sultal's notes: Hey all - Happy St. Patrick's Day! As LadyAnne23 knows (bc I've bugged her all day) this is my favorite holiday ever! Few notes:

(1) I tried something new - breaking up this chapter into 3 different moments in time instead of 3 chapters. I think it worked. Let me know if it doesn't!

(2) Legogirl8 - Your review was very insightful and helpful! I sent you an email, because I know your input can help me be a better writer! Please email back if you have time!

(3) phantomshadow99 - you are next on my list of deadlines! Thank you for being patient!

(4) keep writing.

(5) Slainte!

Chapter 118: Sundresses in Winter

Dr. Sweet unplugged his stethoscope.

"Congratulations, young lady." he said, unstrapping the blood pressure cuff from Wendy's arm. "You graduated. All patched up. You are good to go."

Wendy looked. The Nurse's Office was empty. Everyone had been healed and discharged. Everyone but her. Wendy bit her lip. Turning her shoulder, she let the right forearm rest over her knee.

SHADOW WORKER. The scars crosshatched her forearm with vivid, white streaks. Save from the blood, the scars had not faded. She could read them. Clear as day.

Wendy grimaced. She laid a hand over the center forearm.

Dr. Sweet sympathized. Unfastening his white coat, he nodded at Wendy's forearm. "Believe it or not, that was the least of my worries. You were pretty banged up. No idea what those shadows did to your system. Especially the brain. Failed the diadochokinesia tests and cranial nerve screen three times before things started responding normally. From what Headmaster Mickey tells me – shadows rip up memories? Right?"

Wendy nodded.

Dr. Sweet shouldered his medical bag, reflectively. "Bajeasus. Just goes to show you how connected and irritating the brain is. All right." He gestured to Wendy. "Come on girl. Time for me to sleep and for you to see Edna Mode."

"Edna Mode?"

"Yup." Annoyed, Dr. Sweet consulted his watch. "Artsy people. Typical. No respect for the medical profession. What you and your classmates need, Wendy, is uninterrupted rest and a quarter pound cheeseburger to get back to life. Not a fashion show."

To Wendy's confusion, Dr. Sweet explained further. "There is a coronation tonight. New king of Fantasia is going to be crowned."

Wendy raised her eyebrows. Dr. Sweet nodded, in agreement. "Heroes are going to be honored. And I've heard Guardians will be chosen."

"Guardians? Magical guardians? Like before?"

"That's the rumor. Headmaster Mickey is with the prospective guardians right now. I don't know the details – only that Admiral Triton and Attina are in the running – but it's a pretty big deal. Which is why…" Dr. Sweet rolled his eyes. "…Edna Mode is making everyone look 'nice.' Nice. There's an overstatement. Coronation is after the vigil for the deceased, and I don't know anyone that will care about looking –

"Vigil?"

Dr. Sweet paused. Realizing his mistake, he offered Wendy a compassionate gaze.

"Yes." He said, speaking slower and softer. "Yes. It's uh…it's going to be beautiful. Candles on the water. And lanterns in the air. All at evening." Kindly, Dr. Sweet nodded out the window. "Right after the sun sets. Later. Tonight. Guiding all souls to Heaven."

Wendy did not answer.

Uncomfortably, but with the tenderness of a seasoned medical professional, Dr. Sweet raised a hand. "Do you want to talk, Wendy?"

Wendy did not answer. Then she sighed. "…no."

Dr. Sweet consented.. "Okay. Always here if you need anything. You've always been my best student Wendy. And now that Fantasia is on track, you're gonna get a chance to prove it. Road's all clear for chasing dreams. You're going to make a Hell of a pediatric doctor, Wendy. And a Hell of a shadow worker."

He winked. Wendy gave a little smile. Dr. Sweet opened the door. "Happy to help if I can. But now, you have to get to Edna Mode. She's upstairs. Headmaster's quarters. Just…take the grim reaper with you?"

"The…who?"

Dr. Sweet leaned on the doorknob. He pointed. "Behind you."

Wendy turned. She came face to face with Peter's shadow.

"He's been attached to you since you got here." Dr. Sweet said. He chuckled as the shadow nuzzled Wendy like a puppy. "Frisky little bugger. Pan tells me that his shadow attached itself to yours. To survive the whirlpool. Adorable."

"That…" Wendy gasped, trying to pry the shadow from her waist. "…is not exactly the right word! Oh please! Yes I'm glad to see you too but – Doctor Sweet!"

