There was a celebration, that much was certain. Peter glanced around nervously, in search of Wendy or Lily. Lily's brother caught sight of him and gasped.

"King Peter! We're so glad you could join us!"

"Thank you Bear Claw but I can't stay. Have you seen Wendy? Or Tiger Lily?"

"Tiger Lily is over there but we have not seen the Queen since this morning." His throat tightening, he nodded his thanks and walked over the princess, who was dancing with her people. Peter was relieved to see she was back to her old self again. It was strange to think of Princess Tiger Lily as old and weak. Never in his life had he met someone with such fierce bravery. Well, until he met Wendy of course. Lily caught sight of him and threw her arms around his neck.

"I'm so glad you could make it! You're just in time for the dancing!"

"As much as I would love to stay and celebrate with you, Lily, I can't. I need to speak to Wendy before I leave for London. Where is she?" Lily went pale and Peter braced himself for her next words.

"She's…she's not here, Peter. We parted ways a few hours ago. She said she was going back to the Fairy Glade to pick up the children."

"She hasn't been home yet. Where could she be?"

"Peter, I'm sure she's fine. She's probably picking neverberries to make you pie."

"Has she left me, Lily? Did she go back to London?" Lily gasped.

"Peter, what's gotten into you? Why would you think she would do that?"

"I heard you girls talking earlier. About how she feels like she doesn't belong here anymore. So what's stopping her from flying back to London and leaving all of this behind?"

"For one thing, all of this is her life now," Lily said sternly. "And another, she has a family of her own now. You are the love of her life and her children are her ultimate gifts. She wouldn't just leave that behind. I thought you knew her better than that. What is the matter with you two lately?"

"We both feel it. We're growing apart. I'm losing her, Lily. And I don't know how to keep her here with me. I don't know if I should anymore. Or if I should just let her go."

"You're both talking crazy talk. I don't know how, after all you have been through together, you can think that your love is fading but you two had better fix it right now. Neverland is slipping into chaos and that storm you have been battling is just going to get worse."

"Are you saying the storm was caused by Wendy and me?" Lily did her best not to roll her eyes. Peter could be SO thick sometimes.

"You know you can control the weather. You control the very island in a way. Your emotional turmoil is making Neverland suffer. So go find her and tell her how much you love her. Before things get worse."

"You and the Queen have both said that. Before things get worse. How can they get worse? You said she wouldn't leave me."

"And she won't. That doesn't mean you can't assure her of your love. Find her, Peter. Take her away from here for a few days and forget everything. Remember how in love you two are and remind her that you would do anything for her. She needs to hear it. She needs to hear it everyday. Do not forget, Peter, Wendy is from the mortal world. And in the mortal world, there is violence, tragedy, and heartache. Neverland has always been the opposite. It is our paradise. But Wendy did not grow up here and so she carries with her the burden from her own world. She needs your help in casting that burden aside."

"I'll help in any way I can," he said uncertainly, staring at the ground. Lily cupped his chin and looked up into his eyes.

"She'll never stop loving you. And I know you would do anything for her. You would give your life for her. You both just need to travel back to the past and remember how much you mean to each other. People don't truly realize how in love they are until they face losing them." Peter gasped.

"Are you saying—"

"No Peter. That's not what I'm saying. She realized that she loved you when you lay under Hook's sword. You discovered that you loved her when Hook kidnapped her and threatened her life. And look at everything you've been through and everything you've helped each other through. Look at all that she has done to prove her love! She brought you back so many times, Peter. You were a Wendigo and she turned you back! Only true love can do such things. I just cannot understand why neither of you see that."

"I don't understand why under the cover of night we're fine…but when the sun comes up, these problems and worries return." Lily shrugged.

"The Great Spirits erase the sky at night and with it, troubles are erased. Nighttime is a time to erase and forget. With morning sun comes the new day and new problems." Peter ran his fingers through his hair, making his curls stand on end. He grasped Lily's hands and kissed her cheek.

"Thank you, Lily. We're lucky to have a friend like you."

"Find your Queen and use this night to erase her thoughts." Glancing up at the moon, Peter nodded and jumped into the air. He soared over Neverland, his eyes peeled as he searched the ground for his wife. Dipping in and out of the trees, Peter called to her, pleading with her to come home. Several hours went by and the moon was higher, silhouetted against the clouds. Peter was starting to grow frantic and he closed his eyes, silently summoning the Fairy Queen to his side. She was hovering over him within minutes, her eyes wide.

"Peter, what's wrong?"

"Wendy has gone missing. Did she come to the Glade looking for us?"

"I have not seen her since she left this morning. Did you check the Indian Village?" he nodded miserably.

"Tiger Lily said they split up several hours ago and Wendy was heading back to the Glade. Where could she be, Your Majesty?"

