Chapter 16
Let's Go Home
When Tinker Bell and Terence finally made it, everyone on the shores of Neverland fell silent.
Well, almost everyone.
"What's wrong, Peter," Slightly piped.
"Yeah, you don't look so good," Cubby commented.
The Lost Boys gathered around Peter as Tink and Terence lowered him to the ground.
But Peter was still in a miserable state that he just sat there on his knees and his head bowed down.
All the fairies knew instantly what this meant and they bowed their heads in mourning.
However, the Lost Boys did not notice this and continued to ask Peter what's wrong.
All the while, Peter never answered, nor did he looked up at them.
At last, Tink flew in front of the Lost Boys, silencing them.
"Hey, what is it, Tink," Slightly asked her.
"Look, boys," Tink began, not sure how to explain this to them. "Something . . . Something terrible has happened and . . . Margaret didn't make it."
The Lost Boys stared at Tinker Bell, but not for the right reason.
"Uh, Tink?" Slightly spoke. "We still don't understand you."
Tink groaned, slapping her face again. Right, the Lost Boys can't understand fairy language.
Just then, Little barked. Her tiny eyes was scanning the ocean and the sky, looking for someone.
"Hey, yeah," Nibs said. "Where's Margaret?"
Peter flinched at the name. Tink looked away from them, closing her teary eyes.
Seeing this, Little howled and started to cry. Tootles, who was holding her, figured out why Little was crying and also started to cry, holding the puppy to his face.
The other Lost Boys looked at everyone's reaction and the sad realization slowly appeared on their faces.
"You mean," Slightly said. "She's . . ."
Tink only nodded. Slightly, Cubby, Nibs, and the Twins exchanged looks of confusion and heartbrokenness.
Tink turned back to Peter and saw him sit in a fetal position, staring out blankly. She could see silent tears falling down his face again. Silently, Tink flew down until she landed on his shoulder and held his cheek in her tiny arms.
"Where are you going, Rani," a voice interrupted the moment. Everyone looked up to see Rani on Brother Dove's back, flying over the ocean.
Rani looked back and replied, "Without my wings, I can swim under the ocean. Maybe I can find her. Maybe there's a chance that's she's alive!"
Everyone stayed quiet, not willing to believe that Margaret could survive after an explosion like that.
But Queen Clarion rose up and said, "Perhaps you're right. We should at least check. I want all the water fairies out looking for Margaret, and to not return until you've found proof of whether she's alive or not."
All the water fairies nodded and they flew right behind Rani and Brother Dove, flying off toward the burning remains of the Jolly Roger.
Tinker Bell watched them go for a moment. She turned back to Peter, thinking.
Maybe she should join the water fairies. Not to look for Margaret, but to look for something that is a reminder of Margaret. Something to give to Peter.
Tink thought of Margaret's doll. That would be perfect. If the doll didn't burn up, maybe Tink could find it and bring it to Peter. That's something that could help Peter to never forget about her.
Making a decision, Tink stroke Peter's cheek and gave it a kiss.
"I'll be right back," Tink softly told him, giving him a comforting smile.
At first, Peter didn't respond. Then, he nodded just a little and buried his head in his folded arms.
Just watching him like that, Tink was rethinking about leaving him. But she had already made her decision. She was doing this for Peter. He would have liked to have Margaret's doll.
With that in mind, Tink drew up some strength and flew off toward the water fairies, fighting hard not to look back.
When she arrived, the water fairies were still looking for Margaret amongst the ruined ship. They were either pushing the waters away to see through the surface (though, because it's an ocean, that task was very difficult to do) or putting out the flames on the wreckages by taking balls of water from the ocean and throwing it over the fire. Brother Dove was standing on a stray wood, looking down at the waters. He must be waiting for Rani to resurface.
Tinker Bell watched them for a moment before beginning her search for the doll.
She first started looking through the dry ruins that was afar from the water fairies. After searching for a minute, she found nothing.
She was about to fly to the next pile of wreckage when something stopped her eyes.
There, a little farther from her, appeared an octopus. The same octopus from last night. It still had bruises from being bounded in chains, but it looked better than before.
The octopus was rising out from the ocean and was placing something on a raft-like shambles with its many tentacles.
Tink squinted her to see what that something was. Then, her eyes shot wide open.
It was Margaret.
Tink watched in shock as the octopus gently lay Margaret on the raft. And, with one last look at the girl, the octopus went back into the ocean.
Tink couldn't believe what she had just saw.
Quickly snapping out of it, she hurriedly flew to Margaret.
The first thing Tink did was see if Margaret was alive or not. Tink rested her head on the girl's chest and listened very closely for a heartbeat.
A pause pass with nothing and Tink was starting to worry.
But then, she felt it.
There was a beating heart. Margaret was alive.
Tink mentally cheered in happiness as she looked back at the girl. Margaret was simply unconscious. She had survived the explosion somehow. The only clue was a chunk of clothing from the bottom of her night robe missing.
Tink started turning around and opened her mouth to call the water fairies that she had found Margaret.
But she stopped.
Her earlier hatred for the girl started coming back. Turning around to look at Margaret, Tink thought of how it would be very easy to just push her off and let her drown under water. No one would know. Tink would finally be rid of Margaret forever. And Peter would be hers again.
But then, a memory appeared in her head. A memory of that one night, when Margaret gave her the chance to hurt her. And Tink couldn't do it.
Margaret was willing to allow Tink to hurt her so Tink can be happy.
And then Margaret gave Tink her doll to sleep with.
True, it was the girl's fault that Tink died, but, then again, it was because of Margaret that Tink is alive.
The entire time, Margaret just wanted to be her friend and, after Tink's resurrection, they were friends.