Dr. Sweet laughed. He pulled Wendy out the door. "Not my field. You're the shadow worker remember?"

"But I don't have my thimble – "

"Improvise. Bribe. Bark at it, I dunno!" Waving a distracted goodbye, Dr. Sweet disappeared down the hall. "Just get to Edna Mode – or she'll be after my blood! That little witch creeps the crawlies right out of me."

"Dr. Sweet!" Wendy twisted. Peter's shadow twisted opposite. "Dr. Sweet! Dr. – ohh! Now stop! Now you stop just a minute!"

Wendy took the shadow's hands. Unwinding them was the strangest feeling – like cupping running water – but she managed to hold the shadow at bay. The shadow seemed highly amused. Slinking and sliding over Wendy's fingers it fought playfully back, snatching at loose curls.

"Unbelievable." Wendy muttered, catching the shadow's wrist. She skipped backwards as it dove for her knee. "Not a moment's peace. You are worse than Peter!"

Proudly, the shadow nodded. Then, suddenly, it dropped. For a startled second it puddled on the floor before springing back up and hugging Wendy with all its might.

Trapped, Wendy sighed. "Well…" she sagged, surrendering to the shadow's love. Softly, she smiled. "…thank you. I suppose…things could be worse." Feeling the scars on her forearm and grieving her father, Wendy whispered into the shadow's ear. "Couldn't they?"

"Wendy! Wendy baby!"

"Oh dear."

"Wen-daaaaaaaaaaaaaaay bab-aaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!"

"Oof!" Wendy lurched as someone grabbed her from behind. Two arms floundered for a second – no doubt alarmed by the shadow – then squeezed Wendy into an enormous, fuzzy bear hug. Wriggling, Wendy turned. It was Ariel.

As Wendy unsuccessfully fought the hug-sandwich, Flynn, Rapunzel, Mulan, Merida, and Robin flocked around her.

"Wendy baby!" Flynn pounced. He wrapped his arms around Wendy, over Peter's shadow. "You're alive! Alive!"

Rapunzel laughed. Joining Flynn, she flicked imaginary hair over her shoulder from forced habit. "Wendy! Wendy we missed you like crazy! It's been like days! Days! We were freaking out! We thought you would miss the coronation!"

"Coronation?" Flynn cuddled against the shadow. "Hell! Coronation! We thought you were a goner!"

"Gonna be a good right one too!" Merida said, shoving Flynn aside and taking her turn to hug. Red hair bouncing over Peter's shadow, she winked. "Coronation, that is. Robin's rigged the fireworks!"

"And Wart's getting crowned as king! King of Fantasia!" Robin reached over Merida, extending the hug. "Can you believe it! Long live King Wart –er – long live King Arthur, I say!"

"We're just so lucky you're okay, Wendy." Mulan wove between the shadow's arms. Hugging Wendy's neck, she quickly stepped back as the shadow retaliated with an evil eye. "You fought bravely for Fantasia. So bravely. We couldn't have won without you."

Wendy blushed. She tried to smile at the beaming faces. But she could not coax her heart from grief. Oh…she was so very happy to see her friends, blissful in fact, but…

Wendy swallowed. Memories stuck to her mind. Memories of Michael in a noose. Memories of pirates on top of her, sinking needles into her arm. Memories of a screaming Wising Star. Memories from her past, burning white hot. Memories of her poor, helpless father. Memories of Peter Pan's promise. And memories of…Jim…her best…no. The liar. The traitor.

Wendy closed her eyes. She wanted to shrink. She wanted to crumble. She wanted to curl into the smallest, safest spot in Fantasia. But, with Ariel hugging from behind and Peter's shadow hugging from the front, there as little chance for escape. Suspended in the embrace, Wendy relented. She tried to smile.

Ariel noticed. Without a voice, Ariel's energy surplus seeped through unused sensory outlets. Her senses explored and noticed everything. Right down the fake smile trying to stay afloat on Wendy's lips.

As Flynn rambled and Rapunzel chattered, Ariel gave Wendy a hard squeeze. She tilted her head, inquiring with a concerned gaze.

'You okay?' she mouthed.

Wendy blinked. Perplexed, she looked at Ariel's throat. "Why…why did you just - ?"

