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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟑𝟏
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘'𝐒 𝐄𝐍𝐃

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"What if they don't make it?" Will questioned, breaking the silence that surrounded them since Jafar left to face Amara and Cyrus.

Alice stared out the window for a moment longer before slowly turning her attention to the Knave. "They will."

"What if they don't?" the Scarlet man repeated while Indigo tried her best to block out what was happening around her. Instead, she focused everything on her magic, willing it to break whatever spell Jafar put on her. She was getting tired of being forced to stand in the middle of the room like a statue.

"Darlings, I'd give it up. Your Cyrus is likely already dead," Anastasia told them with a hint of irritation in her voice as she looked through one of Jafar's spellbooks.

"I don't remember any of us talking to you," Kaden responded after rolling his eyes at the Red Queen's back.

Indigo could tell just by the blonde woman's body tensing that she was getting even more annoyed. It wasn't long after that when she placed her glass on the table and returned her attention to the book. "Then it's best you don't talk at all."

The Lark girl couldn't help but let out a long sigh before her eyes moved to Will. A sudden wave of confusion washed over her when she found him looking at something behind her. It wasn't long before he used his head to gesture to Alice. Indigo let out another long breath before she was able to summon enough magic to free her neck. That allowed her to look back to find the White Rabbit sneaking up behind Alice and Kaden.

"You Majesty. Can I just ask you a question?" Will called out after getting to his feet and facing Anastasia. The only response he received was a small hum from the woman before the Knave continued speaking. "What say you fetch me a jug of water? Or wine. Wine will do."

"I have no intention of fetching you anything," the Red Queen declared with annoyance in her voice while placing the book on the table in front of her. It wasn't long after that when she turned around to face Will, only for her eyes to land on the rabbit trying to free his friends. Anastasia instantly jumped to her feet and stormed toward Percy, causing the latter to scurry as far away from her as possible. "Stay away from them! They're prisoners of the one I love!"

"Ana, I know what you feel for Jafar seems real to you," the Scarlet man spoke, making Anastasia stop in her tracks before she turned to face him.

"It is real!"

"It's a trick. A one-sided mind game," Will retaliated, earning a scoff in response from the woman he loved before the former continued speaking, "you had real love once, and you know it's not that simple."

"It can be."

"No, it's messy. It means arguing and making up and laughing...and crying and struggling. And sometimes, it doesn't seem worth it. But it is," the Knave declared without even an ounce of hesitation, "and, at the end, when you're in love, no matter what happens, you forgive each other. I forgive you, Ana, for what you did to me. Because I love you. And if there's any part of you that has a shred of love left for me, then please help us."

Tears began to form in Anastasia's eyes as she stared at Will. However, the Red Queen chose to ignore them as what seemed to be a fake smile formed on her face. "Really lovely words. But that's all they are. I know what I feel."

"What you feel is a curse!" the Scarlet man exclaimed, causing all emotion to fade from the blonde woman's face, "Jafar did this to you."

Anastasia just stared at Will for a long moment before she slowly approached him until she was standing a foot away. "If what I feel isn't love, then what is?"

"This," was all the Knave said before he reached through the barrier that trapped him. Indigo could see the pain on his face as what looked like fire radiated off the part of the shield where he forced his arm through. It wasn't long after that when he grabbed Anastasia's wrist and pulled her in for a kiss. Magic instantly radiated off of the couple, causing everyone to look away. When they were able to look back at the pair, they found Anastasia and Will staring at each other with mixed emotions in their eyes.

"If you wanna stop Jafar," the blonde woman said with no emotion in her voice before a genuine smile appeared on her face, "then you've gotta hurry up."

A large smile appeared on Will's face as he took a step toward Anastasia, only for him to bounce off the shield and stumble back. That caused the Red Queen to let out a laugh before she began untying Alice and Kaden. Once she finished her task, Anastasia moved to stand in front of Indigo. The two of them just stared at each other for a moment before the woman in red reached out and took the girl's hand into hers. "Together. Focus."

Shock flowed through Indigo's veins at how soft Anastasia's voice sounded. It wasn't long after that when the Lark girl closed her eyes and concentrated on freeing herself. What felt like an eternity passed before Indigo could feel life returning to her legs and spreading throughout her body. When she opened her eyes, the Spade found Kaden standing in front of her. Before the boy even had a chance to speak, Indigo jumped forward and pulled him in for a tight hug.