But now . . .
Tink knew that, if she saves Margaret, then Peter would want Margaret forever. But Tink knew that, if she doesn't, Peter will be miserable forever. And it will be all her fault.
Tink would do anything to make Peter happy. And, if Margaret alive makes him happy . . . Then that should be ok. Tink knows she will always love Peter, no matter what.
And, who knows? Maybe Margaret and Tink can be very good friends.
Tink suddenly flew up and shouted to the water fairies, "Hey! Hey, I found her! I found Margaret!"
*PPIII*
Peter could feel the Lost Boys crowding around him. But they remained silent, which Peter was, for once, thankful of.
He felt Little licking his hand. Peter looked up at the puppy's sad eyes and realized that Little has no owner now.
Silently, Peter held out his hand for her and Tootles (who was still holding Little) reluctantly handed Little over to him.
As gently as he could, Peter held Little close to his body, resting his forehead on the puppy's head.
Peter mentally swore to himself that he will be the new owner of Little. And, with the Lost Boys to help out, Peter will take good care of Little.
Margaret would have wanted that.
Little licked the tip of Peter's nose and Peter couldn't help but smile weakly.
All of a sudden, one of the Lost Boys screamed, "Look! They've found Margaret! They've found Margaret!"
Surprised, Peter and Little looked up and turned toward the ocean view.
There, a group of water fairies were carrying an unconscious Margaret toward the group on the shores. Some of the other water fairies were busy removing water from Margaret's clothes and body. Leading the way was Rani on Brother Dove and Tinker Bell.
All the Lost Boys started cheering at the sight of Margaret, including Little. But Peter was frozen, gazing at Margaret.
With great care, the water fairies lay the now dried Margaret on the shore. The Lost Boys and Little (who had jumped off of Peter's arms) ran to her. However, one plump fairy in green clothing flew in front of them and held her hands up to them, staring at them as if to say, "Don't come any closer, or else I'll punch you hard." Fortunately, that halted the scared boys.
But not Little.
Little rushed to Margaret and began licking her face. However, after licking Margaret, Little realized that Margaret didn't respond to her licking. This greatly worried Little.
All the healer fairies began inspecting Margaret. Everyone else watched on.
Peter slowly went forward and sat on his knees close to Margaret, staring at her beautiful face. He didn't notice Tinker Bell staring sadly at him from behind him.
At last, the healer fairies finished and one of them flew up to the queen with a somber look.
"She seems to be all right," the healer fairy started. "But something seems to be keeping her from waking up."
"Do you know the cause of this," the queen asked.
"No, your majesty. I assume the humans would know the cause. I'm sorry, my queen, but there's nothing we fairies can do to help her."
Hearing this, Peter turned to them and desperately said, "No, there has to be a way!"
"Peter, what did they say," Slightly asked, but Peter ignored him.
"You've got to wake her up! Please!"
"M'lady," a plump fairy man with a Scottish accent appeared before the queen and, after bowing respectfully, continued. "There may be a way, but it could be risky."
"What did you have in mind, Fairy Gary" the queen asked him.
"Well . . . As ye know, our pixie dust have existed for more than centuries, even before our time. And there have been legends and myths on what pixie dusts can do, which only we pixie fairies know. One of the legends tells of pixie dusts bein' used to revive a human."
"Then use the pixie dust on Margaret," Peter immediately said.
"What is going on, Peter," Cubby said, confused and annoyed.
"Yeah, what are they saying," the Twins said, feeling the same thing.
And, again, Peter ignored them, focusing on the fairies and the unconscious Margaret.
The queen turned to Fairy Gary. "Do you believe it will work?"
Fairy Gary looked unsure of his own statement. "Ye see, my queen, it's only a legend, and none of we fairies have ever done it before. We don't even know what it'll do to the girl. For all we know, it could make it even worse for 'er. Perhaps even makin' 'er 'eart stop."
Peter's own heart stopped for a second in fear. Make things worse? Make her heart stop?
Peter looked back down at Margaret, not listening to the groans from his men.
He softly and silently used his hand to move Margaret's strings of hair away from her eyes.
He gazed at her with worry and longing. He wanted her back with all of his heart. But would he really risk it with a possibility that she could never awake?
"I say we do it." Peter looked up to see Tinker Bell floating in front of the queen and Fairy Gary. "We can't just do nothing."
An anxious pause covered the fairies.
Then, Terence flew up beside Tink and announced, "I'll do it. I believe we can help her. I know it will work."
Tink smiled at Terence appreciatively.
Finally, the queen sighed. "Very well. We must help her." She turned to Fairy Gary. "Do what you need to do."
"Aye, m'lady," Fairy Gary bowed his head.
Fairy Gary flew forward and shouted, "All ye pixie fairies, listen up! We need a whole lot off pixie dusts for the girl! Go back to the Pixie Dust Tree, get as much pixie dusts as you can, and bring them right back here!"
The pixie dust fairies obeyed as they zoomed off into the forest.
Terence and Tink shared a look before Terence joined all the other pixie fairies.
"Where are they going, Peter," Nibs asked him, also getting irritated. "What are they going to do?"
A chorus of "yeah" is heard amongst the other Lost Boys.
Peter finally explained to the Lost Boys what was going on and what the fairies were planning to do. The Lost Boys looked excited of the news, but Little showed no sign of actually listening to Peter, her eyes straight at Margaret.
Soon, the pixie fairies returned, each carrying large baskets full of pixie dusts.
"All right, now," Fairy Gary shouted to his pixie dust fairies. "Gather round the girl and wait til I say 'drop'!"
The pixie dusts fairies did as they were ordered and surrounded Margaret, preparing themselves.
