Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ever since the Golden Age, the Guardians had fought to protect the children of Earth. They vowed to stop Pitch, the Nightmare King, from harming the children with his nightmares. The war had gone on for centuries with no sign of letting up.

As the years went on, the constant battles between the two forces had placed a huge toll on the children's beliefs. The Guardians, rather they knew it or not, were neglecting their duties. This did not disturb the Nightmare King though. He hated the guardians and MiM for the destruction and loss it had caused him.

Seeing his family vanquished at the hands of the Guardians, leaving him with an empty feeling inside, made him angry. Trying to stop him from spreading fear made him just as angry. Thinking that the children needed just Wonder and Dreams and Hope and little fairies that collected teeth, sickened him. It sickened him that after all these years they thought they could get rid of fear. But what made him hate them worst of all was the knowledge of what happened to his younger brother.

He remembered the day he had first lost him back during the war and the decades he spent, searching endlessly for him as he fought the Guardians day after day, night after night. At one point he had thought he would never find him until he stumbled upon a small village named Burgess.

It was during the colonial period when he found him. He had just managed to survive a losing battle against the Guardians (a temporary setback might he add) and was now resting and replenishing his army of Nightmares in one of his many lairs. He was in his throne room, creating another nightmare to replace the ones he lost, when one of his very loyal, trusted nightmares came into the room. The nightmare was a beautiful Percheron that he assigned to search for his brother, and gain intelligence. All his nightmare horses were intelligent, but this one was the brightest of all of them (considering it was his first successful one) and in a way knew him better than he knew himself.

Pitch glanced from his almost completed nightmare to glance at the nightmare entering the throne room. He glanced at the horse curiously as it came running in, looking excited. He wondered what news his nightmare brought. Maybe it was about the Guardians?

"What is it?"

The nightmare stopped in front of him with a twinkle of excitement in her yellow eyes. "We found him, Master. We found the Prince."

Pitch felt his mouth go dry at what his nightmare just said. After all this time, after all the battles of pain, and loss, and fear, they finally found him...his younger brother. "Where?" The horse stomped her hooves in excitement.

"In a small village not far from here. The village is called Burgess. I stumbled upon his home while delivering nightmares to the children in that area. I found him with a young girl. The girl was asleep, however, he saw me, but was not afraid of me."

Pitch felt his eyes widening. Could it really be his little Jackie, his baby brother? "Did he talk to you?"

"Yes," the horse confirmed. "He wanted to know what I was and why I was here. I told him that I was supposed to give them nightmares. The child didn't show any fear though. He asked for me to not give any to his sister, but was willing to take both of their nightmares himself." Pitch looked shocked. Sister?  "I didn't want to give your brother nightmares, Master, but he was determined to protect his sister from getting any nightmares."

"Did you give him the nightmares?" He asked threateningly, which the nightmare ignored.

"No, Master. I wouldn't dream of it," the horse said as her ear flicked back when her Master's anger rose. "We made a compromise that I will give neither of them nightmares, but he would have to speak to you tomorrow." A small smile crept onto his face.

"When does he want to meet?" Pitch asked, not realizing the hopeful tone in his voice.

"He is a shepherd and has to get up very early in the morning before returning home to get his sister ready for school while the mother works in town. He said you are more than welcome to come see him while he is herding or after."

"Very well," Pitch said distractedly, shooing his nightmare away, as he thought. The nightmare took no offense to this, knowing that her master needed the time to think. Without a single thought, the horse left as if it was never there.

Pitch returned to his uncompleted nightmare. As he worked on finishing his nightmare he couldn't help but think about his younger brother. After all this time, he would finally be reunited with his brother. He wondered who this new family was that was caring for his younger brother? He wondered if he was still the happy, energetic, mischievous child that he remembered? He wasn't sure if he liked that he was a shepherd and poor, but that was out of his hands. As long as the family doesn't mistreat him, then they were safe from his wrath and vengeance.

He smiled softly as he finished the nightmare and sent it to play with the other young nightmares. He watched it go and pondered on what to do the next morning.

Chapter Text

Early the next morning, Pitch stepped out of a tree's shadow with one of his smaller nightmares that was about the size of his palm. The little nightmare neighed at him when Pitch felt a familiar tug deep within his soul. Pitch was surprised at first. He had only ever felt this tug when his brother was around and that was ages ago. Feeling it again brought tears to his eyes.

He slowly walked through a set of trees that led to a clearing. Pitch was glad it was a foggy morning, so he didn't have to worry about his little nightmare too much. He smiled softly as he heard a familiar voice beyond the trees. Pitch stayed hidden near a rather old-looking tree and watched as a young boy with brown hair fed at least ten young sheep.

He watched in amazement at how easy he made caring for those things out to be. He certainly would not have been able to handle ten young wild animals with relative ease; caring for the family pet, his daughter, and his infant brother had been an adventure all on its own. The boy laughed as one of the smaller sheep rammed into another playfully. Pitch shook his head at that. No matter the age kids were very amusing. Children will be children he guessed.

He continued watching the boy in silence as he tended to the herd of sheep. It wasn't until several hours later that the boy finally decided to herd the sheep back home. Pitch followed the boy from the shadows and watched him as he and the ten sheep walked back home. Once the sheep were all in their pen the boy leaned against the fence.

Pitch studied the boy. The boy had brown eyes that sparkled with mischievousness and brown hair. He wore a white undershirt, a brown vest, brown trousers, and a brown poncho to protect him from the morning winter chill. The boy also has a shepherd's staff in his hand.

As the boy glanced in his direction, Pitch wondered if his brother had sensed him. The boy smiled and tilted his head to the right ever so slightly, almost as if he was hearing something beyond the wind.

"You can come out. I know you're there." Pitch shook his head in amusement. Of course, his brother would have been aware of his presence. He would have felt the tug as well. How silly of him. With a smile, he walked out of the shadows and in front of his brother.

His brother blinked his eyes in curiosity as he appeared in front of him. "Hello, Jackson," Pitch said with an emotional smile.

Jackson blinked his eyes for a moment, looking slightly confused. So this was the Boogieman? He didn't seem as scary as the storyteller made him out to be, but he had a feeling he knew him. Jackson frowned slightly in confusion as he studied the Boogieman.

The man had a gray complexion as if he hadn't been in the sun in years. Jackson also noticed the man's clothing. It was nothing he had ever seen before, though the outfit seemed for someone of royalty, high status, or someone who was really, really old. Then again the man looked like he was in his late thirties. Jackson looked into his eyes and froze. Those eyes looked so familiar. He has seen them before. The man's eyes were yellow with a tinge of silver in them. Jackson studied his eyes a little longer and was surprised that the man knew his name. The voice sounded familiar as well. He knew that voice. It was the voice from his dreams that he had from time to time. While those dreams were always vague and distant, there was one thing he called quite clearly: a flying golden ship, traveling across an open sky. An older-looking couple holding an infant with bright brown eyes. A young man and his wife, laughing, as their daughter looked at the sky in awe. His family...

He knew they were just dreams. A part of his life he knew was so far out of his reach. Yet this man... He couldn't be...

"Kozmotis? Is-is that you?" Jackson asked hesitantly. What happened to Kozmotis? He looked so different now.

Pitch smiled warmly, with tears in his eyes. Without even thinking, overwhelmed with emotions, Pitch pulled his brother into a hug, which Jackson returned.

"Yes, it's me. Thank the moon that you are all right. I have been looking everywhere for you."

Jackson snuggled closer to his older brother. He felt and sounded like Kozmotis, but the outfit and skin tone and the strange, yet cute, miniature black horse baffled him. He wondered what happened. He knew he was pretty young when they got separated. He remembered he was maybe three or four when he and his niece, Emily, fled their home when they were attacked. He couldn't really remember what happened after that. All he knew was that he and Emily had been in their hibernation cradle when they crashed landed on Earth, and somehow got separated. He wasn't sure how long he had been in the cradle, but he had eventually been found by the Overlands when they were traveling through the forest one day. He was grateful for that. Who knew what would have happened to him if they hadn't?

"What happened to you? You look so different." Jackson asked, shifting to gaze at his brother.

"It's a long story," Pitch said as they pulled away. "And I'm not sure if you have enough time, since you have to get your sister ready."

Jackson simply gave him a warm smile as he gestured to a house not far from the small sheep pen house. "Would you like to come in and have breakfast with us, then? We don't have much, but I love it if you joined us." Pitch smiled and nodded, but what he said bothered him. He didn't voice his opinions as he followed his brother. He didn't want to voice just how poor his brother's adoptive family was. He would have to fix that. Maybe he could bring them food and supplies to help them. It was the least he could do for his brother's family after all. He couldn't fathom his brother (as well as his family) eating so little and not making enough to support themselves.

Pitch entered the small wooden home and noticed that Jackson's family didn't have enough. There was a kitchen, a table for meals, chairs in the living room, and a hallway that must have led to the bedrooms. Pitch was led to the kitchen and took a seat at the table.

"Tea?" Jackson asked as he put water into a kettle and took out some herbs from a small wooden container he had on the counter.

"Yes, thank you." Pitch watched his brother as he made tea and placed it over the fire. Pitch placed the small nightmare on the table when Jackson left the room to wake up his sister. Pitch smiled at the nightmare as he stroked its head with his finger. "At least he's safe." The horse neighed in response. "Stay with him and protect him. I do not want those insufferable Guardians to go after him. Who knows what they might do if they find out I have a younger brother?" The nightmare whined in response, clearly not liking that mental picture. "I made you to be his personal nightmare. He is not afraid of you and would be very curious of you." It neighed and tilted its head as Pitch spoke.

Jackson smiled as he went to his and his sister's room. They didn't have much, which was why they share a room, but it worked for them. He smiled at his little sister. They might not be blood-related but they still loved each other. Flee was his little sister. He would do anything to protect her.

He gently shook her shoulder in an attempt to wake her up. Flee groaned as she slowly woke up. "Flee? Wake up."

Flee slowly opened her eyes and looked at him sleepily. She yawned as she sat up. "Jack? What is it?"

Jackson raised an amused eyebrow at her. "Did you forget you have school today?"

She blushed and pouted at his teasing tone. "I didn't forget, much."

Jackson shook his head in amusement. He ruffled her hair affectionately before sitting on the edge of her bed. "Sure, kiddo. Whatever you say," Jackson said teasingly. Flee laughed as she tried to swat his hand away. Jackson laughed, as well, at her attempts to stop him. He pondered on what to say when they calmed down.

Flee noticed something was bothering her brother and spoke before he could sort through his thoughts. "Are you okay?" She asked in concern. "Did something happen while you were herding the sheep this morning?"

"Yeah I'm fine," Jackson answered back. "Do you remember when Mom and Dad told you that I was adopted?"

"Yeah." What's this about? She thought to herself. "You said that they found you while they were traveling and took you to the town's healer to make sure you were alright. Mom said they found you in some kind of strange cradle."

Jackson nodded at that before asking his next question. "Do you remember when I told you that I had vague memories of my family?"

"Yeah. I remember you telling me a little bit about your brother, Kozmotis, and your niece, Emily," Flee said thoughtfully. "Though it's still weird how your niece is older than you." Jackson shrugged at that. It wasn't his fault that he was born after her. "Why you ask?"

"Well," Jackson started with a nervous smile. How would his sister react to his brother being in the kitchen? "He found me while I was herding the sheep."

Her eyes widened in shock. "What? Really? Is he here?"

"Yeah. He's joining us for breakfast." Flee practically jumped out of bed before he finished his sentence. "Where are you going, Flee?"

Flee turned to him, her hand on the doorknob. "To see your brother."

Jackson raised an amused eyebrow at her. "Don't you want to look decent before meeting my brother?" Jack teased as his sister blinked at him and then blushed when she realized she was still in her nightgown.

"Right. Sorry. I'll get ready." Jackson hummed in response as he got up to leave the room, but not before ruffling his sister's hair again. Earning a "JAAACCCKKK!" in response, before closing the door behind him. Jackson snickered to himself as he made his way back to the kitchen.

As Jackson reentered the kitchen he noticed that his brother was stroking the miniature black horse. Now that he thought about it the horse looked like a smaller version of that nightmare horse that came last night. Jackson frowned. Was his brother this 'Master' that the horse was referring to? Was his brother really the Boogieman? And why was he? His brother was a hero and loved his people. Why would he intentionally give nightmares to children? Not that he was complaining or anything. People needed nightmares to keep them from doing something stupid. But still, something wasn't right.

"So," Jackson said as he walked past his brother to start breakfast. "Is there a reason that you're wearing a dress?" Jackson smiled smugly as he was rewarded with an exasperated look from his brother.

"It is not a dress!" Jackson snickered, and surprisingly the small horse whined in agreement, as Pitch glared. "I will have you know this is a very, formal, robe that was very popular way back before you were born."

"Really?" Jackson said sarcastically. "And here I thought it was a dress!" Pitch glared at him and at the horse, as they snickered in agreement.

"Brat!" Pitch growled, non-threateningly. Jackson gave his brother a mock, hurt look.

"You wounded me, Koz! That really hurt! And here I thought we were getting along so well." Pitch rolled his eyes at his younger brother's antics. The horse whined at him and Pitch glared at it once more.

"Traitor," Pitch growled at it as its ears flicked up before leaving Pitch's hand.

Jackson blinked as the horse flew out of his brother's hand and galloped in front of him. Jackson wasn't sure what it wanted, especially with the one he saw last night. He studied it for a moment before putting his hand out. The horse neighed in response as it landed in his palm and looked back at him. Jackson smiled slightly as he slowly began to stroke the horse's mane. He was surprised that the horse felt like sand, yet it was a living thing. Well, that's something you don't see every day.

Pitch smiled as he watched Jackson interact with the small nightmare. He had created the nightmare for him as a present. At least now he will know where his brother was at all times and if he needed help the nightmare would be able to let him know.

"You like it?" Pitch asked, but he already knew the answer.

"It's amazing, Kozmotis." Jackson chuckled as the horse left his hand and flew up to his shoulder to nuzzle his cheek. "I don't know how you did it, but this is probably the cutest thing I have ever seen."

Cute? Pitch thought incredulously. Normally he would have retorted a comment, but held his tongue when he saw his brother admiring the small nightmare. I guess I can live with that. He smiled softly. As long as he is happy, I really can't complain.

"That's good then." Jackson looked at him. "She's all yours."

"What? Are you serious?" Pitch smiled at the shocked look.

"Yes, I made her for you." Jackson smiled softly after getting over his moment of shock. Why was he getting the feeling he doesn't get gifts often?

"Thanks, Koz. I'll take good care of her." Jackson said with a small smile as the small nightmare nuzzled his cheek again.

Oh, Pitch knew his brother would take good care of his nightmare. The two were already bonding. Usually, he would never say or think this, but the sight was very cute. Pitch folded his hands on the table as he watched them. Pitch loved the feeling of being reunited with his brother. It had been decades since he held him, though Jackson should be a lot older than sixteen. He wondered how long he had been in that hibernation cradle.

Pitch tossed that thought away for the moment. It didn't matter now. Jackson was safe and sound. They were together again, despite him having another family. He frowned as he remembered that they were poor, but quickly plastered a neutral smile on his face when Jackson glanced at him for a second before putting the nightmare down to get cups for the tea.

The spirit thanked him as he was handed the steaming cup of tea. He silently watched as his brother gave him a smile before returning to the kitchen to start breakfast. This was going to be an interesting morning, Pitch silently mused to himself. If he didn't know any better, others would have thought that he would be getting soft. Soft? No. Happy? Yes. If the Guardians knew he had this side of him, they would most likely use it against him to win the war.

Pitch frowned at that thought. The Guardians have been a thorn in his side for ages. They managed to temporarily set him back in a very unfortunate defeat, during the Dark Ages, but that didn't mean he lost. No. They haven't won. He will defeat them and make them pay for what they've done. They destroyed those he loved. He would make them pay.

Yes, they will pay, but what if they go after Jackson? Pitch did not like that thought. He would have to make sure he was safe. Jackson was a child and he doubted that the Guardians would willingly hurt a child. However, if they found out that Jackson was Pitch's brother...who knew what would happen? Would the Guardians willingly kidnap Jackson and use him as leverage? There was a slight chance. But that was a chance he was not willing to take. Now how was he going to protect Jackson from them was a different story altogether.

Pitch would have kept that line of thought if it wasn't for the slightly awe, slightly surprised female voice.

"The Boogieman!"

Oh, good grief.

Chapter Text

Of all the people to be at their house, Flee was not expecting the Boogieman. Sure she heard that he ate children and gave them terrible nightmares that can make a grown man cry. Although, he didn't look that scary. She wondered how many of those rumors are actually true.

The Boogieman turned to face her with equal shock on his face. "Umm...hello." God, this was awkward.

"Hello, Flee," Pitch greeted with a smile.

Flee's eyes widen as the Boogieman, Pitch Black, the bearer of nightmares said her name. She never told him her name. How did he know? Did Jack tell him?

"How? How do you know my name? Did Jack tell you?" Flee glanced at her brother as he prepared breakfast. Jack paused mid-stirring to glance back.

"I didn't tell him," Jack replied. Slight confusion in his voice as well.

"It's my job." Flee turned back to the Boogieman. "You see it's my job to give nightmares. In order to do my job correctly I need to know basic information about the child I'm giving the nightmare to."

"Why?" She asked.

"Everyone is afraid of something, my dear," was the Boogieman's thoughtful reply. "Not everyone is afraid of the same thing at the same level."

"Okay, not everyone has the same fear. I get that, but what does this have to do with you knowing our names," she asked as she took a seat at the table.

The Boogieman leaned forward a bit, resting his arms on the table. "Simple really. Let's say a boy lived in an area with a pack of vicious wolves. If I don't know this basic information the nightmare I give him wouldn't be as helpful." He paused for a moment as Jack started putting the food on plates. "If I knew this information, I would give him a nightmare about a scenario of what could happen if he wasn't careful. However, if I didn't know this information and gave him a nightmare unrelated to his situation, it wouldn't really help him, now would it?"

Flee shook her head at this. "No, it wouldn't. It wouldn't help him at all." Pitch nodded and didn't comment on what he was going to say when Jackson came and placed the food on the table, along with a pot of tea and two cups. They all gave thanks and began eating, switching the conversation to something else.

"So," Jackson began as he munched on a piece of bread, "mind telling me the whole new appearance and why you're called Pitch Black in our stories?"

"Or how you lost Jack in the first place?" Flee added.

Pitch groaned into his tea. "That's a long story. I would have to start from the beginning to answer both questions." Jackson and Flee gave each other curious looks before returning their attention back to Pitch. "Back then there was a war between good and evil. We were at war with every evil thing you can imagine, Fearlings, Pirates, Nightmare Men, you name it. At the height of that war, there was a hero who fought them with his army and finally defeated them. I was that hero.

During that time I was called General Kozmotis Pitchiner, hero of the Golden Age."

"Wow," Jackson and Flee said in awe.

"You were still very young at the time, Jackson, when I was assigned to guard their prison. I did it for many years without a problem, until the day they tricked me into opening the gate and setting them free." The children gasped at the same time they finished their food. "They used the voices of you and my daughter, Emily. They made me believe that you two were trapped in there."

Pitch shook his head sadly at how stupid he was. "I should have known that you two weren't in there, that you two were safe at home. But I missed you two so much. I was missing the time to raise the both of you and I guess that made me vulnerable to their lies."

"It's not your fault!" Flee yelled. "You were tricked!" Pitch smiled slightly at her comment.

Jackson frowned slightly. Something was telling him that something bad had happened to his brother. "Koz? What happened after they were released?"

"They attacked me and almost completely consumed my humanity, turning me into what you see today." Jackson paled. "I guess you can say I went mad. The Fearlings that were in control at the time had me do something I am not proud of."

"Like what?" Flee asked as tears filled her eyes.

"I destroyed our home world without a second thought. I destroyed our friend's home planet, the Pookas. I destroyed many galaxies and planets in my madness."

"And me?" Jackson asked.

"I didn't know it at the time, but you, Emily, and a few others managed to escape in hibernation cradles."

"What's that?" Flee asked as she tried to remember the strange cradle that her parents mentioned finding Jack in when they found him.

"These were made back during the civil war, before the Golden Age. We used these cradles to help those who were hurt, severally injured, or when we needed to escape to another planet that was far from us." Pitch paused in thought, thinking of how to word this. "While in the cradle a person is put into suspended animation. A person can not grow, physically, while in the cradle. This helps when someone is injured. It keeps the person alive until we could help them."

"Wow," Flee said, impressed. "That's amazing. We don't have anything like that. All we have is a healer that comes to the house if we are sick or hurt."

"Indeed," Pitch said with a smile. Pitch glanced at his younger brother, who had a thoughtful look on his face. "While I was...going mad, Emily and Jackson's cradles traveled through other galaxies. Emily's cradle crash-landed, after a few days, releasing her from her cradle. She grew up to the age of sixteen, but didn't get along with the man that raised her. After an outburst, she was put on a ship and sent to crash onto another planet.

During this time, I was in control once again and was traveling across the various galaxies, looking for you two. However, I also made many enemies because I now commanded the Fearlings and gave nightmares to children. Many don't understand that nightmares are needed in life. During one of my battles, I was overwhelmed and crashed onto this planet and was put into a temporary sleep, which lasted a few weeks.

I didn't realize at the time that Emily was on this planet too. She made quite a name for herself. You may know her as Mother Nature."

"What?" Jackson exclaimed in shock. "Emily is Mother Nature?" Flee was in equal shock. It's not every day you hear that your brother is related to the Boogieman and Mother Nature all in one day.

"It's true. However, we are not on good terms at the moment."

"Why?" Flee asked.

"I'm at war with Man in Moon's Guardians."

"Who?" Jackson and Flee asked.

"Nicholas St. North, better known as Santa Claus; Toothiana, the Tooth Fairy; E. Aster Bunnymund, the Easter Bunny; and Sanderson Mansnoozie, Sandman."

"Why? Why are you at war with them?" Jackson asked, flabbergasted. "They're good guys! They protect children!" Flee nodded her head in agreement.

Pitch frowned. "Remember when I said I had enemies?" They nodded. "One of my enemies was the Man in Moon. You see when I awoke from my slumber I was cursed to be invisible to those who don't believe in me. I was fading away. However, I learned that I could prevent this by giving others nightmares. When I was strong enough I tried to continue my search for you and Emily. However, there was a problem."

"The Guardians?" Jackson asked with a frown.

"Yes," Pitch said with a sad smile. "Man in Moon called them and made them Guardians. They fought to destroy and stop my fears. Foolish I know, but that's what the war was about. This was during the Dark Ages."

"But," Flee looked at him in confusion. "Wasn't that like a few hundred years ago?"

"Give or take," Pitch replied. "I really don't remember the exact period. All I can tell you is that whatever survivors that managed to survive from our planet were wiped out by the Guardians."

"But that would mean that I should be really old, right?" Jackson asked, worriedly, not really paying attention to the last part his brother said.

"In a sense yes. But you must remember, Jackson, that you were in the hibernation cradle for quite a long time. My guess is that by the time your cradle got into this galaxy a lot of time has passed. You never aged because of the fact that you were still in the cradle," Pitch told him with an amused smirk on his face.

"That makes a lot of sense," Jackson mumbled as he got up to collect the bowls and cups. Flee watched him as he disappeared into the kitchen

"Are you still fighting the Guardians?"

Pitch looked at the young girl with a grave expression. "They still try to destroy me and my nightmares." Flee frowned.

"That doesn't sound very nice." She glanced at her brother. "Will they try to come after us?" She couldn't help it. She had to ask.

"I'm not sure. Maybe," Pitch answered, remembering the thought he had the day prior. "They don't know I have a brother. When they found out Emily Jane was my daughter they tried to get her to fight with them. She remained neutral and refused to against me, nor would she fight with me, especially with their actions that lead to the death of the refugees from our home world that came here.

To this day she is sticking to keeping the balance and staying out of our war. But she did promise me that if I ever needed help she would come to my aid. She even promised to help search for Jackson and protect him."

Flee nodded in slight relief but then panicked when she heard the last part. "You're not going to take him away from us, are you?"

Pitch raised his hands up in surrender, trying to calm the girl. "No, no, nothing like that," he told her. "I made Jackson a miniature nightmare." He pointed to the nightmare on Jackson's shoulder. "She can protect him and get me if you kids need my help." Flee smiled as she calmed down a bit. "I can also send some other nightmares to guard your home, if you like. They can keep an eye on you two and protect you from the Guardians." Flee was thankful. After everything she heard, well she really didn't like the Guardians for what they were doing to Jack's older brother.

"What about you?" Jackson asked, surprising them. "I know you're busy, but we just found each other again." Pitch looked at Jackson's sad face. Not liking the fears he was getting from his brother. Pitch got up from his seat, walked over to Jackson's side of the table and pulled him into a hug.

"I will not disappear, Jackson. It's true that I am at war, but that will not stop me from seeing you. I can come every morning, like today. I can risk an hour or two of my sleep to visit my baby brother."

Flee squealed at the idea that Pitch would visit them every morning. Jackson was happy too about his brother visiting, even with his busy, war plan, schedule. But he could not show it. He had a reputation to uphold, especially since he was just called 'baby brother'.

"I'm not a baby!" He whined.

Pitch, or Kozmotis as Jackson insisted to call him, smirked. "No matter how old you get you will always be my baby brother." Jackson pouted as his brother began to ruffle his hair. Jackson heard his sister giggle at him. Oh, the irony!

Jackson was going to complain — hey, he had the right to be childish!— but a knock on the door, followed by a young voice interrupted his thoughts. With a smirk at the time, Jackson got out of his brother's hold and walked to the door. On the other side of the door was a young boy. The boy had brown eyes and hair, and freckles on his cheeks. He wore a brown tunic, cloak, and black pants. Jackson smiled fondly at the young boy as a huge smile grew on his face.

"HEY JACKSON!"

"Hey, Jamie." Jamie is the son of Mr. Bennett, the founding father of their village. Jamie is a sweet, kind young man and just so happens to have a big crush on his sister. Jackson knew that they would be a cute couple one day. "You're just in time. We just finished breakfast," Jackson told him with a chuckle. He really loved the kid.

"Really?" Jamie asked with a confused look. "You guys are usually not ready yet when I come to walk Flee to school."

Jackson smiled as he leaned against the door frame. "We had a visitor today who was telling us such a wonderful story about love and family," Jackson said with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, not that Jamie noticed.

"Sounds boring," Jamie whined.

"No, it was quite interesting actually. We will have a similar conversation when Valentine's comes around." Jamie blushed quite nicely at the comment.

"I...umm..."

"Hmm?"

"Jack, I'm ready!" Flee's voice rang from inside the house. Jamie let out a sigh of relief, while Jackson looked simply amused. Flee came to them and hugged her brother before moving around him to face Jamie. "Hi, Jamie!"

"Hi, Flee. Ready for school?"

Flee gave him a disgruntled look. "No, but I have no choice in that matter."

"That's right kiddo," Jackson confirmed with a smile. "Just think of it this way. Knowledge is everything that paints you a path for greatness." He gave her a somber look that was filled with longing. "At least your path will be better than mine."

"I wish you can go to school too," Flee said sadly, knowing that by the time the schools were built and established Jackson had to uphold their dead father's responsibilities.

"Don't worry about me kiddo." Jackson raffled his sister's hair, affectionately. "You just go on and learn for the both of us." Flee nodded.

"You can always teach him," Jamie suggested.

"Yeah!" Flee's eyes lit up with excitement. "I can teach you everything I learned in class!"

Jackson grinned at the idea. "Well, you better get going then," he said. "I'm looking forward to my first lesson."

"Okay! Yeah! Bye, Jack! See you later!" Flee grabbed Jamie's hand, who blushed slightly at the touch, and dragged him away from the house and towards the village.

"Bye, Jackson! See you at the theater!" Jamie yelled over his shoulder as he was dragged away by the excited girl.

Jackson smiled softly as he watched the two run down the path, leading to the village. He continued to watch them until they disappear down the small hill. Jackson stayed there, staring at the empty path, for a few more seconds before he decided to go back inside. Sighing, the young Overland boy turned to close the door to head back into the lonely house when he, unfortunately, went headfirst into his brother, who had been standing a few feet behind him. Kozmotis managed to steady him before he managed to ruin his pride by toppling onto the cold floor.

"Jackson, are you alright?" Kozmotis asked, concerned. Jackson nodded.

"Yeah, sorry."

Kozmotis frowned at him. "Jackson, why don't you go to school with your sister." Jackson frowned at him.

"Koz, you need to understand that I don't have the opportunities that Flee has now. The school wasn't built when I was her age. If I wanted to learn I would need a private tutor and we can't afford that." He shrugged. "Besides I have to be the man of the house and take up father's responsibilities."

Pitch frowned. He wanted to say why his father couldn't do his own work. But restrained himself when he heard a whisper of Jackson's fear.

Why did he have to die? It should have been me. I should have been able to kill that bear.

Pitch was stunned by Jackson's fears, but Jackson didn't seem to notice. "I have to take care of the fields and the sheep and the hunting. I have to help provide for my family."

Pitch studied his younger brother. He's growing up so fast, too fast. He pondered on what Jackson said and tried to see his point of view. He didn't like it very much. "Fine, but I don't like it."

"Of course, you don't," Jackson huffed, teasingly. "You're the Boogieman. Work is beneath you." Pitch rolled his eyes. Oh, if only Jackson knew the type of work he does on a daily basis. "Are you going to stay or are you going home, Koz?"

Pitch glanced at his brother, only now realizing that he managed to get out of his hold, closed the door, and was now taking out a bow and a bag full of arrows from the closet. How he managed to do that so quickly, without him knowing, was beyond him. "I should probably get back. Who knows when those Guardians will attack again?"

Jackson frowned unhappily, but understood his brother's position. "Hopefully it won't be anytime soon." Jackson closed the door as he gathered his things for hunting and grabbed his shepherded crock. He turned to his brother, who was watching him silently. "Are you coming back tomorrow?"

Pitch smiled warmly, which is rare for him, at his brother. "Of course." He glanced at the nightmare. "What are you going to call her?" Jackson's eyes farrowed for a moment.

"Night. Her name is Night." Night neighed in approval. "I think she likes it."

"She sure does," Pitch mused. Pitch walked towards a shadow in the living room. "If you need me, go to a shadow and call me."

"I will. Be safe."

"You too." Pitch walked into the shadow, feeling more alive than he had felt in centuries. He had to tell Emily the good news.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

The sound of the children's laughter was heard as Jackson and a few other older kids prepared their 'stage' for the main event. Jackson had begged Pitch for clothing for their storytelling and some props to go with it. Pitch was curious on what they were for, so he willingly gave Jackson the stuff he wanted.

Pitch watched his brother from the shadows as Jackson handed handmade robs to the children and told them what they were going to be doing. The younger children were laughing as they sat on the ground to watch the performance.

The crowd grew silent when Jackson faced his audience of children. "Our story begins in a lost kingdom." Two girls with brown hair walk up to the stage in blue furry dresses, facing the crowd with baskets of flowers. "It was the Princess's coronation. Elle was the oldest of the two and was to be queen. Everyone was happy and excited."

The two girls walked around as he spoke. The performer playing Elle stood tall and proud, smiling as she faced the audience. The two girls walked together for a bit before splitting up. The two performers stopped at the edge of the stage, each one throwing flowers everywhere.

"All except her sister, Linda." The performer placed a scowl on her face and positioned her hands on her hips. "Linda was jealous of her sister. She believed she was more capable of being queen then her sister."

The children gasped and whispered, "Oh no."

"Linda had a plan. She found a book that described of a potion that can make her sister blind."

"She can't rule if she can't see. Mwahahaha!"

Pitch smiled as the children booed at the 'evil' sister. He watched as Jackson continued on with the story. More children came forth playing the roles of the Priest, Knights, the Peasants and Prince Jack, which of course was played by Jackson. Pitch was very amused by their performance as the prince managed to stop Princess Linda and saved the day.

"And they all lived..." Jackson began, pause for effect.

"Happily Ever After!" the children finished with cheers and giggles.

Jackson and the other five older kids smiled and bowed to their audience. "Thank you! Thank you! You've all been a wonderful audience!" Jackson thanked as the parents came to collect their children. "Thank you for watching our play and don't forget we are performing the story of the Dark Ages tomorrow night. Goodnight!"

Pitch blinked as Jackson mentioned the Dark Ages. Why was Jackson going to perform that tomorrow night? He watched the crowd as they dispersed. Jackson was happily talking to the parents that thanked him and the other older kids for babysitting their kids and gave them a few coins for their trouble.

Jackson walked home with a smile on his face. Flee was talking nonstop about the play. He smiled as Kozmotis appeared next to them with one of his horses.

"How you liked the play?"

"It was interesting," his brother replied. "You do this all the time with the village kids?"

"Yup," Jackson and Flee replied.

"The adults always go to the town meetings around that time. Many of them have kids so we babysit them. It was actually my idea to do this performs three years ago."