It hadn't been too long since Alice left with Percy to help Cyrus, leaving Indigo and Kaden in the throne room with Anastasia. None of them had it within them to leave Will behind while he was trapped within the barrier created by the genie lamps. No one said a word as they waited for something, anything to happen. The silence soon became too much for Indigo to bear and decided to use her free time wisely. While Anastasia and Kaden prepared themselves for the small chance of Alice's failure, the Lark girl sat on the ground and tried to use her magic to break Will's magical cage.

The next thing anyone knew, the world around them began to aggressively shake. Indigo was thrown back into the couch behind her by an invisible force, causing her to close her eyes and let out a hiss from the pain. After letting out a long sigh, the Lark girl slowly opened her eyes to find two men hugging each other where the genie lamps once were. Shock coursed through Indigo's veins as she stared at the younger of the two, who already had his eyes on her. It wasn't long after that when the Spade jumped to her feet and pulled Rafi in for a tight hug.

"I never thought I'd see you again," the former genie whispered just loud enough for her to hear. The two of them soon ended their embrace before Rafi looked down at her with a hint of sadness in his eyes. Indigo could tell something was bothering the boy in front of her, something that took him a lot of courage to say. "You're the last Atlantean, aren't you? No one else made it out?"

A sad smile appeared on Indigo's face as she continued to stare at Rafi. "Just the two of us."

"Everything Jafar did has been undone," Will announced, drawing everyone's attention to him before his smile dropped, "Ana."

All the joy that Indigo was feeling soon vanished when her eyes landed on Anastasia lying lifeless on the floor. The Knave instantly rushed toward the Red Queen and pulled her into his arms. Tears began to stream down the Lark girl's cheeks as she watched Will cling to Anastasia. An arm was soon wrapped around Indigo's shoulders before she was pulled closer to someone. When she looked up at the person next to her, Indigo found Kaden staring down at her with tears in his eyes.

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After watching Cyrus reunite with his brothers and introduce Alice to them, Indigo grabbed Kaden's hand and led him out of the throne room. Neither of them said a word as they walked through the palace halls toward where Will took Anastasia hours ago. When they finally arrived, they found the Scarlet man sitting on a stool with his eyes locked onto his unmoving true love. The Lark girl couldn't help but look up at Kaden, only to find him staring at his brother with sorrow in his eyes. After giving his hand a gentle squeeze, Indigo began to lead the Scarlet boy toward the Knave and the Queen.

"In the end, she did the right thing, you know?" Will told his brother and best friend after they stopped a few feet away from him.

"Of course she did. Because she loves you," Kaden responded while doing his best to keep his emotions at bay for his brother's sake.

"I can't believe I've got to go through the pain of losing her all over again," the Knave muttered under his breath while keeping his eyes glued to the woman in red, making him miss the look Indigo and Kaden exchanged.

"Well, not necessarily," the Knight responded, causing Will's head to snap up before his eyes flashed between the young couple.

"What the bloody h*ll are you talking about?"

"According to Cyrus, Rafi, and Taj, I still have some of Jafar's magic running through me. But just a small amount," Indigo explained, only for her to receive another confused look from the other Scarlet brother, "meaning I can bring Anastasia back. The real Anastasia."

A hint of hope flashed across Will's features, just for it to fade a moment later. "What's the catch?"

The smile on Indigo's face faltered but only for a split second. However, neither of the Scarlet brothers missed it. "I need to give up my magic."

"You didn't tell me that part," Kaden said, earning a sorry look from the girl next to them before their attention returned to Will.

"Are you really willing to give up your magic for her?" the Knave questioned as many emotions flowed through his veins, none of them matching up with the other.

"It's caused me nothing but trouble anyway. Plus, I've gotten through most of my life without it. I don't think I'm gonna miss it," Indigo responded without an ounce of hesitation, earning a smile from the man in front of her.

It wasn't long after that when the Scarlet brothers took a step back, giving Indigo all the space she needed. After letting out a long breath, the Lark girl held her hands out over Anastasia before they began to glow. All her focus was on the Red Queen as Indigo brought her hands closer to the woman. Her actions caused the magic to emit from her fingertips and move toward Anastasia. As soon as the energy met the Red Queen, Indigo's eyes began to glow bright blue. Kaden shouted her name as he took a step toward her, only for Will to grab his arm and pull him back. That lasted for a moment longer before the bright light faded and Indigo collapsed to the floor.