"Ye might wanna step back, son," Fairy Gary told Peter, who hesitantly obeyed.
"What did he say," Slightly exclaimed.
The only response was from the other fairies, who started pushing them back away from Margaret, despite the boys' protesting. Some animal fairies carried the struggling Little away as well.
Once all of the pixie dust fairies surrounded every inch of Margaret's body, and that everyone else was far away to give the pixie dust fairies some space, Fairy Gary floated high above and cried out, "DROP!"
All at once, all the pixie dust fairies turned their baskets over and allowed all of their pixie dusts to fall out and down toward Margaret.
The pixie dusts splashed onto Margaret's body, and soon, her body was completely covered with pixie dusts, making it glow and sparkle like a stunning, golden statue.
Then, with hope that he was doing it correctly, Fairy Gary ordered, "Now touch those pixie dusts and push them!"
Everyone else, including Peter, didn't understand what that meant. But the pixie dust fairies did understand and followed orders without question.
They flew closer to Margaret's body, touched its pixie covered body, and carefully pushed.
Right before everyone's eyes, the pixie dusts started sinking through the clothing and through the skin, as if the body was absorbing the pixie dusts like a sponge.
Once Margaret's body sucked in all the pixie dusts, her body glowed for a full minute, then faded until her body looked like it was back to normal.
The pixie dusts fairies carefully backed away. Everyone stared at Margaret in silent, waiting with eagerness and anxiety to see if it had worked.
So far . . . Nothing.
Peter couldn't help but turn away, hating that he had high hopes that it would work. Now, nothing. He felt Tink giving him a comforting kiss on his nose and, for now, Peter was very grateful to still have her with him.
Just then, Little began barking, finally escaping from the animal fairies' clutches on her. Little ran to Margaret and looked down on her owner's face with love and despair.
Little leaned closer and slowly licked Margaret's face, as if for the last time.
Then, Margaret giggled.
Everyone looked up in shocked when they heard this. All eyes turned to Margaret's face.
There was a small, lopsided smile on that face.
Filled with joy, Little started licking Margaret's face again and again and again. This caused Margaret to giggle again. A huge smile appeared on Margaret's face and her hands went straight to Little, holding the puppy's small body.
"Okay, okay," words came from inside Margaret's mouth. "I'm alright, Little! I'm alright!"
Little finally stopped, her tail wagging like crazy, and barked happily at her owner.
Both Margaret's eyes opened and were directed at Little. "It's good to see you, too," Margaret chuckled merrily.
Little jumped into Margaret's arms and Margaret embraced her puppy.
"Margaret's awake," the Lost Boys exclaimed as they ran toward Margaret. The pixie dust fairies flew away just in time as the Lost Boys collided against Margaret and hugged her tight, extremely happy to see her awake and alive.
All the fairies smiled and gave out a cheer.
But Peter remained frozen where he was, trying to comprehend this.
Margaret is alive! She is awake! She isn't hurt! She's okay!
He watched as Margaret hugged all of the Lost Boys and giving them each a huge smile to the chattering boys.
Then she looked at Peter.
Her smile became something else. It became softer and tender. Her eyes sparkled like the stars at night.
And that's when an enormous smile appeared on Peter's face. Pure happiness Peter had never felt before filled his entire body so much that he rocketed straight up into the sky, cheering louder than ever.
He soared all over the sky, laughing in extreme joy that he couldn't control himself.
And, without even thinking, he swooped down, grabbed Margaret, and pulled her up high into the sky.
Both of them were hugging each other tightly and laughing, uncontainable happiness exploding inside them.
Eventually, they stopped, hovering a few inches above a sea of clouds.
They held each other for what seemed like forever, ignoring everything except feeling each other's body.
Peter felt Margaret kissing his cheek and he felt like the happiest boy in the entire world.
"I thought I'd never see you again," Margaret at last whispered to his ear. Peter felt his throat heavy and could only nod, thinking the same thing for her.
After another long moment of embracing, they slowly pulled their heads back and their eyes stared straight at each other, neither one able to stop smiling. Margaret's eyes were teary and Peter could almost feel his eyes becoming moist as well.
Their moment was soon interrupted, however, when they heard noises approaching them. They turned their heads to see the Lost Boys and Little popping up from the clouds beneath them, floating their glittering bodies toward the couple. They are followed by all the fairies, including Tinker Bell (whose smile seemed a bit forced at the sight of them).
Peter and Margaret chuckled at the sight of them.
Little was soaring after Margaret and Margaret had to let go of Peter to catch Little in her arms. Little woofed at her, licking Margaret's chin and made her giggle once again.
The Lost Boys crowded around Margaret with nonstop babble.
Tinker Bell flew up to Margaret and hugged her cheek. Margaret held her hand over the fairy, hugging her back.
The fairy queen flew forward, catching Margaret's and everyone else's attention.
"How are you feeling, Margaret," the queen asked Margaret.
"I feel fine," Margaret answered truthfully. She looked around, finally realizing something. "What exactly happened to me?"
"We had inserted a majority of our pixie dusts inside of you in an attempt to wake you up. However, considering that we have never done it before, we do not know what the aftereffects will be for you."
Margaret bowed her head in thought, letting the queen's news sink in.
"It's probably nothing," Tink assured her. Margaret looked at Tink and only smiled. But Peter could tell Margaret was unsure of it herself.
"Wait, you can understand them, too," Slightly suddenly exclaimed. It was from this that Peter suddenly realized that Margaret could never understand fairies before. How could she understand them now?
Shyly nodding, Margaret moved some hair away from her ears to reveal pointed ears. Just like Peter's. "A gift from the fairies."