"Have you searched everywhere? Mermaid Lagoon? The Black Castle? Fairy Forest?"

"Yes, I've searched all of those. I can't find a single trace of her." Peter fought to remain calm. "I'm really scared, Majesty. She hasn't stayed out like this since…" he trailed off and the Queen fluttered her wings quickly.

"Hook is dead, Peter. Why don't we ask Mr. Smee if he has seen her?" Smee, Hook's former first mate, was now living on the opposite side of Neverland, near the shoreline. After Hook had been defeated, he and several other pirates had made peace with Peter and now lived comfortably, staying out of trouble. Peter nodded.

"Alright, let's go." They flew quickly and silently. Peter's heart raced as he continued to scan the ground for a flash of gown or a glint of her golden hair.

"When I find her, I'm tying her to the bed and never letting her leave the house," he said through clenched teeth. The Queen glanced at him with a raised brow.

"That may not be the best solution to your problems, Peter. In fact that may make them worse." Peter breathed in deeply.

"Does she not understand how much people care for her on this island? Why would she disappear like this?"

"It may not be her fault," the Queen said slowly and Peter jerked his head, turning to stare at her. "She probably lost track of time, though."

"You can say it, Your Majesty. You think something awful has happened."

"I didn't say that. Let's just remain calm and patient until we find some sort of clue. Here's Mister Smee's home." They landed on the doorstep of the hut and Peter knocked hard.

"What? Who is it? Who are you?"

"Mister Smee, it's Peter. I need to speak with you, if you please." The door flew open and Smee's round face appeared in the crack.

"Why Peter. What brings you here at this late hour?"

"We apologize for the lateness. But this couldn't wait until morning. Have you seen Wendy around here?"

"Wendy? No lad, I'm sorry. Has she gone missing?" Peter's throat was too tight to speak so he merely nodded. Smee opened the door a bit wider and looked anxious.

"Perhaps the Indians know where she's gone."

"They haven't seen her either. It's not like her to stay out so late."

"Well, Peter, you can feel if she is in danger. You have the power to find her, don't you? Have you felt anything unusual?" Peter's eyes widened as he realized Smee was right; he had always been able to feel if something was wrong with Wendy. He felt stupid for not remembering that he could even talk to her in his mind. Their connection was so strong that telepathy was one of their shared powers. Peter quickly apologized to Smee and flew away to a quiet spot to focus his thoughts.

Wendy. Wendy, can you hear me? Please answer me sweetheart, please tell me you're alright. Silence. Peter winced and tried again.

Wendy, please, even if you're avoiding me, just tell me you're ok. Wendy. I love you so much. Answer me. Please.

Peter? Her voice sounded weak and frail in his head. His eyes shot open and he bit his lip so hard it bled.

Wendy! Are you alright? Where are you?

Home. He frowned and rubbed at his temples.

Wendy? Wendy! Answer me! But there was silence. Growing more worried and more frustrated, he stamped his foot and took off into the air, toward his home.

Dad! Come quick. It's Mum. Peter heard his son's anxious voice in his head and he picked up speed.

He shot through the door and looked around.

"Wyatt! Girls! Where are you?"

"Upstairs," came Farrah's cry from the bedroom. Peter took the stairs two at a time and ran into the bedroom. Wendy was draped across the bed, her eyes shut and her dress torn slightly. Wyatt was busy untying ropes that bound her hands to the bedpost and Farrah and Adette were stroking her hand and hair.

"Wendy," he said quietly.

"Dad, lend me your knife," Wyatt said, reaching toward him. Peter handed him his dagger and Wyatt easily sliced through the ropes, allowing her hands to fall to her side. Peter sat on the edge of the bed and gently stroked her face.

"How did this happen?"

"We don't know. We were getting ready for bed and Farrah came upstairs to look for something. We found Mum here, tied to the bed. She looked unharmed but she woke for a second and then shut her eyes again."

"I heard both of you in my head. She spoke to me for a second. Who could have done this?" Wyatt shrugged sadly, watching his mother with wide eyes. Peter gently took her into his arms and cradled her head lovingly.

"Wendy. Wake up, love, you're alright now. Wake up, Wendy, please." Wendy stirred slightly and he started at her movement.

"Wendy?"

"Mm. Peter?"

"I'm right here. The kids are here too. Are you alright?" Her eyes fluttered open and she saw oceans tossing in his eyes, his face inches from hers. She moaned and tried to sit up but Peter held on tightly.

"What happened?"

"You tell me. I've just spent the last several hours looking for you. And now we discover that you've been here all this time. Who did this?"