"Hmm," was Kozmotis response.

"So how's your battles coming?"

"Better," Kozmotis said with a smile. "I managed to defeat the little fairies and their queen. The new nightmares are working like wonders."

"That's great!" Flee squealed. Jackson and Flee still believed in the Guardians, but preferred to help Kozmotis instead. Beside, family comes first.

Jackson nodded while Night neighed in approval. The little nightmare horse had grown a bit since Kozmotis gave it to him two months ago. Night was now slightly bigger then his palm. He wondered just how big his little nightmare will grow. That was an interesting thought.

They walked the rest of the way to their cottage. Jackson glanced at his brother as they all entered the house. "Hi mom!"

Ms. Overland had brown curly hair and light brown eyes. She wore an apron over her dress. "You two are just in time for supper."

"Yeah!" Jackson and Flee yelled as they ran to the table.

Pitch smiled at his younger brother as they ran to the table. He waited for his brother to go into the kitchen to gather some bowls before he announced that he was leaving. Jackson gave him a quick glance in acknowledgement before returning his attention back to his mother. With a smile still on his face, Pitch entered the closest shadow and shadowed back to his lair.

Pitch walked out of the shadow and entered his lair when he felt something. He narrowed his eyes. Something was here. He blended in with the shadows and commanded his nightmares to find the intruder. Hundreds of nightmares ran out of the shadows and started their assault. The sound of hooves and neighs echoed throughout the caverns of his lair. But what made him growl in irritation was the sound of a chirp. Oh of all the...

"Master!" Pitch came out of the shadows as his favorite nightmare, Onyx, appeared with one of Toothiana's fairies. The thing chirped angrily at him.

Pitch glared angrily at it. How it found his lair, he didn't know. But he wasn't going to let it live to tell. "Destroy her."

The screams of the fairy echoed as his nightmares first tore the fairy's wings to prevent it from flying away. After that was done they tore at her feathers and flesh, leaving a bloody mess in it wake. Pitch stared at it emotionlessly as the dead body of the fairy laid in a pool of blood and feathers.

"Onyx, gather some of others and triple the guard of the lair and surrounding village. Make sure no other unwanted guests are found."

"Yes, Master," she replied.

Pitch turned to a second group of nightmares. "The rest of you, gather nightmares. If you see any of the Guardians or their helpers drive them away from the village. Attack them. Destroy them, if you can. Divert their attention to a different village or country. I do not want them anywhere near Burgess."

"Yes, Master," they replied before disappearing into the shadows. Pitch sighed and glared at the dead fairy. He moved his hand and summoned black sand to transform it into a Fearling. When he was done the the blood was gone and all that was left was a black and grey mini tooth fairy.

"Come," he ordered. "We have much to do." It chirped and obeyed as they shadowed away to the study room for much needed planning against the Guardians. They were getting too close, especially with Easter one month way. They had much to do.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

It was a bright and sunny day. The sun was just rising. The wind was blowing softly, caressing the leaves and spreading the scent of the flowers. The clouds parted, promising a rain free day. All the conditions were perfect for a wonderful Easter hunt. All the Burgess children had prepared for this day. Everyone was excited for the chance to try and see the Easter Bunny. Well, almost everyone was happy.

Pitch groaned. He hated that he had to let Bunnymund into the town. He had spotted the damn pooka the moment he exited out of his hole. He sneered as he stayed by the sidelines within the shadows.

The Guardians have been a huge problem. They were getting too close and now they were in the village. Oh, how he loathed that pooka. He hated him so much that he wanted to annihilate his very existence.

Pitch sighed as his nightmare whispered their reports. The Guardian was hiding his eggs. Pitch smirked slightly though. He doubted the pooka had enough time to make so many. By the looks of it, he only had two dozen or so. Pitch frowned. Jackson and Flee would be very disappointed if they can't find enough for the kids. Well, he can't have his own family upset. Jackson deserves better than that.

"Onyx."

"Yes, Master?" she asked as she appeared next to him.

"Gather NightStorm and Phoenix and go and create two baskets of Easter eggs. Make sure there is enough for every kid in the village. I know for a fact that Jackson would give it away if there is not enough for everyone."

"Yes, Master. We will place it in their room when we are done," she paused. Her tail flicked to the right and her head snapped in that direction. "Master, the rabbit is near the Prince's location!"

Oh no.

He was terribly sore from last nights battle. He barely got any sleep and the magic that flowed through the ground and trees weren't helping much. He was curious why a warning barrier was in place. But he didn't put much thought into it. There were kids nearby and he was horribly behind schedule.

Bunnymund gently motioned his Googies to their hiding places in bushes and behind trees with good cover from the grass. He hid behind a tree as he saw a group of children. One of the ankle-biters seemed to be sixteen or seventeen years old. Bunnymund smiled at the older ankle-bitter as he told the younger ones about the egg hunt and what spots they should look. The eight younger ankle-biters were very excited to start their search.

Bunnymund remained in his hiding place as the ankle-biters split up and searched the area. The corner of his mouth twitched into a smile. He really did love moments like this. Human children were so filled with hope and life. It was sad that these weren't his best Googies though.

"Jack look!" Bunnymund heard a young girl yell. Bunnymund decided to look in their direction as he opened a hole in the ground. However, he came up short with a gasp when he saw one of Pitch's nightmares trailing right behind the two ankle-biters.

Bunnymund reached for his boomerang in his holster. He didn't know why Pitch was attacking children during the day or attacking this village in general. But he did know that nightmare had to be destroyed. The ankle-biters were in danger.

Bunnymund glared at the nightmare. The horse shaped nightmare looked young. It was about the size of a baby horse that he seen humans ride on. Pitch must have just made it. Though why he didn't make it a regular size like the others, he wasn't sure. Nor did he care.

Bunnymund moved his arm back. He was ready to throw his boomerang when something strange happened. Bunnymund found himself being swirled around by magic. He grunted as he felt his energy and magic being drained.

Cricky! What is going?

And in that moment Bunnymund found himself surrounded by eight of Pitch's nightmares. Bunnymund was in more trouble than he thought. He didn't see Pitch anywhere, but that didn't stop the nightmares from attacking.

Bunnymund barely had time to dodge as he was attacked. Usually he would be able to take them, but now was not one of those times. Bunnymund grunted as one rammed him further into the woods. Bunnymund tried to defend himself. But with every second he was here, he felt his strength getting weaker and weaker. If he stayed any longer he would have been killed by the sand horses.

Bunnymund managed to avoid one of the horse's attacks and dived into his hole back to the Warren, closing it behind him. Bunnymund hated it, but he had no choice. He had to retreat and return with the others another day.

He frowned at the eggs. He and Flee only managed to find five eggs. You would have thought there would be more. Jackson studied the egg in his hand with a frown.

"The Easter Bunny couldn't have done this," Jamie replied as he studied the two eggs he found. The other kids agreed.

Jackson might have to agree. The eggs looked like they were rushed. The eggs were half finished and smudged in some places. The eggs didn't have a pretty picture of flowers or other pretty spring picture. Jackson knew the Easter Bunny was real. He was a Guardian and one of his brother's enemies, but…

He sighed as the second group came back. There were disappointed looks on their faces. Some of them didn't have any eggs. Jackson looked at his with a frown. How could the Easter Bunny do this? Didn't he care them?

He could tell from their faces that they were doubting the Easter Bunny. He might only have five, but… "Here."

They looked at him with shock. "But, Jackson, that's yours," a young girl with blond hair replied.

"You take it, Lillian, and share it with the others. I don't mind."

"Thank you so much," Lillian and a few others replied.

Jackson nodded. "Why don't we come back and search a different area in two hours. Maybe the Easter Bunny will come back." Some of the kids looked uncertain but agreed anyway. It would be fun to look.

Pitch saw the disappointed looks on the children's faces when they decided to take a break. Jackson plastered a cheerful smile on this face, but he knew Jackson was disappointed too. He was right to gather his own baskets for him.

He waited until Jackson was in hearing distance before he talked to him. "Are you okay?"

Jackson sighed, keeping an eye on the disappointed children. "There weren't that many. They couldn't be from the Easter Bunny. They seemed rushed."

"I'm sure he didn't have enough time," Pitch commented.

"Koz?" Pitch looked at him. He frowned at the troubled look on his features. Night began nuzzling his cheek.

"What's wrong Jackson?"

"I saw him," Jackson smiled softly at his sister as she held his hand. "I heard a noise when we found an egg. When I looked up I saw him with a boomerang."

"He could have hit us," Flee mumbled fearfully.

Pitch stiffened as he held back a curse. Were they scared now? He was afraid of this. "I'm glad your nightmares saved us though, so thank you."

Pitch nodded. As much as he hated the Guardians, he couldn't stand the sadness and fear he was getting from them. He bit his lip as he thought about a way to help them.

"You know he's not really a rabbit."

The two children looked at him. "Huh?"

"He has an Australian accent and is very tall too." He smirked at the children. "He's more of a Kangaroo than a Bunny."

Jackson barked out a laugh. "A kangaroo?"

"That thing doesn't have a pouch though," Flee commented, but did laugh along with her brother and Night.

"But an Easter Kangaroo?" Jackson continued to laugh, not caring who saw.

Ah, much better.

Jackson was dumbfounded. On his bed were two baskets of Easter eggs. Each egg were beautifully decorated with horses and rabbits. Many of them were plain, but they sparked when light touched them. Jackson wasn't sure how, but they did.

"Are those for us?" Flee asked. He nodded. Flee smiled and looked through them. "Looks like we don't need the Easter Kangaroo. There's more than enough for us and the others."

Flee turned to him with a smile. Looks like Easter wasn't so bad after all. Who needs the Easter Bunny when they have family.

"Let's go to the others," he told her as he grabbed one of the baskets. Flee grabbed her basket and ran out of the room. Jackson followed, but stopped near a shadow. He stared at it for a moment before a grateful smile formed on his face.

"I don't know how you did it, but thank you. Thank you for saving Easter for us." Jackson looked at the eggs. "I know you are fighting the Guardians and that many might see you as evil and stuff." He looked back up with tears in his eyes.

"But you're not. You care about me and Flee. You care about my friends and this village. You might hate them, but to me you are a true Guardian. You're my Guardian, Koz."

Jackson turned away from the shadow and began to walk away. "I love you."

Chapter Text

Tears ran down his face as Jackson continued to talk to the shadow. He smiled softly as his nightmares gathered to do their missions.

"I love you too."

Pitch wiped away the tears that gathered on his cheeks. He was glad his brother was happy, but was he really a Guardian? Did he deserve it?

Pitch shook his head and stared at his growing nightmares. He had a certain rabbit to hunt. And attacking the Warren sounded like a good testing ground for his new nightmares.

The beautiful grounds were lush with vegetation and waterfalls. The air was warm and smelled like Spring. Pitch hated Spring. He glared at the stupid eggs that tried to go into the tunnels or scattered around.

"Pathetic," he murmured under his breath as he pick one up. The egg was definitely not one of the pooka's best. He wouldn't be surprised if he lost a few believes on the way. Then again it wouldn't matter anyway. If they lost their believers then they would disappear.

Hmm, that brought a pleasant thought.

"Pitch!" Pitch ducked a boomerang.

"How horrible we are today," he taunted. Bunnymund glared at him. Oh this was going to be fun.

"Wow!" Lillian squealed when she saw all the colorful eggs.

"These look so much better than the one the Easter Bunny left!" Becky chimed in. Becky was a brunette with hazel eyes. She and Lillian were among the youngest of their small group, being eight-years-old.

"Where you find these?" Jamie asked as he sat next to Flee, completing their circle of fifteen.

"Jack's brother delivered it," Flee answered as she helped divide the eggs.

"Brother?" everyone asked in confusion. "I thought you were adopted?"

"I am," Jackson replied with a shrug. "Koz found me about three months ago. He heard about our Easter hunt and decided to make these for us."

"That's nice of him," Ellen said and her sister, Lina, nodded.

"Is he here on business?" Lina asked as she munched on her egg.

Jackson wasn't sure if battling the Guardians and protecting the village counted. But he couldn't say that to them. "Yeah, you could say that."

"What does he do?" Lillian asked, her blue eyes shining in happiness.

"He raises horses." Well, that wasn't a lie per se.

"That's cool," Jamie spoke up. "He's far from home though."

Jackson shrug in response. "So what do you guys want to hear tonight?"

"Let's hear about the Guardians again!" Lillian and Becky suggested.

"I don't know," Caroline, another brunette, replied. Some of the other kids nodded in agreement.

"Why not?" Eli, a boy with black hair, asked.

"Well, we played that story so much. I don't know about you guys, but I'm kind of tired of performing that story."

"It has gotten a little old," Jonas murmured. "It's a cool story and all, but I'm kind of sick of it."

"Beside it's not like they're real," Lina added.

The younger kids frowned, wanting to protest. But after today, they too were having thoughts. "They are real, right Jackson?"

Jackson bit his lip at the eight younger kids. They were all so young. They didn't deserve not to believe in the Guardians, even if they tried to kill him and Flee. "That all depends on what you believe in."

"What you mean?" Lillian asked with confused eyes. Jackson ignored the looks the other older kids were giving him.

"Tell me," he said with a smile. "Do you believe that everything brings new life? Do you believe in the lessons our God did for us?" They nodded. "Do you trust in his miracles and that he was resurrected on this day?" They nodded. "Then yes, I believe. I believe Easter is all about bringing hope to others. Even it he is a six foot Kangaroo with an Australian accent."

"Serious Jackson!" Ellen laughed with the others. Jackson laughed with them. He knew his friends didn't believe anymore and that the majority of them were doubting their belief.

"Though it is a nice perspective to look at," Jamie commented. Flee nodded.

"True," Caroline agreed. "Although I'm surprised that you actually remember that stuff. You usually don't listen to the Priest."

He strug. "I don't, but mom never stops talking about it." Caroline gave him an understanding smile.

"What about the Boogieman?" Eli asked.

"And the Tooth Fairy?" Becky asked.

"She's not real," Lillian told her best friend. "I lost a tooth yesterday and she never came. It was still there when I woke up yesterday."

"Same with me," Eli mumbled.

Jackson frowned. The Tooth Fairy never came? What are these Guardians doing? I know they are fighting against my brother, but are they so hateful that they are forgetting us?

"The Boogieman?" Ellen asked with a raised brow. "Well, he's no Guardian, but I guess I believe in him." She shrug when the kids looked at her. "I mean he gives nightmares to teach us. I doubt those stories about him are true thought. We need nightmares to stay safe and all."

"He's still scary," a blond girl named Amy whispered.

"Don't worry," Jackson said soothingly. "I bet he means well. He just wants to make sure you stay safe in dangerous situations."

"That's right!" Flee added.

Broken eggs littered the grounds of the Warren. Pitch might have won this battle, but he has not won the war.

Bunnymund felt the pain in his chest of all the ankle-biters that were losing their belief in him. It wasn't much, but it still hurt, even if it was a few dozen of them. He sighed as he escaped his home and traveled to North's Workshop.

He hated the cold. He shivered as his hole opened from the snow covered ground of the North Pole. He ran as fast as his tired body could take him. Thankfully the Workshop wasn't that far.

Bunnymund huffed tiredly as he knocked on the door. However, the events of the day finally caught up to him. He held onto the wall as he began to sway. When the door was opened by one of North's yetis, Bunnymund managed a "Hey Mate..." and then everything went black.

"Jackson, were all these clothing and eggs come from?" Jackson shifted from foot to foot as his mother questioned him. What could he possibly tell his mother without sounding crazy?

"You might think I'm crazy if I tell you."

She sighed tiredly. "Jackson Overland, nothing you say will make me think you're crazy. Now tell me where you got this stuff. You certainly didn't get this from the village. We don't even have this stuff here."

Jackson sighed and sat down at the table. "My brother." His mother almost choked on some water that she was drink while she waited for a reply.

"I'm sorry. Did you just say your brother?"

"Yeah." Her eyes grew wide in shock.

"Your birth family? Here? Why didn't you tell me?"

"It's just my brother and his daughter," Jackson replied as he fidgeted in his seat. "And they have been here."

"What? When?"

"Well, that's the thing. You can't exactly see them."

She blinked in confusion. "What? I don't understand."

"My brother was changed. His name is Kozmotis Pitchiner. But today he is called Pitch Black."

"But...isn't that the Boogieman?"

"Yeah and before you start think I'm crazy. I want you to meet someone. Night!"

Night shadowed next to him. His mother looked at him in confusion. "Now you need to believe that there is a baby horse next to me."

"Ooookaaaay," she replied in confusion and uncertainty. His mother looked over his shoulder with a raised eyebrow. "I don't…" she paused and blinked her eyes. She rubbed her eyes when she saw a vague outline of a horse. When Night finally came into view she gasped.

Jackson smiled. "Mom his is Night. Koz made her for me."

"Hello, Master's mother."

"She said hello."

"Wow, I mean...oh my."

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

The winds roared in anger. They dared attempt to harm the child. They will face their wrath. The pooka will face judgment. It is Mother Nature's will. Mother Nature will not rest till the rabbit is slathered. They roared in anger as they created blizzards.

More! North Wind yelled. We will not let them escape!

Chapter Text

Flora was excited to go to Burgess. Sure she's been there plenty of times way before the settlers first came. But this was going to be the first time to see her soon to be brother, even if he doesn't see her. Mother had told them of her plan to appoint her uncle the position of Winter when he gets older. It would be nice to have someone new added to their small family, especially after Old Man Winter's death five centuries.

Flora smiled as East Wind gently carried her through the air. She giggled at Wind's playful manner. She loved spring.

Mother Nature is going to join us, East Wind whispered as they flew over a forest.

"Oh?" Flora look slightly confused. Why would Mother want to join her on her runs? "Mother is more than welcome to join us. Although I have a feeling she has an agenda then coming to join me spread spring."

East wind giggled as she swirled around Flora. The child. The child. She wants to see the child again.

Flora laughed along with her friend. Mother wasn't the only one.

Pitch wasn't that surprised to see his daughter. In fact he had a feeling that she was the reason he hadn't seen the Guardians.

"Morning father," she greeted as she landed on the flower covered ground of the forest.

"Morning," he greeted with a smile. "You just missed your Head of Spring. She just went to tend some flowers and trees that needed blooming."

"Oh, I'll catch up to her soon enough," Emily said in dismissal. "How's Jackson?"

"Okay." Pitch leaned against a tree. "He hasn't had any of those dreams that Sanderson usually sends." He raised his nonexistent brow. "In fact I haven't seen them in over a month now, neither have my Nightmares. You wouldn't happen to visit them by any chance, have you?"

Emily flushed slightly. She began laughing, twirling her hair around her finger in a nervous matter. "I may have threaten them and allowed the Winds to create five magical blizzards around the workshop."

Pitch smirked at his daughter. She was just as bad as him. "I'm assuming you left one of your enchanted flowers to neutralize all magic."

"Of course," she said as she walked on one of the paths that would take them to the cottage. "It's in the Globe Room. The only way they will be able to get out is if they find it. But that could be a very months."

Pitch shook his head in amusement. That explained why some lights went out. Although Toothiana and Sanderson are the ones that are in trouble since they work everyday. The Guardians must be regretting their actions now. Oh Pitch was loving this.

Pitch walked next to his daughter as they exited the forest. Emily gave him a confused frown when he walked passed the cottage.

"Father where are you going?"

Pitch stopped walking and turned slightly to her. "The children are not at home. They are just over the hill," he said as he gestured to the hill that was slightly covered by the forest.

"Why would they be over there?" she asked in bewilderment.

"Apparently it's Mothering Day," Pitch said as they resumed walking.

"Oh, yes. I vaguely remember that holiday. That's today?" Emily asked. Was Mothering Day really today? Was she really that distracted to forget the day dedicated to her and mothers?

"Yes, that's day." Pitch wasn't surprised that his daughter forgot. She usually doesn't pay attention to holidays, especially when she's busy with keeping the balance.

The two walked in silence as they made their way through the forest. At the end of the clearing and just over the hill was a small Indian Tribe. Pitch had wondered how Jackson managed to befriend the Indians, especially since the settlers don't seem that accepting of them.

Pitch glanced at his daughter and noticed the slightly confused look on her features. Pitch shrugged when she gave him a questioning look. He wasn't sure either. They continued walking in silence as they made their way to the small tribe. As the entered they were surprised (more Emily then Pitch) when they were greeted by both adults and indian children.

The Indians all bowed their heads in respect as they passed by. They stopped when they came face to face with the chief of the tribe. "Ah, Nightmare King, Great Mother, welcome to our humble tribe." Chief was just as tall as Pitch. He had brown eyes, rich black hair, and tan skin. He wore pants made of brown animal fur and skin, and brown shoes. On his chest, arms, and face were various paint markings.

"Thank you, Chief. Thank you for having us."

"It is always a pleasure," Chief said. "Anything for old wise spirits."

Pitch smiled in turn with a nod. "Chief I'm looking for my younger brother, Jackson Overland. Is he here?"

Chief nodded with a smile. "Yes, he is near river with daugher, Ali."

Pitch nodded and bowed slightly. "Thank you, again, Chief."

The chief bowed. "I must be going. We have feast to prepare for. I hope you will attend."

"We'll love to," Pitch told him.

"Yes, thank you," Emily replied. Chief nodded and then walked off. Pitch directed his daugher further into the tribe and in the direction of the river. They walked in silence as they were greeted several times by the Indians. When they reached the end of the tribe Emily finally spoke. "How are they able to see us?"

Pitch continued to walk as he answered, "Indians, unlike the settlers, believe in all spirits."

Emily hummed in response as they made the short distance to the river. The sound of laughter was the first thing they heard before Jackson, Flee, Ali, and Night came into view. Emily smiled as she saw the three children making crowns out of the flowers that they were surround in. Pitch stopped behind Jackson and looked at the numerous carnations, daisies, and marigolds that Jackson was weaving into a crown.

"What are you doing, Jackson?"

Jackson jumped slightly at Pitch's voice. "Koz!" Jackson greeted cheerfully after he quickly collected himself. Flee tried to stifle a laugh. "What you doing here? I thought you'll be sleeping or making nightmares."

"I have a day off," Pitch told him as he sat next to him, Emily did the same to Flee.

"Hello, Nightmare King, Great Mother. I'm Ali. It's very nice to see you again." Ali greeted as the wind gently blew her long black hair

"It's very nice to see you again too, Ali. What are you three doing?" Pitch asked.

"We are making crowns for mothers," the tan Indian Girl replied.

"It's Mothering Day today and we thought we would make some for mom," Flee told them.

"Want to help?" Jackson asked Pitch. "I'll be fuuuunnnn."

"Why not?" Emily replied as Ali handed her some flowers.

"No thanks. I'll just watch," Pitch answered and got a pout from Jackson in return.

"You have no sense of fun."

Pitch huffed. "I do to have a sense a fun. My apologizes if I don't find making flower crowns fun." Pitch snapped his mouth shut when he realized the dangerous, venomous tone that laced his words. He opened his mouth again to apologize, but the damage was already done.

A flash of hurt appeared in Jackson's eyes before it was quickly replaced with a cold glare. Pitch felt his shoulders slump as Jackson return his attention back to his work. Pitch mumbled under his breath as he sulked. He couldn't believe he said that to his younger brother. All his brother wanted to do was make flower crowns with him.

He was the Nightmare King. The Nightmare King does not make flower crowns. However, Kozmotis Pitchiner wouldn't have snapped like that. Wouldn't have have spoke in a tone as if Jackson was the enemy. He would have sat through it and made crowns with him. Like he used to do when Emily was a little girl.

He wanted to hit himself. He was a stupid moron. Now Jackson was mad at him. He looked at the girls and noticed the disappointed looks they were shooting at him. Emily raised a brow at him. She tilted her head towards Jackson and then mouthed the word 'apologize'. He sighed.

He shifted his gaze back to his brother and cleared his throat. "Jackson?" He ignored him. Okay. He may have deserved that.

He placed his hand on his brother's shoulder. "Jackson," he tried again. He sighed again when he got no response. He mentally crushed down his pride. Damn him if he was going to let his pride get in the way of fixing what he had damaged. "Jackson, I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Okay he got a reply this time. But Pitch wasn't sure if he liked the neutral, non-cheerful tone in his brother's voice. It wasn't like him. Jackson was a hyper, cheerful, mischievous child. He would not accept anything else.

Pitch mentally kicked himself. "No it's not. I was just a little irritated today and I took out my frustration on you." He sighed when Jackson looked at him, hesitantly. "You didn't deserve that. I'm sorry."

Jackson frowned at him. "You didn't have to snap at me, you know?"

"Yes, I know. I couldn't stop it. I'm sorry I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." Pitch smiled slightly. "Can you forgive me?"

Jackson smiled slowly at him. The hurt in his eyes were gone now and was replaced with relief. "Yeah, I forgive you." Jackson paused and lifted up the unfinished crown. "Do you want to help?" Pitch stared at the crown. He honestly didn't want to. He was the Nightmare King. Those flowers do not go well with his reputation. "You don't have to if you don't want to." Jackson's face fell in disappointment when Pitch didn't answer right away. "I mean...I just thought…"

Pitch crushed down his pride again and locked it away. He will not make Jackson sad. He will not! Pitch reached out his hands in front of him. "Hand it over."

"Wha?" Jackson blinked at him for a moment in confusion before his whole face lit up. Jackson excitedly placed the unfinished crown in Pitch's offered hands. Pitch smiled as he began weaving his own design into the crown. Jackson, meanwhile, was happily talking a mile a minute on how his mother will love her gifts. And then he started plotting how to get his mother here for the feast, without her knowing of course.

Pitch shook his head as he worked. Jackson will never learn. I hope he never changes, Pitch thought with a smile. Jackson please stay the way you are. You deserve to be happy and carefree. 

While Pitch was distracted with his own musing he didn't see the look Jackson and Night shared. He didn't see the amused looks on the girl's face. And he also didn't see Jackson getting on his now fully grown horse and dramatically placing a fully finished marigold and sunflower crown on his head.

"All hail the Nightmare King!" Jackson announced as he and Night laughed. Pitch growled as he dropped the crown he was working on and tuned to face his brother, his robe dramatically spun around with him as he did so.

Jackson waved at him with a look of mischief in his brown orbs. "You are dead, little brother."

"Come and get me!" Jackson said around several giggles as Night galloped away. Pitch shadowed right behind them, completely ignoring the laughters behind him.

Chapter Text

Jackson loved many things.

Jackson loved his mother and sister. Flee was fun, smart, and the best thing in his life. Yes, he knew they weren't not blood related, but Flee is and always will be his little sister. He will admit that he have a protective streak for her. And he is also proud to be the one to hook her up Jamie. Best day ever, if you ask him. Jackson also loved his mother. He was grateful that he was found by the Overlands. His mother was the best mom in the world.

Jackson loved the Burgess kids. He loved telling them stories and watching over them. What can he say? He loved kids. Maybe he'll have kids someday, if he finds the right girl.

Jackson loved Night. She was like his best friend. She was amazing, cool, and loyal. She even helped him with his pranks. Night was the best! Now if only he can figure out how to give her snowflakes on her side.

Jackson loved his Brother. Even if Kozmotis spends hours with his nightmares to plan against the Guardians, he still loved him. Kozmotis makes him feel safe. Kozmotis cares for him and his sister. Jackson loved having Kozmotis back in his life! Being reunited was the best thing that happened to him. Okay, that may be tied with the birth of his sister though. But that doesn't matter. Kozmotis was in his life again! He loved the eggs that Kozmotis got for him. In all honesty, Kozmotis was a better guardian than the Guardians.

Jackson loved winter. Winter was the best season ever and no one will tell him other wise. Jackson loved the beautiful snow from winter. He loved making snowballs, and snow angels, and making snow forts for snowball fights. Yeah, snowball fights were the best.

Jackson hated many things as well.

Jackson hated bullies. He hated when they hurt the younger kids. He hated that they take great joy in making others miserable. He especially hated it when they pick on his sister. That was a very bad day for them. But he will never tell Kozmotis about it. Who knows what he might do?

Jackson hated bears. Ever since he lost his father to one Jackson couldn't go near one. Jackson could still hear the screams and pain filled gasps from his father as he died. He could still smell the blood whenever he goes to that spot in the forest. He hated bears so much that he refused to hunt them when the adults do. He rather hunt rabbits instead.

Jackson hated boredom. He was an active teenager. He hated to not be doing something. That usually lead to him making plans for pranks. The pranks were always fun. Jackson loved having fun.

Now Jackson had one more things to add to his lists of things he hated with a passion: summer. Jackson hated summer. Jackson does not like the heat. He does not like the lack of snow. Sure, Spring is cool. That's when Easter is. However, Jackson can not, will not, tolerate summer. Jackson can't stand summer.

Jackson sighed for the umpteenth time that day. Jackson stared at the ceiling of the living room. It was sooo hot. Why? Why did it have to be so hot? He hated summer.

He sighed, again. He really hates summer.

"Jackson if you are going to sulk all day then do that in your room," his mother told him form the kitchen. He groaned as he got up and marched back to his room. It was hot in here too! He groaned when he saw Night and Flee napping on the bed. Night lifted her head and looked at him when he entered.

"Your mother sent you to your room, Master?"

Jackson groaned. "Apparently I was sighing too much." Jackson flopped himself on the floor. It would have been too hot to go to bed now.

Jackson stared at the ceiling before the sound of hooves were heard. It wasn't to long before Night was in his vision. He blinked at her and stared into her golden eyes.

"We could always go to Creator's lair. It is always cool there."

Jackson blinked for a moment before a huge smile appeared in his face. Jackson sat up and jumped to his feet, completely ignoring the heat. "Cool! Let's go! Flee wake up!"

Flee lifted her head and looked at him sleepily. She yawned, her hair still tousled from sleep. "What is it? Is it dinner already?"

Jackson smirked. "It's still noon and no it's not dinner yet."

"Then why did you wake me?"

"I thought you might want to visit Koz and all his nightmare glory!"

Flee perked up at this. "It would be fun to see the Flower King."

Night and Jackson snickered. Pitch was a bit annoyed after what happened on Mothering Day and Jackson may had gotten tickled in the end, but it was soooo worth it. What kind of younger brother would he be if he didn't make sure the whole 'I am the Boogieman! Fear me!" didn't go straight to his head?

Pitch was busy with his nightmares when two non-nightmares entered his domain. He grumbled under his breath in annoyance. It couldn't be the Guardians. They aren't that quiet, especially with North and his swords. Pitch stopped what he was doing and send out his Nightmares to capture the intruders.

Whoever these intruders were, they were in for a rude awakening. Pitch stepped into the shadows and followed his nightmares. He was shocked when the neighing stopped at the throne room.

What are they doing? Pitch wondered to himself as he entered the throne room and exited the shadows. He blinked. Petting two of his nightmares were Jackson and Flee. What were they doing here?

"Hey Koz!" Jackson's cheerful voice yelled from the dozen of nightmares that surrounded him.

"What are you doing here?" Pitch asked, still baffled that they were here. Actually he was surprised that any child was in his lair.

"I was bored and it was sooo hot up there," Jackson whined.

"So we decide to visit," Flee added in excitement.

Pitch turned to Night with a questioning stare. "Was this your idea?" Night flicked her tail.

"I thought it was a good idea. Master and Flee were inside all day. I figured it was better than them annoying their mother."

Pitch sighed as he watched his nightmares return to their jobs. Pitch was left alone with his brother, Flee, and Night.

"So," Jackson said as he eyed the place. "This is where you live?"

"Yes," Pitch said as he turned towards the door way. "Are you to hungry? I have some pie in the fridge."

"Pie?" Flee asked with wide eyes.

"Sure, we haven't had that in a while."

Pitch didn't comment. He gestured the two children to his dining room. He watched them as they looked at every detail of his home. He never seen such wonder in their eyes before. He smiled. It was so nice to have children in his life again.

When they got to the kitchen Jackson and Flee stared at the huge round marble table.

"Wow!" Pitch smiled as they took a seat at the table. The table was white marble mixed with black. Pitch had personally added flakes of gold to the edges to make it stand out.

"Like?"

"It's amazing, Koz. I've never seen a table like this before." Pitch wasn't surprised. The villagers weren't really that rich to afford something like this. That was kind of sad now that he thought about it.

"I'll be right back with the snacks," he told them and then shadowed away. He was gone for only a few minutes before he came back with three plates of pie and three glasses of milk.

The children happily ate them. Pitch wondered if they ever had five berry pie before. Probably not.

"So? How is it?" he asked as he ate a spoonful of the sweet pie.

"Good!" Jackson said with a smile. Flee nodded in agreement.

"Glad you like it. I'll pack a few slices for your mother then when you two go home." The two children's eyes lit up at the mention of bringing more home.

They all ate in silence. It wasn't uncomfortable or tense silence. The silence was peaceful and positive and wonderful for the two human children and the Nightmare King.

Pitch watched the children when he finished. The two were so happy. Pitch was glad for that. He hoped it stayed that way.