Peter, Little, and the Lost Boys stared at Margaret's new pointed ears in shock.
"Ah, man," Cubby groaned. "I want some pointy ears too!"
"Yeah," Nibs exclaimed. "Why can't we get some?"
All the Lost Boys nodded and turned to the fairy queen, who only shook her head, smiling amusingly.
"I'm sorry," the queen said to the boys. "But I'm afraid it's a onetime gift we fairies can make."
The Lost Boys' stared at the queen, then turned to Peter and Margaret questionably.
"She said, 'Sorry, but no can do'," Peter said.
The Lost Boys groaned. Everyone else just chuckled at them.
"Well," Peter said. "It's been a long day. Why don't we all head back and rest. I think we've had enough adventure for one day, right?"
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"But, Peter," Slightly spoke. "What about our hideout? It's destroyed!"
"Not a problem. We'll just rebuild it again, once we've had our rest."
They all began to dive down through the cloud and back to Neverland, when Little started barking frantically, causing everyone to stop and look at the puppy.
"What's wrong, Little," Margaret asked her puppy. Little whimpered and pointed her tiny nose up at the sky. They all looked up to see two bright stars high in the sky.
Margaret, puzzled, looked back down at Little. "Yes, they do look beautiful, but what about them?"
Little just kept on barking at Margaret, as if trying to tell her something very important.
Then, as if understanding Little, Tink flew up in front of Margaret and said, "I think what Little's trying to say is that . . . It's time for you and Little to go back home."
"Well, we are going home," Margaret replied. "We're just going back to Neverland-"
"No, Margaret," Tink said, now looking a bit sad. "Home, as in your real home, in London."
Peter then fully understood everything now. This was it. This would be the right time for her to go home, after a big adventure like that. It was the right time for Wendy, it was the right time for Jane, and now it was the right time for Margaret.
She had to leave.
A huge combination of hurt, anger, and sorrow filled Peter's mind, but he tried to hide it with a blank expression.
After all this time . . . She was going to leave him anyway.
It's not fair! It's just not fair at all. The one visitor that Peter had become so close to, closer than any other visitors before, was leaving to go back to London.
And not just go back. She would have to stay there. Forever. Grow up like everyone else. Grow up like they did. Grow up and never return to Neverland ever again.
Never to return to him, leaving Peter all alone in Neverland. Like it had always been before.
Fate just hated him.
Margaret was very still, as if surprised that she had had a home before.
"Oh," she finally spoke. "Right . . . London."
She paused for a while, as if not sure what to think about this. "I . . ." she looked back at Little, who silently gazed at her owner. Then, Margaret looked up at the two stars. "I guess it is time to go back."
Peter looked away and closed his eyes shut tight, trying not to burst into an angry outburst at her. If this is what she wants . . . Then fine. Let her go. What does he care?
"But," he heard Margaret continued, sounding like she was in a mental conflict with the situation. "But I . . . I . . . I can't just leave . . . After all that. Can I?"
Surprised, Peter turned his head to look at her. Is she really thinking . . . No, it couldn't be.
"What is it, Margaret," Slightly asked her.
"Yeah, what is it," Cubby also asked.
Margaret fell into her conflicting thoughts for what felt like an hour, her eyes glancing from Little, to the Lost Boys, and to Tink and the fairies.
Then her eyes met Peter's. They stared at each other for even longer than before. Peter knew what she was asking him, so he answered back with an honest answer. All through their eyes.
At long last, Margaret closed her eyes and sighed. "I can't."
Peter couldn't believe his ears. Does she mean that . . . ?
"I'm staying."
"What," each of the Lost Boys exclaimed, getting excited at the news.
Margaret placed a smile back on her face and looked down at the Lost Boys. "I don't think I can leave Neverland, after everything I've been through. I've really come to love it here; it's got everything here in Neverland that I could never get in London. And besides, if I leave, I would be leaving behind all these wonderful friends I've made here."
All the Lost Boys cheered, hugging Margaret's legs in happiness. Peter couldn't help but smile extremely wide.
She's staying! She wants to stay!
However, his eyes caught the fairies looking worried at Margaret, as if she had made a very troubled decision. Even Tink was looking at Margaret with the same look.
Why would they look worried? Margaret said she was staying!
Little was looking at Margaret with the exact look as well. She whimpered to get Margaret's attention and gave her a look only Margaret would understand.
Margaret appeared as if she remembered something about Little. As soon as the Lost Boys stopped cheering, Margaret said, "But Little can't stay."
All the Lost Boys suddenly looked depressed.
"You mean," said Twin 1.
"Little's not staying," finished Twin 2.
All the Lost Boys, including Tootles, looked sadly at Margaret and Little, who shot her shocked eyes at Margaret.
Margaret paused, as if trying to decide what to say, then replied, "Little . . . Little needs to go home. I'm sure her family would be worried about her."
After a moment of pause, Margaret handed Little to the Lost Boys so they could say their farewells to their new and dear friend.
"Goodbye, Little," Slightly tearfully said as he hugged Little. Little nuzzled into his neck and then licked Slightly's face, causing him to smile, but just a little.
"We'll miss ya," Nibs said as he hugged Little, tears popping out from his eyes. Little licked his wet face and howled sadly.
"So long, pal," Cubby cried, holding Little so tight, never wanting to let go. It took the Twins to carefully take Little out of Nibs' arms.
Both Twins embraced Little, cuddling their faces in Little's body. "You'll always be a great friend."
Little licked both of their faces and let out a whimper.
Peter couldn't help but admit that he was really going to miss Little just as much as the Lost Boys (well, maybe not as much, considering that his own men wouldn't stop crying).