"I-I don't know. That is, I can't remember. I told Lily I was going to go back to the Fairy Glade and take the children home and that's the last thing I remember. I heard you calling my name a few moments ago—"

"In your mind. I was searching for you and trying to connect telepathically. Wyatt says you woke up for a second then fell back asleep." Peter helped her sit up and told Farrah to get her mother some water. Farrah literally flew to the kitchen and was back in the bedroom within minutes. Peter held the cup in his shaking hand, holding it to her lips. Wendy groaned and leaned back onto the pillow.

"Everything is so fuzzy. What happened to me?"

"All that matters is that you're safe," he said, leaning down and stroking a few curls out of her face. "Mark me, I'll find and punish who did this. But right now all I care about is that you're home." He pressed his lips against hers and held her face with his hands. "I love you so much, Wendy. More than I ever thought possible. And each day, my love for you grows. I'm sorry I don't say that enough." She opened her eyes and his gaze held hers.

"I love you too, Peter. More than life itself." He kissed her again and grasped her hands over her head. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the three kids sneaking out and shutting the door behind them. Peter leaned over her and wrapped her in his arms again, nuzzling against her face and neck.

"I'm so sorry Wendy," he whispered against her cheek. He felt a tear splash his nose and he leaned back to see her sniffling.

"I'm sorry too, Peter. I suppose we have some things we need to work out—"

"And we will. Our love is too strong to throw anything away. We can work it out, Wendy, and I promise, things will be alright again." Her hand went to his cheek and he closed his eyes.

"I know," she whispered as she leaned up to kiss him again. Peter felt the intensity of the kiss but he was more focused on if she was hurt. Leaning back, his bright eyes surveyed her and his fingers did the lightest of touches down her body.

"I'm fine, Peter," she said knowingly.

'You're not hurt at all?"

"No. My wrists are a little sore is all. I'm alright." Peter lifted her wrists to his lips and gently kissed them. She sucked in a breath at his tender caresses. She gasped, suddenly remembering something, and leaned forward.

"You haven't been to London, have you?"

"I was a little preoccupied, trying to find you," he said grumpily.

"I'm sorry I worried you. But I'm fine, so please, go and get my family." Sighing, Peter stood next to the bed and stared down at her. Her brow rose into her hair.

"What's the matter?"

"I really don't like leaving you."

"Peter, I'm fine. You can go. And don't worry about me."

"I always worry about you," he said softly, not moving. Wendy stood in front of him and took his hands.

"There was a time when you didn't worry about anything. Nothing could frighten the great Peter Pan."

"That was before I had a family. No one meant that much to me, save for Tink, and I could protect her well enough. It seems impossible to protect you and the kids."

"You do an excellent job of it," she said, leaning up to kiss his cheek.

"Alright, I'll fly to London. But Tiger Lily is fine now, so I don't need to tell John what happened."

"He'll still ask about her."

"It's really none of his business anymore, since he has chosen another," he said with a furrowed brow. Wendy's face darkened.

"Is that how you feel about it?"

"Don't make a fight out of it, Wendy. I'm tired of fighting with you. I'll go and get them. I'm just saying that it shouldn't matter to John, how Lily is. And if Lily sees him…it won't be good."

"I'll make sure he stays here. Be safe." She stood on tiptoes and gave him a quick peck on the lips. She crossed to her chest and knelt in front of it. Peter had completely forgotten about the stone until she had opened the lid, and he leaped into the air and landed on the trunk, slamming it shut. Wendy looked up at him, surprised.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing. What are you looking for?"

"I'm getting you a coat, as it is winter in London now. What are you hiding in there?"

"Hiding? I don't hide things. I'm not hiding anything." Wendy stared at him in bemusement.

"Peter?"

"What? I said I'm not hiding anything. And I don't need a coat. I'll be fine without it."

"But Peter, you'll freeze."

"I won't either. I won't stay long enough to freeze."

"Peter, please at least put on some real clothes. If you wear your leaves, you'll catch your death." Peter rolled his eyes but accepted the trousers and shirt she handed him from the drawer. He kept these normal clothes from his days at the Goldberg Mansion, though in the very back of the drawer. He quickly shed his leaves and donned the normal clothing, looking quickly at the mirror and grimacing.

"I'm a stable boy again."

"But that is how you found me again," she said with a smile, cocking her head and studying him. "Peter glanced quickly at her.

"So did you fall in love with a stable boy…or Peter Pan, Prince of Neverland?"

"I fell in love with you, Peter, no matter what you were. I loved you long before you knew what love was."

"I think I loved you long before I knew what love was," he said, his hand going to her cheek. Clearing his throat, he straightened up and crossed to the window.

"Here's some extra for the boys," Wendy tossed him the velvet sack of pixie dust and Peter tucked it into his pocket. She blew him a kiss and he took off out the window, into the night sky.