"— sooooooooooo!" Flynn concluded, slapping together his hands. "Long story short, here we are! You fight the shadows. We fight the bad guys. Ariel swings them all into a tidal wave. Arthur pulls the sword from the stone! Voilà!"

Mulan rolled her eyes at Flynn. But she grinned. Robin hooked an arm around Merida. Rapunzel looked at Wendy, bouncing excitedly on her heels. "Isn't it great, Wendy? Isn't it so great!? It's like our lives are just about to begin! Right after the coronation!"

"Oh! Aiya! Great ancestors! That reminds me!" Mulan snapped her fingers. She pointed at Wendy. "You haven't been to Edna Mode! It's still early, you have time before tonight, but you better get up there!"

Wendy shifted. Slowly, Ariel and Peter's shadow released pressure. Rubbing her forearm, Wendy stepped carefully from the shadow's reach. "I think I'll find my brothers first. Michael and John. I – "

"Thaaaaat might not be the brightest idea." Robin said, tail twitching. He made a distasteful face. "Or safest."

"Talk about devil incarnate." Flynn added. He shuddered from head to toe. "Edna Mode. Yeeeish! Fra-eek-y little woman. I mean come on – look what she's making us wear!"

Wendy paused. Her eyebrows shot up. Flynn and Robin were pressed in clean button down shirts; light as air, with flowy, swashbuckle sleeves. And the girls…

"Sundresses?"

Astounded, Wendy glanced out the icy window. Then she curled her toes. Her shoes were dotted with snow. "But…it's winter?"

"Itsa terrible bit dreich and snowy outside, yeah." Merida admitted. She picked at her sundress, complete with combat boots. "But I dinnae think ye should argue. Besides – it's Elsa's winter, an' Headmaster Mickey would'na have her keep it this way w'out reason. I hope. Anyway…we all gotta wear them. So jus' go get the dress. Gotta look nice fer tonight anyways. Coronation n' all."

Flynn gagged.

Mulan frowned. Shoving Flynn's face, she addressed Wendy.

"Don't worry Wendy. Captain Amelia took Michael and John to Dr. Doppler. And Dr. Doppler brought them to Mrs. Hawkins. Jim's mom. They're okay…" she continued, missing Wendy's flinch. "…just a little sad. They'll be better knowing you're awake. Tell you what – Captain Amelia and I are doing rounds soon – before the coronation. And I'll be heading that way. I can let John and Michael know you're okay."

Wendy brightened. "Would you?"

Mulan nodded. She zipped an army-green trench over her cranberry sundress. "Sure. Just go get that dress. Roger?"

"I suppose."

"Good enough. Merida. Robin. With me. Guys – take Wendy upstairs?"

"We've got a date with Aladdin and Jasmine!" Rapunzel said as Mulan, Merida, and Robin departed.. "Before the coronation! You know…just stuff. Girl – boy stuff. Besides…" Sparkling like a star, Rapunzel swung Flynn's arm. "…besides. Ariel – you said you wanted some time to hang with Wendy. Alone?"

"No offense." Flynn winked, raising his hand for Ariel to high-five. "About the whole 'said' thing."

Ariel rolled her eyes. Still, after a good-natured jab with her trident, she returned Flynn's high-five. Then, waving goodbye, she hooked arms with Wendy, and lead her down the hall, Peter's shadow a breath behind.

"AH Dahling! Dahling! Sit down! Sit! No – stop! My mind changes! Stand up! Yes! Up, up, up! On the ottoman, Dahling. Yes! Little to the left! Now right! Left! Right! Leftrightleft! Perfect! No moving! No breathing! No sudden movements! Just stay there and try to forget about your reflection in the mirror…filthy rags…okay…where is my sketch pad…"

Wendy stood rigidly. She tried not to move as Edna Mode bustled through her supplies. Peter's shadow floated lazily overhead. Ariel sat in the corner, violet sundress flared over her winter jacket. Suddenly, Wendy's heart flipped. It was Jim's jacket.

Wendy turned. Ariel looked up, sensing Wendy's distress. "Ariel. That's – "

"HALT! FREEZE! CHOP! CHOP!"

Wendy jumped. She ducked as a high heel pelted over her head.

"No moving!" Edna Mode screeched. She brandished the heel's pair. "None! Zero! Zip! Zilch! No moving!"

Peter's shadow hissed, sweeping protectively over Wendy. Flinging the heel at the shadow, Edna Mode slunk down, continuing the disgruntled hunt for her sketch pad.