An then, the Twins passed Little to Tootles, who was silently crying and his lips were quivering. Holding Little up in front of his face, the two stared at each other with their sad eyes for a long time, as if sending messages to each other through their eyes. Then, Little licked his small nose and Tootles embraced her. Like Cubby, Tootles held Little tight for a long while.
Finally, Margaret lay her hand on Tootles' shoulder. His eyes opened knowingly and gave Little a tiny kiss before putting on a brave face and passing Little over to Margaret.
Now that Little is back in Margaret's arms, Little suddenly started barking at Margaret, as if just realizing that they were going to be separated forever. She stared at her owner with pleading eyes and attempted to stick her small body against Margaret, so she wouldn't leave her.
This only made Margaret devastated, her brave face close to breaking. Peter could see that Margaret didn't want this either. But she was going to stick with it no matter what.
Margaret held her struggling puppy up to face her.
"Little, stop," Margaret said to Little, trying to stay strong for her. "Please, don't do this!"
Little ignored her and continued to bark and struggle.
The longer Peter saw Little struggling, tiny beads of tears falling from her eyes, the more guilty he felt. He knew he should be happy that Margaret was staying with him. But, if Margaret stayed here, then she can't be with Little, the best and loving friend that had been with Margaret for a long time. Would it be fair for him to keep Margaret and for Little to lose Margaret forever?
His thoughts were interrupted when he spotted Margaret using her other hand to dig in her pocket and pull out something to Little. Peter realized that it was the doll that looked like him.
Little stopped when she saw the doll.
"I want you to have it," Margaret said to Little, still trying to stay strong. "To remember me by. And share it with my . . . My family. So they would know that . . . I'm ok. And that . . . I'm happy."
And then Peter thought of Wendy and Jane and felt even more guilty. As Margaret hugged Little for the last time, Peter was lost in thought. He was sure Wendy and Jane were expecting Margaret back home soon. Would it also be fair for him to keep Margaret and for Wendy and Jane to lose Margaret? Wendy's own granddaughter and Jane's own daughter? Would they be heartbroken? Would they hate Peter for not bringing her home?
Maybe they'll forget about her. Maybe they'll forget her and move on. Then Jane can have another daughter to replace Margaret. Everyone will be happy.
But then, Peter saw a single, hidden tear fall down on Margaret's cheek and Peter then knew that she wouldn't be happy. Sure she'll forget about everything, but there will always be something missing, and Margaret will be miserable until she finds out what it is. Margaret is right now sacrificing that answer, but she will forever be looking for the answer herself.
Would that be fair for Margaret?
Peter sighed. No, no it would not be.
Looking away, Margaret held Little and her doll to Peter, so close to breaking down. "Go ahead, Peter. Take her home."
Little suddenly went back to struggling, barking like crazy again and her teary eyes wide open.
But Peter was motionless, hesitant. He had no idea what to do. He didn't want to give up Margaret, but he didn't want Little, Wendy, Jane, even Margaret herself to be miserable if Margaret stays.
He must have been frozen for a long time, because Margaret turned her head to Peter, looking confused. "Peter?"
Now he had to make a decision, a decision that will determine Margaret's fate. He really didn't want to let her go, but would it be right? And when did he cared? Especially now? A rough battle was going on in his head, fighting between selfish thoughts and humane voices. All over Margaret.
"Peter, what's wrong," Margaret asked Peter.
Peter looked into Margaret's beautiful eyes and, right then and there, he knew exactly who had won the battle in his head.
Taking a deep breath to exhale, Peter said, "Little's not going home."
Margaret's eyes shot wide open in surprise.
"Without her owner," Peter finished.
Margaret's eyes shot even wider. "What?"
Little stopped and groaned a "what" out of her mouth.
All the fairies and the Lost Boys looked at them in shocked, thinking the same thing.
"You mean . . . You're letting me . . ."
Peter could only nod, trying to grin at her.
"But . . . But I thought . . . I thought you want me to stay," Margaret said.
Peter paused for a moment, glancing at Tink, who flew a little closer to him with a questionable look (but with a hidden, gleeful smile).
He looked back at Margaret and replied, "I . . . I want you to be happy."
Now Tink's smile wasn't hidden anymore.
Margaret was so shocked at Peter's answer that she unknowingly dropped Little and her doll (thankfully, Little and the doll was rescued by animal fairies and their pixie dusts).
Then, Margaret beamed more brighter than the shining sun and ran to Peter. Margaret threw her arms around him and they hugged each other, laughing with mad happiness.
Margaret later pulled back with a worried look. "But what about you?"
Peter pulled out his famous smirk. "Oh, don't worry about me. I'm Peter Pan. I think I can survive another generation or so."
Margaret smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes at that comment. And Peter couldn't help but know why and feeling a little sadness of his own.
Margaret hugged him again and whispered, "Thank you," to him.
He sure was going to miss her the most.
"But we'll miss you," a cry was suddenly said. Both Peter and Margaret looked down to see the Lost Boys crowding around Margaret, looking up at her with big, wet eyes.
Margaret smiled softly and bended down to hug each and every one of them. "I'll miss you all too. But I'll never forget you boys. I promise."
That suddenly got Peter to fearfully think: what about him?
The queen fairy flew up to Margaret and said, "It would be our honor if we would escort you and your puppy to your home in the Mainland."
Margaret paused in disbelief at the queen's offer, but grinned anyway. "Um, thanks. That would be great."
All the fairies smiled as one by one, they floated up into the sky and straight toward the second star to the right.
Little, now flying with pixie dust, floated to Margaret, who held her small paws and chuckled at her dear friend. Seeing her flying doll, Margaret sniggered and took her doll, placing it in her pocket.