"So is this your library?" Jackson asked as they stopped at a room with many, many bookcases of books and other old stuff. There were even a sofa and fireplace.

"I call it a study, but yes this is my library."

Jackson and Flee stared at all the books. There were so many! They never seen so many before. Noted they only have two books each. But to have this many?

"Go on," Kozmotis said. "Go take a look."

Jackson and Flee rushed in as Kozmotis leaned against the door frame. Jackson looked at a lot of books. There were books on fairies, yetis, the Easter Bunny, Santa, Old Man Winter, the leprechaun, and many others.

Jack was curious as he picked up the yeti book. This look cool to read. Then he remembered he probably wouldn't be able to. He's reading isn't all that great. He frowned and only vaguely notice his brother moving in his direction.

"Ah, the yetis. That's a good story."

Jackson jumped. "Y-yeah. It looks cool."

Jackson turned towards his brother and noticed a small frown. He tilted his head a bit. He wondered what Kozmotis was thinking about.

"How's your reading?"

Jackson laughed nervously. He should have known that his brother would pick up his worries. "Not great," he managed weakly.

"Want me to teach you?" Jackson blinked in shock.

"Really?" Kozmotis gently took the book from his hands and gestured him to the old looking sofa near the fireplace. Flee was already on the sofa reading some princess fairy tale. She didn't look up when Kozmotis took a seat in the middle and Jackson took the seat next to him.

Kozmotis opened the book to the first page. Jackson snorted at the picture of a yeti. It didn't look that scary. Kozmotis read the first few lines and then had him repeat. Sadly, Jackson was more than a little frustrated when he struggled with the words. He had tried sounding it out and putting it together. It was frustrating and embarrassing. Flee didn't seem to have trouble with this. She made it so easy.

He glared at the evil page of words. He can't do this. It's too hard. Kozmotis was patient though and read the lines again and then he had to repeat. This lasted for a few hours or so. After what felt like forever Jackson was able to read five sentences without trouble. This continued for another few hours until his eyes felt heavy.

Jackson leaned against his brother's shoulder and listened to the story. He smiled as he closed his eyes, thinking about how cool it was to meet a yeti.

Pitch was proud of his brother for reading this far. His daughter would be proud. Pitch flipped the page to begin reading again. He read a few lines about some yetis that helped fight with a bandit.

"Now you try, Jackson." He paused for Jackson to read, but there was nothing but silence. He frowned and shifted his eyes away from the book and looked at his brother.

"Jackson did you—" Pitch paused when he noticed that Jackson had fallen asleep. He glanced at Flee and noticed that she was in the same state. He smiled softly at the sleeping children. He closed the book and shadowed it back to the bookshelf.

Pitch gently shifted jackson into his arms. He stood up and shadowed to one of the bedrooms he had prepared for this brother.

The room was a pale blue. The room had a bed, a small desk, and a lamp from his home world. Pitch had also had a few items that was Jackson's before they got separated on the desk. Pitch placed Jackson on the bed and tucked him in. Pitch watched with a fond smile as Jackson sighed into the white covers.

"Sleep tight, Jackson." Pitch gently kissed his forehead before shadowing back to the study to take Flee to her own room. Once both children were fast asleep in their rooms Pitch reflected on his life. He was happy. Truly happy. And he hoped it stayed that way.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Jackson was born for this day. It was the best day in the world. Well, Christmas was awesome and Easter is great! But nothing beats Hallows' Eve. Jackson should have been born on this day. It was practically a day dedicated to pranksters, or at least that's what them kids believed. The adults on the other hand are a different matter altogether.

Jackson smiked as he conversed his plan to Night. Night's ears flicked to the side as she listened to his ultimate plan.

"So we are going to prank those awful boys, Master?" Night asked cheerfully. Jackson nodded with a mischievous smile. Oh, he knew that Night disliked those boys. They kept picking on Flee. And what Jackson didn't like, she didn't like.

"Yes, we'll make them regret for hurting my sister's feelings."

Night stomped her hooves in glee. "I think some of my brothers would be able to help. We all have become attached to you."

Jackson's grin widen. "Perfect! Let's go gather the troops!"

Pitch had been amused by all the preparation at the village. There was so much collected fear in the air that it was intoxicating, but in a good way. He watched as the adults prepared for the harvest. Pumpkins were picked and cooked and prepared for the winter season.

Many of the adults fussed over the vegetables and preparing for the harvest and feast. Pitch rolled his eyes at how pathetic the adults looked and decided to watch the children instead. He studied the children as they talk about the feast and about the scary stories. Many of the stories were about him and other dead spirits.

Pitch stared at them as they talk more about the bonfire stories and what stories Jackson might tell. Pitch wondered himself. Jackson had been rather secretive lately. He worried that Jackson might not trust him anymore. He shook his head at that.

That wasn't likely. Jackson loved him to no end. He welcomed him in and talked to him non-stop. Sometimes Pitch forgot what it was like to have other people who liked him around. And then there was Flee. Jackson and Flee might be the only ones who see him that aren't afraid.

Hmm? That was an interesting thought.

Pitch shifted his eyes to the sky when he felt the shift of the shadows growing. The sun's going down. He smirked. Time to get to work.

The kids huddled together as Jackson told a scary story about the Boogieman. The fire flickered and grew as the wind blew. The glow of the fire created shadows, monstrous shadows. The shadows danced and formed into pictures. None of the kids noticed the shadows taking the form of horses. The horses moved around, moving different belongings, moving the branches, puffing air on their victims' neck. It was an amusing sight.

Pitch rolled his eyes in amusement. He watched as Jackson told them that ridiculous story about him. Oh, the Boogieman is the monster under your bed. Oh, the Boogieman gives you fears. Oh, the Boogieman will turn you into his Nightmare Prince if you do not behave like the good boys and girls that they are.

Seriously, kids would believe anything these days. 

Pitch smirked as he hid in the shadows. He appeared and reappeared behind kids. He whispered words into their ear. He tapped their shoulders when their belief in him was there for only a second. He smirked as the children jumped in fright. The children laughed, not realizing or seeing the Boogieman behind them.

Jackson continued his tale, much to Pitch's annoyance. His brother can be quite the storyteller. Though he wondered why Jackson kept glance at Night who was…

Wait a minute. Why was Night, Phoenix, and Mystic floating above three older boys? Pitch blinked for a minute as he studied the boys. He frowned as he shadowed closer to them. When the boys' voices reached his ears he realized who they were.

"Of course." Pitch shook his head. "I should have known. Jackson will never learn to leave them be." Pitch looked at his Nightmares, realizing that they were equipped with feathers, sand, and possibly maple sap. Pitch's mouth gaped open when it dawned on him that Jackson somehow managed to get them to help him. How he managed to do that, without him knowing no less, was beyond him.

When Jackson got to the point of his story about the Boogieman - Moon help him - giving terrible nightmares to a few very bad boys, Jackson's three partners in crime released they load. The simultaneous screams were heard when the boys were first covered in sticky maple sap, followed by the sand and feathers. By the end of it, the boys looked like a mixture of the sandman and a chicken.

"And that is what happens when you anger the Boogieman!" Jackson yelled over the laughing children.

The three boys glared daggers at Jackson as they yelled, "You are dead Overland!" And then they gave chase. The chase gave Pitch an exhausting sense of deja vu. He couldn't remember the last time when Jackson is not pranking those boys, followed by them not chasing him.

Jackson laughed as he ran. Unfortunately for the boys, much like last time when Wind assisted the boy, Night and her sisters tripped, neighed, and flew around the boys as they chased Jackson. The three boys were spooked by this and really thought they were being attacked by the Boogieman. The three boys stopped chasing Jackson and ran the other way.

Pitch, the other children, and the adults laughed. Oh, Jackson truly was the ultimate prankster.

The late night was still cool when Pitch and the Overlands arrived home. Pitch tucked in both Flee and Jackson. He smiled as the two tried to stay awake. Tried being the key word. Pitch rolled his eyes as they fought sleep, but they both passed out after they hit the pillow.

Pitch frowned when he noticed no dreams above their heads. Sanderson must still be trapped at the North Pole. Pitch raised his nonexistent eyebrow and walked to the window. The moon brightened as it beamed at him.

"Your Guardians are slacking, old friend," he mocked. "If you think you can destroy fear then you have another thing coming. Fear cannot be destroyed, but your Guardians are another thing altogether." The moon dimmed slightly before brightening brightly again. "Your ignorance and naivety is what going to be yours and the Guardians' downfall."

Pitch stepped away from the window and closed the curtain. He smirked at that before glancing at the children again. He smiled at them before making his leave. He had a feeling that MiM was up to his tricks again. He had to prepare for their arrival.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Susanna had thought she would spend another painful Thanksgiving without her husband. It was a tradition they did since his death. Every Thanksgiving they would mourn in silence, they would then mourn together before and after dinner, and then mourn again alone in their respective rooms. They had done this every year, every year since he was deemed a hero for sacrificing his life for his son and fellow villagers.

This year, however, would be the first time in three years that they would celebrate Thanksgiving with new family members. Susanna never thought she would personally spend her Thanksgiving at Mother Nature's castle. She never thought Mother Nature was actually a living person, until now.

She never thought she would meet Mother Nature in person. Noted, she never thought she meet Pitch Black. And she never dreamed that her baby boy would be related to these supposed myths. It was amazing how many times she could be surprised and proven wrong.

And she had once thought that the Boogieman wasn't real. She cringed at the thought. She was glad that Pitch was such a kind and forgiving person, despite the cold, fearful persona he exhibited to the world.

Susanna tightened her grip around Pitch's waist as the Nightmare, Onyx, galloped through the cool night sky. Susanna glanced at her excited children as they rode on Night. Clearly they were more relax then she was. Susanna sighed and rested her head on the square of Pitch's back. She closed her eyes and allowed the black horse to take them to their destination.

She silently listened to the wind blowing by as it blew her hair. She silently listened to the surprised gasps of her children and the occasional giggles from them. She smiled as Pitch laughed at her children's excitement. His laugh was so deep, but it held such an old warmth that it reminded her of her grandparents. It made her feel safe and protected.

"Mom! Look!" Susanna opened her eyes and looked at her children. Flee pointed in front of them and her breath caught. The moon was so big and bright in the sky as it reflected over the crystal blue sea. The sea seemed to sparkle in the moon's rays. The sight was breathtaking, but not as beautiful as the dancing dolphins.

"Wow," Susanna breathed. She never seen dolphins before.

"Would you like a closer look?" Pitch's deep voice reached her ears, making her look at him. Soft golden-silver eyes was looking at her in question. Susanna smiled gently and nodded to the man in front of her. Pitch smiled as he told Onyx to get them closer to the grey dolphins. Night and her passengers were giggling as they followed suit.

"They're beautiful," Susanna whispered as they got closer to one of the three dolphins that jumped out of the water.

"Much like you." Susanna blinked and looked at Pitch, who was just as shocked by his own words.

"I...um...let's hurry to my daughter's castle. We are almost there."

Susanna blinked as Pitch returned his attention to the two black horses as they made their way to their host's home. Susanna and Pitch were silent as the horses traveled through the darkness of the cold November sky. Susanna rested her head on Pitch's back again. She smiled gently as she thought about the words that the man in front of her spoken unexpectedly.

"Thank you," she finally said. "It means a lot coming from you."

"Wow! This is so cool!" Flee's voice was heard over the winds as they approached a large island that was stranded in the middle of the ocean. Jackson eyed the island in interest as they passed the barrier and come upon a huge castle. The castle seemed to made of some type of clear metal that sparkled and glimmered in the moonlight, which of course was surround and seemed to merge with a huge tree. Jackson never seen anything like it before.

He awed at the sight as they flew above the forest of lush greens. Flee held on to him tightly as they passed by a white bear in a snowy region of the island. It was amazing, despite how frightening seeing the bear gave him.

The island seemed to be divided into four regions with the castle connecting them right in the middle. Behind the castle was a snowy region filled with beautiful, fluffy white powdery snow, hills, and snow covered trees. The region next to it had trees that were a mixture of browns, reds, oranges and yellows. Colorful leaves decorated the light yellow and green ground. In front of the castle there was a region full of lush greens. Tall trees grew high and tall, at the peak of its prime. Different types of flowers decorated the trees and ground. Many of the flowers and plant were something Jackson never seen before. The region next to it was a mixture of bright sand and tall skinny trees with big leaves on them. Jackson also saw strange green plants of different sizes and shapes with thorns on them.

Spring, Winter, Summer, and Fall. Amazing.

Night and Onyx made their way to one of the large open windows. As they entered Jackson felt the hairs on his arm stick up as they seemed to pass through a secondary barrier. When they landed Jackson was captivated by the inside of the castle. The castle was just as huge on the inside as it was on the outside. The walls were decorated with symbols of snowflakes, flowers, suns, and leaves. Light sparkled beautifully as the moonlight reflected on it, making the details of the patterns stand out beautifully.

"This way," Kozmotis said after he helped their mother get down. Jackson did the same with Flee and followed his brother as he strolled down in a very dramatic fashion.

Of course he wants to make an entrance. Why am I not surprised?

"So, how many shadows will he use this time?" Flee whispered as they watched Kozmotis gather his shadows, making the hall look darker.

"I'm guessing a few hundred," Jackson whispered to his sister.

"Maybe two," she giggled back.

"What are you two giggling about?"

Jackson and Flee stopped their side conversation and not so silent giggles and looked at their mother. "Nothing!" Their mother raised a brow at them as they smiled innocently.

It was still amazing how pretty she looked in her new gown. Kozmotis had made each of them a special outfit for the dinner. Their mother was given a pretty blue silk dress. Jewels decorated the cuffs and waist of the dress. Flee was given a pretty knee length dress. Her dress was orange and had a black belt around her waist. Her hair for once was tied back into a bun. Jackson, much to his own surprise, was given a fancy white shirt, a golden vest with the same markings that he saw at Kozmotis's home, and dark blue pants. Kozmotis of course was wearing a black robe, but this one was in layers and had gold sewn into it.

Jackson felt a little odd wearing these clothes, as soft as they were. Clothing like this were something they couldn't afford. This was something a king or queen or even the rich villagers would wear. I'm not surprised though. Koz is the Nightmare King. Jackson stopped in his musing as something came to him. If Koz is the Nightmare King, what does that make us?

Jackson would have mused on that a little longer, but it seemed he didn't need to. His little sister seemed to be thinking the same thing. Great minds do think alike.

"Mom?"

"What is it, sweetie?" their mother asked as she glanced behind her.

"If Kozmotis is the Nightmare King, does this make you his Nightmare Queen?" Flee asked innocently.

Jackson tried to hold in his laughter as both adults stopped dead in their tracks. Both spun on their heels to stare at them with twin looks of shock on their faces. Jackson found it next to impossible to not laugh as he saw twin blushes on their cheeks.

Jackson was dying of laughter by the time they both shrieked in denial. Ah, denal was a beautiful thing. And so was making both of the adults blushing like crazy, he wished had a camera to capture that moment. It was priceless!

Emily smiled as she waited for her guests to arrive. It had been so long since she felt this excited to have her little Thanksgiving dinner. For the first time in centuries her uncle was coming with his mother and sister. She smiled fondly at the thought of her uncle.

It would be as if none of us have been separated in the first place. Even father seems more happier and caring. I'm so glad.

Emily gazed at the preparations of her huge dining room. The room had several large windows for her sprites and fellow spirits. On the windows she had beautiful gold, light blue, fiery red, emerald green, and orange drapes. She had made the drapes herself, except for the one that she had managed to save from her mother's personal collection. Emily's shifted to the large golden table. The table sparkled with gold and various jewels that her husband managed to find for her. Where he go it? She didn't ask, nor did she want to know. On the table several of her fall, summer, and spring sprites were finishing up decorating the table.

The little sprites were different to the ones that help her children with their seasonal duties. These sprites were about the size of a six year old child. However, they were nowhere near a child. These sprites as well as many others were made of pure magic and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

She smiled at her little helpers as they finish placing the plates, cups, and napkins. Spirits usually don't eat but Emily enjoy the exquisite foods her children make from time to time over the past several decades.

"All done Mother Nature," one of the sprites told her as they curtsied and flew out of the windows to complete their other duties for the night. Emily smiled as they left, looking at her sprites handy work before her husband arrived through the doors.

The golden doors swung open revealing a tall, well-built, older gentleman. The man had a long white beard that could put Nicholas to shame and the brightest blue eyes that Emily had even seen. He was not fat like the cookie loving Guardian, no her husband was more muscular and had more class. He was ancient, like herself, and was very wise. He wore a blue and golden robe, thankfully his hoodie was down, and in his hand was a blue scepter with a hourglass within its orb on the top. She was glad he took her request to not bring his scythe. She had children coming for pete's sake.

"Mother Nature, it's been too long," he said as he walked over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Oh Father Time," Emily said with a bright smile. "It's so wonderful to see you. How long has it been? 3...5 years?"

Blue eyes sparkled with love as he laughed. It sounded like those wonderful church bells that the winds travel back to her from time to time. "Indeed, my lovely wife," he murmured as he lifted up her hand to kiss it.

Emily cheeks warmed slightly. Father Time was always such a sweetheart. Now if only she could get her father to like him.

The shadows grew and then faded with his raging emotions. Despite it being Thanksgiving, and he wasn't saying he wasn't happy to have his baby brother or a new family, Pitch was finding it next to impossible to not give the two insufferable children nightmares for three weeks. But of course he would never do that. Jackson was family, his baby brother, who just happened to get on his last nerve. In other words, his patience was getting very, very low.

Pitch glared onward as the two brats laughed behind his back as they walked down the long hallway. Susanna was walking next to him, looking amused at her children antics and by his current mood.

"Don't take it personally," she had told. "They are just children."

Insufferable brats. Pitch continued to stomp down the hallway as Jackson began singing.

"Koz and mama sitting on a Nightmare!"

"K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" Flee sang after a fit of giggles.

"Will you two knock it off?" He did not like Susanna like that. Nope. Not at all!

Although, she does look exquisite in that gown he made for her. And her eyes just seem to sparkle in the moonlight. And her smile, oh her smile was magnificent. Her smile was so bright and so beautiful that it made his dark heart skip a beat. And…

AHHH! I'm am not thinking this! Quiet you treacherous thoughts!

He hates me. Pitch sighed at the small wisp of fear. He didn't hate Flee. He just didn't like being teased, especially by his own family. In all honesty, it was nice having two laughing children around him. Although, he's not used to being seen by them and not controlling his temper when they play with him.

He sighed again and stopped moving. Pitch turned to face Flee and Jackson. Pitch raised an nonexistent eyebrow at them as the two stopped talking. They looked back at him with innocent looks on their faces.

The brats are up to something.

"So, have you come to your senses?" Jackson asked with a smirk. The brat was looking for it.

Flee giggled as she jumped on the balls of her feet. "Do you like mommy, Kozmotis?"

Pitch smacked his forehead. He could feel the warmth creeping up on his cheeks and the warm fuzzy feeling that gripped his heart. But would refused to show the brats any indication that their words were affecting him. I will get back at those brats.

"That is not any of your concerns!" Pitch snapped at the two overly happy brats. Pitch ignored the twinkling glint in Jackson's eyes and spun around in his usual dramatic flair. He was the Nightmare King. Nothing he did was normal or boring or undramatic. Pitch promptly marched away from the two giggling brats. Unfortunately, he only managed to get a few feet away before he slammed into one of the many spirits that deemed the title of "nuisance".

Pitch glared at the orange spirit in front of him. "You know, for someone who lives in the dark, you sure are clumsy?" Pitch growled and glared at the flaming nuisance in front of him.

"I would watch what you say Blaze Heat." Blaze Heat was a man in his late thirties, at least in looks. He had short dark orange hair that looked like fire and green eyes. He wore a flowy red ruffled shirt and yellow pants. Although Pitch swore sandals didn't work well with that outfit.

"Or what?" Blaze asked with a wide smile. "You'll send your Nightmares on me?"

Pitch was about to retort the cocky bastard, but his brother spoke in confusion. "Koz, who are you talking to?" Pitch groaned. He forgot Jackson, Flee, and Susanna couldn't see other spirits other than him.

"Oh, Pitch! Is this your brother?" Blaze asked. Pitch could practically feel and see the fire head's heat coming off him in waves from his growing excitement. God help me.

"Yes, this is my brother," Pitch said as he got up. He turned to his brother and saw all three look at him in confusion.

"That wasn't my question."

Pitch rubbed his forehead in annoyance. Oh, he was not annoyed with them. He was annoyed with a certain fire head next to him. Blaze smiled brightly as the children looked at him in confusion.

"You know, they're going to think you're crazy if you don't tell them about me and the others?" Pitch shot him a glare.

"It's a spirit isn't it?" Susanna asked with a raised brow.

"Smart women!" Blaze said cheerfully, a little too cheerfully for Pitch's tastes.

"Yes," Pitch replied with a sigh.

"Really?" Jackson and Flee asked. Their eyes went wide as they looked over Pitch's shoulder. "Who? Who? Who?"

Blaze laughed at their enthusiasm. "I love these too!"

Pitch sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Do you remember what I told you about spirits?"

Jackson and Flee nodded. "I remember," Flee said.

"Yeah, we have the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Kangaroo, Santa, Sandman, Mother Nature, Father-"

"Yes, yes!" Pitch interrupted before he could finish that man's name. "All spirits that you know from myths are real. Some have faded over time."

"Poor Greeks," Blaze commented. Pitch ignored him.

"Okay," Susanna said with a confused frown. "So who is next to you then?"

"Do you know who does the seasons?"

"Emily," Jackson responded as if it was obvious.

"Yes and no," Pitch told him.

Jackson blinked. "Huh?"

"Emily is in charge of the weather patterns, yes. She does not do everything alone." Jackson and Flee looked at him in confusion. "For the changing of seasons Emily instructs the Seasonal Spirits on where the weather needs to go and what area needs what."

"Seasonal Spirits?" Susanna, Jackson, and Flee asked.

"That's right!" Blaze beamed.

"Yes, that correct," Pitch said as he glared at the seasonal next to him. "You may recall me and Emily mentioning that Old Man Winters was in charge of winter."

"I thought you said he died," Jackson murmured.

"Faded," Pitch corrected. "He got overwhelmed by his powers and got destroyed."

Blaze snorted. "The old geezer was too harsh and old for his own good. Of course he was destroyed by his own magic. It destroyed his center."

"That's so sad," Flee whined.

"Yes, yes!" Pitch waved in impatience. "Old Man Winters was one of the Seasonal Spirits, until he faded. Emily needs to find a new one." Pitch glanced at his brother, but didn't say anything. "Now for the other three seasons we have the Spirit of Fall, the Spirit of Spring, and the Spirit of Summer."

"Saving the best for last I see," Blaze commented with a smirk.

"The Spirit of Spring is Flora Flower. The Spirit of Fall is Autumn Leaf." Pitch glared at the seasonal next to him. "The annoying spirit next to me is the Spirit of Summer, Blaze Heat."

Pitch sighed as he waited for them to see the annoying spirit. It didn't take long sadly. Both Jackson and Flee gasped as they stared at the Spirit of Summer.

"You know that was a horrible introduction," Blaze complained.

"Wow!"

Blaze smiled softly at the children. "How's it going kids?" he asked with a smile. "As Mr. Dark and Gloomy said I'm Blaze. Nice to meet ya! Mother told us so much about ya!"

This is so cool, Jackson thought as he and Flee followed Blaze into the dining room. Kozmotis had went on ahead, storming all the way down, with their mother following right behind him. Jackson's eyes went wide as they took in the huge room. This room is bigger than our house.

Jackson wasn't all that surprised with all the huge windows. He noticed there were a lot of them and it made the place more open. He even noticed plants and trees growing from out of nowhere on the walls. Well, this is Emily after all. She is Mother Nature.

"Looks like we are the last to arrive," Blaze commented with a smile as he glanced at the other spirits that were there.

Jackson scanned the huge room as he tried to take in everything at once. There were at least six spirits (including Kozmotis and Blaze), his mother, Flee and himself. Jackson recognized Emily on the far end of the table. She was sitting next to some old gentlemen, wearing a blue and gold robe. I see Koz is not the only one who likes to wear robes.

On the right side of the table were two female spirits. The first spirit had brown, shoulder length hair and blue eyes. She wore a light brown, knee length dress and brown flat shoes. Jackson raised a brow as he saw colorful leaves on her dress and hair. She seemed to be in her mid-twenties, it he was guessing right. Next to her was a girl with short black hair (strips of pink, green, and yellow decorated her hair) and the prettiest violet eyes. She wore a more flowery dress that reached above her knees, but she did seem to have some type of thin green material on her legs, and she wore green shoes. Jackson raised a brow as he figured the girl seemed to be around the age of nineteen or so.

On the other side of the table was Kozmotis, who seemed to be glaring at the older man, and his mother, who was talking to him. Jackson had a feeling Kozmotis didn't like the older guy very well. Jackson remained quite as Blaze walked them to the table, where all three them sat. Kozmotis didn't seem to happy that Blaze was sitting next to him.

Emily smiled when they took their seats. She sat up and began to speak. "Thank you everyone for coming to my annual Thanksgiving Dinner. As you know we spirits don't really need to eat, but we do it to come together as a family."

"So true," the girl in the flower dress said.

"Today I've invited some very important people." Emily shifted her eyes to him. "As you know my father has a younger brother." Kozmotis straighten slightly in his seat. "He was lost to us during the Dark Ages, but my a miracle we finally found him several months ago." The three spirits that Jackson didn't know turned their gazes to them. "My fellow spirits I would like to introduce my uncle and his family."

Emily smiled softly as he and Flee waved slightly at them. "Hi."

The three spirits gasped. "They can see us!"

"Thanks to Mr. Dark and Gloomy," Blaze snickered.

Emily rolled her eyes and shifted her gaze to the other spirits. "Anyway this is Jackson Overland, his sister Flee Overland, and their mother Susanna Overland." Emily turned to him then. "Jackson this is my husband, Father Time." Jackson blinked at the older man, who smiled at him.

"It's very nice to meet you, Jackson."

"This here is my Head of Spring, Flora Flower." The girl in the flower dress beamed at him.

"It's very nice to meet you Jackson and Flee!" Jackson smiled in turn at the bubbly girl.

"This is my Head of Fall, Autumn Leaf." The girl covered in leaves smiled at him.

"It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Overland, Miss. Overland, Mrs. Overland," Autumn said politely.

"And of course you already met my Head of Summer, Blaze Heat."

"Of course they did!" Blaze said cheerfully. "We are all best buddies now!"

Kozmotis scoffed at that. "Over my dead body."

"Aw, what's wrong Mr. Man of Fear? Afraid I'll take them away from your parade?"

Jackson and Flee snickered as Kozmotis glared at him. "I am afraid of no one!" Kozmotis sneered. "I'll have you know you'll have to get through a thousand of my Nightmares before that happens."

Blaze smirked. "I accept your challenge."

Kozmotis growled as shadows began to from and lighten. Jackson and Flee laughed at the incoming fight. I like him already! Best! Thanksgiving! Ever!

Emily glanced out the window, seeing her father's nightmares growing smaller and smaller. She smiled. The dinner came out perfect. Sure, Blaze and her father argued and taunted each other throughout the night, but that was expected.

Emily would have laughed at the overwhelming excitement that filled her. She felt so alive and so very happy. Her family was complete again. Yeah, her mother was gone, but she had gotten over it. She still had her uncle and her father, along with her children and husband. Life couldn't be better.

She turned away from the window and made her way to the bedroom, where she knew her husband would be. Father Time was a wonderful man. He was kind, wise, and a complete know-it-all, literally. He's not the Father of Time for nothing.

She smiled softly as she spotted Father Time sitting in his usual chair. Emily's room consisted of trees and plants. The bed was made from one of her personal enchanted trees. The tree bed was decorated with a cotton mattress, blue cotton blankets, and a variety of pillows in all types of colors. On the far wall she had a desk filled with books and plants, and a big wardrobe for all her dresses she made over the years. Near the window she had a small table with tea cups and plates with two comfortable green cushion chairs.

She walked towards her husband with a smile and sat down gracefully in her chair. She look at him and felt her smile falter. Father Time seemed tense. A grave frown graced his features and his eyes were glowing. Emily felt uneasy for some reason. She was used to seeing him seeing vision of the future. But something in the back of her mind was telling her that what he was seeing would affect her and her family in a horrible way.

She looked at her husband with worry as the glowing began to fade. Blue eyes stared at her with so much despair that it made her heart clench. "What happen?"

Father Time sighed and didn't say anything for a while. Emily bit her lip, waiting for her husband to collect his thoughts. "Two possible futures."

Emily frowned. "Two futures?"

He nodded. "Both show the death of a child." Emily felt her heart freeze in place. No. No! No! NO!

Emily covered her mouth as she stared at her husband with teary eyes. "What did they show?" Her voice trembled slightly.

Father Time rested his hand on hers and gave a small squeeze. "The outcome is unclear," he stated. "War will continue for three centuries, maybe more."

"Because Jackson dies?" She choked on a sob.

Her husband nodded. "In one, he dies and is resurrected by MiM. In the other, you both do it."

Emily was shocked by this. Why would MiM resurrect her uncle? She took a shuddering breath. "What else?"

"That's the tricky part," he said with a frown. "One leads to isolation and pain, confusion, betrayal and false trusts." Emily stiffened. I will not allow that. "The other leads to love and safety, but there will be a great amount of confusion and fear." Emily frowned. This one doesn't sound so good either. It's less, but still.

"The rest is unclear I'm afraid," he continued with a frown. "They keep changing and shifting. But there's one thing that repeats. And I know will come to pass."

Emily saw despair in his eyes. "The child will die." Emily felt the tears fall. "And your father will seek revenge." Father Time gently got up and pulled her into an embrace. "For it is the Guardians fault."

Chapter Text

The cool wind caressed his face as he walked through the field. The sun was barely up in the sky, not that he expected it to. The clouds were perfectly in line, suggesting that it could rain later, or bet yet - snow! And, of course, Jackson was watching the sheep eat and play with a fond smile.

Jack swung his staff loosely in his hand as he watched them. They were a curious bunch. Many were very young in terms of age (especially the black one!), but they were overall very well behaved. A smile crossed his features when one of them walked towards him. He smiled fondly at the little black sheep.

"Hey, Cece. Are you done eating?" Little black eyes blinked at him before she headbutted his leg playfully. He laughed softly. "Okay, okay! I guess it is time to get back!"

The black sheep stayed close to him as he went to herd the other sheep back home.

Night watched her master from a distance. She couldn't leave him alone, even if the enemies were still at the North Pole. She had to keep him safe. She watched with interest as a black mammal rammed its head on Master's leg. Master laughed and went to herd the other white mammals. The black one still walking next to him.

Night tilted her head to the side. What did Master call them again? Sheep? Yes, sheep! That was it.

She stomped her hooves at her discovery. The sheep were cute and fluffy. The black one was small, though, very small.

She blinked when she felt the tug. What did Creator want?

Night gave Master one more glance before walking into the shadows.

Night appeared in the lair seconds after she felt the tug. She tilted her head as she materialized in front of Creator. Night blinked. Creator looked frantic. His hair was messy as if he got caught in one of Mother Nature's hurricanes. His robe was untidy and uneven, and he had a scowl on his face.

"Morning Creator," she greeted. "Did something happen?"

Creator sigh. "No, not really." He attempted to fix his hair. "I was just trying to figure out what to get Jackson for his birthday."

Night tilted her head. "He doesn't want anything, though."

"I know!" Creator growled. "That's the problem! This is going to be the first time we will celebrate his birthday as a family! I have to give him something!"

Creator began pacing around the room, looking stressed out. Night watched him silently as he paced. Night blinked as Creator reached to grab a golden locket from around his neck. Night excitedly stomped her hooves, getting Creator's attention, as she got an idea.

"What is it?"

"Why don't you get him a locket, like the one you have around your neck?"

Creator blinked as he stared at the locket around his neck. After several second a smile, slowly, appeared on his face. "That is actually a good idea. Maybe a picture of me and Emily will do," he said more to himself than to her.

"And you might want to ask Mother Nature about making it snow." Creator's invisible brows furrowed as he gave her a questioning look.

"Why may I ask?"

"Master was hoping that it could snow on his birthday!"

Creator sighed, loudly. She wasn't sure if it was because of the snow or because Jackson wanted it to snow. "I'll ask Emily, but I can't promise anything." Creator then glared at her. "And no traveling to the South Pole or penguins in my lair."

Night flicked her tail. "Wouldn't think of it."

"Be very careful about what you tell your father, Mother Nature," Father Time spoke softly as they snuggled on the bed. He rubbed her back soothingly as she sobbed softly. "Young Jackson Overland's death can not be stopped."

She sniffled. "But father could-"

"It wouldn't matter," he said sadly. "His name is on Death's list."