The Scarlet brothers instantly raced forward and helped Indigo to her feet. She let out a few shaky breaths before opening her eyes, revealing her natural brown ones. It wasn't long after that when they heard another gasp, causing them to look over to find Anastasia alive and breathing. A large grin appeared on Will's face as he kneeled beside the blonde woman and took her hands into his. The two of them just stared at each other for what felt like an eternity before the Knave kissed the Red Queen's hands.

"Morning, sleeping beauty," Will greeted the woman with a large smile.

"What happened?" the blonde woman questioned without taking her eyes off the man in front of her.

"Uh, it's a bit of a long story," the Knave responded while Indigo and Kaden watched their exchange from a short distance away.

A smile to match Will's appeared on Anastasia's lips before she gently squeezed the former's hand. "Pretty sure I have the time to listen."

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A week had passed since Jafar was defeated, bringing peace to all of Wonderland. Indigo couldn't remember the last time she could walk through the realm without needing to worry about being captured. She was able to explore every inch of Wonderland with Kaden and she loved every moment of it. The Lark girl was also able to find others in hiding from Jafar and give them the news of their freedom. Families were able to return home and villages were being lived in again. Wonderland was slowly but surely returning to what it once was and Indigo was starting to believe she could find a home again.

But at that moment, Indigo wasn't in Wonderland. Instead, she was in a place called England for a very important event. Alice and Cyrus' wedding. The Lark girl sat beside Kaden with her hand interlocked with his while they waited for Alice to make her appearance. On the other side of her, the Scarlet man was his brother smiling down at Anastasia, who was resting her head on his shoulder. It wasn't long after that when Percy cleared his throat to grab everyone's attention before everyone got to their feet and turned toward the doors.

Smiles appeared on everyone's faces as they watched Alice walk down the aisle with her arm interlinked with her father's. The Kingsleigh woman looked at everyone as she passed, sending each of them her own smile. When she reached the end of the aisle, her father passed Alice's hand off to Cyrus, who happily took it. The former genie kept his eyes glued to the Kingsleigh woman as he helped her up the small step and guided her so she was standing in front of him. While the couple took their other's hands into their own, everyone sat back down as the ceremony began.

"Welcome, loved ones. We are gathered here today to join Alice and Cyrus in holy matrimony. If anyone has any objections, let them speak now or forever hold their peace," Percy recited with a large smile on his face, only for Will to stand with his hand raised high and his eyes full of mischief. Large smiles appeared on Alice and Cyrus' faces as they watched Anastasia and Indigo grab his wrists and pull him back into his seat.

It wasn't long after that when the couple began to exchange their vows and talk about all the adventures they had been on. A large smile appeared on Indigo's face when they began talking about the adventures they wanted to have in this realm. The Lark girl knew they'd have fun together here, but she also knew their new adventures would be nowhere near as exciting as their old ones. As soon as both of them finished speaking, Alice and Cyrus exchanged rings and continued to look at each other as if they were the only ones in the room.

Once they were finished, Percy cleared his throat and drew everyone's attention to him before he spoke once again. "I believe this is the part where I'm supposed to say something about for better or worse, in sickness and in health, but you've already been through all those things, and you survived. Not even death could do your part. That's actually true for most of you here, isn't it? So, I guess that all that's left to say is what everyone here already knows. Cyrus and Alice, you two are now one. May you live happily ever after. You may kiss the bride."

The former genie didn't hesitate to lean forward to place a kiss on his wife's lips. Cheers filled every inch of the room as everyone got to their feet and applauded the newlyweds.

After a lovely wedding reception and ceremony, everyone began to trickle out of the Kingsleigh house. Indigo and Kaden walked behind Will and Anastasia hand-in-hand, neither of them wanting to be the first to let go. When they finally made it outside, they found Alice and Cyrus waiting for them with sad smiles on their faces.

"So, back to Wonderland, then," Alice said as she looked around at all her friends standing in front of her.

"Yeah. Got a lot of fixing up to do," Will responded with a hint of sadness in his voice and a smile on his lips, "you'll come visit?"

"Of course!" the Kingsleigh woman exclaimed before taking Cyrus' hand into her own while keeping her eyes glued to her companions, "you're all welcome here anytime."

"Alright. Last train to Wonderland. My paws are getting tired," Percy announced as he and his wife walked out of the house.

"Percy, you are such a party pooper," Mrs. Rabbit groaned while everyone else laughed.

Alice smiled down at Percy for a long moment before opening her mouth to speak. "I want to thank you, Rabbit. For your help, but mostly for bringing me to Wonderland in the first place."