Peter, really hoping that he made the right choice, bowed to Margaret and held out his hand to her. "Shall we, M'lady?"
Margaret hesitated, staring at Peter's hand, then at Peter, as if wondering if this was the right choice.
And then, she smiled and gently placed her hand onto Peter's. "Lead the way, my good man."
Grinning, Peter floated up, his hand gripping onto Margaret's, and her other hand gripping onto Little's paw.
The three flew up deeper into the sky, flying alongside the fairies, and Margaret and Little enjoy their last flight home.
Peter enjoyed his last flight with Margaret, never once letting go of her hand.
*PPIII*
The night was quiet and cool. A shadow entered into a bedroom that was once called the Nursery Room.
Margaret landed her bare feet onto the floor, scanning the room before her. She held Little in her arms, who was sleeping soundly.
As Margaret stared at the room, memories slowly resurfaced her mind of moments here in this room. Moments of her sleeping on that bed, moments of her playing with those toys, and long moments of just growing up here, from a younger child to her current age.
"This is my room," Margaret whispered to herself, trying to make herself believe her own words.
She then spotted a small, round bed under a larger bed. It looked like the right size for Little.
So, carefully and quietly, Margaret pulled the small bed out, bending down and laying Little on the bed's soft pillow. Little moved very slightly, but soon fell still.
Standing up straighter, Margaret's eyes continued to scan the place, trying to remember every little details here from her lost memories.
And then, her eyes landed on the window and they widened in surprise.
There, on the window seat, lay a grown woman, sleeping. And, close by, a very old woman was sitting on a rocking chair, also sleeping. Lastly, a huge dog lay on the floor next to the grown woman, asleep as well.
Margaret was surprised that she hadn't seen them when she flew in and wondered who they were.
But she felt as if she should know them.
Maybe they were her family. But were there really just the two of them? Margaret thought there would be more, like a father or a sibling.
Were they both waiting for her here? Her heart lifted at the thought of that.
She first stepped closer to the woman on the window seat, examining her. She had Margaret's hair color, but her hair was much shorter that Margaret's. The woman seemed to be sleeping with a worried and tired look on her face, making her appearance look older as she slept. Could she be worried about Margaret?
Could this woman be her mother?
She turned to the old lady on the rocking chair. She looked way too old to be her mother. But she could be the right age to be her mother's mother.
And then Margaret remembered the old lady telling her stories at bedtime. Stories of Peter and Neverland and her own adventure there.
Grandmum Wendy.
Feeling like she could cry at the revelation, Margaret silently stepped closer to her grandmum.
Suddenly, Grandmum started to stir.
Margaret immediately backed away, frightened all of a sudden. She didn't mean to wake her up. Would she be angry at Margaret for waking her up?
Without a thought, Margaret quickly but quietly rushed to her bed and pulled the cover over her, so it would look like she was sleeping.
Looking from under her closed eyelids, she watched as Grandmum woke up fully. She turned her head to the window and sighed.
Slowly, Grandmum stood up, tightened her shawl around her shoulders to keep her warm, and walked over to Mum.
Slightly bending over, she gently shook Mum's shoulder until Mum finally woke up.
"It's best that we head to bed," Grandmum whispered to Mum.
Mum hesitated, glancing at the window. Then she tiredly nodded and sat up. She rubbed her foot against the dog's face to wake it up. The dog sleepily woke up and, after yawning, stood up.
Mum also stood up, leaning against Grandmum's body. Grandmum held Mum in her arm as she guided her out of the bedroom, with the dog following behind them.
Soon, the door closed, leaving a very confused and hurt Margaret alone with the still sleeping Little.
Getting up from her bed, Margaret stared at the door in disbelief. They didn't even look her way. They didn't even notice her. Why? How could they missed her?
They must have forgotten all about me.
A single tear streamed down her face as she turned her head to the window, rethinking of her decision to come back.
All of a sudden, Margaret heard barking. She turned to see Little, who was now fully awake, jumping off of her bed and chasing around the room, obviously very happy to be back.
Margaret smiled sadly. It seemed that Little still remembered this place.
Just then, the huge dog busted through the door, its' ears high as if picking up Little's barking noise.
The huge dog spotted Little and Little spotted the huge dog.
And, all at once, both dogs ran and collided with each other, howling and licking each other like mad.
Margaret instantly knew from that moment that this huge dog was indeed Little's mother as Margaret watched the mother and child cuddled their heads together.
Margaret's head turned when she heard more people entering the Nursery Room. It was the two women that had left a moment ago.
The women froze when they saw Margaret and Margaret stood very still from where she was.
She didn't know what to do or what to say. Her heart was racing nervously. What are they going to do to her? Will they ask her to leave? Will they actually remember her?
However, as Margaret stared at them, memories of their faces slowly flew into her mind, especially Mum's face. Some parts were a bit hazy, but they were good memories. Very good memories.
And, before Margaret knew it, Mum ran to Margaret and embraced her, sobbing in Margaret's hair.
Margaret was motionless with shock, only feeling her Mum's hold on her and the wet tears that fell on her shoulder. She could also hear her Mum mumbling under her weeping breath with such words like, "I'm so sorry," and "I love you so much!"
Margaret only had one thought in her head: She remembers me!
Her eyes becoming teary, Margaret wrapped her arms around her mum and squeezed her back, closing her eyes shut to savor this moment.
After what felt like forever, Margaret opened her eyes to see a joyful Grandmum staring happily at them.
And, from the looks of it, it was very clear that Grandmum remembered her too.
Margaret hurriedly released herself from Mum and, in a matter of seconds, found herself in Grandmum's arms, hugging her and Grandmum hugging back.