Emily sighed sadly as she sat on her throne. Death's list? Tears began to well up in her eyes as she thought about her uncle. Her poor, young uncle will die? He was too young! He hadn't had the chance to live his life! He was still a child! A child! A child should not be growing up so fast and doing work that an adult should do. A child should be able to have fun...to be a happy, laughing child. A child shouldn't be worrying about helping the family, or herding the sheep, or getting some rabbits for dinner.

Emily pressed a hand to her mouth, stifling her sobs. He's just a child. Why? Why him?

Emily's mind was in turmoil as she thought and thought about Jackson and his life being cut short. Emily was barely aware of the raging storms formed by her conflicted emotions. She was barely aware of the dark clouds engulfing the white fluffy clouds above. She was barely aware of them spreading and pouring on the world. She was barely aware of the sea and ground, reacting to her emotions, creating minor quakes and violent waves as it collides with the land.

Emily wasn't aware of anything until she heard her father's voice. "EMILY!"

Emily blinked her blurry eyes and focused her vision on the person in front of her. Strong hands were gripping her shoulders firmly. The figure, who she assumed was her father, shook her shoulders as he yelled for her to calm down.

"EMILY! EMILY! CALM DOWN, SWEETHEART! YOU'RE CREATING NATURAL DISASTERS OUT THERE!"

It took a moment for her to feel the unbalance of nature's patterns. With a sigh, Emily closed her eyes and forced herself to calm down, calming the weather as she did so. When she opened her eyes, she stared into her father's concerned, searching ones. Her father was clearly searching for what was upsetting her.

"What are you doing here father?" she asked, noticing the corners of his mouth twitching down.

"I came to ask for a picture of us and for a favor," he told her with a frown still graced on his features, his eyes still searching. "What's wrong Emily? Why were you crying?"

Emily averted her eyes at her father's questions. She didn't want to see his crushed expression when he finds out about Jackson's death.

"Emily?"

"Father Time," she choked out.

"What about him?" her father asked, his voice took on an edge that suggested his dislike for the spirit.

"He saw...Jackson's death…"

She was met with silence. From the corner of her eye, Emily saw the shadows grow and quiver, showing her father's distress. Emily slowly looked up at her father and froze. There was only one word to describe his expression and that was pure horror.

"Koz! Oh, Koz!" Jackson frowned as he got no response. Where was he? "Koz, are you home?" he called again as he stared at the hole in the ground, the entrance to his brother's lair. Jackson tapped his staff on the ground nervously, wondering if his brother was even home. He continued to stare at, hoping his brother was home.

Jackson sighed in disappointment. He really wanted to spend some time with his older brother before going home. Flee was still in school for three more hours. Jackson pouted and stared at the hole in disappointment.

Honestly, he would go in himself, but he wasn't sure how far the hole was. Night usually shadowed him and Flee through a shadow. He hoped Kozmotis would put a ladder for them eventually.

"Where could he be?" Jackson asked to no one in particular. "I know he knows it's my birthday, so where could he be?" Jackson continued to stare at the hole as he thought about where his brother would go at this hour of the day.

Jackson's frown deepen as he remembered the conversation he had with his brother the week before.

"Koz? What's wrong?" Jackson asked his older brother as he finished telling them a bedtime story. Flee had fallen asleep through half of it.

Kozmotis sat at the edge of the bed with an annoyed expression on his face, suggesting that he was thinking hard about something. "What do you want for your birthday?"

Jackson blinked at the question. "Nothing."

Kozmotis looked at him, incredulously. "Nothing? There has to be something you want. Clothes? Money? Shoes, maybe?"

Jackson smiled tiredly at his brother. "Koz, I already have everything I want," Jackson said over a yawn. "I have my family, my friends, Emily and you. I don't need anything; I have everything I have ever wanted."

Jackson ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "I told him I don't want anything," he said with a sigh. Though, Jackson couldn't stop the small smile that crept on his face. "I wonder what he's getting me, though?"

Jackson's death? Those words repeated in Pitch's head like a curse. He collapsed onto a chair that the shadows created for him. Pitch stared at his daughter blankly as he tried to process everything she told him.

He will die...at the hands of the Guardians… The thought made the shadows grow in anticipation of an upcoming fight. They sensed his anger and hatred for the Guardians and his fear for his brother's life. The Guardians had taken much from him over the last several decades. But to learn that his own brother's name was already on Death's list, and there was no way he could stop it…

The very thought made Pitch want to cry. He wanted to destroy the Guardians before they could take his baby brother away from him. Pitch wanted to shadow Jackson to a safe place, but there was no place like that. Jackson and his family would not go for it. Jackson would rather fight and protect his home.

Pitch rubbed his face with his hand in frustration. What am I going to do? Jackson can't die. Not now, not so soon...

"Happy Birthday Jackson!" Jackson smiled at his friends. Tears filled his eyes as he inspected his surroundings after the blindfold was removed.

I can't believe they did this for me, Jackson thought as he eyed the decorations on the trees. They were currently in a clearing that bordered between their village and the Indian Tribe. He remembered finding this place two years ago with Ali. The area was spacious enough for them to play around and eat. It was also well hidden, thanks to the trees; so no one, who weren't his close friends, would be about to find them.

Jackson looked at the area in awe. His sister, Ali, Ellen, Lina, Jamie, Caroline, and Jonas all smiled at him with huge grins on their faces. Jackson wiped away a few tears from his eyes.

"You guys are the best! I don't know what to…" Jackson's voice trailed off and his eyes grew wide. His sister and the rest of his friends all gawked in surprise as cold, white fluff began falling from the sky.

"SNOW!"

Chapter Text

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Trees were everywhere as he ran. Jackson pushed aside branches as they got in his way. He had to run faster; he had to escape.

"Get back here you ankle-bitter!" a deep Australian voice yelled.

Jackson continued to run. He jumped over branches and tried not to trip over his own feet as he lost his shoes. 

"Stop! You will not get away!" a female voice snapped back. 

"Stop!" Jackson felt his heart beat faster. The Russian voice was deep and freighting. It held none of the kindness or jolliness that Jackson remembered from his stories. "There nowhere to run!"

And he was right. Pretty soon Jackson found himself in front of a stone wall as he exited the forest. Jackson's eyes went wide as his chasers stopped behind him. Jackson turned around in defiance, pressing his back to the wall.

"What do you want from me?" he yelled as he stared at the huge human adult, the hummingbird, the giant Kangaroo, and a golden man.

"You are a naughty child. You have aligned with Pitch?" the Russian man said. Jackson looked at him with dread. He couldn't believe Santa was attacking him and calling him naughty. How could he be on the naughty list?

"He is a monster!" the Austrian Kangaroo said this time with raised boomerangs. "And you allowed him to escape!"

"He destroyed millions of lives!" the hummingbird fairy yelled back. Her eyes were narrowed in anger. "Don't you understand! He and his fear needs to be destroyed!"

Jackson swallowed nervously as the golden man flashed pictures above his head as he held two whips in his hands. Jackson was filled with fear as they spoke, but anger soon filled him when they talked about destroying fear and his brother.

"You can't destroy fear!" Jackson snapped back. "Without it, there will be chaos!"

The Russian man scoffed. "Ha, I see Pitch has brainwashed you. Fear only brings destruction and death. It needs to be destroyed." He laughed as he raised his swords. "I guess Man in Moon would have to fix you. Then you will tell us where Pitch is when you see the truth, ya?"

"You stupid Guardians, you can't destroy fear or darkness! If you think I will help you hurt my brother then you have another thing coming!"

The Guardians look darkly at him.

"Then we will force you, you bloody ankle-bitter!" 

The Guardians attacked and Jackson screamed. 

Jackson frowned in his sleep. His eyes move back and forth behind his eyelids and his lips allow a fearful moan to escape, "Koz." He tossed and turned as the dream changed.

Jackson gasped as a sword came out of the sky and struck the ice. Jackson could only watch in horror as the ice started to crack under his sister's feet.

"Jack, I'm scared!" Flee sobbed as she stared at him with pleading, brown eyes. Jackson looked at his sister calmly, not wanting her to see his fear as well. 

"Hang on Flee! I'm coming!" Jackson took off his shoes and slowly moved his feet towards the ice. He slowly made his way towards the middle of the ice, wincing every time the ice cracked under his feet. Jackson glanced at the ice fearfully as the cracks began to spread under his bare feet. 

"J-Jack?" He looked up at his sister and saw her fearful expression. Jackson pushed his fear down and smile reassuringly at her. 

"It's alright. I'm coming. You're going to be alright."

"Jack!" Flee sobbed as Jackson reached for her. Flee reached out her hand shakily to grabbed his. Jackson managed to grab her hand before a boomerang collided with the ice. The motion of the boomerang caused the cracks to break underneath their feet.

"NO!" Jackson looked up to see his brother watching in absolute horror. "JACKSON!" was the last thing he heard before he and Flee fell through the ice and into the icy water.

"KOZ!" Jackson woke up with a start. His soaked hair clung to his face as he sat up. Jackson looked around the room fearfully as the dream of his death lingered in the air. Jackson sighed after a moment and attempted to slow his breathing.

"It's just a dream," he whispered to himself. "It's just a dream." But was it really? Jackson shuddered slightly and shifted his eyes to his sister and Night. Flee was still sleeping peacefully on her bed. Night was sleeping on the makeshift bed of mismatch blankets and coats at the corner of the room. Her ears twitched slightly in her sleep as she began to wake up. Jackson pressed his lips together to try and not make a sound. He didn't want to wake her up.

Much to his dismay, Night cracked open one yellow eye at him. "What's wrong, Master? Nightmare?"

Jackson sighed. Maybe I should lie.

"It's nothing. I'm fine." This made Night become more aware of what he was most likely trying to hide. Jackson watched as Night got up and walked towards him. She nuzzled his cheek with her muzzle in a soothing gesture.

"Don't lie to me, Master. I can taste your fear."

Jackson sighed tiredly. "It's just a bad dream, Night. But…" his voice trailed off to a soft whisper. "I felt so real. It felt like it was happening for real."

"Nightmares are like that sometimes." She paused as if thinking of something. "Do you think you have developed your grandparents' powers? Creator often said that they were more psychics than warriors."

Jackson furrowed his brows. "You think I saw a possible future?"

Night's ears twitched at the question. "Maybe. It's hard to say. But it could be possible. What was the dream about? All I could get was something about the Guardians and then something about ice water."

Jackson sighed again. This time, he felt more worried and scared. Night continued to nuzzle his cheek and occasionally licked his cheek to lap away tears that he didn't realize were falling. "It was two actually," he whispered. "I was running from the Guardians. I saw them clearly too, which was weird, considering I didn't know what they actually looked like. Koz never showed me and all I know is from what are in our storybooks." Night snorted at the mention of the Guardians.

"Why were you running?" she asked softly.

"Apparently, I helped Koz escape them and they were angry. They wanted to destroy him. They said he was a monster and that he should be destroyed. They said other stuff too and I didn't like it."

"What happened?" she asked when he paused with a shuddering breath.

"I yelled that I wouldn't hep them, so they…attacked."

Night looked at him sadly and licked away his tears. "It's okay, Master. Creator and I won't let them hurt you."

Jackson choked out a sob. "I…know. But it gets worse."

Night nuzzled him some more. "What is it?" she asked in a protective tone that made him relax slightly.

"We were at a lake and we were skating. I wasn't skating yet, but Flee was. When I was about to go on…this sword came out of nowhere and struck the ice." Jackson took a shaky breath. "It began to crack." Night looked alarmed at this, but he continued his story before she could say anything. "I was scared, Night. Flee was in danger and I went to save her. It was so real and I was so scared." Jackson's voice shook as he tried to suppress his sobs. "When I got to her a boomerang came out of nowhere and broke the ice." More tear began to flood over without stopping and he began to sob. "I saw Koz before we fell in. It was so cold. We died! We died, Night! We died!"

Jackson then sobbed into Night's fur, wrapping his arms around her neck and never letting go. As he sobbed, Jackson listened to Night's breathing and soothing words. Jackson felt so safe with Night and the reminder that his brother would protect him. But what if he wouldn't be able to protect him? What if he really did just see his and Flee's death? What if the Guardians harm Kozmotis and prevent him from protecting them? Or worse, kill him before he could do so.

Jackson cried harder into her fur for the rest of the night. He didn't know how long he cried into Night's fur. He hadn't realized he fallen asleep several hours later with Night standing protectively near him. Nor did he notice his brother shadowing into his room, interrupting his job of spread nightmares, and holding him close. What Jackson did remember though was his brother's voice singing the same familiar lullaby that he used to sing to him all the time before they got separated.

"Sway, sway, swaying between the waves

Sparkle, sparkle, sparkling, their voices drift into the distance

The dreaming jellyfish sing their song

and sleep on the gentle shore

Sway, sway, swaying, a ray of light

Sparkle, sparkle, sparkling, their voices drift to you

No matter when, as long as this song echoes out

In many colors, they hang in the clear sky

Sway, sway, swaying between the waves

Sparkle, sparkle, sparkling, their voices drift into the distance

The dreaming jellyfish play their song

Sparkle, sparkle, sparkling, their voices drift to you"

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Flee had never been so scared in all her life. She would have never thought the Guardians and Kozmotis would be so close. She never thought that a sword would come out of the forest and break the ice.

Flee had never felt this scared before. She never thought she would die. She was so scared and truly thought she would never see her friends again. She would never see her brother again playing tricks and laughing. She would never see her mother making meals and scolding them for silly stuff again. She would never see Kozmotis's smile or frown again or the roll of his eyes when annoyed. She would never see Night or the other horses joking around again. She would never see her Jamie laughing or comforting words ever, ever again.

At that moment, she was terrified. Truly, truly terrified. She didn't know what to do as the ice cracked under her. But like everything else, her brother was there. He was there to help her. He was there to ease her fears as he tried to get her to safety. He was always there for her, just like all those times before. Jackson would make sure they were both out of harms way.

But she knew it was different this time. Because Jackson did save her. He made fear into something fun. He made her laugh and reassured that they would be alright. But it wasn't alright. She was safe on the thicker part of the ice, while Jackson…

While Jackson took her place.

When she saw it, she couldn't believe it.

Her brother smiling face turning into one of shock and realization as the ice gave way. And then she screamed, "JACK!"

But she wasn't the only one. Mother had screamed as well as she got off Onyx and made a run for it. Her horror and tears made her heart break even more. Flee had got up then and made a run for the ice. Maybe she could save him.

"JACKSON!" Flee whimpered as she heard Kozmotis's screams. She turned to see him running towards them as well. He created a whip out of sand in hopes of reaching Jackson before he was completely gone and out of reach. But as she feared, they were too late.

They had all collapsed on the ice and stared at Jackson as his movement got slower and slower, and as he sank deeper and deeper. "JACK! COME BACK!" She could not stop the flow of tears or the heart-wrenching sobs that left her lips. Her body shook as her mother cried and cried. The broken words left like a knife that was cutting through her heart. She had wanted to stop the pain. She wanted her brother back. She tried to move closer to the hole, but her mother held her back.

"JACKSON! JACKSON!"

Her arms felt warm around her. They trembled and shook as she screamed and cried. Her mother felt the same. Her mother was just as heartbroken as she was. She whimpered ever so often whenever Jackson's movement got weaker and weaker and when little bubble flowed out of his mouth and towards the surface. He was suffering so much. She couldn't imagine what he must be thinking or feeling as the icy cold water entered his deprived lungs and licked his pale skin. It must be so cold down there.

"NO, JACKSON!" Flee didn't want to look at Kozmotis. His voice sounded broken, much like theirs. There was grief, longing, horror, and denial. When she finally did look at him, she cried even harder. There was only one word to describe Kozmotis. And that was shattered. Tears were following down his gray face. His hands and shoulders were trembling as he tried to keep himself from screaming and lashing out.

Flee couldn't believe this was happening! Jackson was drowning and very close to death. Her tears continued to fall as she stopped struggling in her mother's arms. Her arms were loosened when she noticed this.

The sound of two wailing horses soon caught up to her ears. Mixed with their own screams and cries were the distinct whines of Night and Onyx. Flee felt her heart sink further in pain. Night's whines sounded so heartbroken. Flee knew Night was made for Jackson and had come to love the both of them. Flee couldn't imagine what she was feeling at this moment. It was too hard to listen. But even if that was the case, she still gathered her courage to look behind her.

Flee gasped quietly as she got a good look at Night. Night was injured and crying in pain and sadness on the ground with Onyx next to her. Black tears with swirls of yellowish gold were leaking from her yellow eyes. Black sand was swirling around her front right leg, which was almost completely severed off. Onyx, who was close by, was moving the black sand back into the cut of Night's leg. It seemed that all the fear and sadness around them was helping her fix the wound on her leg. But even then, it still felt horrible and sad and heartbreaking to hear and very, very lonely and painful.

"Pitch is crying?" Flee frowned at the disbelieving voice. She shifted her gaze to three unknown figures. The female voice came from a woman with tan skin. Flee noticed that she looked like a human size hummingbird with feathers as her hair and body. The feather made a somewhat upward style and was a mixture of blue, green, and yellow. The feathers on her body were the same colors but were much smaller. There were also long feathers that started at her waistline and ended near her knees. In a way, it looked like a dress. From this distance, Flee could see the colors of the hummingbird's eyes. The left was a bright pink, while the right was a bright green. That was actually pretty interesting. It made her look beautiful. However, Flee noticed that the strange woman had a frown on her face as she looked at Kozmotis, who was crying harder. Flee didn't like the look, though. It looked disbelieving, but there was also a hint of concern, sadness, and shock in them. She seemed unsure too as she fluttered around.

Next to her was a very intimating man. He was tall, buff, and round. He had blue eyes that were filled with grief and shock; they looked haunted. He had thick black eyebrows, and a long white beard and mustache. On his head was a black fur hat (she briefly wondered what kind of animal he killed to make that.) and a long red coat with black fur trims. Flee could also see a red plaid shirt. Flee noticed that the man was very pale as he started at them in guilt. Flee noticed his hands were shaking as he held a familiar sword in his left hand. Flee found herself stiffening as she recognized the sword. So that sword was his?

The last person with them — or should she say kangaroo — was a very tall, six or seven-foot tall rabbit (kangaroo?). He had grayish-blue fur, flower-like symbols on both his forehead and shoulders and the brightest emerald-green eyes she had ever seen. Flee found herself standing up and walking away from the ice. As she walked, she eyes scanned the rabbit's boomerang that was in his hand; the same one that was near Night. The rabbit didn't move; he seemed stuck in place as he watched the sad scene in front of him. He looked stunned and grief-stricken.

"When did he start caring for the children?" When the woman asked that question, however, the rabbit's demeanor changed. His emerald eyes grew hard and filled with hatred as he glared at Kozmotis. Flee found herself hating the rabbit as she saw a small twitch of a smile forming on his lips at Kozmotis's pain, followed by a disbelieving scoff.

"The ratbag doesn't know anything about caring for kids," he stated, coldly. "He's nothing but a monster, a murderer."

"Bunny," the older man warned shakily, but it was obvious he was struggling to speak through the pain and grief he was feeling.

"The only monster here I see is you!" Flee was surprised by the anger that filled her voice. The three figures stared at her in shock.

"No!"

The hummingbird flew towards her. She had a kind and gentle smile on her face. One that said that she meant no harm and that she wanted to comfort her in her time of grief. "Sweetie, you don't understand. Pitch is…" she began, but her voice trailed off and her kind smile fell when Kozmotis's broken wail reached a new height. It made her shiver in despair and anger.

"Jackson! Don't go!" And then it clicked. She knew who these beings were. And she was not happy about it; it hurt.

"Don't understand?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You are the ones who stupidity attacked and blamed a person who was not in control of his actions!" she snapped, ignoring the gasps from the Guardians and the whines from the two horses.

"Don't leave me!"

"You blamed him for what the Fearlings did! You raged war against him and killed the last of his people that were here!" The female Guardian stepped back in shock.

"Please, come back!"

"You are so stupid for thinking that you can destroy fear!" Flee snapped as frustrated tears fell from her eyes. "Fear is needed for the balance!"

"We just found each other!"

"By destroying fear, you are destroying the natural balance of nature!"

"We were going to be a family again!"

"What would you know, Ankle-Bitter? You don't know Pitch as well as we do! He's nothing but a monster!"

Flee glared at the Kangaroo with all the hatred she could muster. "You, no go for nothing Kangaroo!" The Guardian was taken aback by the name and huffed slightly at it, but she didn't let him comment on it. "You are no Guardian!"

"LITTLE BROTHER!"

"YOU DESTROYED MY FAMILY!"

And then Kozmotis screamed, "NNNOOO!" Flee closed her eyes as he screamed. She couldn't stand to see the Guardians. They were no Guardians. When she opened them to glare at them…

Nothing.

They were gone.

Flee shook her head and frowned, feeling her anger disappear into emptiness. Flee vaguely noticed strange human-like shadow creatures flying around the area and blasting the ground, but they did not touch her, though. With a saddened heart, she walked towards Onyx and Night and collapsed and sobbed.

Flee buried her face on Night's neck as she continued to sob. The pain was so much. She whimpered as Kozmotis's screams grew louder and slightly hysterical; it almost bottom lined inhumane. She didn't want to look behind her to see what was going on with her family.

"NIGHT, ONYX! GET HER OUT OF HERE!" Flee was slightly startled by her mother's voice. Her voice sound strained, grief-stricken, and fearful.

Both Onyx and Night neighed in distress but obeyed to the frantic command. Flee lifted up her head and turned towards her mother and was started with what she saw.

Kozmotis was surround by a dark aura. The shadows around them burst to life; many seemed to exit the very shadows of the trees and plants that surround them, while others seemed to exit Kozmotis body. There were hundreds of human-like figures with red eyes. Many looked like buff warrior and spears, while others look skinny shapeless black ghosts with no distinct features. They flew around and attacked, but they were attacking nothing from what she could see. It was confusing when some screeched, disperse into wisps of smoke and traveled back into Kozmotis. But what worried her the most was Kozmotis's eyes. They were no longer the silver-gold she came to love so much. They were pitch black. And scream made her shiver in fear. It was like a million voices at once. Were these the Fearlings?

"MOM! KOZMOTIS!" was all she could yell before she was shadowed away from the death and madness around her.

I can't lose you too.

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Yeah, they so needed lots of practice. But Wind had him in the air...maybe...for about four-seconds or so. And he kept bouncing off the rooftops of the houses and trees (and maybe crashing here and there and maybe way over there), but it was all good and fun! Sure, it was scary, but it was so exciting! Jack knew he never flew like this before! Besides, who would have thought he was so light? He was surprised he hadn't died yet.

Jackson chuckled around a groan as he landed on a rooftop, unsteadily. He looked down to see people near fire pits as they tried and get warm. He saw other adults rushing to and from houses with items. He guessed they were trading or something. He even saw children running around as the snow fell gently. They looked so happy and the snow looked so pretty.

The Wind caressed him gently, apologizing for the bumpy ride, as they looked at the village. Jack looked at the small village in awe. There were so many people at this hour at night. His eyes wandered around the faces of the different people. He felt like he should know them, but he came up with a blank. He frowned as his eyes caught sight of a young girl with brown hair. She seemed upset.

Jack frowned as he jumped off the roof (with Winds help) and landed next to the girl as she cried into a young boy's arms. The two children looked to be ten or so. He tilted his head questioningly. What was she so upset about? And why did it feel like he knew her?

"He's dead Jamie," the girl's muffled voice cried. The girl sounded familiar, but why? "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have been near the middle." Jack frowned along with the boy. Why did his heart hurt? Did he know this girl and his boy that she's crying over?

"It is not your fault Flee," the boy named Jamie said softly. Jack noticed that he had tears in his eyes as well, but held it in for Flee. "Jackson risked his life to save you. There was nothing you could have done. What about your mom and Jackson's brother? Did you tell them yet?"

The girl didn't say anything for a while. She was silent as she sobbed harder. Jack felt a sudden tightness in his chest. He had a bad feeling about this. Jack got on his knees and smiled sadly at the girl.

"Hey, kiddo...I knew it's hard losing Jackson, but...you have to be strong. He wouldn't want you to be sad like this. And what about your mom? She must be heartbroken, just like you. I bet you two can comfort each other."

The girl continued to cry as Jack spoke. Jack figured she must have loved this boy a lot. She seemed so heartbroken. He wished there was something he could do to cheer her up.

"…She…" Jack perked up at the hoarse voice. "She didn't take it very well." Jack's face fell. He figured as much. This Jackson must have been someone special. "She found us and…"

"What Flee?" Jamie asked softly as he rubbed Flee's back.

"She...jumped into the water...after he fell in."

Jack's eyes widen in horror. Oh, my god. The poor girl. Jack opened his mouth to speak, but his throat felt too dry. His chest also ached terribly as well, but why? It didn't make sense. Maybe he knew these people. But how? He just woke up in that lake not long ago.

"I'm so sorry, Flee," Jamie said sadly as tears fell down his cheek. Flee cried some more.

"Kozmotis…was devastated…"

Jack froze in place at the name. Kozmotis? Where have I heard that name before? Jack sat on his knees for a while, lost in thought. He felt hurt for some reason and lost. His chest hurt too much as well. He took a shuddering breath as his own tears began to fall. Why did everything hurt? Why did it feel like he was hurting people and that it was his fault? That didn't make sense either.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered to the girl as the boy wrapped his arms around her to support her. Jack looked at them and paused when he saw the girl's face. She looked familiar. He felt something tugging at his mind, but all he could get was a small laugh. He frowned when he noticed them walking towards him. "Do I know you?" he asked, but he didn't get a response. What happened next completely shook Jack to his core. Jack gasped as the children walked through him, instead of around him. His hand flew to his chest as he seemed to become translucent for a moment before becoming solid again.

Jack felt the color drain from his face as he turned around. What just happened? Did they just…go…through me? Jack felt his breath hitch as two little kids ran in his direction. "Excuse me?" he tried to ask, but the rest of his words died in his throat as they ran through him. Jack staggered back with tears in his eyes. Jack felt an emptiness in his chest as more people walked through him. It was a very unpleasant feeling. It was as if he was being torn apart.

Tears fell down his cheeks as the North Wind rushed towards him. "Master!" Jack barely heard the familiar, yet unknown, voice as he cried for Wind to get him away from the village. The Wind complied and pulled him into the air and back to the lake.

Jack sobbed as the Wind caressed his cheek and tried to wipe away the tears. Everything hurt. He was so confused. What was he? Was he dead? Was he a spirit? A ghost, maybe? Why was he alone? Jack sobbed as he landed on the ice. Frost swirled around the ice as his hands touched it, creating beautiful patterns and designs.

Jack couldn't stop the tears that kept on falling, nor the pain he felt in his chest. He wasn't sure why, but he felt like he failed the young girl somehow. Why couldn't they see him? Why couldn't she hear him? Who was this Jackson that she was talking about? Why did it feel like he should know all of these questions that swirled in his mind over and over again? Why couldn't he remember? Why? Why? Why?

Jack continued to cry in misery, completely unaware of the snow that was fall above him. Jack was so lost in his conflicted thoughts and emotions that he didn't notice a woman and a horse coming towards him.

"Master?" Jack was startled by the voice and looked up to see a black horse with yellow eyes. Jack blinked his blurry eyes in confusion. Does she see me? The horse lowered her head and licked his tears away. Jack was stunned for a moment before he laughed and smiled at the black horse. Jack was curious about the grains of sand that he felt when he petted her mane. What is she?

"What are you? And why did you call me Master?" Jack asked the horse.

"You are Master, Master," the horse replied. "I am your Nightmare Horse."

Jack blinked in confusion. He had a horse? Since when? He frowned as he tried to remember if he had seen this horse before. "What's your name?" he finally asked after a moment.

"Her name is Night," a female voice said from behind the horse. Jack lifted his eyes to see a tall elegant woman (maybe around the age of twenty-five) smiling at him. The woman had long black hair that reached her lower back. She had gray-greenish eyes and a warm smile. The woman was wearing a beautiful blue gown that seemed to sparkle in the moonlight and had vines stitched in certain areas of the dress. Jack noticed that the woman had black shoes that had gold in it. Jack tilted his head to the side in question. The woman looked familiar. But he couldn't place where he saw her before.

"Night's a pretty name," Jack said softly to the horse. He looked at the woman. Maybe this was the person Manny said he was supposed to help him. "Who are you? Are you this Mother Nature that Manny told me about?"

A flash of pain flashed in the woman's eyes for a seconds before it was covered up. Jack blinked in confusion. Did he miss something? "I am Mother Nature, Jack Frost." The woman smiled sadly at him. He wondered why.

"Do you know what am I?" Jack asked her softly. "Those people walked right through me." Jack's shoulder slumped slightly at the memory of being walked through. He still didn't understand it and it frightened him a bit. He could still feel the hollowness in his chest.

Mother Nature was silent for a second before smiling gently at him. "Jack, the reason you were walked through is because you are a spirit. The humans need to believe in you to see you."

"A spirit?" Jack's voice shook slightly. So he really was dead.

"But you are not just any spirit." Jack blinked in confusion. Mother Nature bent down so that she was kneeling on the ice as well. "You, my dear child, are very special." Special? How? "You are a Winter Spirit."

"A Winter Spirit?" Jack repeated slowly, his brows furrowed in slight confusion. "How does that make me special, though?"

The corner of Mother Nature lips curved into a smile. "You are not any Winter Spirit, Jack. You are the Winter Spirit. You are the Head Seasonal of Winter."

Jack's brows shot up. "Wha…really?"

Mother Nature nodded as she got up. "Yes, really," she said with a light smile that made her look even more beautiful. "Come child. Time for us to leave."

Jack quickly got up as Mother Nature began to walk towards land. "Where are we going?" Jack asked as he walked after her.

"Home," she replied with a smile. Home? I have a home?

When he got on land he noticed that Night was bending down so he could get on. When he did, Mother Nature got on behind to him. Jack felt her arm going around him as she settled herself on Night before she started floating.

"To my castle Night." And then Night took off into the night sky to his new home.

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Ever since the beginning of creation, everything needed balance. Without balance, there would be chaos and destruction. The lack of balance caused many wars and bloodshed and even the end of planets and galaxies. Many species had become existent because of this. The Pookas and their neighbors the Ostreovlases were a good example of this lack of balance.

She actually found it quite intriguing that these Ostreovlases were actually a different form of Humans. The Ostreovlase were more magically inclined than Earth's Humans. The Ostreovlases weren't as diverse as Earth's human race with all their culture and religions, but they were divided by what their abilities were. The Ostreovlases were a brilliant race of people of Warriors and Psychics. From what she read, Ostreovlases that had abilities that were physical (like powers over weapons or martial arts) were considered Ostreovlase Warriors. Ostreovlases that had abilities that were more magical (like powers over nature and energy) were considered Ostreovlase Psychics.

Mother Nature (before her planet was destroyed and the beginning of Dark Ages) was an Ostreovlase Psychic. Pitch Black (before the Fearlings corrupted him) was an Ostreovlase Warrior, as surprising as that sounded. She never would have thought that he had no powers over shadows and Nightmare Sand before becoming a spirit. Though, it wasn't hard to see that he was a fierce warrior, especially with the way he fought the Guardians and how he holds himself in public. And Jackson...

Autumn's hand froze mid-turning as she stared at the page of the old thick leather book. Jackson was said to have powers over energy. That was said to be a very rare gift in the Pitchiner family, considering they were mainly Ostreovlase Psychics with Pitch being the exception. However…

Autumn sighed as she closed the book that she was reading. She had read the history of the Ostreovlases, the Pookas, and the Lunars dozens of times, but she couldn't quite focus on it. It had been rather hard to distract her mind from the pain and depression they were all feeling.

As Elemental Spirits, they were not only connected to the seasons, but to each other. They all had to balance each other in order to keep the balance. But with Old Man Winter (or Father Frost as some humans referred to him as) gone, winter had been more harsher and unstable lately and very unpredictable, causing many problems for them when it was their season. Mother might have managed to keep the damage to a minimal, but even she couldn't be everywhere to control the course of the weather when she had her own duties to do. It had been hard trying to keep all the seasons balanced, to make sure it didn't cause chaos to the planet.

So when Mother announced that her uncle would be the new Winter Seasonal in the coming years, they were so excited. They hadn't had a Winter Spirit in centuries (considering Old Man Winter killed many of them, along with the majority of the Winter Sprites when he was alive). With Jackson, the season would be balanced once again and with that a new sibling!

Old Man Winter was never a sibling. He was too harsh in the way he delivered his season. He did what he wanted without collaborating with any of them and even ignored Mother's and the Groundhog's instructions and warnings. This had caused lots of problems with other spirits, especially Bunnymund and some of the non-Elemental Spirits.

But that was not the only thing. Old Man Winter outright hated them. The feeling was rather mutual. Autumn couldn't remember a time in where any of them liked Old Man Winter and his disrespectful attitude. The tension was always so high between them that they were always fighting. The last time they fought to that extent created the first Ice Age and every other one following that. He could have destroyed the planet if Mother Nature and Father Time hadn't intervened.