"Many people have come and gone from Wonderland, but only the most special ones ever discover what it's truly about," the White Rabbit responded as he glanced back at Indigo and Kaden before his attention fell back on Alice.

"Finding love?"

"Finding yourself," Percy corrected, earning a surprised look from the Kingsleigh woman, which only made the White Rabbit's smile grow, "take care, Alice."

They all watched as the Rabbits walked off before turning their attention back to their friends. No one said a word, not wanting to break the last moment they would share for who knows how long. That lasted for what felt like an eternity before Alice broke it. "So...this is goodbye then?"

"How about 'see you soon'?" Indigo responded, earning a large smile from the woman standing in front of her. It wasn't long after that when the six of them shared one last hug before the four Wonderlandians turned to follow the White Rabbit and go home.

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It was the day after the wedding and Indigo and Kaden were walking through the palace halls toward the throne room. Anastasia and Will were meant to address the kingdom today, promising them a time of peace where they would rebuild. That was exactly what Wonderland needed after Jafar's stay there. The young couple helped the Red Queen and the Knave with everything they needed for that day, including writing their speeches. What they didn't know was that Will and Anastasia made a significant modification, one that would change the lives of Indigo and Kaden and their family for generations.

The two of them had barely made it two steps into the throne room when they stopped in their tracks. Sitting in the center of the chamber weren't two crowns like Indigo and Kaden expected. Instead, there were four. Two of them were silver with diamonds layered throughout, the same crowns that Indigo helped Anastasia design. The crowns that would help transform her and Will into the White Queen and White King. But next to them were two other crowns that neither Indigo nor Kaden had seen before. They were just as big as Will and Anastasia's but, instead of diamonds, there were sapphires. The same cut as the one hanging around Indigo's neck.

"Do you like them?" a voice asked, causing Indigo and Kaden to turn around to find Anastasia and Will standing behind them with large smiles on their faces.

The young couple couldn't help but exchange a look with each other, both confused by what was happening. When they turned their attention back to the rulers of Wonderland, the Lark girl opened her mouth to speak. "They're all so beautiful...but I don't understand. Why are there four of them?"

"There are four of us, aren't there?" Will responded as the smile on his face grew even larger when he saw the confusion on his brother's and best friend's faces, "wow. I didn't think the two of you would be this speechless."

"I still don't understand," Kaden admitted before he gestured between himself and Indigo, "why do we need crowns?"

"Well, we've thought long and hard about this decision and we came to a brilliant conclusion. Will and I are definitely gonna need help leading Wonderland. And who better to help us than the two of you," Anastasia told them as she walked forward and took Indigo's hands into her own. The next thing the Lark girl knew, the blonde woman led her toward the crowns before forcing her to stop a foot away from them. A million different emotions flowed through Indigo's veins as Anastasia took one of the sapphire crowns and placed it in the Ace of Spades' hands. "You were meant to be a great leader, Kidagakash. Now it's time for the world to see that. Wonderland needs people like you and Kaden...I need you. Will you lead Wonderland with us?"

Indigo continued to stare at the crown in her hands for another moment then she looked over at Kaden. The Scarlet boy looked just as taken aback as she was before she saw a smile appear on his face. Both of them knew every inch of Wonderland like the back of their hands and both of them knew just what needed to be done to save it. So, after sharing a knowing look with Kaden, Indigo turned her attention back to Anastasia. "We would be honored."

The four of them shared a quick yet tight hug before the last Tweedle and his helpers entered the room. They took the crowns into their gloved hands and led the four rulers to the balcony. Cheers erupted from the crowd below them as they watched the White Queen and the White King be crowned, followed by the Sapphire King and the Sapphire Queen. After Anastasia, Will, and Kaden all gave speeches promising to help Wonderland, they all turned to Indigo. The Lark girl just stared at them for a moment before swallowing the lump in her throat and stepping forward. Her eyes scanned over her people as they cheered for her, all hopeful that their leaders would bring Wonderland back to its former glory. It wasn't until she heard some of them shouting the name of her former kingdom that Indigo knew exactly what she needed to say.

"Yes, as many of you now know, I was known by the name Kidagakash Nedakh, the Princess of Atlantis. But that's the person I was, not who I am now. The Princess of Atlantis is gone and she has been since the day her kingdom was destroyed. My name is Indigo Lark and I'm here to help rebuild Wonderland and make it a realm we can be proud of."

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