We all headed back to the cavern in our own way and the whole way Penelope had a look on her face that made her seem like she was expected everything to wrong any second. Behind us the Heads were talking amongst themselves, with the occasional raised voice. The Sandman floated in between the two groups, trying to act the peace keeper I suppose, even after what Alexander had said, I wasn't ready to forgive the Heads just yet.
As we went down the tunnels Penelope turned to Jack, who was flying alongside us.
"I never apologised for last time, so, I'm sorry."
"Sorry for when you knocked me to the ground or when you stabbed Jamie?"
"Both. It was wrong, I was wrong."
"Well then, I forgive you."
"Wait wait, when did the first one happen?" I asked.
"When we were both looking for you in your own snowstorm, but you didn't believe in Jack at that point, so I really shouldn't have been worried."
My mind went back to the night, as much as it didn't want to. "Was he held down by black sand by any chance?"
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"That's what tipped me off. I had noticed grains of sand on Jamie and I could see that you were controlling the black sand in the distance."
"How did you even notice I was controlling it?"
"Your fingers were twitching. I do similar things when I'm controlling ice."
"Huh, the more you know."
We walked out of the Tunnel and into the cavern, the sudden noise from the chattering crowd blasting my ears, which were used to the quiet of the Tunnel. My Branch was right by the entrance and their eyes widened when they saw that I was alright and that Penelope was walking free.
Alfred approached the Heads, looking understandably angry. They took him aside for a second and I watched curiously as his face went from angry to curious, to intrigued. Alfred's gaze flicked over to Penelope, who was standing with me for moral support. As strong as she is, I think she was glad that I was still around.
The Heads and Alfred walked up to a point above the rest of the crowd and beckoned for Penelope and I to join them. As soon as we stepped up all chatter died down.
Jason began to speak.
"My fellow Human Order of Guardians, today has been a trying one, but today's most distressing event was when Jacqueline Davies, Burgess's branch Descendant of Jack Frost and widely considered the most powerful Descendant of Jack Frost, seemed to take leave of her senses and took off after the Descendant of Pitch, Penelope here, to offer aid."
I could feel my cheeks burning as over five hundred people turned to look at me and I felt the sensation of frost forming on my fingers.
"However, it was us who had taken a leave of our senses. For without Penelope none of us would be standing here tonight, for she was the one who allowed Jacqueline to escape capture two days ago. We could not see past her ancestor, and after even accusing Miss Davies of being a traitor, we finally had our eyes opened as to how trustworthy Penelope was."
The Head of the Descendants of Toothiana picked it up.
"She was described by her fellow Descendant of Pitch as a traitor and if it weren't for the actions of Miss Davies, then she would have been executed by her own kin. Out of acknowledgment for her struggles, we would like to make Penelope a member of the Human Order of Guardians."
The Heads turned to Penelope, who just stood stock still, shock apparent on her face.
Tears began to spill down her face as she choked out.
"Thank you."
I walked up to her, pulled her into a hug and let her cry on my shoulder, not caring how uncomfortable it was for me. Penelope seemed to just stand there for a second, then returned the hug awkwardly with one arm.
I could hear someone clapping behind me, which escalated in two sets of claps, then four, then suddenly over five hundred.
Penelope and I pulled apart and looked over at the crowd. Their faces still spoke of their uncertainty, but they were willing to accept her now, and that was a step in the right direction.
After a while Jason raised his hand for silence.
"In terms of the War Council. We have decided as of now to remove ourselves from the Warren of Mr. Bunnymund and set up our own base underground. All those under the age of 18 or have children will be sent home by the Descendants of Bunnymund tonight, unless they have grounds to stay behind. We shall begin in a few minutes."
The speech was over and the Heads called over the earth moving Descendants of Bunnymund to discuss how to move so many people.
"Well then." I looked over to see that the Guardians had come forward. "Looks like we can go now." Finished North.
"At last." Grumbled Bunnymund, "I can get my Warren back."
"Well, it was lovely meeting you, but we all have to get to work." Said Toothiana.
Bunny tapped his foot against the ground and a dip appeared. The other Guardians said their farewells and I gave Jack a goodbye hug, much to Toothiana's annoyance, which she was too polite to voice. With that they all jumped down the hole and left Bunnymund on the surface.
The other members of Burgess Branch approached us. We stood in an awkward silence for a bit until Nigel spoke.
"Look, Penelope, we're sorry, and Jackie, we shouldn't have doubted your judgement."
"I forgive you." I said.
"Just like that?" asked Tina, "We tried to hold you against your will and talked down to you like a small child, and you forgive us that quickly?"
"If you honestly regret it, then there's no issue is there? And I'm sorry for blasting you with ice."
Silence for a second, then I heard Sally sniff, looking over at her I saw tears trickling down her face.
Billy and Nigel decided that meant it was group hug time and pulled everyone, including Penelope into a hug.
Tina and I cried out in protest, but we gave in and let the hug happen.
"Pennsylvania! Anyone heading to Pennsylvania!?" called out the Descendants of Bunnymund.
"Oh, that's our call." I said, pulling myself out of the hug.
"Actually, that's just yours, as the only the under 18 member." Corrected Nigel.
I blinked for a second, then nodded, understanding their point.
"Oh, well, good luck down here. Don't go dying on me, okay?"
Billy chuckled, "Course not, see ya kiddo." He moved to ruffle my hair, but I ducked underneath it, a small grin on my face as I knew he wouldn't mind.
I grabbed Penelope's hand and pulled over to where they were sending people home.
"What are you doing?" She asked, honestly confused.
"You can come home with me, right?"
Penelope shook her head, "I think it's best if I stay here, I couldn't ask your parents to go out of their way for me."
I came to a stop and looked at her.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, see you around Jackie." She said, pulling herself out of my grip. She seemed to realise something and she took of the coat she was wearing, handing it to me.
"I think this is yours."
I took it and tied the arms around my waist.
"Keep yourself safe." I said, a small smile on my face.
We pulled into a hug and then I was heading into the tunnel to Burgess, Pennsylvania.