Autumn left out a soft sigh as she shifted her focus from her closed book to her two siblings. They had all felt the painful hole in their chests when Jackson died. They were connected to Mother after all and they all felt the intense pain that she was in. It was unimaginable. Autumn hadn't felt this much pain since she lost her husband when she was still human. But it wasn't just that. It was the fact that they lost their youngest sibling before he officially joined them. It was heartbreaking.

And the way it affected them was scary.

Mother had been a mess. They all were devastated and reserved from what happened. They were grieving. But it was more so with Mother. Mother's emotions had been all over the place. One minute she was calm and then the next she was summoning thunder clouds, earthquakes, tidal waves, harsh winds, and whirlwinds. It got worse when they felt a new Winter Spirit being born, but for some reason, Mother could not get to the new spirit. The spirit was hiding underground and was on the move. And also, for some reason, Pitch had closed off his current lair and left. He was on the move again. To where? They weren't sure. It was very distressing.

"Where you think Mother went?" Mother wasn't the only one who was affected by Jackson's death, though. With the little time they spent with him, they all came to love him as their younger brother. They saw the innocence and compassion in him within his carefree, mischevious nature. It was something that they were missing in their family, something that Old Man Winter never had. His death left a gaping hole in their chests and the outcome was clearly having an effect on them.

"I'm not sure, Flora." Flora was a very cheerful, bubbly person. She was always talking, alway smile. But now she seemed listless; it was as if the life was sucked right out of her. The flowers that were on her dress were usually full of life and colorful as if it was a fully bloomed flower on the first day of spring. But now the flowers were dull and wilted. Flora was also rather reserved. She still talked, but not with the cheerfulness that usually accompanied it.

"I hope she's okay." Blaze was quite reserved as well. Usually, he was cracking up a joke or two or trying to be the annoying brother that loved messing with his sisters. However, Blaze hadn't told a single joke all week. He hadn't tried to pull a prank on them or get them to yell at him or do something that would make them go after him when he did something that annoyed them. In fact, all he'd been doing (since coming home early from his duties) was staring longly at the flickering fireplace, while Flora looked out the window and stared at the snow listlessly.

Autumn knew that her sibling would have placed his two Summer Spirits in charge of spreading the season with the sprites for the next few weeks while he was gone. It really wasn't that uncommon for a Head Seasonal to put their second in commands in charge of directing the sprites and handling the season while they were gone. They've done it plenty of times when they had to attend the season preparation meetings on the solstice and equinox every year or when there were major parties they had to attend. Noted, their second in commands weren't as powerful as the Head Seasonals, but it got the job done.

But still, Autumn was worried. Sure, she was here with them, but it was hers and Flora's offseason. But Blaze would have to get back to work within the next couple of weeks or at least until Mother kicked him out for not doing his job.

Autumn sighed for the eleventh time that day before she straightened her posture from her spot on the green sofa chair. "I'm sure she's fine, Flora. There's nothing to worry about."

Flora glanced at her from her position near the window with a frown gracing on her delicate features. "Yeah, but…Mother's been acting strange lately." Flora twirled a black strand around her finger. "She seemed rather in a hurry to leave before nightfall."

"She's right." Autumn turned to Blaze. Blaze was leaning against the armrest of the brown sofa chair that he was sitting on. Dark orange brows were furrowed slightly as he thought. "I know she might be taking Jackson's death a lot hard then the rest of us, but her behavior is not normal, for her anyway."

"What you mean, Blaze?" Flora asked with a hint of her usual curiosity lacing her words.

"Well," Blaze started as he ran a hand through his flaming hair. "She's been very moody lately and constantly summoning odd weather patterns. I'm sure you've noticed. It was raining when I went to Africa last month." He pouted slightly. "It wasn't supposed to be raining. Rain was scheduled for this month."

"You know it was starting to snow slightly when I went to Europe after Thanksgiving." Autumn had been a bit baffled by that, considering it wasn't supposed to snow for another two weeks.

"Well, not that you mention it," Flora spoke quietly with a frown. "It was a bit too warm when I went to South America in November."

Autumn looked at her siblings in total bewilderment. All of them experienced some type of unexpected weather ever since the Thanksgiving Party. Mother was known to have unpredictable moods, but what could have caused them within the last two months? It didn't make sense. Everything was fine during and after the party. So whatever was causing Mother to be this troubled must have happened between the party and Christmas.

"What could be troubling Mother so much?" Flora asked, unknowing speaking Autumn's thoughts.

"Pitch maybe," Blaze suggested with a shrug. "There has been a lot of issues with the Guardians lately. Have you heard about that? I heard from Eve that they have caused some inconvenience for some of the other holiday spirits."

"I heard about that too," Autumn said with a nodded. "There's a rumor going around that they are locking themselves in their palaces."

Flora nodded, clearly showing that she had heard about it. "What about this other Winter Spirit? Maybe Mother finally found him or her."

Autumn poised her lips up in thought. "That would explain why she's been agitated all week. Though, she usually doesn't bother with new spirits unless they did something to disturb our work. Besides, I figured Mother would be trying to figure out where Pitch went. I've talked to Minerva and she told me no one has seen him since Christmas. She was actually worried when he didn't show up to the Annual Christmas Ball with his guests."

Blaze frowned as he got up and began pacing. "We didn't go either for obvious reasons, neither did Pitch, but the Romans don't know that. Not since they lost their Greek halves. However, I'm not sure that's the whole reason for Mother's behavior. It could explain half of it, but not everything."

"What's the other half then?" Flower asked, looking slightly confused, but was trying to follow along.

Blaze stopped to face them with an uncertain look. "And that, my lovely sisters, is the missing puzzle piece we do not know. But I will tell you this: whatever Mother is hiding is big. And I have a funny feeling Father Time knows what that thing is. Mother was pretty upset that day after Father Time left."

"This is just getting more confusing by the minute," Flora said with a heavy sigh. "I wish she would tell us what is going on. I mean you were here in November, Blaze, and me and Autumn were here in December. Why didn't she say anything to us? We could have helped."

Silence fell between them as they tried to figure out what was wrong with Mother Nature. "What if…"

"What if what, Autumn?" Blaze asked when she started to speak out her thoughts. She really hoped she was wrong.

Autumn looked at the flame flicking around in the fireplace. "What if…Father Time told Mother something?" She paused as she tried to put her thoughts into words. "Something that shook her so badly that she…couldn't speak it...Something she might have wanted to change...or prevent." Autumn shifted her eyes to her brother. "There's only a few things that could rattle Mother to this extent: Pitch…" She pointed to the three of them. "us…the balance of this planet…and…"

Blaze and Flora looked at her in horror. The truth was right there in front of them this whole time. The missing puzzle piece. "Jackson."

The weight of the truth as their voices said that one name made it all too real. Blaze stumbled back into his chair, his tan skin turning pale at the implication of what must have been going on and Flora had tears slowly leaking from her eyes. "No—you—don't—think…?" Flora started to ask through her sobs.

"That Father Time saw Jackson's death and Mother tried to prevent it?" she asked gravely.

"The Guardians!" Blaze shot to his feet in that instant. "That's the only thing that makes sense," he said frantically, his voice lacing with anger. "Father Time must have seen Jackson being killed because of those reckless Guardians! Mother told us what the trees showed her!"

Autumn couldn't make a comment to that. Suddenly, everything seemed all too real. Yet, it all started to make sense. Mother would have gone after the Guardians herself. She would have summoned storms and other natural disasters to stall them or change their course. Mother would have been driving herself crazy because of this.

It explained her behavior.

It explained everything over the past two months.

But there was one thing that didn't add up.

"Where is she now?"

No answer came, not that she was expecting one.

But what she really wasn't expecting was the sudden power that filled her chest, right to the depths of her center. They all gasped as they felt their elemental centers reacting to the newly made center. This new center being added was their missing element, their missing link, their new brother.

Mother had chosen a Winter Seasonal. But what their centers told them of their new brother greatly confused them, but brought happy, shocked, tears to their eyes.

Winter Seasonal. Elemental Spirit. Jack Frost. Formally: Jackson Overland Pitchiner.

The tears she'd been holding finally fell. How was this possible? Autumn didn't know. But all she could say was: "He's alive." And that was all that seemed to matter to her. Jackson was alive. He was alive and he was their new brother. How it happened didn't seem to matter.

Chapter Text

"This—is—where—you—live?" Jack hadn't known what to expect when he and Mother Nature got on Night to her home. He was curious why they were heading towards the ocean. It was big and vast and very empty. They had passed many small islands along the way and were heading towards the middle of the ocean, with nothing around it.

That was until they passed by some energy field. Jack wasn't sure what it was but it tingled his pale skin as they passed through it. When they reached the other side, Jack couldn't contain his shock.

It looked like something off a storybook.

What he thought was an empty space of clear blue water was a huge island. In the middle was a huge castle that seemed to glisten in the moonlight. The island on the four corners, surrounding the castle, was breathtaking. There was an area that was filled with golden brown sand, another was filled with snow (lots and lots of snow), another was filled with blooming flowers and plants, and the last was filled with colorful leaves falling from the trees. Jack recognized it as the four seasons. Though, he wasn't sure how he knew that.

Jack felt Mother Nature's arms tighten slightly around him, but he didn't pay any mind to that. He was preoccupied with how beautiful everything looked.

"Yes, along with several sprites and your siblings," Mother Nature replied as they flew over some snow covered trees.

Jack blinked at the answer. Jack had no idea what sprites were. However, at the mentioned that he had siblings got his attention. Jack looked over his shoulder to look at Mother Nature with surprised blue eyes. "Siblings? I have siblings?"

Mother Nature smiled at him, but it seemed tight. It was like she was sad about something, but was putting on a calm face as she replied: "They are not your biological brother and sisters. They are Seasonals, much like you. The four of you are all connected to each other as well as the seasons, so the four of you are siblings, in a sense, if you wish to see it that way. I know they do."

Jack's smile was radiant as he absorbed what Mother Nature said about the other Seasonals. As he turned back to look in front of him, Jack's mind wandered to his siblings. I wonder what they look. Jack narrowed his eyes slightly as several images came to mind. He shook that thought away when his mind began creating crazy images of humans with animal features. With a small shrug, Jack trained his eyes in front of him as they got closer to the castle. He would meet them soon enough. He smiled. I wonder if they like pranks.

Mother Nature knew her three children's centers told them who Jack Frost was to them. She also figured they would have figured out an idea of the situation of the last couple of months. They had known her for centuries, especially Blaze. Blaze and Old Man Winter (before he faded) were the oldest of the Seasonals. Blaze lived during the Ancient Greece era and became a spirit before the end of the Greek-Punic War. Autumn became a spirit before the end of the Western Han Dynasty and Flora became a spirit during the Anglo-Saxon period.

Old Man Winter was a different case altogether. When she crashed into this planet, Old Man Winter and several other spirits were already on Earth. He had been nice and kind at the time. Old Man Winter was always mysterious and closed off. It didn't surprise her when he began distancing himself and getting colder as the decades came and passed.

Then again, she had never really been close to the Winter Seasonal. He had shown his dislike through his harsh blizzards when she chose new Seasonals to take the load off her when it became too much. Though, she was disappointed that her children couldn't get along with Old Man Winter. Then again, Old Man Winter had been alone for so long and didn't think he needed others help or attend the Seasonal Sessions to coordinate the seasons each year.

Mother Nature sipped her vanilla and honey flavored milk as she watched Autumn drink her herbal tea. She knew her children were smart and would have figured it out, given time. She knew her children would pick up on her unpredictable moods. Mother Nature had always had unpredictable moods, a family trait sadly. It wasn't like her moods weren't common knowledge among the Spirit Community. However, only a few are able to read her moods so well to tell what was normal and what wasn't. Her children just happened to be those few who could read her, along with her father and Father Time.

Even then, she should have known that at least one of them would confront her about it. They were smart spirits and just as protective of her as she was with them. Mother Nature knew right away that they figured it out (to some extent) when she returned to the castle with Jack. They had all been depressed since Jackson's death. But when they returned, her three children's state were less depressed and more shocked and happy, yet confused. They had been crying (it was obvious by their slightly red eyes and the signs of them hastily wiping tears away), but with the way they kept glancing at her and then at Jack with questioning eyes told her that they figured some things out.

Of course, the three had figured out right away that Jack Frost, formally Jackson Overland, had no memories of his previous life. Blaze and Flora were for once speechless as they stared at their new sibling. Thankfully, Autumn was more composed and collected than her two talkative siblings. She managed to handle introductions quite smoothly and then sent the three to go tour the castle and to show Jack his room, leaving the two of them to go to her private study to talk. Blaze and Flora took the hint and were more than happy to play tour guides (for now). Blaze had taken the role quite quickly and lead a curious Jack down a set of halls while telling him the history of the castle and what spells Mother Nature cast on them and around her island.

That had been a little over a half hour ago since they parted ways. Mother Nature had been sitting on her chair in her study with Autumn ever since. Mother Nature didn't mind the silence. It was peaceful and calm, but that peaceful atmosphere was about to break with a simple question.

"Why didn't you tell us about Jackson's death, Mother?"

"And this is my favorite room in the entire castle." Blaze gestured to the light green room that they were currently in with a huge smile on his tan face. "The kitchen!"

Jack eyed the huge space in wonder. There were huge wooden tables along the walls of the kitchen and another right in the middle of the room. Cabernets rested on the long walls, storing cups, bowls, plates, different ingredients and other stuff Jack hadn't seen before. On one of the walls, Jack noticed a strange rectangular thing resting on the wall. It was white and had doors on it. It reminded him of a very updated ice box (how he knew that he wasn't sure). He wondered what it stored.

On the long table near the wall were bowls and other ingredients and other things to mix stuff. There was also a rectangular thing with lots of buttons. Hmm...he wondered what was.

"Cool right?" Blaze asked excitedly. Jack nodded.

"Yeah, what is this stuff?"

Blaze smirked as he puffed out his chest, his thumb pointing to the strange objects. "That is a fridge and that is a freestanding stove. It's an oven and a stove in one machine! Isn't that cool?"

Jack nodded dumbly at the strange machines. He knew what a stove was but he had never seen anything like that. Jack tilted his head a bit in confusion. How did he know what a stove was anyway?

"I know. I had the same reaction when I first saw this," Flora said with a smile. "Many of this stuff is from Mother's home world."

Jack blinked at that. "Really?"

"Yup, this stuff was actually what survived before the planet got destroyed. This stuff belonged to Mr. Doom and Gloom. Mother convinced Father Time to go back in time to get this stuff and to make it look like new."

"Mr. Doom and Gloom?" Jack asked in confusion.

"Ignore, Blaze," Flora told him with an amused smile. "That's Blaze's nickname for Mother's father."

"Don't forget Man of Fear," Blaze interjected with a smirk. "He hates it when I call him that."

Jack chuckled softly. "Man of Fear? What is he? The Boogieman or something?"

Blaze and Flora blinked simultaneously before staring at each other, their eyes looking uneasy. "Yes."

"Oh," was Jack's response. The three of them were reduced to an uncomfortable silence. Jack wasn't sure why, though. It felt like he should know who this Boogieman was. "What now?" Jack asked his two siblings.

"Well, we have the library, the gardens, and the bedrooms," Flora said.

Blaze perked up at this. "Hey, the sprites should be in the gardens."

"Blaze, no!" Flora scolded with a frown. "No, pranks. Mother said not to prank her sprites anymore."

"You're no fun, sis," Blaze whined.

"What kind of prank?" Jack couldn't keep the curiosity out of his voice.

Blaze's grin widened as he rested his arm on Jack's shoulders. "Tell me, little brother, have you ever launched three thousand sticky fruits at unsuspecting sprites with the aid of Wind and then having those sprites get covered in feathers and vines afterward."

Jack blinked. That actually sounded awesome. "Noooo."

Blaze continued to smile as he grabbed his arm. "You are now!" And then Blaze pulled him out of the kitchen and into the hall. The two of them laughed as Flora ran after them.

"Blaze! Jack! Get back here! Mother is so going to kill us!"

"No, she's not!" Blaze said as he laughed. "She's going to have to catch us first!"

Autumn knew Mother Nature well enough to know that she had her reasons for not telling them. Though, that didn't mean Mother's methods were the right choice or even made sense at times. As of right now, Autumn was still trying to make sense of the situation and why Mother chose to not tell them after she managed to process what Father Time told her. Sure, she understood that Mother wouldn't have been able to do much due to winter been harsher this year, hence needing more of her attention to direct it. But she still was a bit confused.

"But, Mother, even with you being very busy doing winter this year, you should have told us. We could have helped."

Mother sighed sadly as grayish-green eyes stared into hers. "Autumn, you know the rules. Elementals, Seasonals, Sprites, and all Non-Nature Spirits are forbidden to get involved in other spirits wars."

Autumn frowned at the calm tone of Mother Nature. They all were aware of this. It would disrupt the balance of nature if they ever got involved in other spirits affairs. They all learned the consequences of that when the balance was thrown off course when many of them got involved in a war between the Roman Gods and Goddess and the Greeks. It had gotten so bad that they had to call the aid of the Norse Gods to help stop the chaos before Earth (and maybe several other worlds) got destroyed from the crossfire.

"I know Mother. We have no intention of getting involved in other Spirits' wars and conflicts, but we still could have helped Jackson before he fell into the lake."

Mother's lips tighten into a frown. "Autumn…" The firmness of Mother's voice made Autumn tighten her grip on her mug. There were reasons why no one ever questioned Mother Nature's authority and just labeled her as unpredictable. Mother Nature was by far the most powerful spirit in the Spirit Community, alongside Father Time and the Roman Gods, and would not hesitate to put someone in their place. They all knew when not to push Mother Nature.

Autumn swallowed nervously as three of her leaves dislodge themselves from her hair and fell to the floor. She would be lucky if she didn't get hit by a lightning bolt by the end of this.

"Jackson was on Death's list." Autumn paled at that. Death wasn't exactly mean, evil, or heartless as some spirits believe (by that she meant Non-Elemental/Nature Spirits and the Gods), but he did have a temper when others intervene in his work. Death and his Horsemen were just very busy and it was rare for them to show themselves, even to other spirits. But when he did, he could be quite frightening, even at a distance. Autumn remembered seeing him once when she was delivering fall to Europe. She had happened to be near a house where a person was dying. She had seen Death in his skeleton form when he arrived on his ashen horse. His appearance alone was downright frightening, but he wasn't a bad guy as she came to learn later on.

"But, Mother, wouldn't Death be annoyed that you and Lunar intervened in his work?" she asked in concern. The last thing they needed was a vengeful and angry Grim Reaper going after them.

"He was aware of a possible resurrection," Mother Nature said with a raised brow. "Don't worry about him coming after us. He is aware that Jackson was supposed to be my Head of Winter." Mother Nature picked up her glass of milk again and resumed drinking it. "That was one of the things that were clear. Jackson's death, it being the Guardians fault, and my father wanting revenge were the only things that were clear. Everything else was very vague and kept changing. There was nothing you or the others could have done."

"I see," Autumn said softly as her shoulders slumped slightly. Well, now that Mother put it that way...there wouldn't be anything they could have done in the end. If they did try to help, they would somehow get involved in the war and breaking Mother's rule. And it also wouldn't matter anyway since Jackson was meant to die, considering that he was on Death's list. Autumn ran her hand through her hair. Everything just sucked. It was unfair that Jackson had to die so young. But what was more troubling was the outcome of him dying before becoming a spirit: him losing his memories. "Mother? Do you think we could get Jackson's tooth box?"

Mother Nature frowned as she thought. "I'm not sure. After what happened on Christmas, I'm sure the Guardians upped their security. Besides, none of us are scheduled to be near Asia at the moment."

Autumn nodded as she pondered that thought. If the Guardians were now isolating themselves in their homes (if the rumors she heard were true) then it would be next to impossible to get the tooth box without raising suspicion.

"Mother Nature! Mother Nature!" Autumn blinked as she heard several frantic yells from three of Mother's sprites, who were knocking on the door. Mother Nature swiftly got up from her chair and walked towards the door of her study. When she opened it, she was faced with three upset sprites. The thing about the sprites was that they were covered in white and gray feathers and vines.

Autumn covered her mouth with her hand to stifle a laugh as Mother's right eye twitched. Blaze was in so much trouble when Mother was done with him.

"BLAZE!" was all Mother yelled before she stomped out of the study with flames starting to emerge from the tips of her hair. Autumn shook her head as the three sprites ran after a furious Mother Nature. Blaze would never learn.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Today had been the most fun she had had since Christmas. It felt just like yesterday when she felt the bond between her and her master snap when he died in that lake. Night had felt so lost and empty in the last couple of days. All Night had done in those days of grief was stay in Master's room in Creator's lair. Night hadn't attended the small service Creator did for Master, nor did she leave when Flee returned to the land above, nor did she leave when the Nightmare Queen came to check up on her before she and Creator left to carry out their latest plans towards the Guardians. Night hoped those spirits suffered a slow and painful death. She wished she could have done it, but Night saw no point. Her pure, sweet, childish Master was gone, not those powerful, selfish spirits. It made her mad just thinking about them.

Chapter Text

Pitch was right when he said that the Guardian of Memories' palace was in a mountain and how awfully pretty and sparkly it was. The Snow Queen would have been impressed at the massive ancient structure that sparkled and shined with its golds and blues, but she wasn't. The owner of said palace, this Guardian, was one of those spirits that she loathed immensely for killing her baby boy and for breaking Pitch's heart. She frowned as she remembered the heartbroken look he wore every time he thought about Jackson or saw something that reminded him of his brother, her son.

Cold dark blue eyes glared at the palace. There seemed to be little fairies everywhere (as her lover predicted) with little teeth and coins in their small feathered hands coming and going. She eyes them coldly. They looked like the female Guardian. They were her children in a sense or maybe copies of her. It was plain to see that the Guardian didn't leave the palace unless it was to fight against her king. The witch.

She scowled at that. She would make them pay, dearly. Starting with what the Guardians care about most.

The Snow Queen tilted her head as the shadows quivered. Pitch had reached the Warren. Her lips twitched into a smile as she glanced at the miniature Fearling Tooth Fairy as she spread his arms in front of her.

"I believe a blizzard is in order. Don't you?"

Pitch laughed wickedly as he glared at the Warren. The pitiful land had seen better days. The Spring Magic seemed weaker than usual and was in the process of healing itself. Spring Magic was repairing ancient structures that had crumbled and plants that had started to wilt and die. The little eggs that the Pooka cared about so much were running around as they were born from the very ground of the Warren. Everything seemed to be livening up with the return of the Pooka's magic. He was going to have to fix that little problem, now didn't he?

The Pooka was nowhere to be found, most likely at the North Pole with the other Guardians. He doubted Sanderson was there, though. He was upset about the whole situation. Pitch wouldn't be surprised if the golden man distanced himself from his friends, for now.

He held his scythe loosely in his hands as hundreds of eggs scattered upon seeing him and his Nightmares when they materialized in the middle of the valley that the eggs were being born in. He laughed as his Nightmares gave chase. The silent screams of their death as they were stomped on was like music to his ears. The song of death and revenge. The sound of the Pooka's hope breaking under his foot. He would make him pay.

Pitch laughed again as the big stone sentinels came to defend the worthless.

Let's see how the Pooka feels after he destroyed his precious Warren and those worthless eggs. He would avenge his brother. Revenge would be his.

The aurora borealis was beautiful with its greens and blues. It was always amazing to see it in the night sky, but not now.

Sanderson stared at the lights as he flew over the ocean. The aurora was Nicholas way of calling them. For what? He really didn't want to know. He could not face them right now...not after what just happened…not after what they did. The poor Overlands…

He couldn't face them right now. Not after what they did to Pitch and his family…to that poor family…and to Pitch's little brother…How? This should never have happened. Not to a good and pure boy like Jackson Overland.

Sanderson sighed at his conflicted thoughts. What was he going to do now? Should he go back or should he keep his distance? He could use some advice.

Sanderson looked at the horizon as he flew over the ocean and towards a familiar golden sand island in the distance. He was home. It had been awhile since he'd been home. What had it been? Three? Four years, maybe? Sanderson looked on with a fond smile as he spotted some of the mermaids talking among themselves never the edge of the golden beach and the ocean. He hoped the ladies weren't too mad at him for not coming home sooner.

The girl was running from him. Why she was running and where they were going were answers he still didn't have but wanted to know.

"Come on, Jack!"

Jack looked at the girl. She had brown hair that reached her shoulders and wore a brown dress and brown boots. He, however, could not see the girl's face. It was somehow too dark in this forest to see her face. Not that she was facing him at all. She just kept on running and laughing joyfully.

"Where are we going?" he asked the girl questioningly. 

The girl laughed. "To see Kozmotis, silly!"

Jack blinked. There was that name again. Who was Kozmotis? He felt like he should know that name. That name felt familiar like he had known that person for a long time, but why? 

Jack looked at the girl in confusion as she laughed and squealed. Deep within the forest was a hole in the ground. Near the hole was a shadow. The shadow twitched and shivered as it began to take form. It started to look like a person, but there were no features to tell who this shadow was forming into.

"Who...?" Jack started to ask the girl when she stopped in front of the shadow. However, he never got to voice the rest of his question. An unfamiliar voice shattered his dream, yanking him back to wakefulness.

"Master Frost! Time to wake up!"

Jack groaned as he opened his eyes. He knew it was fairly early in the morning. Something was telling him it was about close to nine if the sun rays were anything to go by.

Jack yawned as he focused his eyes on the being who woke him up. The being was one of Mother Nature's sprite. He was about three feet tall with bluish wings. His outfit consisted of a blue shirt and white pants that were decorated with frost patterns. Jack knew right away this was a Frost Sprite. The Sprite also had sky blue eyes and ice-like hair.

"Um...hello," Jack said as he sat up.

"So sorry to wake you, Master Frost," the Frost Sprite said with an apologetic smile. "But breakfast will be ready in an hour. The others are waiting for you in the dining room."

"Um...thank you..." Jack was slightly startled that a Frost Sprite was in front of him and calling him master. Night called him that as well, but for some reason, he felt she would never stop calling him that. "Could you tell the others I'll be down soon?"

The Sprite bowed as he replied: "Of course!" And then he turned to leave the room, closing it shut behind him.

Jack remained on his soft bed for a little longer before he decided to move. Jack wasn't sure how he felt about being called master. Although, it seemed to briefly pull at a memory, but he couldn't quite grasp it.

Jack frowned at that. Why couldn't he remember and who was that girl in his dream? He wondered if that was his mind trying to help him remember.

Jack shook his head as he opened the closet door. Jack blinked at the different pairs of clothing that rested within. There were three light blue tunics (these tunics seemed to reach below his waist and pointy towards the bottom. There were golden trimmings on them that went from the shoulder to the bottom and then around the edges. On the lines were golden snowflakes), and three white ones of the same design (only the snowflakes were a dark blue). Next to the tunics were three pairs of vests: one blue, one white, and one gold. There were also six pairs of pants. Some of the pants were dressy, while some weren't. Although, they had a similar theme of colors: gold, blue, and white. And lastly, there were two cloaks. The first one was a dark blue. It had a border of white and was decorated with a snowflake pattern on the shoulders. The other was also a dark blue, but the border and snowflakes were gold instead.

Jack looked at the different clothing he had. They all looked like nice clothing. But for some reason, the colors felt like they should remind him of something. Of what, he couldn't recall. Jack stared at the light blue tunic and a pair of white pants.

Mother Nature sure knew how to pick clothing. Might as well thank her for all his new clothes. He doubted his old ones could be fixed anyway.

The frantic chirps of green and blue miniature Tooth Fairies echoed off the magnificent columns and walls of the palace that resided within the mountain of Asia as strong winds carried freezing cold air (averaging below twenty degrees) and freezing snow and jagged ice, creating a fearful raging blizzard.

The raging blizzard roared as it blew and struck everything around it, freezing anything that got too close and knocking anything that was lightweight and fragile and shattering any and everything that was made of glass. Thousands of Tooth Fairies chipped fearfully as they tried to avoid being sucked in (as the blizzard shattered glass and knocked down tooth boxes) and becoming a fairy sickle. Many of the fairies were unlucky and ended up dropping the little teeth they were holding before they were frozen into a block of ice.

The icy laughter of the Winter Spirit brought chills to their little bones. The miniature fairies didn't know what they (or even mother) did to anger the Winter Spirit. But they did know one thing, they were not going to stick around to find out and risk being frozen solid. All except one brave fairy that was.

This miniature Tooth Fairy was the youngest of her sisters. She was also said to be different when compared to the rest of the miniature Tooth Fairies. This Tooth Fairy was similar to her mother. Much like her mother, this Tooth Fairy had a fiery and compassionate personality that would make the Sister of Flight proud. While her sisters had either a pair of green or pink eyes, this Tooth Fairy had the rare gift of having both colored eyes: one green, one pink.

While the other fairies were flying away from the blizzard (and attempting to avoid getting frozen alive), this young and brave fairy charge straight for the Winter Spirit that invaded their home. Of course, she was now cold and had ice forming on her feathers, but she was far away from the blizzard, making sure she didn't get frozen alive. She ignored the frantic chirps of her sisters as they yelled for her to fly the other way.

"Turn the other way, sister!"

"Fly, sister, fly!"

"We must tell mother about the Winter Spirit!"

"Please don't! We can't lose you too!"

She ignored them as she flew above the current. She flew higher and higher until she was directly above the blizzard. She could hear the jagged winds as they carried ice with them from within the blizzard. The Tooth Fairy looked toward her right when she heard a female laugh. He laughter was from the Winter Spirit, she realized. The laughter sounded menacing and mocking. What had mother done to anger her? The young fairy wondered as she flew to the top platform that the spirit was summoning the blizzard from. I know many spirits are not happy about the war. Mother is neglecting her job, in favor of fighting Pitch. But…could she had done something to anger one of Mother Nature's spirits? 

The fairy chirped in uncertainty. If their mother did do something like that then they were in trouble. It was bad enough that they were struggling to gather the teeth without their mother's help, but to have their mother (and the other Guardians at that) to mess with the balance of nature (and other spirits' jobs) would not end well; not for them and certainly not for the other Guardians. The young fairy dreaded to find out what their mother did as she continued to fly to the platform.

Upon reaching the platform, the fairy was taken aback by the spirit's appearance. The woman had curly snow white hair that had black highlights, dark blue eyes that looked cold and menacing, and fair pale skin. The woman wore a beautiful light blue gown that sparkled like the snow she created. The woman was beautiful. But that didn't mean she would put her guard down. The woman was dangerous.

"Well, what do we have here?" The woman's voice was as cold as the sharp jagged ice shards that were formed and tossed around; they were deadly and frightening. The young fairy tried to be brave, but she felt it faltering further when she heard a familiar voice.

"It seems one of my sisters have the nerve to confront you, my Queen."

She bristled when she saw her older sister, at least she used to be. The fairy's once beautiful feathers were now a dark black and gray, her beak and feet were a light gray, and her once bright pink eyes were a sickly haunting yellow.

"I see." She stiffened as cold blue eyes gazed at her coldly. "Tell me little one," the Winter Spirit said with a hint of anger in her voice. "Would your mother even care if you froze to your death?" The hatred in her voice as she snarled the question about their mother made her eyes widen in horror. Mother, what have you done? 

The temperature soon plummeted. The winds grew harsher, the snow and ice grew and solidified into balls of ice that were jagged and pointy. The little fairy shivered violently as ice began to form on her wings and beak, to the point of hurting.

"Please," she chirped fearfully. She did not care for her safety too much, but she did fear for the others. "Do whatever you want to me, but please leave the others alone!"

She watched as her 'sister' translated what she said. The woman frowned in response. There also seemed to be a hint of pain in her eyes. "So self-sacrificing…just like my son…" Her voice sounded soft, distant even, and her dark blue eyes seemed to soften to a soft blue, like the one of the sky. She wondered who this person was. It wasn't new for spirits to have children. It was rare, but it wasn't impossible. They were immortal after all.

"He wouldn't want you to do this," she said softly, trying very hard to ignore the numbness caused by the ice that was beginning to spread up her small body.

The soft distant look soon turned into anger and rage. "How would you know?!" The winds grew violent. The ice grew larger and thicker, breaking the fine gold and strong metal of the palace. Jagged ice seemed to pierce through the walls and metal, destroy all in its path. The palace was becoming a huge block of ice.

"Why are you doing this?" she chirped frantically. "We haven't done anything to anger you!"

The woman laughed. It was hollow. The scary type of hollowness that was filled with pain and anger and...despair. The fairy could not understand what could have caused this type of pain. She could feel that the woman was remembering a memory, a bad one. "Is that so?" the woman asked. "Let me tell you something little fairy." She shivered at the hiss. "My son is dead because of your mother!"

Chapter Text

Toothiana couldn't ignore the pain and guilt she felt whenever she thought about the child that died in the lake. Our fault. She could not stop thinking about the boy's sister who walked through her. She had yelled at them for being stupid and said so many other things…

Where they really that bad? It was their job to protect children. But right now…she felt like she failed.

