dimming with disappointment. She gripped his hand, clinging to his arm. "Oh, James…"
"Huh…I guess you're right," Peter nodded, stroking his chin at the notion of going back to constant bickering and obsessive thoughts of revenge. "It's funny…I've come to trust and admire you, Captain," Peter confessed, looking to them man in sincerity.
Hook felt his eyes sting with tears as he heard the boy's words, something in his heart aching. "Aye…the same to you, Pan." In all honesty, he really had come to see Peter as a sort of…dare he think it?...a son. But it could never be. "Of course, we cannot keep up this pretense…we are sworn enemies after all…"
"That's ridiculous," Wendy frowned, her hands on her hips. Smiling knowingly, she suggested, "What if we compromised?"
"How do you suggest we go about it?" Christine asked, interested.
"Peter and Captain Hook may go back to their old ways of fighting and chasing one another, however, we will have certain days of truce where we can reunite and celebrate everything we've been through here…like an anniversary, or to celebrate Christmas, so to speak. And just because you're enemies doesn't mean you must lunge at one another each time you see the other. Simply make it known that you want to talk and not fight at that moment. Surely you can handle that?"
Pan and Hook looked from Wendy to each other, contemplating the idea. It was Peter who first grinned and offered his hand. "I'm willing to try if you are!"
Hook chuckled, giving the boy his iron claw. "Very well, Pan. We shall have days of truce, and continue our days of war." They shook on it when Tinker Bell chimed loudly.
"I do miss being able to understand her," Wendy sighed.
"Don't worry – you stay in Neverland long enough, you'll be able to talk in the fairy language!" Peter jested. Raising his eyes, shining at they caught sight of their destination, he pointed. "There it is!" he cried.
Heading straight for the second star to the right, the light of it engulfed them, sparkling gold, sliver, and white until they could see a pool of lovely pale colors. Slowly, it began to take on a shape, and the colors became brighter…a trail of gold arrows led them on until at last, laying below them in the early light of dawn, was the magical island in which playtime was forever, dreams came true, and children never grew up.
"We're home," Peter said softly, hugging Wendy as she gasped in awe. "Welcome to Neverland."