"We've missed you," Grandmum softly said to Margaret's ear and Margaret couldn't help but draw a big smile on her face.
"Margaret," she heard Mum exclaimed in surprise. Margaret turned around to see Mum's wide eyes looking down at her.
Confused, Margaret looked down to see that she was floating a few inches off the ground.
At first, Margaret didn't understand why her flying was surprising.
It wasn't until Grandmum also looked down at her floating feet and inspected Margaret. "You don't seem to be wearing any pixie dust on you, dear."
Margaret blushed a little. "Oh, well . . ." She had found out earlier that she could fly without pixie dust during her flight here, and the reason may be from the after effects of her revival. "Um . . . It's a long story."
She subconsciously brushed her hair over her ear, but that only caused Mum and Grandmum to gasp.
Oh, right. Her new pointed ears. Margaret forgot that she still had them.
"Uh, yeah. Also a long story."
Grandmum suddenly said, "Your arm!"
Margaret looked down on her arm that was still bandaged up, only now it looked a little wet and dirty.
"And your neck!" Mum tucked her finger under Margaret's chin and lifted her face up, revealing a small cut on her neck from an encounter from Hook. "Margaret, what in the world happened to you!"
Not wanting to answer that, Margaret stepped away from them, not wanting to feel their overly concerned hands all over her body.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," Margaret tried to convince them. She took off the bandages off her healed arm as if to prove it to them. However, Margaret ended up looking down at herself and figured out why they would worry greatly about her appearance.
She probably looked like a mess and she guessed that she had been cleaner before she had left London. Her feet and the end of her nightdress and robe were covered with dried mud. There were dirt and tears all over her clothes. Her hair had become messy and even her skin had some cuts and dirt. Not as much as her clothes had, but they were still there.
Margaret looked up at them. "Yeah, my adventure was a bit rough."
Margaret was suddenly greeted by Little's mum, who stood on her hind legs and placed her front paws on Margaret's stomach, barking at her with happiness. Smiling, Margaret kneeled down and hugged Little's mom around her neck.
"That's not important right now," her Mum said, placing her hand on Margaret's shoulder, which caused her to look up at Mum, who was smiling down at her with great relief. "What's important is that you made it home safe and sound, and that's all that matters now. And we are staying here for as long as you want"
Margaret wasn't sure what that last comment meant, but she smiled anyway. She finally felt completed here.
All of a sudden, a glittering ball of light flew into Margaret's bedroom and up in front of Grandmum and Mum. Margaret could see that it was Tinker Bell.
Grandmum and Mum gasped at the sight of Tinker Bell. But it wasn't gasps of shock, but gasps of recognition. Little's mother, on the other hand, stared at Tink with wide, shocked eyes.
"Tinker Bell," both of the women exclaimed.
Tinker Bell smiled at them. "It's good to see you both."
As if understanding Tink, Grandmum replied, "It's good to see you too."
Tink flew and hugged Mum's cheek, causing Mum to giggle. Mum held her hand to Tink's body. "You haven't changed at all, Tink."
Tink gave her a look that said, 'Well, obviously."
Tink then spoke for a moment to Margaret.
"Really, they're here," Margaret asked, turning to the window.
When she looked back, she spotted Grandmum and Mum looking at her, surprised.
Right. Margaret would need to explain her understanding fairies as well.
But Grandmum said with a knowing smile, "I believe that is also a long story, is it?"
Smiling sheepishly, Margaret nodded.
Tink flew to the window, while Margaret translated what Tink said to Grandmum and Mum, all while walking backward to the window.
"Tink said that she's brought her friends with her, and she would like you to meet all of them."
Just as she finished, hundreds and hundreds of fairies entered into the Nursery Room, their glowing light filling the room.
Grandmum, Mum, and Little's mother gasped in astonishment at the sight before them. Margaret and Little just smiled at the sight of the fairies.
The room was now completely filled with fairies flying all over the place. Some of them studied the women and Little's mother, while the others, including Clank and Bobbles, explored the room and the many objects they could find.
Margaret and Tinker Bell stayed where they were as they watched the others. Grandmum and Mum stared at the surrounding fairies in awe and reached out to touch them. Little and her mother seemed to be playing tag with the fairies as they kept playfully jumped up after the fairies, who amusingly avoided their reach.
"I've never seen this many fairies before," Grandmum said in complete ecstasy, still staring at the fairies.
"I didn't even know there were this many fairies before," Mum commented, also still staring at the fairies.
Margaret couldn't stop smiling, so happy to see Grandmum and Mum encased by the glowing fairies. She at least hoped their light wouldn't brighten the room too much, or else someone outside will see and get suspicious.
She felt something touch her shoulder and she turned around to see Tink with her tiny hand on Margaret's shoulder.
She grinned at Margaret and directed her head to the window behind them.
Margaret turned around and there was Peter, leaning against the window side with that charming grin on his face.
Now smiling madly, Margaret ran to Peter. Peter floated to the ground just in time to catch Margaret in his arms and spun her around, both holding each other tightly.
"Peter?" Mum spoke from behind Margaret. The two gently broke apart and looked over at the two women. Grandmum was smiling at Peter with warmth, nostalgic, but also a little sadness. Mum stared at Peter like she couldn't believe Peter was here and real. Little, her mother, and all the fairies stopped what they were doing and stared at Peter and Margaret.
All those stares were starting to bother Margaret.
Peter, on the other hand, was staring back at Mum, trying to study her as he stepped closer to her.
"Jane?" Peter said to Mum.
Mum was too speechless. "I . . . I can't believe . . . You're here?"
Peter nodded, smiling regretfully.