Wendy bit her lip. Without moving, she glanced sideways. She made eye contact with Ariel in the mirror.

"Ariel. You…you can't speak."

Ariel was expressionless. Slowly, she nodded.

Wendy's heart bled. She'd spent little time with Ariel. But she'd grown to love her. Almost like sister. And she knew that Ariel tied much of her identity in her beautiful, spritely voice.

"How…how did it happen?"

Ariel stiffened. She pointed at the trident. She made a swiping motion across her throat.

Wendy flinched. Sympathetically, she started to turn. She froze as Edna Mode's head popped up. Dutifully, Wendy waited until Edna's magnified glasses disappeared before speaking.

"The trident? Who?"

Ariel held up her hands. She folded in her thumbs. Aligning the eight fingers, she wriggled them like a spider.

Wendy understood. "Ursula? The seawitch?"

Ariel nodded.

Wendy turned her head. Luckily, Edna Mode was burrowed under satin and silk. "Are you all right?"

Ariel smiled. She touched her heart, thanking Wendy for her concern. Then, she nodded, pointing to Jim's jacket. She gave a thumbs up. Ecstatically.

Wendy frowned. She turned, glaring into the mirror. Then, without warning, she started to cry. Angrily.

Ariel inhaled. Swiftly she stood. She snapped, trying to get Wendy's attention.

Wendy shook her head. Tears burned down her cheeks. "He lied Ariel…he…he lied."

Earnestly, Ariel shook her head. Running to the ottoman, she grabbed Wendy's hand.

Wendy tried to pull away. Blinded with tears, she stumbled off the ottoman. Ariel half caught her, mouthing incoherently.

But Wendy did not understand. She did not understand Ariel's silent defense for Jim. She did not understand why her life was lost on this path. She did not understand what to do with the nebulous future before her. She just did not understand.

"Ariel I'm scared. I'm scared of Peter. I'm scared of Jim. I'm scared of me. I'm scared. I'm scared…"

Ariel hugged Wendy. She hugged Wendy close, trying to press all her strength into the little sister she never had.

In time, Wendy calmed. Releasing Ariel and wiping tears, she looked up.

Edna Mode was waiting, pen twirling pensively against her temple.

"Sorry. So sorry, Miss Mode. I um…" breathing deep, Wendy straightened. She felt Ariel against her back. "…I'm sorry. Well…um. Is…is it the fairy godmother algorithm again?"

Edna Mode smiled. Her glasses flashed. "I think…" she said, clicking shut the pen. "…that I have all the information I need. Dahling."

It was a lovely sundress. Purest pastel blue, with the proper percentage of frill and flounce. Wendy would have had a challenge feeling sad in the dress, had it not come with a black shawl – a reminder of the vigil for her father and the deceased. But, the shawl was very cozy – despite the dismal color – and this served well when Peter's shadow pulled her out into the winter afternoon. The reason: it wanted to take a stroll.

Wendy had no idea where she was going. But the walk was brisk, and it kept her mind from wandering too dangerously. After several strides, she even started to enjoy herself. Peter's shadow was delightful company. A little mischievous, but only enough to make her smile. And after she lost track of time, Wendy found herself lead by the shadow to a very familiar doorstep.

"...My house."

Wendy stared at the door. Slightly ajar. Doorknob bent, bashed, and broken. Just as she had last left it. Wendy gripped the shawl. She knew her father was not in there. And neither was Captain Hook. Or his pirates. But…still…

Wendy stepped back.

The shadow pushed her forward.

"No." Wendy shook her head. "I hardly think so. Besides. It's rather late. We had better – wait!"

Wendy gasped. Icy air clenched her as Peter's shadow snatched her shawl and flew through the door. Shivering, and without thinking, Wendy pursued. Chasing the shadow, she stopped only at the entrance to her room. The nursery.

The door closed. But the light was on inside.

Wendy stopped. The shadow breezed under the threshold. After a pause, it slid out a hand, beckoning her inside.

Wendy's heart beat. Fast. Too fast. But she did not know why.

So, to find out…she opened the door.

"Shadow? Shadow?" She stopped. "You?"

Peter Pan turned. His black eyes hit Wendy. And they stayed.

"I have an idea. Little Mother."

Wendy stared. "Little wha…t…p…pe…Peter…?"

The door closed.

And Peter Pan lowered before Wendy Darling.

On one knee.