Missemilydarling, there's more! Thanks for all your awesome reviews guys! They inspire me!
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John was speechless when they told Tiger Lily and himself. This was all he wanted for his sister; Love, marriage, life. But the news that they were leaving Neverland was positively shocking. Neverland had everything that interested him, everything that he loved engulfed in magic. He always knew he must return to England but now that the time was here he found he hadn't the stomach for thinking about it.
Dear, sweet, nubile, gorgeous Tiger Lily. He had thought so many times about what their life would look like in London. He thought of Tiger Lily in a corset and a hoop skirt, her luscious black hair bound high on her head in a bun. Completely preposterous! That was not her, and he would never resign himself to caging her in such a life. Having tea every afternoon; conversing with polite society. Never again free to run wild in the sun.
The more he thought about it, the more it became apparent how very different they were. How their paths seemed to be forking in opposite directions. Never had he felt so distressed. If this was growing up, he wanted no part of it.
Peter and Wendy had wanted to wait to tell the boys they were leaving, so they could have some time to make the decision for themselves. They did tell them about their engagement however. When that announcement was made, John waited for a moment during the celebrating voices and throng of little hands wrapping themselves around the couple to turn and walk into the forest by himself.
Only Tiger Lily noticed his silent retreat. She knew his reason. He was returning with Peter and Wendy. The ache of this knowledge throbbed in her chest like the beat of a drum and she felt sick to her stomach. She would not cry. She had to be strong for Michael, who had only left her arms to congratulate His sister and Peter. He then dutifully climbed back up Tiger Lily to give her a tight squeeze and point "onward" with his chubby finger to finish their game. At least, she would be strong in front of him. She felt herself crumbling slowly like stale bread.
But then, why should she not go with him? Because he doesn't think I belong in his world, she thought. Now there was a mix of anger and betrayal with her sadness. And yet there was still hope. Maybe she could change his mind. She would show him she could fit in. She would show him she could be friends with Wendy. She began to make plans to find out everything she could from Wendy about London.
So many things had happened while Peter slept for the three days, lost in his exhaustion. So much of the magic the Fairy Queen spoke of had been undone by the events with the Pirates. Since Tinkerbell's death, the magic that had bound Soaring Eagle had been nullified. He was a free man again. Tiger Lily rejoiced with him, and he agreed to go back to the village with her to live out the rest of his life with his descendents. It was a strange turn of events and somewhat of a paradox, but one that everyone could be happy about. All of the lost boys had grown to love him over past few days. He was a soul joyful and happy and no one could resist being around him. He knew the best games and he was always laughing.
Hook had become the sacrifice needed to complete the law of the fairies. Since he did not comply willingly like Soaring Eagle had for his people, they were keeping him enchanted. A constant melody was sung over him in a tree trunk cell guarded by several of the large toad like guards deep in the heart of the mountain.
They were all free to go.
They took a leisurely day to get ready to go back to the Indian village enjoying the little rivers and the birdsong and the dazzling colors of the cave.
When it came time to leave, the fairies lined them all up to say good bye. Each one of them was given a gift; a sharp knife or a leather belt or a jewel toned beetle to keep as a pet. To Wendy they gave the gossamer dress they had made for her to be her wedding gown. To Peter they gave something no one could see, wrapped in a cloth. The Fairy Queen tucked it into his hand and winked at him.
When at last it came time for Tiger Lily to receive a gift however, there was nothing physical to give her. Everyone else was marveling at each others gift, and paid no attention. The fairy queen fluttered to her ear and whispered something seriously. She flew away slowly looking into Tiger Lily's eyes, nodding her head. Tiger Lily's face was white as a sheet.
They all said goodbye to the fairies, and began their trek home to certainty and uncertainty.
As they made their way out of the cavern into the long passage that would lead them out into the sun, Wendy noticed Tiger Lily's silence and the fact that John was walking ahead with Peter. Maybe they'd had a fight?
Wendy sidled next to her, and slung her arm through the Indian Princess's. "Is anything the matter Tiger Lily?" she asked.
Tiger Lily looked at her with wide eyes, still in shock. "I… I don't know how to tell you," she said. "I am afraid that you will all be angry with me."
Wendy patted her arm, reassuringly. "I won't be angry, you can tell me anything! We're almost sisters," she said with a smile. How true those words were thought Tiger Lily.
"I will tell you Wendy. I need help," she whispered desperately. "I am with child."