I'm sooooo sorry I took so long again! Laziness continues to defeat me! NOOOOO! My friend was actually the one who got me motivated again for this final chapter, so if you want to thank someone, thank the Fanfiction author ItsGrell. You might also want to check out her stories, they're pretty good! Not about Ib though, but still amazing!

Anyway, so back to the fanfic! This is probably the final chapter of this fanfic, although I may add a little chapter detailing a day in Ib, Garry and Mary's lives in the real world together if you want! If that sounds appealing, I guess just let me know in the reviews, and if I get enough support, I'll most likely do it…if I'm not to lazy… Anyway, enough preamble. Hope you enjoy!

Mary held Ib's hand tightly as she led the other girl through the colourful crayon world, her face alight with excitement and a childlike happiness, humming a tune softly under her breath, practically skipping.

Ib was just trailing along behind the blonde, thinking about what she would say to Garry and how she would convince him that she hadn't meant a single word that she had thrown at him plus having to persuade him that Mary had changed and was now willing to live peacefully alongside them.

Ib's brow creased as she had a new, not entirely pleasant thought. How was she ever supposed to get her parents to take Mary, a girl they had never met before, and feed, shelter, nurture her? Ib slowed her speed slightly, but Mary didn't seem to notice, too caught up in her obvious excitement to take note of Ib's sudden reluctance.

They had exited the now-sunny crayon world, and were now leaping down the stairs towards the portal, taking them two at a time, with Mary running full throttle and half-dragging Ib along, green and red fabric swirling around their legs.

"It's here!" Mary shouted out, skidding to a stop outside the picture frame, and staring longingly into it's depths. Then she turned to Ib and grabbed her other hand so that they were both staring into each other's eyes.

"I'm so excited!" Mary squealed, giving a little hop and squeezing Ib's hands. Ib just nodded, an unexpected smile warming her face as she watched Mary.

"What's it like to have a Mommy and Daddy?" Mary asked curiously, letting go of Ib to go up to the picture and touch the frame gently, as if afraid she'd break it. Ib thought for a moment.

"Well, it's different with each parent, but my Mom and Dad are the most amazing people ever! You're going to love them! They make snacks, and ask about your day, and take you to see huge museums like this one…" Ib found herself rambling about her parents, and probably making no sense at all, but Mary was still fixated on her, hanging on every word, blue eyes wide with wonder.

"…And anyway, you'll get to see them soon, anyhow." Ib finished, ignoring the twinge of doubt that had sprung up inside her at the words. They would let Mary stay. They had to! The poor girl just wanted a family, wanted someone to love, and someone who loved her back. Ib set her chin stubbornly. She would not let her Mother or Father refuse.

"So, ready to go?" Ib asked, taking a step towards the giant painting as the frame flashed once, and disappeared, as if sensing her need. But Mary was running her hand along the walls, gazing up at the ceiling, looking at everything there was to look at in the dark, creepy room. When Ib spoke, she started and looked back at the darker haired girl with wide eyes.

"So…we're finally leaving. I'm finally leaving here." Mary spoke in wonder, although there was a little apprehension in her voice. Ib smiled at her reassuringly and extended a hand.

"Come on, let's go." Mary hesitated a moment, looking back up the stairs to where her previous house had been, all chalk and crayon and colourful scribbles. And then she turned back to Ib and gave her biggest smile yet, eyes sparkling. With a light laugh, she leaped forward and grabbed Ib's hand. Ib grinned and together they stepped into the portrait, surrounded by the swirling, mixing colors as the dank room slowly faded out of sight and she was left in a weightless world with nothing but Mary's hand gripping her own to remind her that she was still alive.

When Ib opened her eyes, she was greeted by bright, steady lights, and people wandering around, pointing at pictures or talking to spouses, or tying shoelaces. There was one couple making out in a corner, and Ib discreetly avoided that area, looking instead for a splash of purplish hair or a ragged jacket overtop a green shirt. Beside her, Mary was gripping her hand even tighter, waiting in anticipation for the arrival of Ib's parents, but for the moment, Ib totally ignored her and focused on finding Garry, scanning the many different people and sculptures until she saw the familiar messy head of peculiar coloured hair hanging around by a beautifully crafted sculpture of a crimson rose.

"I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere!" Ib ordered Mary, before letting go of her hand and racing over to where Garry was standing awkwardly beside an older couple.

"Garry! Garry!" She called excitedly, nearly tripping over a confused three year old in her haste to reach him. He turned just before she barrelled into him, knocking him back a couple of steps as she buried her face in his familiar coat.

"Garry, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean any of it, I really didn't! Please don't be mad! I'm so sorry Garry, I really am!" Ib burst out, feeling him stiffen and afraid to look up in case his eyes were hard and unforgiving. When he made no reply, she scrunched her eyes shut.

"I had to! You had to leave, I just wanted you to be safe, and that was the only thing that would make you leave! I'm so sorry, Garry!" Ib paused for a minute, forcing back tears. She'd been crying far too often lately, and this was one time she was not going to give into her emotions. "And I got Mary to let me go as long as she could come back too, and we could be sisters, which I really think is a great idea, and now we're all safe, right?" Ib finished quickly. It felt like the longest time in the world that she waited for his reply, and she could have fainted with relief when she felt his arms go back around her and give a slight squeeze.

"It's okay. I forgive you." Ib looked hopefully up at Garry, who simply smiled warmly back at her.

"Thank you Garry!" She cried, ignoring the old couple who gave them disapproving looks and moved off to look at other displays, murmuring something about kids these days.

"Um…Hi, Garry." Ib turned to look at the source of the new voice, surprised to see that Marry had approached, and was wringing her hands nervously. Garry's stance hardened for a moment, but then he visibly relaxed and walked over to Mary, giving her a quick but sincere hug.

"Hey, Mary. I hear you're gonna be here for a while, huh?" Garry asked kindly, and Mary smiled uncertainly back up at him.

"Yeah." She nodded quickly. Garry ruffled her hair. "Be good." He turned back to Ib. "Ib, I'm assuming you haven't told your parents yet?" Ib shook her head sheepishly. Garry laughed.

"Well, then let me help you. C'mon." He held out both hands and the two younger girls took them, the three of them walking towards where Ib's mother and father waited, watching the three approach with curiosity.

"Ib…who are those people? Where were you for so long" Her mother asked once the three were within earshot. Ib swallowed and smiled nervously, looking to Garry for support. He smiled encouragingly and she took a breath.

"Funny story…"

And so that concludes this fanfic. *sniff* I can't believe it's over! You guys have been great, thank you so much for supporting my Fanfiction and for all your lovely reviews, and if the ending sucks, I'm sorry, I don't have much experience with endings. Most of my stories end up scrapped before I get to finish them so… yeah. Anyway, there are too many amazing people to name who have reviewed, but thank you all, especially the ones who've been with me from the beginning. Even to you lurkers out there, thank you, thank you, thank you! Hope you enjoyed! *sniff, sob* And now...

-Hawq, signing out 3