Our fault we lost them.

Her belief (much like her brothers) was one of their strongest and now…it was gone. She no longer believed in them.

Toothiana never felt so empty before. The loss of two believers was one thing, but to be yelled at by a child they promised to protect and to see their enemy in agony was something totally different and nervewracking.

She had never seen Pitch cry before. Despite how Bunny felt, she could not shake the fear she felt when Pitch screamed. He seemed broken and hollow…and then the Fealings returned. But what shocked her the most was what Pitch yelled before the Fealings attacked them.

" LITTLE BROTHER!"

Toothiana stared at the barrier, silently watching the Nightmares as they tried to break through.

"Where the bloody hell is Sandy?"

"I don't know!"

Toothiana ignored Bunny and North as they tried to summon Sandy again. The Nightmares had been attacking for two hours now. They were relentless in their attacks. North thankfully had the barrier up, but she wasn't sure if it would hold. Not that it mattered anyway. They were no match for them

Toothiana sighed as her thoughts swirled around Pitch's words.

"Jackson! Don't go!

Don't leave me! 

Please, come back! We just found each other! 

We were going to be a family again! 

LITTLE BROTHER!"

Toothiana closed her eyes as she rested her head on her folded arms. She didn't know Pitch had a brother. Why hadn't Manny told them? They could have protected him. Toothiana felt her eyes water with tears as North and Bunny began to panic. The Nightmare Horses seemed to be getting through.

What have we done? Toothiana couldn't help but wonder. Mom and Dad would be so disappointed in me. Toothiana remembered the time before her parents were killed. They were loving people. Her mother was the ex-queen of the Sister of Flight and her father was the kindest soul there ever was. They would not be happy to see her now. I had been angry when they were killed in front of me. I had wanted vengeance. I had moaned their loss. Toothiana ignored the tears that leaked from her eyes. We deserve this. What have we…

And then she felt a sharp pain in the center of her chest. The pain was agonizing. She fell out of the seat that she was seated on and landed on the warm floor of the Globe Room. She barely heard the concern shouts of her friends as she began crying out in pain. She felt like she was being torn from the inside. Toothiana gasped as her head snapped up, staring passed her friends as they knelt in front of her, trying to get her attention, as the pain and fear settled in.

"My fairies!"

Finding his siblings wasn't as hard as he thought. Somehow he just knew that Blaze, Flora, and Autumn were currently at the dining room that they ate at last night. He wasn't sure how he knew this, however. Maybe it had something to do with them being connected to each other. Mother Nature and Autumn did say something about that.

"Good morning, Master Frost," a group of female Winter Sprite greeted when they spotted him walking down the hall. Jack noticed that they were cleaning the huge windows and then dusting them with a light layer of snow. "Did you sleep well?"

Jack found himself smiling at them. "Good morning. I slept very well, thank you." He paused for a moment before asking, "If you don't mind me asking, what are your names?"

The three Sprites blinked at the question. "You don't know, Master Frost?" This Sprite had light blue eyes and medium length white hair. She wore a pretty blue dress that sparkled like freshly dusted snow.

"I guess no one told you yet." This Sprite had long white hair that reached her waist and short bangs. She wore a blue dress with small ruffles on the bottom.

The Sprite next to her had her white hair tied into a bun. She wore a blue dress that had swirl patterns on it. She also seemed older than the other two. "I'm sure they meant to tell you today during training. It's easy once you get the hang of it."

"Training?" Jack asked in confusion. "You mean like understand my powers and how to fly?"

They nodded. "Yes, that's part of it," the Sprite with the long white hair said. "As a Seasonal, it's your job to direct winter as Mistress Nature's instructs. Winter is one of the harsher seasons, but with some guidance, you will pick it up fairly easily."

"I'm not sure if you've noticed, but you should be able to sense where Master Heat, Mistress Leaf, and Mistress Fall are at and should be able to tell if they were in a danger or not."

Jack's eyes widened at that. "Actually I kinda do," Jack admitted, getting soft smiles from the three Sprites. "Is this normal?"

"Yes, it is, Master Frost," the Sprite with medium length hair said with a soft laugh. "You are connected to the very fabric of the season, much like the other Seasonals are. It is also that same reason that you would know every Winter Sprites and animals name."

Jack blinked as he tried to absorb that information. There seemed to be a lot he needed to know about being a Seasonal. He didn't doubt that his siblings would give him a very thorough (and hopefully not boring) explanation. Oh, what joy that would be.

"In the meantime, my name is Chrystal," the oldest Sprite introduced herself.

"I'm Eira," the Sprite with medium length hair said.

"And I'm Neva," the Sprite with the long hair said with a warm smile.

"It's nice to meet you," Jack said with a smile. The three Winter Sprites reminded him of children. It made his chest warm inside. "So, are you all Mother Nature's Sprites?"

The three Sprites laughed. "Oh, winters, no!"

Jack's brows arched in confusion. "We might not look it, but we have been around before Mistress Nature stepped foot on his planet. We were originally Master Winter's Sprites," Chrystal explained.

"Who?" Jack asked.

"Master Winter," Chrystal repeated. "He was the original Winter Seasonal before you."

"He was commonly known as Old Man Winter, Father Winter, or Father Frost. Though, he preferred to be called Master Winter," Eira added.

Jack tilted his head at that. Why did he get the sense that this Old Man Winter was not a good spirit? "He wasn't the nicest, but no one deserves to fade away."

"Fade...away?" Jack felt like he heard about this before. But from where? Jack frowned as he heard a male voice (though, he had no idea who the owner of said voice was) in his head telling him the same thing.

"Many spirits fade over time when people stop believing in us. It's a very painful process.

When spirits fade (like Old Man Winter for example) it's like never existing. It's not the same as dying when we are human. 

When a spirit fades it's because they were destroyed from the inside out. When that happens there is no way to be reborn."

"That's right," Neva said with a nod. Jack mentally pushed the voice away, deciding to not think about the dizziness when he tried to force himself to see who this person was. "Master Winter was too harsh with his magic. His magic became imbalance and as a result, he ended up fading away."

"It had not been very pretty," Eira murmured.

"What you mean?"

They glanced at each other, a silent question passing between them for several seconds before Chrystal took up the explanation. "Well, you see, several months before Master Winter started fading, he became very violent and cruel." The Sprites had sad frowns on their delicate features. The memory must not be very pleasant. "He started making the weather far to cold for the animals to live. He started fighting with the other Seasonals more and more. It had gotten so bad that he started killing his own Sprites."

The gasped that left his lips and his hand tightening around the delicate wood of his staff must have been the response they were expecting. They just nodded and looked at him sadly with their delicate wings and fingers twitching ever so slightly. "There are not many of us left, Master Frost," Neva said softly.

"Mistress Nature managed to save those who were left and gave us shelter in her home," Chrystal picked up the explanation. "Unlike the others, we only help her out as thanks for saving us and because of her kindness. However, we do not serve her. The Winter Sprites would and also will be loyal to the Winter Seasonal only."

Jack was taken aback by the comment. If the Winter Sprites weren't loyal to Mother Nature and if they weren't her Sprites then did that mean that they were his? "Is that's why you call me master?" He was the new Winter Seasonal now after all.

They nodded. "It is our way, Master Frost. As the new Winter Seasonal, in centuries, we serve only you," Chrystal said with a smile. Jack's heart warmed at the statement. He didn't know what to say to that.

"I don't know what to say," he admitted. "I don't know a thing about being a Winter Seasonal, let along taking care of Sprites, but I promise I will try my best," he added quickly.

The three Sprites just smile at him. "We believe in you, Master Frost," Chrystal said warmly. "And, please, do not worry. I know you will be a better Seasonal then Master Winter. You are far kinder than him and we appreciate that."

Jack smiled at them. He didn't know why, but the comment reassured him in a way. If they believed in him then he would make sure he did his job right. Looks like he had some learning to do.

The four winds echoed their distress at how huge the blizzard was getting as it got more harsher, more wilder, more deadly. This information shocked her to her core. This blizzard was more massive than she had expected. Who would have thought that Susanna would create a blizzard this big? She dreaded the outcome of the balance and the extra work the Spirits and Sprites would have to do to fix this mess.

Mother Nature felt the balance shift; the snow and cold were spreading. The Earth was crying. The Earth was confused on why it was snowing in Asia and why it was so cold when it was supposed to be spring? Mother Nature had no answer for her. All she could do was sent calm to the Earth, telling her of a new Winter Spirit losing her child to the Guardians and lashing out in a fit of rage.

The Earth understood. A mother's wrath was a scary one. The Earth pitied the mother and wished for her to help the woman ease her pain. Mother Nature intended on doing just that, but first, she would have to caught up to her, first, and ease the blizzard that was growing by the minute.

The temperate suddenly dropped and then the winds roared Susanna's wishes. Destroy! Destroy! Destroy! The blizzard must be bigger! Ice be formed! The Guardians will pay! Pay! Pay!

This was not good. She had to hurry.

Night galloped through the shadows, checking out every inch of the castle. The castle was pretty impressive. There were many rooms, each one different from the others. There was a study, a library, a kitchen and dining room, other bedrooms, a ballroom, the weather room, an infirmary, an impressive training room, and many, many others.

Night was very impressed. Night flicked her tail when she sensed her master had left his room. She only left just to memorize every inch of the castle. She had to make sure there were no surprises she might encounter if Master ever got lost.

Night exited out of the shadow and materialized in front of Master. She noticed he was wearing a new outfit. It suited him.

Blue eyes looked startled for a moment at her sudden appearance before they were replaced with amusement. "Morning Night," Master greeted with a smile. "Where have you been and how did you do that?"

"I was exploring the castle. It is quite impressive." Master nodded as if he expected that. "And I was shadowing."

"What's that?" Master asked curiously.

Night blinked. It hurt that he did not remember. "It's an ability I have. I can travel through the shadows. You have that ability as well."

"I do?" Master asked, looking excited.

"Yes, I will show you later. Right now I believe we have breakfast to eat."

Master nodded before they made way to the dining room.

The words made her small heart ship beat as she took in what the Winter Spirit said, this Snow Queen. Mother killed a child? No! That had to be a lie! Mother loved children. She would never harm one.

She wanted to yell at the Winter Spirit, to tell her that she was wrong. But the rage and pain in the woman's eyes stopped those defensive thoughts. The emotions seemed too raw, too real, to be a lie.

The young Tooth Fairy shivered violently at the freezing temperature. Thick clumps of ice clung to the feathers on her wings and began spreading to her chest and feet. She chirped in surprise as the ice grew too heavy for her to stay in the air, forcing her wings to gave out. Fear filled the young Tooth Fairy as she fell away from the platform and towards the ground below as the winds picked up.

This is the end, she thought, moments before a familiar, yet powerful, voice (that she had only heard in passing) yelled disbelievingly: "What are you doing Susanna?!"

Jack shifted from foot to foot nervously as his siblings just stared at him. "Is something wrong?"

It took a moment for the other three Spirits to realize that they were just staring at him for a little too long. And it took another moment for them to snap out of whatever trance they were in. Hopefully, this wasn't anything bad. All he did was put on the new clothes.

"No, not at all," Autumn said with a smile. "It's just that the traditional outfit looks nice on you."

Jack's brow arched. "It's traditional?"

Autumn nodded as she gestured for him to sit down at the table. Blaze and Flora sipped on some coffee as they waited for the Sprites in charge of cooking to finish preparing the food.

"You see, Jack, that outfit is the traditional clothing of the Winter Seasonal." Jack blinked. Wasn't Old Man Winter the Winter Seasonal before him? "When this earth was very young, the original Winter Seasonal, Old Man Winter, ruled this land. The different seasons did not exist at the time, so it was an eternal winter."

"It was also unbalanced," Blaze commented just as the Spites exited the doors to bring in their breakfast.

"It took several centuries for that to happen, but that's not the point at the moment," Autumn said as she thanked a Spring Sprite when he placed a plate of eggs, ham, bacon, and a baked potato in front of her. "You see, the Winter Sprite made that outfit for Old Man Winter when he was a young Spirit. When Mother crashed onto this planet, she loved the outfit. The Winter Sprites were more than happen to restore the originals for the next Winter Spirit and even taught the other Seasonal Sprites how to create similar outfits for us as well."

"You have one too?" Jack asked, finding his curious mind wanting to know more as he absorbed the information.

"Of course," Flora said chirpily. "Though, we only wear it on special occasions."

"Like?" Jack asked.

"The Solstice and the Equinox ritual," Blaze answered as he ate his eggs.

"The what?" Jack remembered Mother Nature yelling that at Blaze and something about a war.

Autumn placed her fork back on the table after finishing a piece of the baked potato she had cut up moments ago. "They are rituals we perform for the passing of the seasons. Mother will explain this to you when the time comes for the ritual."

"Speaking of Mother," Jack said as he nibbled on some toast that a Fall Sprite placed on the table for them. "Where is she?"

"There was a rogue Winter Spirit creating a freak blizzard in Asia," Blaze said as he spread strawberry jam on his toast. "Mother went to stop it."

"Oh." He really wanted to thank her for the clothes and to ask her about his Winter Sprites.

"But don't worry!" Jack looked at Blaze. Blaze had a huge smile on his face and a glint in his eyes that Jack could not decipher. "Mother put us in charge of your training until she gets back."

Jack looked at his three siblings curiously. Blaze and Flora looked excited, while Autumn looked exasperated. "What type of training?"

"Well, you need to learn how to fly with Wind," Blaze said.

"And how to control your powers and what to use them for," Flora added.

"Mother would want you to know the history of the Spirit World, how we conduct the weather, how to work with other Seasonal animals and Sprites, and about Mother's rules for Elementals and Nature Spirits." Jack blinked as he looked at Autumn.

"Rules?"

"It's nothing serious," Autumn said with a reassuring smile. "Not all Spirits are nice, Jack."

"Especially those who are not Elementals or Nature Spirits," Blaze mumbled between bites. Flora scrunched up her nose in response.

"Blaze don't talk with your mouth full!" Flora tried to reprimand her brother, but he just stuck out his tongue in retaliation.

"Mother had certain rules to protect us from certain Spirits, especially those that are at war." Autumn ignored the other two and continued talking as if they hadn't spoken at all. "Mother might seem harsh at times, but believe me she does it because she fears of losing us."

Jack frowned. Jack knew he normally didn't like rules. He felt rules were too constraining. He would following them, to an extent anyway. However, Mother Nature's rules must be for a reason and should be followed. Jack didn't know what these rules were or what happened, but it must have been bad.

"What happened?"

Autumn smiled at him sadly. "War, Jack. At the last war, more than half of the Elementals, Nature Spirits, and Sprites were killed. That war almost destroyed this planet."

Jack's eyes widened. "Are you serious?" That would cause anyone to place rules down. He wondered what the rules were.

Chapter Text

The annoying Guardian fluttered nervously around as they tried to stop the blizzard from spreading further. The entire mountain front that the Tooth Palace resided in was now covered in snow and ice. Sharp spikes of ice stuck out of the ground and mountainsides, covering every entryway with solid black ice. The fearsome looking ice and the below freezing cold front had already covered thirty or so miles, freezing several small tribes and villages, and killing thousands of adults and children.

Jarek had to hold back an eye roll when the Guardian began ranting again. "Can't you do anything to stop the blizzard?"

"I've already told you, Queen Toothiana," he said through gritted teeth. "This blizzard is far too strong for us. We can only hold it back."

And even that was very difficult with over sixty Summer, Spring, Winter Sprites trying to control the temperature, and with him and Pearl trying to melt the ice and hold back the harsh winds. Despite their best effects, the blizzard continued to spread. Many tribes and villages have been turned into an icebox, with several humans being impelled with ice shards. Many of deceased humans looked as if they were struck by a shattered mirror.

"BUT IT'S SPREADING!" Jarek's right eye twitched. He really didn't like the Guardians. Jarek normally got along with other spirits. But there were a few that he could not stand to be in the same space with. The Guardians just happened to be those he couldn't stand.

The Guardians, unlike the rest of the spirits in the Spirit World, lived in their own little world. The Guardians were spirits that didn't like change. They stayed in their palaces, unaware of the chaos and changes outside their little world. The Guardians were oblivious to the effects their little war was causing to the rest of them. The fact that they were trying to stop Pitch from doing his job was just plain ridiculous.

Jarek didn't blame the Groundhog for hating Aster. The Guardians thought that just because it's their holiday, they needed to have the perfect weather. No — they demanded it! Who did they think they were anyway? All they talked about was children this and children that and 'oh we must protect the children from things that go dark in the night' and 'Pitch Black is evil! He's a monster! We must stop him!' blah, blah, blah.

Jarek could not stand them!

"Oh, the poor children!"

The Guardians only seemed to care about the children, while there were thousands of mortals out there that were scared, or needed memories, or needed dreams and hope. It irritated him to no end on how narrowed minded they were. Did they really think they were that important just because they were MiM's Guardians? To attack anyone that didn't fit their perfect little image? To think they deserve special treatment just because they have the belief of the Humans?

"WE KNOW IT'S SPREADING!" Pearl snapped back. Pearl's tan face brightened as her light red hair engulfed into flames at her growing temper. "WE ARE DOING THE BEST WE CAN GUARDIAN!" Pearl's light brown-reddish orbs narrowed as she glared at the woman. Jarek could tell that she was tired. Pearl was very known to be a stubborn Summer Spirit, but she rarely snapped at others. She would talk back sarcastically, yes, but rarely allowed herself to get angered easily.

The Guardian fluttered nervously as the wind whipped around them. It was absolutely freezing. "I'm sorry…I didn't…"

"I DON'T WANT YOUR APOLOGY! I DON'T TELL YOU HOW TO DO YOUR JOB! DON'T TELL US HOW TO DO OURS!"

The Guardian didn't say anything as Pearl returned her attention to the blizzard. Jarek could only sigh tiredly. They all were using a lot of energy to push the blizzard back. It was exhausting and frustrating work.

Jarek looked at the Guardian of Memories. As much as the Guardian irritated him, he couldn't blame her for being worried. This was her home and her helpers that were in danger, along with the humans that got killed in the crossfire. However, he just wished the Guardians would just understand that not everything was as black and white as they believe.

"Queen Toothiana, we do not have the power to stop this blizzard. Only Mother Nature has that power."

The Guardian frowned nervously at the mention of Mother Nature. That didn't surprise him. The Guardians were not Mother Nature's favorite spirits. "Where is she then?"

Jarek didn't respond to the Guardian right away. He took a deep breath as he tried to sense where Mother Nature was. She would have left her palace several hours ago and should be here any minute now. Mother had already used her connection to the planet to inform them of her arrival.

Jarek blinked as he sensed that Mother Nature was almost directly above them.

"She's right above us." The Guardian looked startled when he suddenly looked up. He felt the rise of power before Mother Nature came into view. She hovered in the air as she stared at the damaged that the blizzard was caused.

Mother did not look happy, not in the slightest.

She never imagined that Susanna would cause this much damage. Snow and ice were spreading thousands of miles, engulfing the villages nearby. Many of the ice that engulfed several villages looked like shattered mirrors, maybe a reflection of Susanna's inner pain. Their powers were tied to their emotions, so it would make sense that Susanna's were going out of control because of her anger and pain. It was sad really.

Mother Nature knew Susanna was still within the Guardian's palace. She could feel it. She turned towards Jarek and Pearl and wasn't that surprised to see the Guardian of Memories. She didn't have time to deal with her right now.

She hovered down in front of the three with a grim expression on her face. "The blizzard is concentrated from within the palace. I would need to go in there and find the Winter Spirit to put a stop to this blizzard. I need you to keep up what you are doing out here. Once the blizzard is gone, we will proceed with clean up and restore spring to this area." Jarek and Pearl nodded. "I shall return."

Mother Nature turned around, not giving the Guardian a glance, as she returned her attention to the roaring blizzard. The Wind picked her up and prepared to send her to where she knew Susanna would be, but was halted when the female Guardian flew in front of her. "Wait! Let me go with you!"

Mother Nature frowned. The shiver that passed through the woman as the cold winds touched her did not go unnoticed. "Toothiana, you would not be able to tolerate the cold temperature without proper clothing. The temperature would be below zero and I doubt you would be able to withstand it with the way you are now. Believe me, it is far colder in there than it is out here."

The Guardian's shoulders drooped as she continued to shiver. The woman was worried for her fairies. Mother Nature knew that very well. "All right," she said softly. "But I will come in to help when the blizzard is cleared." She paused, her eyes shimmering with worry. "And save my fairies. I can feel them calling for me. Many have died already."

Mother Nature did not argue with the woman. "Do as you wish," she told the Guardian before the Wind took her to the center of the storm.

The storm was far worse inside than she had expected. The walls and platforms were covered in ice, several were broken and cracked by the ice shards that grew and grew. Mother Nature could understand why the Guardian was worried. Several of the Guardian's fairies were frozen solid. She could feel that many of the small lives had extinguished already, but there was a good amount that was still alive. One, in particular, had caught her attention.

Mother Nature had sensed this small fairy's stubbornness to live. She was fighting against something or someone to be more actuate. Mother Nature flew to the platform that she knew was the center of the storm. The winds were more violent in this part of the palace. The ice was thicker, deadly even. She could see black ice and spikes everywhere.

Mother Nature continued further and was shocked to see Susanna in her new form. She always knew she would be a beautiful Winter Spirit, but to be this harsh and angry and aiming to harm others was something she never expected. Next to Susanna was a Fearling Tooth Fairy, one her father changed no doubt. Several inches away from the platform, falling, was a tooth fairy, slightly covered in ice. She was the life she sensed earlier.

Mother Nature sprung forward to caught the fallen fairy. "What are you doing Susanna?!" The woman froze. The winds stop swirling violently for several seconds and the ice seemed to stop growing as well. This gave Mother Nature the time to catch the small fairy and to return to the platform.

Mother Nature's greenish-gray eyes bore into dark blue. Several emotions swirled in those eyes: anger, hatred, sadness, and pain.

"Emily," she said softly. "Why are you here?" she asked as she studied her with cold blue eyes. "Are you here to stop me, perhaps?"

"Susanna," Mother Nature said as her lip curved down into a concerned frown. "You can't be doing this. I know you are mad for what the Guardians did, but-"

"Why not?!" The winds picked up again and tried to push her back. Mother Nature blocked the cold air from the small fairy and made sure the air around them rose, just enough to melt the ice around the small fairy and to keep her alive. "Jackson is dead because of them! Pitch is completely heartbroken. He can't even stand to look at his picture without crying." Susanna's eyes glistened with tears.

"Susanna, please!" Mother Nature voice broke slightly as she tried to get Susanna to calm down. "You have to stop! Don't you realize what your lack of control on your emotions is doing to the villages outside these mountains?"

Susanna frowned as she studied her. "What do you mean?" Susanna spoke slowly as she looked at her, allowing the winds to calm just a bit.

Mother Nature sighed. "It's your powers dear."

"What about them?" Susanna asked with a frown now forming on her face.

"Like all Elementals," Mother Nature began. "Your powers are tied to your emotions."

Susanna's eyes widened at that. "You mean that…" Horror and sadness were reflected in her eyes as the realization of what Mother Nature was trying to tell her finally clicked.

"Your anger allowed your power to run out of control, I'm afraid," she said sadly. "The blizzard has grown bigger outside and traveled several miles down the mountains."

"No…" Susanna's voice was soft and filled with guilt. "You…mean…I…"

Mother Nature nodded. "Many villages have been encased in ice and snow, Susanna."

Susanna staggered back as a startled gasp left her lips. Her eyes widened in shock and horror. "I…killed…children…?" Her voice trembled as her eyes filled up with tears. Mother Nature nodded sadly, which just caused the tears to fall over. "No…no…no…no…"

Mother Nature's heart broke as Susanna fell to her knees and sobbed. The Fearling Fairy chirped in distress as she tried to comfort Susanna. Mother Nature glanced at the fairy in her hand and saw her chirping weakly at her. The fairy's eyes were filled with sadness. She obviously felt bad for the sobbing Winter Spirit.

Mother Nature sighed as she summoned some vines and made a nest of vines for the fairy. After she placed the fairy in the nest, she walked towards the sobbing Winter Spirit.

"It's okay," she told Susanna as she placed her hand on the woman's shoulder.

"But…I killed children," she sobbed.

"It wasn't your fault. You didn't know your powers would get this out of control."

Susanna's teary dark blue eyes looked up to hers. "What have I done, Emily?" Her bottom lip trembled slightly. "How can I kill children?" she sobbed. "Just like my little baby! He must be turning in his grave right now! Oh, Jackson…I'm so sorry!"

Mother Nature felt herself smiling slightly as she stared at the woman. Maybe she could still fix this mess. "Susanna, there's something I need to tell you." Susanna focused her teary eyes at her. "It's about Jackson."

"He's dead!" Susanna interrupted, wailing. "What more is there to tell?"

Mother Nature was about to tell her that Jackson was not dead anymore, that he was alive and healthy again. But, of course, the Guardians ruin everything.

"HOW DARE YOU HARM MY FAIRIES YOU MONSTER? GET HER GIRLS!" Mother Nature barely had a moment to realize what was going on before a small swarm of miniature Tooth Fairies, along with the stupid Guardian herself attacked. Mother Nature found herself knocked away from the Winter Spirit and towards the edge of the platform, while the fairies pushed Susanna off the platform.

"NO!"

She didn't move when the stupid Guardian landed next to her. "Are you all right?" Mother Nature didn't respond to the Guardian. She was too stun to say anything. The Guardians had once again messed everything up for the violent icy winds returned.

The miniature Tooth Fairies scattered as Susanna floated in the air with winds carrying ice and snow. Cold blue eyes stared at them in fury.

"You dare call me a monster, Guardian?" Susanna asked with a snare. "You and your friends with pay for your crimes against me and my lover!" Her eyes narrowed as the shadows and ice grow and surround her, shielding her from them. "I will destroy you for killing the child you swore to protect!" The Guardian flinched at the icy tone. The miniature fairies looked at their mother in horror and disbelief. They were chirping frantically, most likely asking if Susanna was telling the truth or not.

The Guardian did not say a word. And how could she? She was literally frozen in terror and guilt.

"Susanna!" Mother Nature got to her feet, ignoring the Guardian and her mini clones and tried to get closer to the distressed Winter Spirit. But it was near impossible. The winds kept pushing her back and she had to dodge ice spikes that were formed by the mini blizzard that surrounded the Winter Spirit. "Wait!"

"You will pay!" The mini-blizzard of ice, snow, and shadow swirled faster and faster around her. Mother Nature could barely see Susanna now with the blizzard surrounding the Winter Spirit, but her threat could be heard despite the roaring blizzard. "You all will pay!"

"Girls get to cover!"

Mother Nature ignored the Guardian as her and her fairies moved away from the blizzard. Ice once again resumed their traveling, attempting to destroy the platform and the rest of the palace. Mother Nature ignored the screams as she stared at the blizzard. Susanna was still in inside screaming and raging her anger and frustration and her pain.

She tried to get closer, but every time she moved an inch, she found herself thrust back several feet. Why was Susanna pushing her away? Susanna was in pain; she shouldn't be pushing her away like this. She should be pushing the Guardians away, but not her, so why?

And then she saw it.

A shadow.

Mother Nature's eyes widened as the shadow appeared from within the blizzard. She knew who this was.

"Father, wait!"

She managed to catch a glimpse of her father as he pulled Susanna into a hug. Mother Nature found her voice caught in her throat as her father looked at her. His golden-gray eyes seemed haunted and old beyond his eyes. He was devastated and very, very anger. He was completely heartbroken. Tears formed in her eyes. No, please don't tell her she lost her father too. Not like this. Her father was strong. He shouldn't be looking like this.

"I'm sorry, Emily." She fell to her knees as the Wind brought her father's tired voice to her before he and Susanna disappeared along with the blizzard.

Upon their departure, the ice and snow began to melt as her Spirits and Sprites rushed to clean up the area.

Mother Nature continued to stare at the spot she last saw her father and the Snow Queen before they retreated. "But father," her voice trembled as she spoke barely above a whisper. "Jackson is alive."

Chapter Text

She couldn't help but feel an overwhelming disappointed as she watched her mother and sisters fly away from the enraged Winter Spirit and the redeveloping blizzard that surrounded the spirit. The young Tooth Fairy shivered slightly as the vines moved on their own accord, protecting her the best it could.

The young Tooth Fairy knew the vines were acting on Mother Nature's wishes — to protect and shield her from the cold, to keep her alive — when it moved to cover the opening above her. She was thankful for that. She was protected and warm thanks to the Spring and Fall Magic traveling within the vines.

Despite being safe and warm, it did nothing to the dread, fear, and disappointment she'd felt. Mother Nature's words, revealing bits and pieces of what happened as she attempted to breathe reason into the spirit, confirmed that she knew of what the spirit was talking about and further confirming what the Snow Queen was saying held the truth that she wanted to deny. But it was Mother's reaction toward the grieving Winter Spirit's accusations that truly made her realize that the Snow Queen had been telling the truth and that she had every right to want vengeance. They had taken the life of a child after all.

The very thought made the fairy's heart cringe in pain. She could not believe her mother would do such a thing. But Mother had. She had taken the life of a child, rather she meant to do it or not and had made another enemy in the process.

The young Tooth Fairy removed her eyes from the small gap between the vines, sighing sadly as the truth settled firmly in her mind. Mother, what have you done? The young Tooth Fairy shook her head sadly. She knew exactly what happened. Mother had become too blind to see the consequences of this unneeded war. She had allowed her anger to cloud her judgment and had allowed her hatred and misguided beliefs to distract her from her duties.

Mother might have thought that she was protecting the children by constantly attacking Pitch, instead of joining them when they collected the children's teeth, but she wasn't. When she stopped collecting teeth, opting to stay at the palace for hours on end or joining the other Guardians in their efforts to destroy Pitch, she stopped seeing the children and the ever changing world they lived in. Mother didn't see the children that were orphans. Or the children that were dying due to an unknown disease spreading throughout the country or as a result of all the fighting and killing among the morals. She didn't see the children that were cold and hungry and only dreamed of a day where their parents would return home from a hunt or with enough money for food. Mother did not see what she and the others saw.

The young fairy sighed as she heard Mother Nature yelling for her father. The young Tooth Fairy blinked her eyes before shifting her gaze to the gap between the vines. What was Pitch doing here at the palace…and why?

If Pitch Black had been here, he was long gone, which was puzzling itself. However, he wasn't the only one who was gone.

The young fairy chirped questioningly as she gazed outside. She would have assumed Pitch would have wanted to join the Snow Queen and attack them. Pitch Black was very angry right now and rightly deserved to get his revenge on them. Besides, they were down by a dozen or so miniature Tooth Fairies and the other Guardians were nowhere in sight. It was an easy win.

Whatever the reason was, Pitch didn't attack. In fact, he wasn't here and seemed to have taken the blizzard and the Snow Queen with him. Now, this was interesting. Why would he do that?

The young fairy thought back to what the Snow Queen said about Pitch, her mother, and the now dead child. She wasn't sure what Pitch's relation to this child was, but they must have been close if Pitch Black was hurting as the Snow Queen revealed. And if that was the case then what was the relation between the Snow Queen and Pitch Black? Were they working together? Were they a couple? Were they friends?

The fairy grunted at the growing headache that was starting to emerge. This war was a big mess for everyone. Many of the other spirits were becoming resentful of the Guardians. There had been talk of stripping the Guardians of their powers or destroying their holidays and jobs. The other spirits were getting fed up with this silly war that the Man on the Moon started, but chose to do nothing about it. Many were afraid of Mother Nature's wrath and chose to wait until she did something. For now, it was just talk, but she feared of the outcome this could cause. The Guardians were always the topic of discussion in the Spirit World. It was why they were never invited to Mother Nature's or the other Ancient Spirits' parties, meetings, or celebrations.

There were very few that supported the Guardians and sadly she was not one of them. The young Tooth Fairy hated to admit it, but even she was starting to have negative feelings towards her own mother. Mother was not the kind woman she once was. She had changed and it was a change she didn't like.

The young fairy sighed as the vines began to retract their protective sphere and return to the ground they came from. The fairy flapped her wings, happy that the vines melted the ice on her feathers and gave her the strength she needed to fly again.

Instead of flying back to her mother, the young fairy flew to Mother Nature, who was still near the edge of the platform. Mother Nature had not moved since the departure of the Snow Queen and Pitch Black. She remained on her knees, staring blankly at the empty space in front of her with such a saddened look on her beautiful face. The young fairy landed on the woman's shoulder, looking at her in concern.

Neither of them said anything for a long while. Mother Nature remained silent as her spirits and sprites rushed to warm up the place, melting the ice and snow, and attempting to save those that have been covered in snow and ice. She knew many of her sisters have not survived, however. Many had been the first to instantly freeze when the Snow Queen started the blizzard. The blizzard had started in the middle of the palace's courtyard, while they were heading towards the columns that would give them coins or fetch the tooth box (that belonged to the child that they have collected the tooth from) from the vault.

