Epilogue
5 Years Later…
"Mommy! Mommy! I wanna go on the merry-go-round!"
Margaret Berri smiled as her little boy, Gip, tugged her hand, his blue eyes shining with excitement. He practically lived in Never-Neverland, but he never grew tired of it.
Since Peter Pan's last visit, they opened the park and added new technology as well as exciting rides that people of all ages could enjoy. Not only that, but they hired spirited, dedicated actors to play the parts of the Neverland inhabitants. It was as if the magical, mythical island truly did exist on this earth. Thanks to the money and paperwork Peter had left them, business was booming, and Jaime had quit his job to dedicate his time to the park and his family. It turned out to be the right decision, for everyday something new happened.
As promised, Jaime made sure that the Children's Hospital back in England received a hefty portion of what they earned. They were extremely thankful, though they wondered how and why the park owners continued to do so. When anyone asked Jaime or Margaret, they would respond, "Peter Pan asked us for this little favor. How could we refuse?" Of course, everyone pooh-poohed the reply, but the Berris always had a knowing look in their eyes.
Nothing had been heard of from the missing Darling children, Violet Shields, or the Seaworths. Many believed they had been kidnapped or left town without a single word. The mystery remained, and most likely would for all of time.
"Hey, you!"
Turning around, Gip smiled upon seeing two familiar faces. "Hi Fred! Hi Mandy!"
They smiled back, embracing the boy and his mother. Fred had gotten scouted out at a game during his senior year in high school, earning a generous scholarship and was now on his way to becoming a professional football player. Mandy, on the other hand, found that she was interested in studying the stars, sky, and planets, and was working on her degree in astrology. Of course, on the side, she was babysitting Gip. Having been together for five years, Fred and Mandy were still going strong.
"How's Jaime doing?" Fred asked, ruffling Gip's midnight curls.
"He's busy," Margaret smiled. "But he's fine."
A woman dressed as a fairy walked by, waving at them with a bright smile on her lips.
"I'm still amazed at what you've done with the place," Mandy confessed, taken in by the sights, sounds, and smells. "It gets better and better every time."
"We try," Margaret laughed. "The forests and lagoon were just redesigned. You should check it out before you leave."
"Mommy, can I go get a balloon?" Gip asked, pointing at a pudgy pirate he knew as his next door neighbor.
"Ok, but remember to say 'thank you,'" his mother chided him.
"Ok!" Running off, he greeted the man with a chirp, earning his balloon and thanking him. As he began to walk back, a ball of green, sparkling light whizzed back, grabbing his attention. "Huh?" he said, following the lively light with his eyes. "Wow!" Without a second thought, he went running after it, his balloon lazily swiveling as he tugged it along. Past the carousal he ran, past the shooting galleries, and past the Mermaid Lounge until at last the light came to rest upon a statue of Peter Pan. Gip gazed at the light, squinted, when he could make out a tiny face staring at him.
"You're a fairy!" he exclaimed, pointing at her. She bowed to him, making him laugh. As he bowed back, the balloon's ribbon slipped through his fingers. "Oh no!" he cried, desperately reaching for it when a hand from behind grabbed it.
Turning, he raised his head and was stunned to see a boy of about sixteen or seventeen that was dressed exactly like the statue of Peter Pan.
"Hi, Gip," the boy grinned, offering the balloon back.
"Hi," Gip responded, taking the balloon back. He'd never seen this actor before, but he liked him. "How'd you know my name?"
"I know lots of things," the boy chuckled. Kneeling down so that they were at the same eye level, the newcomer asked, "How're your parents?"
"They're good," Gip nodded, completely disregarding his mother's rule about not talking to strangers. This person seemed so familiar…
"That's good," the boy smiled. Looking up, he nodded. "I see you found Tink. She's been anxious to see you."
"Really? That's Tinker Bell?" Gip asked, staring in awe at the fairy as she came down and sat on the boy's shoulder. "But then that means-!"
"Peter Pan, at your service!" he declared, saluting the child. Grinning, he asked, "Would you like to learn how to fly?"
"Yeah!" Gip nodded, his eyes aglow.
Tinker Bell flew over the child, giggling as she watched him float off of the ground.
"Wow!" he gasped, his eyes becoming wide when he and Peter lifted off the ground. "It's real! It's really real!"
"Of course it is," Peter laughed, gathering the boy in his arms. "All you have to do is believe!" Embracing the child, he landed on the ground once more and said, "One day, I'll come back again. Would you like to visit the real Neverland next time?"
"I'd love to!" Gip grinned. "But when will you be back?"
"I don't know…but until I do, never stop believing in magic, goodness, and fairies, ok?" he asked, ruffling his hair.
"I promise!" Gip declared, hugging the boy once more. There was something in his green eyes he found comforting, and he wished he didn't have to leave. But Peter Pan and Tinker Bell rose from the ground, waving before they shot off deep into the night sky.
"GIP!" Margaret called, finding him at last. "Oh, thank goodness!" she sighed, picking him up and scolding him. "What did you think you were doing?! Who were you waving to anyways?"