He suddenly thought of something. "Oh, I got you something!"
He reached to his belt and pulled out a small, hood hat in the shape of a wolf.
Mum gasped, her hand to her mouth. "My . . . My old . . ."
"You left this back at Neverland," Peter explained, raising the wolf hat to Mum. "And a Lost Girl needs an animal hat."
Margaret looked at Mum in surprise. She was a Lost Girl?
What an awesome mother!
But Mum frowned and shook her head. "No, Peter. I've grown up. I'm no longer a Lost Girl anymore-"
"Have you changed completely," Peter asked Mum seriously.
Mum hesitated, glancing at Grandmum, who only watched her daughter.
Finally, Mum smiled at Peter and shook her head.
Peter grinned softly. "Then you will always be the first ever Lost Girl."
Peter floated up and proudly placed the wolf hat on Mum's head, which surprisingly fitted like a glove.
Mum closed her eyes and felt her hat with her hands, as if remembering when she had first received this hat.
Then Peter turned to Grandmum and his smile dropped.
"Wendy, I'm," he struggled to say. "I'm really sorry . . . About shouting at you . . ." He looked as if he was a younger child who was punished and was now trying to apologies for his action from days ago. "I didn't mean to . . . And . . . And I'm sorry . . . I didn't keep my promise. I let her get hurt. Many times."
He bowed his head ashamedly. Margaret wasn't sure who he meant by "her". But, after noticing Grandmum glancing meaningfully at her, Margaret realized that Peter was talking about her.
Grandmum responded to Peter by embracing him. This surprised Peter.
Grandmum later released him and, looking squarely in his eyes and holding his shoulders, she said, "But you've brought her back safe and alive. Thank you."
Peter wasn't sure what to say, but instead settled for nodding as a reply.
Just then, Tink flew beside Peter and whispered something to him. He sighed, frowning for a second, then put on a smile and turned to Grandmum and Mum. "Well, it looks like it's time for us to go."
Grandmum and Mum nodded in understanding. But Margaret felt like her heart had stopped for a second. "What?"
Peter turned and grinned confidently at Margaret, but even she knew it was only a mask. "All these fairies need to go back to Neverland. And I gotta lead them there."
Margaret knew that last part was a lie, but Margaret didn't say anything. She could only put on her own smiling mask and nodded in reply.
Slowly, all the fairies waved at the women, Margaret, and the two dogs as they slowly left the room and out into the starry sky.
When only Peter and Tink were left, Peter turned to the women and bowed to them. "Madames."
Only Grandmum curtsied to Peter, as if out of habit. Mum just smirked amusingly.
Peter turned around and his smile slipped away at the sight of Margaret.
Both Peter and Margaret stared at each other for a long time, their eyes filled with sadness and longing. Margaret knew that Peter couldn't stay here with her; it would just be impossible. But Margaret couldn't help but imagined Peter with her until . . . Until the very end of the story.
But Peter wouldn't be Peter Pan if he stayed. They had both made their decisions. Things must go back to normal if Margaret is to retrieve her lost memories; if Peter is to go back to being a child forever.
Unable to take it anymore, Margaret threw her arms around Peter's neck and buried her weeping face to his shoulder. Peter did not say a word. He just held her close.
Nothing was said as they held each other for another long minute, afraid to let go.
"Goodbye, Pe-"
"Don't!" Peter suddenly said. "Don't say that word."
Margaret pulled her head back to look at Peter, who was rapidly blinking his wet eyes away.
"What, goodbye? But why?"
Peter hesitated, then he took a deep breath and his eyes looking around as if hunting for words. Any words that wasn't in Margaret's eyes.
"Because," he paused, struggling to piece words together to make her understand. "Because saying that . . . Means going away. And . . . Going away . . . Means forgetting."
And then Margaret understood him. He was afraid that she was going to forget him if she grew up. Margaret was about to comment that her Grandmum and mum didn't forget about him. But she couldn't place those words onto her tongue the longer she stared at him. To be honest, she didn't want to forget him either. Not for all the treasures of the world.
Pulling on a loving smile, she gave him one last kiss on his cheek. "I'll never forget about you, Peter. I promise."
Peter must have lost his voice, for he couldn't respond to that. Instead, he just nodded again.
He glanced at the window, where Tink was waiting for him (with her back to him). He gave Margaret one last smile before he flew off through the window.
But Margaret couldn't let him go just yet. Not like that.
She ran as fast as she could to the window and yelled, "Peter!"
Peter stopped in midair and turned to look questionably at her.
For a moment, it seemed like Margaret had forgotten what to say to Peter. But she quickly remembered.
"You won't forget me, will you?"
Peter putted a cocky smile, placing his fists on his hips. "Me? Forget?" But, after another look on Margaret, his smile turned soft and said, "Never."
Margaret smiled at him, she didn't need to hear him make a promise; she knew he'll keep it.
"I'll always believe in you, Peter Pan." And I'll always love you, she thought to herself.
Peter grinned as if hearing the best thing he had ever heard in his life.
Wearing that signature, arrogant smile that she grew to adore, he took her hand and kissed it. "I'm sure you will."
Then, with one last look, he shoot off into the night sky, with Tink right beside him.
Margaret's eyes never left him, not even when she felt Grandmum and Mum joined her at the window, watching him go. Little and her mother jumped onto the window seat and barked farewells to Peter and Tink.
Even when Peter and Tink disappeared into the sky, Margaret still followed the path all the way up to the second star to the right. And even then, Margaret stared at the star that had been a gateway to all of her past adventures. She then looked to the first star on the left, a gateway to all of her future adventures.
The End
Disclaimer: I do not own anything except Margaret, Little, the V Gang, and the story.