Green-pink eyes misted at the sad thought. Her sisters were dead. Sure, Mother had dozens of fairies and could separate herself by using the Ancient Relic (a baby tooth giving to her by her parents long ago), giving birth to more miniature Tooth Fairies. However, this was stored deep within the palace in an unbreakable vault, where they kept all the other baby teeth.

Despite this knowledge, the young fairly realized that it did nothing to rid the pain in her chest. She turned her head to the sky, watching several sprites as they warmed the area. She could feel the magic of spring and summer warming her tiny bones. The young Tooth Fairy ruffled her feathers, hoping the warm Spring and Summer Magic would dry the feathers that were still damp from the ice.

"They don't know." She had not expected Mother Nature to break the silence, though. The fairy was concerned, however. The spirit's voice was very soft, barely above a whisper. If it wasn't for the fact that she was on the spirit's shoulder, she probably wouldn't have heard her. "He's not dead anymore."

"Who?" she asked, questioningly. "Who's not dead?"

The spirit did not face her, nor answer right away. Her face was a mask of emotions as she stared tearfully in front of her. "Me and Lunar brought him back, you know. But they don't. My father is grieving the death of his brother…no thanks to the Guardians…he doesn't realize that his younger brother is alive now." Her eyes widened in surprise. Pitch had a brother? "And Susanna…she's so bent on revenge now…she doesn't know that Jackson is alive and healthy…"

Mother Nature finally shifted her greenish-gray eyes towards her. The spirit smiled weakly at her as she tried to process what she was being told, in addition to what had occurred over the last several hours. However, her mind could not process anything while she was staring into Mother Nature's eyes. Her heart cringed for the spirit as she read the mixture of emotions that was presented to her. There was so much pain and sadness there. Pain for her father, Pitch Black. Pain for the Susanna, the Snow Queen. Pain for Jackson. Pain for the dead mortals. Pain for the suffering and loneliness the war had caused everyone involved.

"I know they need to know," she continued before the fairy could form a question. "But Father keeps going off the grid. Not even I can find him anymore."

"How is that possible, Mother Nature?" she asked, startled that Pitch was now even concealing his presence from his own daughter.

Mother Nature sighed, smiling weakly at her. "I'm afraid I do not understand you." The young fairy huffed in frustration. She forgot that the miniature Tooth Fairies were one of the few creatures Mother Nature couldn't understand. They were not normal. They weren't humans that turned into spirits, nor were they animals. They were somewhere in the middle. Made from the very essence of their mother's soul. They were a direct copy of her in a sense, unnatural and different from the rest of beings in the Spirit World. "But judging by your expression, I am going to guess that you want to know what happened to Jackson after me and Lunar brought him back as a spirit and about my father."

Well, that was one of the many questions she wanted to know. It might not be the question she had wanted to know a few seconds ago, but it was something.

"My Father is constantly moving and not in the same location for very long," Mother Nature began when she jerked a nod and a tweet. "I do not have powers over shadows, so it is hard to locate him. Like Susanna, Father is on a war path for what the Guardians did to his family." Mother Nature's eyes hardened around the edges as she mentioned the Guardians. The young fairy felt her own anger for them starting to bubble inside her chest, but she held it in. "They decided to attack Pitch in the village that Jackson and his adoptive family lived. Pitch tried to fight them but your mother and the other morons were determined to destroy him. They have the nerve to believe that Father was attacking the children." The young fairy's feathers ruffled in shock. Her hands balled into fists and her face twisted in disbelief at the atrocity of it all. How could her mother think that? She couldn't be that blind! Or…maybe she was.

"Jackson and his sister were playing by a frozen pond, while my father was trying to force the Guardians back. They were getting too close to the village. They were reckless the fools." The young fairy felt a sense of dread fill the pit of her stomach. "Nicholas and the rabbit," she said with a snarl, "were fighting among each other as well as trying to destroy my father. Jackson and Flee had almost got hurt because of the rabbit. My Father was prepared before (during Easter when the rabbit attempted to attack them in broad daylight when he saw Jackson with his Nightmare Horse) and managed to fight them off. However, this time the rabbit prevented Night, the Nightmare Horse my father created for him, from protecting him when Nicholas's sword struck the ice."

Her heart dropped. This means that…Pitch's brother… drowned? How…? Why…? Why didn't Mother do something? Certainly, she must have tried to help Pitch save the child.

"And the Guardians did nothing! They just watched and insulted my father as he lost his emotions to the pain and grief...and then the Fearlings struck…"

She watched silently as the Elemental and Nature Spirits and Sprites made their way around the palace, melting ice and snow. She had long since retired to her room, leaving the cleanup to Mother Nature's Spirits and Sprites and what remained of her children. After seeing at least a dozen or so of her fairies froze solid in a block of ice...unmoving...dead, she, she just couldn't stomach it anymore. She just had to get away. Toothiana had, by some miracle, managed to avoid talking about what happened when they left the North Pole to confront Pitch. Her children had been preoccupied grieving the death of their sisters, allowing Toothiana to get away and think about what she was going to tell them when the time came.

Originally, they had every intention of finishing him off once and for all. Bunny had said it would be the only way to make sure the children would finally be safe. He was a monster that needed to be stopped before another Dark Ages occurred. Bunny had told them what Pitch did to his people. Pitch was ruthless and merciless as he slathered the Pookas and other civilizations throughout the galaxy. Pitch was a monster that needed to be stopped! But as she thought about the grief and horror that crossed Pitch's feature as the child, Jackson, fell through the ice, she began to wonder. What if it wasn't Pitch that need to be stopped? What if it was them?

Toothiana's shoulders sagged at that thought. Long ago, they had vowed to protect the children of the world. They had vowed to protect them and make sure they got the Dreams, Wonder, Hope, and Memories of their childhood before reaching adulthood. But as she thought about the last few months, she realized that she hadn't been home too often to instruct her girls where to go. In fact, she hadn't been home for weeks on end, leaving her girls to conduct her job for her. Now that she thought about it, she hadn't done her job at all in quite a while, and she wasn't the only one. She couldn't remember the last time North created a very detailed ice sculpture for the yetis to make into toys or Bunny taking the time to carefully paint his eggs with so much detail and beauty that he was famous for.

Toothiana frowned as she stared out the window of her bedroom. They had been fighting Pitch all year round for centuries now. It was their job to protect the children from Pitch and other evil spirits, but when had they lost track of their own duties. She was barely home to direct her girls to the children that lost their beautiful incisors. North barely worked on the toys, opting to help Bunny to track down Pitch's movements, supplying them with food and weapons, and to keep them up to date on what the Dark Spirit was doing. Bunny barely had a moment to go home and work on his eggs. He was needed to help North find Pitch and his Nightmares. He was the best tracker after all, even if his ego often led him to disastrous encounters with other spirits. So he was left to work on his eggs between battles and breaks when one side retreated. If she was being honest with herself, Sandy was probably the only one to keep on top of his job. Sandy barely slept for he was constantly weaving Dreamsand to the children, no matter where he was in the world. Apparently, he didn't have to be in the same location of the child to give them good dreams. He was capable of giving dreams while at the North Pole. Although, they weren't as strong or as carefully crafted as they usually were.

"It seems the Guardians have a new enemy." Toothiana blinked at the sound of a female voice. Toothiana felt a wave of uneasiness as she shifted her eyes in the direction of the flat voice. On her right were two columns (where the money for the children was stored), which were still encased in ice. On one of those columns, at least several stories above her, were two Summer Spirits. Toothiana couldn't make out any of their features, other then the spirits having reddish-orange hair and summer-like dresses, but she could tell right away that they were the lesser Elemental Spirits. They weren't nearly as powerful as the Head Seasonals or their Second in Commands, but they were stronger than the Sprites. But their powers were nowhere near the level as some of the more talented and powerful Holiday Spirits. They were weak compared to the rest of them.

"I'm really not that surprised," the other female Summer Spirit replied tightly, almost in a mocking tone. Toothiana's hands tightened on the windowsill as she watched the spirits warm the air around the column, allowing the ice to melt. "It was only a matter of time before one of the other spirits got fed up with the Guardians' stupidity and recklessness." To say Toothiana didn't feel a little hurt at the comment was an understatement. The words stun her, making her wince away from the window as if she had just been slapped in the face.

In a way, she probably had. Toothiana had never paid attention to other spirits or interacted with them in centuries. This made her wonder what was going on. Were their actions affecting the other spirits and their jobs? No, that didn't make sense. They haven't intervened on other spirits' holidays or jobs. In fact, that had all been Pitch's doing. They should be thanking them for attempting to eliminate a threat that could potently harm them all! But as that thought came and went, another came to argue that stubborn thought.

How would we know? We've been fighting all this time and not once bothered to ask how this war would affect others. How do we know attempting to rid of the Nightmare King is really the best course of action?

Toothiana couldn't come up with an answer to counter the other thought. There was truth to it. They wouldn't know. They wouldn't know anything. As that thought surfaced, Toothiana felt another wave of guilt. Because of this war, they had ignored spirits they had once been friends with. If they could still call them that.

Toothiana paused for a moment. Maybe she should visit one of her friends. Hopefully, they would not be too mad at her for not talking or visiting in a long time.

"How could you?!" Toothiana was startled out of her thoughts as one of her girls came swooping in, yelling all the while. Toothiana stared at her daughter with a sunken heart as familiar eyes stared back at her in anger and loathing. "How could you just attack Pitch like that, knowing that children were nearby?!"

"Sweetie…" For once Toothiana wished she had named her children. Toothiana never thought she needed to. They had all been created by the special tooth her parents gave her, the tooth of MiM. They were simply copies, merely an extension of herself and not their own person, at least at first. The child in front of her was the youngest of the latest batch of Tooth Fairies she brought to life, being made just a little over a century ago. Toothiana came to realize that she was exactly a direct copy of herself, from her eyes to her fiery personality. "…I'm…I'm afraid I'm not sure what you're—".

"Don't tell me you don't know what I'm talking about!" she interrupted angrily, raising her fists, waving them at her in anger as she ranted. "You all attack Pitch! Fighting him while two children were playing on the frozen pond!" Toothiana froze in terror. She knows... "You all attacked without thinking of the consequences, like always!"

Toothiana frowned. What was her daughter talking about? What consequences was she talking about? She knew she and the others were the cause of the child's death, but there shouldn't be anything else…right?

"And now you are probably thinking what other consequences I'm talking about?!" Toothiana nodded, despite the angry huff, bristle, and glare her daughter shot in her direction. "Blind as always!"

The comment hurt. It really did. She never thought a simple comment could hurt so much. And what worse…

"Maybe if you actually thought about what you were doing and actually did your job, instead of listening to the old man and the stubborn rabbit every time Pitch surfaces, you wouldn't be in this position!"

The dam finally broke when her child just stared at her with loathing that accompanied each and every word. There was disappointment, anger, and disgust in those identical eyes that made the tears well up on their own accord. Toothiana couldn't stop the tears that fell and her daughter didn't even give her a second glance as she stormed out of her bedroom.

Toothiana could not stop the flow of tears from leaking from their confinements as she felt her legs gave way under her. The pain was too real and it hurt too much to fight against the sorrow that soon washed over her. She had wanted to fly after her daughter, but Toothiana found that was impossible. For as she covered her face with her hands and wept on the cold wooden floor, she realized that she had just lost another daughter. And it was all—her—fault.

The land looked so beautiful and peaceful as snow covered every inch of the land. Snow covered the land and icy platforms that he walked on, as well as the mountains that littered the region. Little blocks of spiky ice littered the ground from where snow, ice, and harsh winds collided with each other, creating a beautiful, violent work of art.

A sad smile crossed his feature as he stared at the snowflakes falling from the sky. They were so beautiful, so white and pure, barely tainted by the cruel world. They reminded him so much of his brother. Jackson was just as innocent as the snowflakes that fluttered around. Pitch reached out a hand, allowing a snowflake to land in his palm.

"Are you playing among the snowflakes, Jackson?" Pitch asked as the snowflake melted, turning to water from the warmth of his body heat. "Are you…happy?" Pitch could barely voice the question. Jackson had always loved the snow. Before he went off to war long ago, he had always watched his little brother and his daughter playing in the snow together. Emily Jane loved everything about nature, including the changing of the seasons. But winter truly was Jackson's element. He loved the snow even as a little baby.

The memories brought tears to his eyes, but Pitch refused to allow them to escape. If he did then it would mean that Jackson truly was gone, forever out of his reach. His body deep within the icy pond and his soul free among the stars.

Pitch felt a raw bitter sob leave his throat as he thought about his brother. Jackson hated being alone and now he was. Pitch's heart clenched tightly in his chest as he fought against the sorrow and pain. Not yet. He couldn't break down yet. He had to make sure he was far away from the lair. He could not afford to lose Susanna to his pain and grief.

Susanna… Pitch felt a wave of guilt hit him as he thought about his beloved. He had been foolish to think that Susanna could control her rage. She hadn't had her powers for very long. The deaths of those humans — he would not allow her to hold the weight of the countless deaths on her shoulders. He would gladly take the blame for that. She had enough grieving to deal with. She deserved to grieve her son (his brother) anyway she wanted to. Besides, they never got a chance to properly grieve Jackson's death, now did they? They had created a shrine, but that was because they had no body to bury. Jackson needed a final resting place and the shrine in his Burgess lair was the best he could offer for his little brother, but he knew that was not enough. It would never be enough. Jackson's death affected them more than one would think. They all lost the one person they cared for the most. It would only be a matter of time before Flee joined them to avenge Jackson's death. For he was not meant to die so soon. It should have been him. He had seen everything that needed to be seen and experienced everything that was to experience throughout his travels among the galaxies and the stars; and have left his mark on the world, no matter how bad it was. But Jackson hadn't done a thing. He hadn't even begun to leave his mark on the world. Pretty soon, no one would remember his name, just like the winds and the shadows.

The thought made Pitch very sad and very angry.

"Why?" The question was barely heard over the raging winds of the forming blizzard, but he knew that he would hear him perfectly. "Why did you not stop them?" Pitch trained his heated gaze to the moon, feeling an overwhelming anger fill him. The moon was positioned high in the sky, staring mockingly at him as he walked through the snowy region of a forming blizzard, neither answering him nor acknowledging him. "Why did you let him die?"

Little Tsar did not respond, not that he expected him to. Tsar always cowered and hid when things got bad. Pitch scowled at him, his voice rising as his anger for the man grew. "What? Have nothing to say?" Only silence answered him. Agitated, Pitch lashed out. The shadows quivered as they separated from his body and did his bidding."It's your fault he's dead!" Black sand and tendrils of darkness formed into spikes as they collided with ice and rocks. Huge chunks detached from the snow covered mountains, falling into the icy ocean below. "Bring him back!" Pitch ignored the ache in his throat as he screamed. "Bring Jackson back, Lunar!" He ignored the warm, red liquid dripping from his hands as the sand and shadows began mixing with ice shards from the raging blizzard as he walked closer and closer to the center.

As he lashed out over and over again, Pitch thought about his brother. Jackson had been his light, his purpose to continue fighting, to live. He was the reason he chose to protect and defend again. Jackson had always made him feel loved and wanted. Jackson had always made him laugh and feel joy, overwhelming joy. He was the reason he loved and lived again. And now…Jackson was…gone…

"Jackson…"

Pitch's choked on a sob as he remembered the reassuring smile Jackson gave him as he slowly drowned in his icy grave. He remembered his final wishes for his family to stay together, to be protected. Jackson had no regrets, had no ill will. He blamed no one for his untimely death.

Pitch could not stop the tears that finally leaked from his eyes and fell down his cheeks. Once they began, he found he could not stop them. Pitch sobbed sorrowfully, his anger now replaced with an overwhelming guilt and grief. Pitch collapsed to his knees, ignoring the numbness caused by the snow, as he sobbed. Pitch couldn't stop the tears, nor the pain in his chest. Pitch's right hand gripped the fabric of his robe tightly as his chest ached in pain.

Why? Why am I always left to be alone? Pitch was barely aware of his sand mixing with the blizzard. He was barely aware of the tendrils freezing over and forming into a black, spiky sculpture that was both beautiful and threatening. Pitch was barely aware of anything anymore, not after Jackson's death. "I'm sorry…" What he was sorry for, he wasn't really sure. He was sorry for not being there for his brother when he needed him. He was sorry for the mortals that had died as a result of Susanna's anger and pain. He was sorry for not being able to prevent Susanna from falling into a temporary hibernation. He was sorry for leaving Flee without her mother. And he was sorry for not being able to comfort Night or to remove her pain as she grieved. He was sorry for so many things, so many things. "I'm so sorry…"

Pitch's vision blurred as tears leaked faster and faster. He did not move as the winds brushed against him, nor did he move when his tears began to freeze into little ice droplets before hitting the snow. There was something beautiful about that. The ice, just like this land, was beautiful, a paradise for the animals that lived here; but it was also a lonely continent, a place for one who was alone in the world.

Alone.

The word sounded so fitting. He had been alone for quite some time before reuniting with his brother. He had been alone when he was guarding the Fealings, Nightmare Men, and the Dream Pirates' prison back when he was human. He had been so very alone. And when he was taken over by those very evils, he had believed he lost everything. His daughter was gone, his brother was gone, his people and his world, gone. But when he had found his daughter again and the survivors, he truly believed that he wouldn't be alone anymore. Fate sure had a way of breaking him down. She had allowed the Guardians to kill his people and to drive his daughter away from him. He barely saw his daughter now, especially with her laws to keep her kind away from other spirits wars.

Pitch's heart ached as he realized this was meant to be. Fate did not want him to be happy. For what purpose, he wasn't sure. But he just couldn't understand why she would take his brother away from him and to tear his family apart. Jackson was forever gone and Susana would be in a hibernation state for at least three months. He barely heard the hollow laugh that tore from his lips. How fitting? He was alone. Forever alone. No Susanna. No Flee. No Jackson. No Nightmares, though that was due to the fact that he told them to stay and guard Susanna. And surprisingly, no Fearlings.

"How ironic? The ones that wanted to be a family and to stick together are the ones that get torn apart. While they continue to prosper and live another day." Pitch couldn't help but find Fate to be so cruel. All he ever wanted was his brother to be returned to him. He didn't want this war. He wanted to peacefully live with his brother and maybe start a family. But, of course, the Guardians persistence to destroy him and his Nightmares got in the way. And you paid the price for it.

Pitch sighed tiredly as he felt the shadows return to his body. His body shuddered in response, leaving his body very, very numb. But this was not due to the cold. The cold never bothered him. How could he when winter was Jackson's favorite season? Pitch smiled sadly as he wiped away his tears with the back of his hand. Pitch ignored the dark red liquid that dripped to the snow. He ignored the cuts that littered his face and arms. He ignored all of that.

But as he began to regain his composure and as his vision cleared, Pitch found himself gazing at the object in his hand.

"Where are you taking me, little one?" Normally Emily Jane wouldn't want to do anything that involved the Guardians. The Guardians were not her favorite spirits. That was obvious. They were reckless, arrogant fools that only cared about themselves. They have proved this time and time again, that they only care about their pride and their naive, ridiculous views of the world. This of course had caused many of the old to grow angry of the Guardians. Their actions have caused many of the animals to cower in fear and have even interfered with many of their jobs. One of the recent complaints were from the Spirits of Halloween, Hollow and her brother, Eve. Hollow had been furious at the last Spirit Gathering and rightly so. The Guardians had attacked her and her brother when they were preparing for their holiday. The Guardians treated her and her brother like they were nobody, a nuisance, and a possible threat to their selfish views. They saw them as an enemy and even threatened them not to harm or be near the children or else they will face the consequences. The Guardians had some nerve! They might be powerful spirits, appointed by MiM himself, but this didn't mean they were better than the rest of them or that they had the right to judge other holiday spirits.

Emily mentally scoffed at that. It was amazing how no one decided to take their rage on the Guardians yet. Noted, they didn't want to anger her, but she wouldn't have minded as long as the balance of the planet or her children were not harmed. The Guardians deserved to be taught a lesson in respect and to have their egos taken down a peg or two. Mother Nature wouldn't get involved herself, but if the Guardians got any ideas and attack her children or threatened the very fabric of the planet, she would not show mercy.

So it was very amusing that she was following the female Guardian's fairy to who knows where. Her eyes gazed at the structure of the hallway they were walking down. "This place is beautiful." Emily admired the structure of the walls. The walls were made from sparkling gold and decorated with colorful jewels of the old that sparkled beautifully. The fairy chipped at the comment from what Emily assumed was a "thank you!"

Mother Nature returned her gaze to the fairy curiously. The fairy seemed a lot calmer than she had been before. She had expected the fairy to be angry at her mother when she told her what happened. She had expected the fairy's reaction when she flew off in a fit a rage. Emily wasn't sure where she went, but she assumed it was to confront the Guardian, wherever she was.

Although, she had not expected the fairy to stare at her in determination as she chipped and pulled at her dress in the direction of the palace. Emily had realized pretty quickly that the fairy wanted her to follow her. But as they walked, Emily realized that they were walking further and further into the palace. This part of the palace was different from the rest. The mere turns and hidden entryways it took to reached this hall made her realize that this hall was restricted. So it was a place only the female Guardian and her helpers knew about.

Emily hummed in thought. What could be so important that they would go to the trouble to hide his hall? Mother Nature didn't realize that she would get the answer to her question so soon. For the moment the questioned formed, the fairy stopped in front of a huge golden door. Emily stared at the door in amazement. The door was at least five times bigger than her, barely touching the jewels that decorated the board. No jewels decorated the door, but it didn't need it. In the center of the door was a huge pearly white molar tooth. Surrounding the huge molar were smaller teeth, consisting of molars, incisors, canines, premolars, and wisdom teeth.

Intrigued, Mother Nature trained her eyes towards the young fairy. Watching with curiosity as she touched the huge molar. The huge molar glowed at the touch and it wasn't long before the others glowed along with it. Mother Nature found herself covering her eyes, slightly, as the teeth's glow reflected off the jewels. The glowing lasted only a second or two before the sound of a door unlocking was heard. She blinked her eyes and stared in amazement to see that the door was now open. Emily gazed at the fairy as she chipped at her, motioning for her to follow, before disappearing between the open crack of the door.

Emily gazed at the door before closing the distance between her and the door. She placed her palms on the door. It seemed she was going to find out what the fairy wanted to show her. Whatever it was, Emily had a feeling that the answer to all her questions resided on the other side. With a deep breath and with the squaring of her shoulders, Mother Nature pushed the door fully open.

The door made a loud squeak as it was forced open. Emily silently hoped they wouldn't get caught by the Guardian or her little helpers, but the thought soon disappeared as she entered the room. On the other side of the door were tall golden shelves that reached all the way to the ceiling to the other side of the wall. Resting on each and every shelf were golden canisters. "The Tooth Boxes." Mother Nature's eyes lingered on the golden boxes that depicted a picture of every single child from the present to the very past. Emily found her eyes beginning to water. Jackson's tooth box was here, somewhere. She just had to find it and with that — his memories!

Mother Nature smiled as she walked further into the room. It didn't take long to realize that this place was like a huge maze. There were more than a couple thousand shelves, holding more than a billion golden canisters. There was so many tooth boxes, so many shelves, so many turns she could make…where was she supposed to start?

"!" The sound of a frantic chirp caught her attention. Mother Nature frowned as she made a right at the end of the first shelving and walked down the path, following the sound of the frantic chirp.

"Little one!" Mother Nature walked faster. A sense of dread filled her as the chirping got louder and louder. Was there an intruder at the palace? Was the little fairy hurt? Was it her father? Or his Nightmares?

Emily should have realized the that her last thought was the correct answer. When she finally found the fairy, her father, nor his Nightmare Horses, nor an intruder was found. Emily's heart dropped, however, as she gazed at the black sand that littered the floor, followed by several tooth boxes scattered on the floor as if they had been tossed in a rush. Emily trained her eyes to the small fairy and saw her standing on an empty space between two other tooth boxes on one of the shelves. The young fairy stared back at her with pink and green eyes simmering with sadness.

"No…" Mother Nature ran her hand through her long black hair in distress. Her eyes lingered on the empty space where a tooth box was supposed to be. "It's…gone…" Why…? Why did Father take Jackson's teeth?

The golden canister seemed to glisten as it reflected off the pure white snow. Gray fingers gently caressed the engravings that decorated the sides of the cylinder-shaped canister. The swirls on the tooth box were magnificent and truly fine craftsmanship. Of course, Pitch would never say that to the Guardian or admit it out loud. The Guardians did not deserve his praise, just his rage and disgust.

Pitch shifted his gaze to the diamond pattern of Jackson's tooth box. He knew from what the Fearing miniature Tooth Fairy told him, the tooth box held the precious memories of Jackson's childhood. This made him wonder if that included the memories from the day he was born to the day he was forced to leave his family to guard the prison of the Fearlings, Nightmare Man, and Dream Pirates; and the memories of their time together before his death.

Pitch's heart ached painfully in his chest as the memory of his brother falling into the ice flashed in his mind. Pitch violently pushed it away before he lost control again. He tilted the box up, so he could stare at the picture engraved on the front. Pitch felt his lips turn into a watery smile as familiar brown orbs stared back at him. Pitch had to admit that the damn Guardian captured Jackson's essence perfectly. There was a compassionate and joyful expressed reflected on his brother's feature and in those brown orbs was a twinkle of mischief and concern. It was the trait Pitch would miss dearly. Jackson was always smiling and showing such compassion and kindness to everyone he met. He would always know when one needed cheering up, even if it was just by giving a simple smile or to offer advice or a simple joke or two to lighten the mood. It was who his brother was. Something he wished with all his being to return to him.

Pitch's eyes began to mist again as he stared at the box. He gently touched the box, knowing that only a Tooth Fairy could activate the memories. He could always ask his little Fearling to activate the canister for him, but it didn't feel right. He wasn't sure if he could watch his brother's memories without crying or breaking down. Maybe in a couple decades, centuries even, but just not now.

Pitch closed his eyes as the colors began to blur once again. Pitch's body shuddered in despair as he pulled the tooth box to his chest. He ignored the tears that managed to escape his closed eyes lids; but he could not ignore the overwhelming pain of knowing that this small tooth box, filled with all of Jackson's teeth, was the only thing left of his brother.

"I'm…sorry…" Pitch could not stop the sobs that left his lips as he struggled to keep his emotions under control. "I'm so sorry…" Pitch's voice broke as he opened his eyes. The blizzard had somehow slowed down from its destructive course and have begun to lose its shape. Pitch stared at the distorted blizzard with longing. Was this Jackson trying to tell him something? "J-Jackson…?" He realized that this was a foolish thought. Death would have taken him to his realm days ago, where he would be free from the ties of this miserable plain. There was no way Jackson would choose to stay here as an invisible spirit. "Jackson…I'm so sorry…" But Pitch ignored the logical side of his mind and chose to hope it was his brother coming to his aid. "I failed you…I'm so sorry…"

Pitch begged for forgiveness, despite the knowledge that he had done nothing wrong. It was the Guardians who had been the cause of his brother's death. But it had been because of him for not stopping the Guardians in time. He had been too slow to save his brother. Maybe if he was a little fast. Maybe if he had more Nightmares to guard the children. Maybe if he had attacked the Guardians while they were weakened, then maybe Jackson would still be alive.

The wind gently caressed his cheek and ruffled his hair in affection. Pitch's eyes snapped open then — when had he closed them? — looking completely baffled and overwhelmed. It couldn't be. There was no way...no way this was his brother. It could just be the wind messing with him. "Ja-Jackson?" But the more selfish part of him wanted to believe, wanted to hope that his brother was speaking to him through the winds. That, for whatever reason, he had refused to move on and joined the ranks of the Ancient Winds. "Is that you?"

Pitch waited patiently for a response. A part of him prayed that it wasn't his brother and that he was imagining things, while the other half hoped it was. To his utter shock, Pitch was rewarded with a dusting of snow on his hair and shoulders, followed by a cold breeze ruffling his hair before caressing his face. Pitch's voice cracked as he laughed both in relief and sorrow. He couldn't believe it. It was him! Pitch wasn't sure if he should be upset or relieved. "Jackson…"

Pitch closed his eyes, not knowing how long his brother would stay with him before leaving him again. Jackson no longer had a body and would get tired easily. And who knew when the next time he would be able to speak to him again. "I'm sorry, Jackson…for everything…I failed you…" A soft gust gently blasted his face in argument. "Yes, I have!" Pitch shook his head as he argued with his brother's spirit. "I should have protected you better! I should have stopped the Guardians from entering Burgess! I should have been faster and gotten you and Flee away from the lake the moment I heard your fears!" Pitch choked on a sob, silently smiling as his brother attempted to wipe away the tears, only to make it freeze on his face. Pitch moved his hand to remove the frozen teardrop on his face. "I'm sorry," Pitch whispered softly, smiling slightly despite the hollow pain in his chest. "Can you forgive me?"

Pitch, however, did not get a response right away. Pitch for that long agonizing moment thought that Jackson would not forgive him. The knowledge that his brother hated him was beyond painful and only made the tears to fall faster. This, surprisingly, just made his brother grow frantic with worry as he whipped around him, attempting to comfort him and drive away the tears all at the same time. Pitch bowed his head, realizing that he had been stupid to believe that his brother would not forgive him. Jackson would always forgive him.

Pitch closed his eyes and hugged his brother's tooth box tightly, relieved that his brother forgave him for his sins and mistakes. Pitch found himself smiling. soaking up the love and comfort of his brother before it started to slowly disappear. "No!" Pitch's eyes snapped open in horror, realizing that his brother was leaving. "No, please, don't go!" But it was too late. The gentle wind had left him. Pitch sucked in some air painfully. "DON'T LEAVE!" He was alone once again. "JACKSON!"

Chapter Text

Long, long, long ago, when the universe was still new and young, there was nothing but darkness. No life existed, for there was nothing but the endless darkness of space and time. No beings existed for there were no worlds for them to live. No worlds existed for there were no realms. And with no realms there was nothing. Absolutely nothing.

The universe was an empty place, void of any life beyond the cosmos. But the cosmos was not completely void of life, for within the darkness were shadows. Now the Shadows were not bad as some may think. The Shadows were, in fact, neither good nor bad. They did not feel, for they had no emotions to feel. They did not have a body in order to feel hungry, or cold, or warmth. Nor did they have a mind to feel emotions or even to think. The Shadows just simply existed. And with that existence, a purpose.

The Shadows purpose was to just expand. To spread their darkness among the vast emptiness of space and time. But much like the vast universe of space and time, the Shadows were not alone. Alongside the Shadows, simply existing, simply spreading, was energy. Raw energy. Destructive energy. Ever changing energy.

The two simply existed. Moving. Spreading. Waiting.

Unlike the Shadows, the energy had a greater purpose than just existing and spreading. For within the energy was a spark. A spark that the Shadows were not aware of. The spark of creation. The beginning of life.

As the two existed and waited, the energy grew in power. It grew in size as it expanded with the Shadows. Waiting. Watching. And then when the time was just right the energy exploded.

The universe was soon covered in light and magic. And from that magic formed a being of light — a woman. The woman knew her purpose was to create the first realm and only the first realm. For her body was lucid, tangible, and would eventually return to the cosmos.

Despite this knowledge, the being created and with that, she created the first Fae — a teenager and a child. The teenager would grow to be a brave warrior. Always guarding. Always watching. He was a protector, but not for the universe. He was created to protect and watch his brother as he grew and created. The child would grow to be the true creator of the universe. A king. A Wise King. A Gentle King. A Kind King. The King of the Faes and of every living thing throughout the cosmos/

From that moment came the beginning of creation. And with that the beginning of life. From that life came the creation of the Faes and the beginning of the Age of the Gods. But like all things, the good must have their evils. From the moment the energy exploded, the Shadows began to think. To form. To feel. But unlike the woman, who wanted to create, the Shadows wanted nothing but destruction.

As the Faes created, the Shadows corrupted.

As the Faes gave life, the Shadows brought death.

And from that destruction and death, came greed. The Shadows wanted the power the King had. They wanted everything. Everything the King held so dear. They had corrupted one of his Faes, making the Fae want to kill its King and everything he stood for. But the King had his brother for protection. It wasn't long before the two stopped the Fae, banishing him to another realm, and managed to find out that he had been tainted by the Shadows.

The King, upset, placed a protective barrier of light around his realm. Chasing all the Shadows from it and making them lose the bodies they have been given. Angered, the Shadows would wonder the cosmos, destroying worlds and creating fear. As the years gone by, the Shadows and the King would constantly fight as one attempted to overpower the other.

The Shadows would always grow furious when they didn't get their way. They had attacked worlds and as a result, the King would create those who would fight them. The war among the universe was only the start. The King had created intellectual beings that were both strong warriors and magical beings. These beings had fought them for decades. Many of the King's children fell to their possession, but that was only the beginning of their Fearlings' destruction. The beings were smart and then one day a man in gold managed to capture them and seal them away. Thus the beginning of the Golden Age.