"Peter Pan and Tink, Mommy," Gip replied, his eyes sparkling. "They're really real! And they promised to take me to visit Neverland someday soon! They just flew off, see?" He pointed to the sky, where a shooting star streaked through the darkness and vanished once it touched the second star to the right.
Margaret remained silent, a small smile stretching on her face. "I see," she whispered, kissing his forehead. "In that case, let's get back to Mandy and Fred, ok? Daddy will be here soon and we can all go get something to eat."
~NEVER-NEVERLAND~
Whizzing past the stars, Peter and Tink laughed as they played tag on the way home. "Can't catch me!" Peter grinned, ducking just as Tinker Bell went to poke him. Flipping in the air, Peter sighed. It was good to see Gip…seeing him happy and with his new family was all Peter needed to be reassured of his safety and contentedness.
Grabbing onto Peter's ponytail, the little tinker climbed up to the top of his head and waited. Sucked in by the star's light, they tumbled out into the gorgeous blue skies of Neverland. Spreading out his arms, Peter swooped down to the pristine waters of the island as the sun began to shine even brighter than before.
The deck of the Jolly Roger was filled with pirates performing their usual duties. No one took notice of Peter until his shadow was cast over them, his triumphant crow ringing in their ears.
"Peter Pan, ho!" cried Mr. Smee, pointing up to the sky.
The cabin doors burst open and out stepped Captain James Hook, growling in frustration. "PAN! How dare you interrupt my concerto?!"
"Playing that awful harpsichord again, I see," Peter laughed, drawing his sword.
Hook followed his lead, and the two danced about, their blades kissing as they fought.
"Be prepared, boy!" Hook snarled. "I plan to beat you this time! Just wait until tonight's three-legged race! And when I win, I shall slice you through your gullet!"
"Ha! Fine words from a codfish!" Peter snickered. "I beat you at everything, and you know it!"
"Oh, really?" Hook smirked. "Even last year's scavenger hunt?!"
"I know you cheated, I just haven't found proof yet!" Peter pouted while Tinker Bell sighing as she shook her head.
"Oh, Peter…"
The boy ducked just in time as a blade from behind came down. Smirking, he stuck his tongue out at Christine Hook, decked in a fine red gown that revealed all her curves and assets. "Bad form, milady! You've been hanging around the Captain too long!"
"On the contrary, Peter, I wasn't trying to kill you this time," Christine winked. "I was trying to get your attention."
Hook and Pan stopped, raising an eyebrow at the woman.
"Tell Wendy and Vi to come dressed in their best. Tiger Lily just sent a message saying that it's a formal event this year."
"HUH?!" Peter frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. "I hate formals!"
"Brimstone and gall, boy, don't you know women love it when you dress in a suit and tie?" Hook asked, earning a sultry smile from his wife.
"Yuck," Peter grimaced, seeing how Hook reacted. "Ok, googly-eyes, you can help me by letting me take your nice new blue coat."
The man's eyes widened upon hearing this. "Wait! NO! Get out of there, you little popinjay!" He swiped the air with his hook to no avail as Peter darted in and out of the cabin with Hook's find coat in his hands. "Give back what you've stolen!"
"I didn't steal anything! I'm just borrowing!" Peter laughed, flying off. "Catch ya later, Mr. and Mrs. Codfish!"
"Blast!" Hook growled, clenching his fist. The feel of his wife's hands on his shoulders calmed him as he was forced to turn around and face her.
"Now, now, James," she chuckled, pulling him close to her. "Let him take it. You look much more dashing in the ebony and silver suit anyways."
"Very well, darling," he smiled, letting her claim his mouth. He could sense his crew watching, irking him completely. As he pulled back, he opened his mouth to retort at them when Christine beat him to it.
"What? Never seen adults kiss before?!" she snapped. "Back to work, gentlemen, we want to leave on time this year! Or you'll feel the lash of the cat on your backs!" The men immediately hustled, knowing that she would perform the task herself if need back.
Hook smiled lovingly at his wife as he pulled her back into his cabin. "I do so love it when you get ruthless…now then, where were we?"
"I think I remember…let me help you take off that bothersome coat, Captain," she purred, slamming the doors shut before going for his mouth once again.
~NEVER-NEVERLAND~
Deep in the forest, there were several trees in which one could squeeze through and go underground to a hidden home. Finding his tree, Peter slipped inside and trotted comfortably down the steps into the Underground House. Immediately, Nana and Neko were upon him, pouncing and barking, licking their master happily.
"Hey! Down, Neko! Down, Nana!" he laughed, scratching their heads and making sure they didn't slobber on the coat.
"Blue Falls!" Tink exclaimed in the fairy language, darting off to her beloved. The blue fairy had been showing a trick to the smaller boys but forgot it at once to see Tinker Bell. Spinning together in the air, grabbing hold of one another, they exchanged a kiss, their glows intensifying.
"Yuck, kissy face," Mouse frowned while Mikey stuck his tongue out.
"Aw, it's not so bad," Ben chuckled, munching on a mammee-apple.
"I'll bet Conch gives the best underwater kisses," Skipper teased, laughing as Ben turned bright pink. "Is she gonna give you another one tonight?"
"Shut up!" Ben smirked, tossing his snack at the other boy.
"Boys!" Wendy scolded them. "Don't throw your food around, it's a waste! And Jon, please don't smudge that war paint all over the walls."
"Sorry!" he called back, blindly groping around for a towel. "I can't see, though!"
Chuckling, Peter got up, snatched a drying cloth from the wash line and placed it in Jon's hands. "Here. Don't want you blindly looking for your princess."
"Gee, thanks," Jon huffed, drying his eyes off as well as his hands. "You know I'm not usually this clumsy."
"He's just nervous because he's going to be declared an official 'Indian brave' by Great Big Little Panther," Partly shrugged.
"It's gonna be a big ceremony this year!" the Twins declared.
"Speaking of which, it's formal," Peter announced. "So look your best, boys!"
"Awww!" they whined.
"I ain't dressin' up!" Ruff scowled.
"But Ruff, you're so smexy when you wear that old button down shirt under your leather jacket," Violet smirked, wrapping her arms around him from behind.
He became like putty at once, accepting a bribing kiss on the lips. "Whatever you say, baby."
The Lost Boys made an even bigger "YUCK!" at this, causing Peter to bit his lip as so not to laugh at his friend. As Ruff began to chase Len and Lump around for starting the "yuck," Peter smiled in satisfaction. Things hadn't quite been the same since they returned, but if he had to choose, he'd say things were better off now than they were before. He liked having this wild, rambunctious family, and it was good to occasionally stop the battles and death threats with Hook just to sit down and reminisce about the time they had set aside their differences and fought a terrible foe. He wasn't sure if it was because of Christine or if perhaps it was just his imagination, but sometimes, when Hook patted his head or shoulder, or even said a comforting word, it felt like he was trying to be a father figure still to him…either way, he enjoyed those little moments before the madness started once more.
Sneaking up behind Wendy as she stirred their dinner in the great pot he'd salvaged for them, he slowly wrapped his arms around her, nuzzling her hair. "Hello, Wendy lady," he said, sniffing the flowers placed into her dark locks.
"Hello, boy," she responded sweetly, grinning as he spun her around and held her tightly.
"Do you have a moment?" he asked, motioning for them to leave.
"Well…" Taking a moment, she tasted the stew. Satisfied, she nodded and set the lid on the pot. "Vi, keep an eye on dinner for me, won't you?" she called, hoping her friend would hear her in the middle of a deep public display of affection. Violet gave her a thumb's-up without stopping, making Peter chuckle as he took Wendy's hand and led her out. Slipping out of the tree once more, he took the girl in his arms and flew up to the trees. Hidden in the branches was the first Wendy's little house, made of funny little red walls and a roof of mossy green.
Opening the door, he ushered her in. Sitting on the little stools made of mushrooms, he slipped his pouch from his belt. "I saw Gip. He's five now. You should've seen him Wendy! He was so happy…and the park! They've made Never-Neverland even more amazing than before! They have people who dress up and act like us!"
"You're kidding!" she gasped, laughing at the idea of someone dressing up in a nightdress and pretending to be her.
"No," he grinned, shaking his head. "It's real…Mandy and Fred are still together, too."
"That's great," she smiled. Noticing Peter's hand in his pouch, searching in vain for a particular item, she raised an eyebrow at him. "Peter, what are you-?"
"A-HA!" he exclaimed. "Here it is!" Pulling his hand out of the pouch, she could see a shining gold locket dangling from his fingers. She stared at it, admiring the delicate engravings.
"Peter, where did you-?"
"Bought it with some doubloons," Peter grinned. "You should've seen the look on the guy's face when I handed him the money!" holding it out to her in the palm of his hand, he bit his lip, looking very much like a little boy admitting his first crush. "…it's for you…to wear to the anniversary party tonight. You must get tired of that acorn button I gave you-"
"Certainly not," she shook her head, gripping the button in her hand. With her free hand, she placed her palm over his, covering the locket as she squeezed his hand. "But thank you, Peter. I'll wear them both."
Taking her necklace off, she slipped the locket on and smiled as it hung next to the acorn button.
"Allow me," Peter said, taking the chain from her. Flying to her back, he placed it over her head until it rested against her collarbone and snapped the necklace back in place. "There." He gazed at her as she turned to face him, her fingers caressing his gift.
"How do I look?" she asked.
"Beautiful," he answered without a second thought, loving the way she blushed. "Wendy…are you…happy? Here? With us?...with me?"
In response, she leaned forward, her lips catching his. He closed his eyes, relishing every moment.
"This is the happiest I've ever been, Peter," she confessed. "I thought happy endings only happened in books back when we lived with Dad…but now, everyday is a fairy tale come true."
He smiled at her, taking her hands in his as he stood up. "And so it will be forever, Wendy. Because you…you, Wendy Darling, are my greatest adventure." Taking her in his arms, inclining his head just so, he chuckled as she closed her eyes expectantly, her face tilted and ready for his "thimble." "And this adventure has only just started…"
THE END