But the King knew it would not last. For he had seen his child becoming the evil he fought to stop. And with that, he had gifted four of his oldest Faes with the power to protect the universe from the Fearlings (the Power of Wonder, the Power of Memories, the Power of Fun, and the Power of Hope) and from what was soon to come.

The Nightmare King was a frightening being. Always destroying. Always killing. The death of the Pookas had been the first. Followed by the death of the World of Lunar. At that moment, the Fealings believed they had finally won. They were powerful enough to destroy all and to finally bring the King to his knees. But they had misjudged the King's kind will, love, and cleverness.

The King loved all things, even the Fearlings. In their final attempt to stop them, the beings gave up their bodies, giving their powers to a select few, preventing the Nightmare King's destructive path. But they had not expected the beings they gave their powers to to not see the love the King gave them. While one laid dormant for many years, the others allowed the darkness within themselves to take over, causing a new war time and time again.

The ancient beings knew they could do nothing, for they were now invisible spirits. And they knew the King could do nothing for he gave all free will. The only thing he could do was guide them from afar, in hopes they would listen and make the right choice.

As the Age of the Gods shifted to the Age of Man, and slowly shifted to more troubling times, they could only watch as the Guardians caused conflict throughout the Spirit World. They started by seeking the destruction of the Nightmare King and his Nightmare, followed by convincing one of the Sandwielders to join their cause. The chosen ones were only a disappointment. They continue to ignore the King's whispers, only the Sandwielders seemed to listen once and awhile, but they knew the King still believed. They were not completely gone, at least for three of them anyway.

The King had high hopes. He continued to whisper. And much to their surprise, the Nightmare King finally listened. The Nightmare King listened and found what the King wanted him to find. Watching Pitch Black (formally Kozmotis Pitchiner) reunited with his brother was a sight to see. Seeing the spirit smiling and happy was what the King wanted, so it was very distressing when the King informed them of the Nightmare King grieving in Antarctica.

The North Wind specifically had been most concerned. Antarctica was scheduled to have a fierce blizzard lasting three whole days and today was only the second day. Concerned, Wind personally decided to find out what was wrong with the spirit, that made the King very concerned. She had left Mother Nature's palace while the other Seasonals were explaining to her charge the importance of his conduct.

Wind had been around for a very long time, she wasn't older than the King or his brother, but she had seen many things in her life. She had seen war and the sadness it brings the moment she had been created. She had seen death and destruction and the grief it brings. She had seen many things in the last several eons. But none of this prepared her for the scene she come upon when she reached the location of the blizzard.

The spirit had looked so broken as he yelled and sobbed brokenly. The spirit hadn't seemed to notice the way the blizzard was cutting his skin or they way his blood was dripping to the snow. It was heartbreaking to watch. But what really concerned her was the fact that Pitch Black still believed that the child was dead.

She knew things would only get worse from here on out. The King had warned her of what would happen if Pitch was to truly allow the Fearlings to take over his soul. The Fearlings could kill what was left of the man and return to the death of all living creatures. She didn't want that to happen. This was why she decided to stop the blizzard. But there was another reason for her actions. She knew that the child would not want his brother to grieve and blame himself like he was doing now.

The North Wind tried her best to comfort the spirit, even if it meant lying to him. It was sad he couldn't hear or understand her. He was not a Seasonal or Mother Nature or the Fae, making communication very difficult.

The North Wind wanted to tell him that the child was alive and at the palace, but she couldn't. And it only got annoying when Pitch thought she was Jackson.

She got annoyed very quickly. But the gust in the face seemed to knock some sense into him in the end. She was thankful for that.

The North Wind wished she could have stayed with the grieving spirit, but it was in that moment when she heard her charge calling her. The Seasonals were calling them all. With a silent sigh, knowing that she would be leaving Pitch, for now, she left. The pain in Pitch's voice would forever haunt her.

"He will be fine, my dear," a gentle male voice reassured her. The voice, the Wind realized, was the King. She sensed that he was on Earth, working on creating new animals for the mortals. Somewhere in Europe, if the current from her siblings was anything to go by.

" I hope you are right, your Highness. The child has no memories and Pitch Black is heartbroken."

The King laughed. "My child, young Jackson and Kozmotis will meet again. I have foreseen it." Wind felt her spirit lift at this, swirling around the trees in her excitement. If the King had foreseen it, then the meeting will come to pass. The child will be happy! So very happy! There will be no more war! No more hatred among this immortal family!"It will be a long time before they meet again, however." The toner in King's voice brought a depressing sense of dread. The King sounded so very sad. She hated hearing her King sounding anything but the happy, wise, kindhearted King that he was (they all did actually). When the King was sad it would rain. Water would come faster, coming in short bursts as it traveled along the land and sea. Snow would fall faster, creating unexpected snow falls. The ground would shake. The mountain would quake. And the last of the Greek Gods, the Earth, would cry for she knew the being that created her and the entire universe was hurting inside.

In a way, the King sounded like Mother Nature when he was upset. But that was because before the expansion of the universe and before the wide scale attack from the Dark Faes and the Fearlings, the King and the other Faes used to attend to every planet without worry. It was for this reason that the King gifted a select few to have control over the weather and elements. It was he who created the original Seasonals of Earth and it was he who gifted Mother Nature, Father Time, and all the other Ancient Spirits their powers. The Fae trusted the protection of Earth to their care while he fought the corruption sprung forth by the Dark Fae.

" Your majority?"

"Yes, Eira." If Wind still had her body, she would have smiled. No one but the King ever addressed her by her birth name. And it had been several years since she and the King had a nice conversation. Shame he didn't spend that much time on Earth. The King had other worlds to attend to, especially those that were at war and close to destruction.

" When?"

From the currents, Wind could senses that the King was sighing softly, staring at the light blue sky. "That is very hard to say." He paused for a brief when another voice called out to him. It was his brother, she realized. Once Agamemnon spoke what needed to be said, the King returned his attention to her. "Nothing is for certain my dear. It can be tomorrow. Next week. Next year. Or even in the next century. Their meeting will come to pass. When that time comes and what they do will be completely up to them."

Chapter Text

Jack stared at the shepherd staff in his hand. So if he was understanding this right, the staff was just a way to help him control his powers. It was something to help him focus. But the staff was also something that tied him to the Wind, for now. According to Autumn, it would take, at least, three to four centuries before he could use his powers or even fly without his conduct.

This made Jack wonder just how old his siblings were. They clearly didn't have a conduct from what he could see. And they could summon plants, change the colors of the leaves, or cause a fire without even trying.

It would be so nice to have that amount of control over his powers, especially if it prevented him from…well…accidentally freezing his brother into the wall of the training room. Jack couldn't help but wince as Flora and several Sprites attempted to melt the ice from the very annoyed Summer Spirit.

"Βιαστείτε και με ελευθερώστε πριν πάγωμα μέχρι θανάτου!"

They had been going at it for forty-five minutes now and have only managed to melt his hands, head, a little bit of his upper chest. Jack shifted from foot to foot nervously as Blaze continued to snap at the Sprites that were snickering at his expense. This, of course, resulted in Blaze saying something in Greek.

"Don't worry, Jack. He's not mad at you." Jack bit his bottom lower lip as he held his staff close to him. He was unaware of Autumn's soften gaze, nor was he aware of how young he must have looked, holding his staff like a small frightened child.

"You sure?" Jack asked as he gazed at his sister. They had wanted to see if he was capable of summoning his magic without his staff and if he had any control. "He seems pretty mad to me." That didn't turn out too well. Jack had zero control over it and had ended up freezing his brother to the wall. Blaze had been a block of ice before. Now he was partly free of his prison. However, he was now annoyed and mad if him snapping and glaring at the Sprites and Flora was anything to go by.

"Blaze, will you stop yelling?" Flora asked with a frown. "You are not making this any easier."

Blaze only glared at her but did his best to stay somewhat calm. However, the snickering of the Sprites did not help with his current mood very much.

"If you four don't stop laughing at me, I promise you, you will be spending the night in the Arctic with vicious wolves and penguins that will tear you limb from limb!" Blaze's voice was low and dangerous as he glared at his four Sprites. His normally calm fiery red and orange hair was blazing like someone had turned up the furnace all the way up. Jack really felt bad for the four Sprites that had paled at the threat. The threat stopped them from laughing at their Head of Summer, which made Blaze very pleased. However, this wasn't their fault, it was his. Blaze wouldn't be stuck if it wasn't for him. So why wasn't his brother made at him?

"Ignore him, Jack," Autumn said with an exasperated sigh. "He's just being a drama queen."

At this Blaze turned his gaze to them and gave them an offended look. "I am the best damn drama queen there is and don't you forget it!" While Autumn shook her head at her brother comment and while Flora and the Sprites laughed behind their smiles, Jack found himself being dragged away by another memory.

"All hail the Nightmare King!"

Jack's eyes became unfocused as he heard a male voice, followed by the same female voice. The female voice like that little girl, the one that he saw in his dream. Who was she anyway and who was that male voice? "Run, oh, brave knight! The Flower King is after you!"

Jack was unaware of Autumn trying to gain his attention as he stared blankly over her shoulder. He was unaware of her calling out his name (gaining the attention of his other siblings) as he fell unsteady to his knees, his face turning pale as if he was burning with a start of a fever, his staff falling out of his hand and landing on the ground in front of him. Jack was unaware of anything around him. Autumn's concerned voice barely registered in his mind as he focused on the voices that seemed so familiar, yet he had no idea why.

"Flower King?!"

Jack turned his attention to the voices, realizing that he was in some kind of flower field. There was a river not far from them. The water flowed gently along the rocks that got in its way, swirling and shifting ever so slightly. Jack could smell the scent of different flowers. Possibly carnations, daisies, and marigolds, but he wasn't sure how he knew that, considering he wasn't a Spring or Fall Spirit. Jack turned his gaze in the direction of the three laughing females, who were sitting on the ground near a patch of flowers.

Jack frowned as he tried to focus on their faces. But the more he tried to focus, the more their feature blurred and blended together. He couldn't help but sigh in frustration. All he could really make out was that the two younger girls were either between the ages of 10 and 17, while the grown adult was possibly in her twenties or thirties. It was hard to say.

The three females continue to laugh as a grown male chased a young boy on a horse. Jack turned to the other two, hoping to get some sense of what he was seeing. Jack, not sure why he felt a sense of dread in the pit of his stomach as he gazed at the happy scene.

"Oh, yes, great and power Flower King! What is to fear when he is so pretty and powerful!" Jack felt like he was looking through a fog. The beautiful scenery was very vivid and clear to him. He could make out the river, the sun, the way the trees were moving from side to side. He could even smell the flowers and the burning of wood in the distance. But when he tried to look at the people, Jack could not make out a single detail.

Well, that was not exactly true. Jack could make out someone.

"Just you wait, you conniving little brat!" Jack could not make out any details on the grown adult. But his words told him a different story. "When I get my hands on you, you won't be sleeping peacefully for a good week! I will torment you night and day!" His words might have sounded threatening and angry and odd, but Jack had a feeling this guy was not being very serious. He was being playful in his own way, he guessed anyway, if the full-blown laugh the young boy was doing was anything to go by.

"Oh, I'm so scared…" The young boy's sarcasm and laughter brought a strong sense of déjà vu that made him feel very nauseous. Jack wasn't sure how it was possible, but he knew this boy. Jack gazed at the boy and was surprised at how clear his features were. The boy had brown hair, instead of white. He had brown eyes, instead of blue. He wore a familiar outfit that he used to wear before they got ruined. He wore brown shoes, unlike him who was bare. And to top it off, he had fair skin, compared to his pale skin tone. Despite the difference, the boy generally looked like; he could be his twin. It also didn't help that the boy sounded like him, but that wasn't possible. The boy was a Human, while he was a spirit. Maybe he saw the boy at one point before emerging from the ice. But, that didn't make any sense either. He had no memories of his life before that.

What could this all mean? Jack silently wondered before he felt a warm hand on his cheek. Jack had only a minute to blink in confusion at the odd sensation before his vision blurred, followed by the familiar voices and scenery becoming less clear and distant. Jack wasn't sure when he closed his eyes, but when he reopened them he found himself staring into concerned blue eyes.

"Jack, are you with me?" she asked softly as she wiped away the tears that had been slowly falling down his cheeks.

Jack took in a shaky breath as he tried to calm the raw, raging emotions that flooded him. Jack had no idea why he was hurting to the point of crying. But the memory felt so familiar and so raw, creating a deep wound in the very center of his chest. "I-I…" Jack's voice shuttered as he tried to speak, but he found it to be increasingly difficult. His lungs were burning from his rapid breathing, but nothing seemed to sooth it.

He felt like he was suffocating.

He couldn't breathe.

"Jack?!" Jack was unaware when his sister placed her arm on the square of his back, followed by the grabbing his staff, pulling him close to her cool body as the huge windows in the training room slammed open as his sister called her wind to her. "Wind!"

The fierce strength of the West Wind as she entered the room, engulfing them in loving, protective embrace.

"Autumn?!"

Autumn glanced at her sister as she held Jack in her arms. She wasn't sure what was going on, but she had a horrible feeling that one of Jack's memories were trying to force its way to the surface.

Technically, that should be a good thing. Jack didn't deserve to not remember his family. But the fact that he had been crying and going into a panic attack was not okay.

"Flora, continue to free Blaze from the ice," Autumn told her sister as the Wind began to lift them into the air. "I'll wait for you at the temple." Flora and Blaze looked at her with concern but gave her a small nod before the Wind carried them away.

Autumn held onto her brother as the Wind carried them out of Mother Nature's Palace and towards the snowy grounds of winter. Autumn shivered slightly as snow nipped at her arms, but ignored it. This was Jack's element. Only he could be in almost sub-zero temperatures, or in a middle of a freezing blizzard, and not be affected by it. However, being a Spirit of Fall, she had a high tolerance to the freezing temperatures of winter. Though, she would eventually need a light jacket, gloves, and maybe a hat to keep her from freezing like a popsicle.

Autumn silently sighed as she flew past several snowy covered. Blue orbs gazed at it for a moment. The trees looked very pretty as it was coated with snow and frost. As they flew past the tree, took notice of the Winter Sprites feeding the animals lived there. Many of the animals that lived on the island had long been extinct on earth. It was nice to know that Mother loved caring for those that were old and exotic.

It wasn't long before the Winter Temple came into view. The Winter Temple was almost a direct replica of Roman temple, Maison Carrée. The temple was made of pure white marble. It had thirty-two columns (six for the front and back and ten for the two long sides) resting on a podium that was at least 2.85 meters high. The columns held up a hexastyle roof that was also made of pure white marble. Decorating roof and walls where carvings of snowflakes and swirls.

The temple emanated a soft bluish glow as she landed on the podium, right in front of the bluish white door that had a huge bluish tinge snowflake on it. Autumn adjusted Jack in her arms as he seemed to calm a bit, knowing that the raw magic from the temple was helping him. Each of the Head Seasonals had their own temple. Resting within the temple was a magical crystal ball, the true source of the season. The magic crystal held the raw powers of the season, allowing them to tap into it whenever they wanted when they were spreading the season. The crystal itself had many properties as well. Not only was it the source of their magic, but it had healing properties. If one of them were badly injured and were unable to heal themselves naturally, they would go to their temple. It would heal them since they would be surrounded by their element.

The crystals were very powerful and had properties that she wasn't even aware. The crystals were as old as time itself. They were that kept the balance between the four seasons from clashing and ripping the earth in two. It was for this reason that only a select few knew of its existence. Because in the wrong hands, it could mean the end of the world.

The Fall Seasonal shivered slightly at the strong winter magic that washed over her and Jack as she opened the door to the temple. Now she kinda wished she had a jacket or something. She felt like she was in the Arctic. Autumn let out a small sigh as she closed the door behind and began walking down the long hall. Frost coated the walls and ceiling, creating different swirls and patterns. Small icicles floated innocently on the walls, glowing faintly, giving light to the otherwise dimly lit room.

As the elder Seasonal made her way to the end of the hall, where another set of doors resided. As she opened the door, she sucked in an awed breath as the hallway opened to a spacious room. Like her own temple, Jack's was meant to represent his element. Beautiful trials of frost coated the walls and ceilings, creating intricate designs. Huge ice sculptures of dragons, penguins, wolves, and polar bears were resting on pedestals near the walls. On the ceiling, Autumn stared in awe at the huge crystal chandler that gave off natural light to the room. And finally resting in the middle of the room, resting on a marble roman style pedestal was a white crystal ball.

Jack shifted in her arms, his breath hitching slightly as he struggled with his panic attack. Autumn silently stood in front of the Winter Crystal, taking note of the innocent look blue snowflake that floated within. Autumn knew it was more than innocent though. She could feel the winter magic pulsing through it, washing over them as if sensing the distress of it's seasonal.

As the crystal twinkled and glowed with power, the sculptures began to glow as well. The Fall Seasonal was only slightly aware of this though. She was too busy gazing at her younger brother, smiling softly as he began to glow in a soft blue light. It wasn't long before Jack's breathing returned to normal, followed by the glowing ceasing and everything returning to normal.

It was another moment before Jack opened his eyes and took a deep, calming breath. But when he did, he looked absolutely confused as he stared at his sister, who was still holding him in her arms. "A-Autumn?"

Autumn let out a relieved sigh. "Thank goods. You gave us quite a scare, you know that?"

"Sorry." A faint violet began to dust Jack's cheeks. Autumn smiled reassuringly as she placed him on his feet and handed him his staff. "Thanks," he mumbled as he took notice of the room that they were in.

When curious blue eyes returned to her, he asked with a frown, "Autumn, what's going on? What is this place?"

"This is the Winter Temple," Autumn said with a smile. "This is the true source of the season."

Jack blinked in surprise as he gazed at the room in awe. "Wow. Really?"

She nodded. "We all have a temple," she explained as she gestured to the crystals ball. "These crystals balls are the source of our power. Not only does it heal us or give us more power to tap into when we need it, but they are also what keeps the four seasons balanced. If these crystals balls were to ever go into the wrong hands, it would mean the end of the world."

Jack blinked in surprise as he returned his attention to her. He looked slightly nervous. "Can anyone enter these temples?"

She shook her head. "Only a Head Seasonal can enter the temples, not even Mother Nature can enter."

"She used to." Autumn and Jack turned towards the open door to see Blaze and Flora walking in. Autumn wasn't really surprised when she saw them wear heavy winter coats, hats, and gloves. Though, she was grateful when Flora handed her a brown jacket decorated with colorful leaves and patterns. Autumn smiled at her sister as she put it on, grateful for the warmth it offered from the bitter cold of winter. "Though, that was when she ruled summer, fall, and spring by herself."

Blaze nodded, continuing from where Flora left off. "When Mother made us the head of the seasons, she lost the ability to enter the temples."

"Why is that?" Jack asked.

"You can only have one Seasonal per season," Autumn told him, smiling faintly. "How are you feeling?" It wasn't just Jack she was referring her question too.

"I've been better," Blaze said as he raised the temperature around himself to keep himself from freezing. "Man, it's cold in here."

"I'm okay," Jack mumbled, unsure.

"Are you sure?" Flora asked with a concerned smile. "You just suddenly stared into space before going into a panic attack."

Jack frowned at his sibling as he held his staff close to his chest. Jack looked so confused and so unsure. It was moments like this that it reminded them of how young Jack truly was.

"You don't have to tell us, Jack," Autumn said as she placed a hand on his shoulder, reassuringly. She didn't want to pressure him. She was sure he would tell them when he was ready.

Jack smiled slightly at the words but shook his head nonetheless. "I think I saw a memory," he said hesitantly. This caused the three elder Seasonals to blink in surprise.

"Really?" Blaze was the first one to shake his shock. "That's great! What did you see?"

Jack frowned at the question, puzzling the three spirits. "I'm not sure," he said slowly as if trying to put together a puzzle. And he probably was. "I was in some kind of flowery field near a river or lake." Autumn pondered that for a moment. Sounds like this memory took place in spring. I wonder if it was that day. "I saw a few people there. There was a boy and a girl, around my age, a young girl, a woman, and a man." Jack paused, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought. "I couldn't make out their features, but it looked like they were making flower crowns and they were saying something about a Flower King."

Autumn and Blaze immediately turned to gaze at Flora, whose eyes were wide in shock. Flora had told them when she visited Jackson and his sister Flee with a native American girl. They had been making clowns for their mother. Mother even said something about Jackson making a crown of flowers, placing it on top of Pitch's head and then galloping away with Night when Pitch began shadowing after them, threaten that he would give them nightmares.

"Flower King?" Blaze soon snorted with a stifled laugh. Blaze still teased Pitch about the name, much to the elder spirit's great annoyance. "I wish I had been there to seen that. It would have been hilarious to see him covered in innocent pretty flowers." Jack soon smiled at the comment, completely unaware they were talking about Pitch Black, Jackson's older brother, and it wasn't long before the two were fighting giggles of childish laughter.

Autumn shook her head at that, wondering how a peaceful training session turned into this. "Oh-my-god," Jack wheezed through bits of laughter as Blaze continued to make comments about what the guy would look like covered in flowers. "I wish I knew who that kid was. He's a genius!" As Blaze and Jack continued to laugh, Flora turned towards her, frowning slightly. Autumn knew what she was thinking; she was thinking the same thing.

Should we tell him about Pitch and his past life before he died? Autumn's frown deepened in worry. If they did tell Jack that Pitch Black was his brother and that Flee was his sister and that the Snow Queen was his mother, would he believe them? He had no memories of them. His mind was trying to help him remember, but without the Tooth Box to fill in the gaps, what more could they do? We would just confuse him even more, more than he already is and then what? Cause him pain? She remembered the tears and the pained look on his face. And it seems the memories alone are starting to cause him pain.

Autumn had to shake the thought, knowing that Flora had come to the same conclusion as well. She was frown sadly, but what more could they do in this situation without causing him pain.

"Flora, Autumn!" The two girls blinked, unaware that Blaze had managed to sober up from his laughing fit and had been trying to get their attention to more pressing matters.

"Yeah?" Flora asked.

"Sorry, what did you say?"

"I was asking if you wanted to return to the castle," Blaze said with a pout. "Sheesh, way to ignore a guy when he's freezing to death." Autumn snorted.

"You are not freezing to death, Blaze." Blaze was, in fact, pretty well bundled up and smiling cheekily at her, while Jack was next to him, snickering softly. Oh, no. She knew that look. What on earth was he planning on doing now?

"Blaze," Autumn said, her voice low in warning, "Don't. You. Dare."

Blaze smiled at her innocently, making Jack's shoulder shake in unsuppressed laughter. "Why sis, you wound me." Blaze placed his hand over his heart with a hurt expression on his face. "How could you possibly think that I would torture and cause mischief to the Sprites while Mother is not even here? I would never do such a thing."

"Not true. You've done it before," Flora deadpanned as Autumn narrowed her eyes slightly in disapproval.

"And besides, we all know what you are capable of. You would mess with the Sprites in a heartbeat." Seriously Blaze could not behave for one day.

"You're right," Blaze smiled and it was then when they realized that Blaze had called the South Wind. "That does sound like something I would do." A warm breeze (that smelled of sand and seawater) filled the room as it swirled around Blaze and Jack, attempting to pull them into the air. Jack shivered at the touch of warm air licking his cool skin, but it wasn't long before the North Wind entered the room, caressing him ever so gently with her cool air and gentle touch.

Blaze laughed as the smell of sand, sea water, pine trees and frost reached his nose. They were all together, all together at last. It was a wonderful feeling, especially since he never liked Old Man Winters. Blaze's grinned widened as he gazed at his sisters. "Meet you back at the castle!" he said before he and Jack were off.

Blaze made sure he held a gloved hand on Jack's arm, steadying him when it seemed he was about to lose balance while riding the North Wind. Looks like those two were going to need more practice, but Jack seemed to be getting the hang of it for the most part. That actually surprised him, considering it had taken him five months before he could even be lifted up by the South Wind. Jack was truly amazing.

"Blaze!"

"Let's hurry," Jack said through bursts of laughter as he felt the West and East Wind answering the calls of their charges. It wasn't long before their sisters were out in the open sky chasing after them.

Blaze could only laugh as he and Jack made their way back to the castle with hot cocoa and mischief planned in their minds.

Chapter Text

Grief. Loneliness. Despair. Hopelessness. Fear. Those were feelings Pitch knew well. Not because he was the Nightmare King, but because he had witnessed it and experienced it throughout his life. Long ago when he had been Kozmotis Pitchiner, Lord High General of the Galaxies, he had seen many gruesome deaths, deaths that left an empty, hollow feeling in his chest. During that time, Pitch had thought about taking his own life like so many of his men had after spending years witnessing one terrifying sight after another. But then a certain Fae would whisper tiny reminders of what he was fighting for. When his spirits were lifted he would then be reminded that death was not the end, it was not the end of life, it was merely the beginning.

Chapter Text

The sun rested high in the cloudless sky, gracing their presence with its beautiful, warm, loving rays of another beautiful morning. The gentle rays glided across the swaying water, making them sparkle like the finest jewels to be ever crafted. Blaze smiled in silent appreciation as the silent sea turtles nestled with their young and as the majestic dolphins danced gracefully across the gentle waves.

It was truly a wonderful day.

The Summer Seasonal closed his eyes, relaxing in the sun's warmth. It was moments like these that reminded him why he accepted Mother Nature's offer all those years ago.

He had been born during an unmemorable time. War had been plaguing the land for countless decades. Children, at a very young age, were taught to fight. They were expected to fight, to sacrifice themselves for their king. They were expected not to feel, not to question their king's actions and orders for their lives were his to use.

Blaze had thrown his entire life away for a heartless king, an uncaring king, that it was almost comical. He despised war. He had hated the way his king had treated them over the decades. He hated all the lives that had been taken so soon.

Lives were a very precious thing. It was why he valued it so much. No one should suffer at the hands of another. Yet his jokes and calm smile could not bring a smile to the parents' faces as they sold their children for money, nor his little sister as she died in his arms.

He truly was a hypocrite.

He valued life, yet he killed and took it away in the name of his king. His pranks and jokes didn't bring smiles, but annoyance among his loved ones and fellow soldiers. It was no surprise that those he thought he could trust after thrusting himself headfirst into battle had murdered him. He had expected it. Jealousy and hatred were very strong emotions. It could taint a person's perspective and could it could change them if one was not careful.

If Mother Nature had not found him when she did, shortly after his death, he was sure he would have ended up as a lost soul, like La Llorona, like the Banshee. Blaze shivered slightly as wind's essence swirled around him briefly before an invisible hand rested on his shoulder. La Llorona and the Banshee were among the few that were considered "Lost Souls." They were neither dead nor alive. They were not evil, nor were they good. Instead, their minds, their sanity, had been all but stripped from them as they live in an endless loop of their own making, unable to smile, unable to laugh, unable to feel joy.

And he could have ended up like them.

"Heat-sama, are you okay?" Blaze pushed the unwanted memories and feelings that accompanied it aside and returned his attention to the three spirits he was training. He had come across the three sisters when he visited Japan three years ago. Each one was about two years apart, with the oldest being twenty-five years old.

"I'm fine, Kaho." The eldest sister regarded him with piercing emerald eyes. A delicate hand rested on her hip, while a permanent frown graced her soft features. "You know, if you keep frowning like that, it just might become permanent?" The auburn-haired woman scoffed at him, while her sisters snicked behind her.

"You don't look fine," she said, ignoring his comment. "Is it about the rumors?" While that wasn't exactly what he had been thinking about moments ago, the rumors that had been spreading lately were concerning. Dark Spirits and demons, who normally stayed in their little sections of the global or underworld, were taking notices of the lack of Pitch's Nightmare Horses recently.

While it wasn't unusual for no one to see the Boogieman for a few decades at a time, he was a very busy spirit, after all. But it was odd not to see at least one of his sand horses somewhere across the globe within a given night. While many spirits (mainly the Guardians and some holiday spirits) wouldn't care about the Boogieman's lack of presence, Pitch is a valuable asset to preserving the balance, making this rumor very concerning. There were many spirits and demons out there that were cruel and just plain evil, contrary to what the Guardians believed.

These bad spirits and demons would drive the world into complete chaos if given a chance. They would be able to turn mankind against themselves. Wives would abuse their children. Husbands would beat their wives. And friends—strangers—would kill just because they could, just because they felt the urge to do so. Pitch, Death, Krampus, and other members of the Dark Order kept them at bay.

It wasn't easy keeping them in line during the month of Halloween. At one point, the veil between the realms of spirits and humans was often the weakest during this time. However, with more and more spirits being seen outside this general timeframe, no thanks to the Guardians and their belief, this statement was no longer valid.

The thin veil that minimized interaction between spirits, mystical creatures, and humans were blurred and often overlapping. It was a delicate balance that most spirits try not to overstep, not even the Gods dare to cross, considering what happened the last time so many adults believed.

Despite the Guardians' constant reliance on belief, to not only stay alive but to keep the belief of children alive so that they can continue to protect them. Belief was a dangerous thing. Humans — especially children — would believe in anything. There are many spirits out there, and with each new religion that comes into existence, a new spirit or sprite is born.

It would only be a matter of time before something evil is born from this belief.

"The rumors are rather troubling, aren't they?" he asked seriously. "It's not unusual for Pitch to disappear for weeks, months at a time. But it's odd to not see a single horse or shadow in place of his absence."

The two youngest gazed at each other, uncertainty in their eyes, while Kaho continued to frown at him. "We must be prepared for the worst. Pitch kept the majority of them at bay. But, with him currently missing and the nightmare not causing fear, the balance could possibly be at risk."

"And the mission?" Kaho asked, always to the point, as per usual.

"As you know, my hands are tied, being a Head Seasonal and all." They nodded at him, soaking in his every word, wondering what he was tasking them with. "I can not go looking for him, even if I wanted to. There are some rules that must never be broken. But…" He smiled at them as the wind swirled around them, bringing three innocent-looking purple bags. "Whoever said I couldn't send you three out on a secret training mission with an old friend of mine."

"Blaze!" The Seasonal blinked, glancing up with a quizzical brow as his sisters fluttered in front of him. The three winds suddenly swirled around them rapidly as they chanted: "He's here! He's here! He's here!"

There was just something about Mother Nature's castle that always felt magical and surreal. From the tall walls down to furniture that decorated the various living spaces brought a sense of peace and safety, of home. And Jack so did love his home.

While his siblings were busy training new spirits, preparing for the vernal equinox and summer solace, or pranking in Blaze's case, after their daily training sessions, Jack was often left to his own devices to explore his home with Night. Over the course of the week, Jack, with Night at his side, would spend hours exploring every corner of the castle. Surprisingly, the castle was a lot bigger inside than what he initially thought. Based on some blueprints he had found the other day, the castle had hundreds of thousands of rooms, just waiting to be discovered and explored.

Jack didn't spend all his time inside, of course. He spent a good amount of his time exploring the other seasonal regions of Mother's vast property, interacting with all sorts of Sprites, Seasonal, and Nature Spirits that either lived on the property or worked there. He had yet to explore the beach Blaze was always talking about, and he had promised Flora he would help replant new flowers for her garden when he and Blaze's prank went a bit too far, burning and freezing half of her garden in the processes.

Jack winced. He never wanted to see the normally bubbly and happy spirit in tears ever, ever again. It wasn't worth it.

Then again, it was only after that incident when he began hearing the odd child-like voices within the forest behind Flora's garden.

Jack hadn't had a chance to follow those voices, to figure out where they were coming from, nor what they were, for that matter. No one, not even the Winter Sprites that were the oldest of the seasonal sprites, could hear them. In fact, they had no idea what he was talking about. It was truly odd. What could they be, if not even the oldest beings on earth could hear them? Were they even friendly? Or was he really just tired from his latest training sessions, causing him to hear things?

Unfortunately, Jack didn't have time to ponder on those questions for very long for magic, one he had not felt before, slammed into him as soon as wind guided him through one of the immense windows near the south wing.

This magic was nothing like his siblings, nor Mother Nature, nor the Sprites. This magic felt ancient and powerful, stronger than Mother Nature's magic, stronger than anything he had ever felt before.

As soon as his feet touched the delicate wooden floor, Jack found himself losing his footing and tumbling back, landing butt first on the ground as about a dozen winter sprites, three spring sprites, and four spring sprites rammed right into him in their frantic haste to get… somewhere.

"Master Frost!"

"I'm so sorry!"

"We didn't mean to run into you!"

"Are you okay?"

"Are you hurt?"

"Ladies, ladies," Jack said with a small smile and a slight chuckle. "I'm fine. Really. I was just caught off guard, that's all."

The winter sprites didn't seem convinced, but didn't dare question their Head Seasonal. The other seasonal sprites simply shrugged, taking the Winter Seasonal's word that he was indeed alright.

"Is there something special happening today? You all seem to be in a rush to be somewhere."

The sprite all seemed to be confused by his question. Thankfully, it was Chrystal who spoke up for the group. "It is no surprise you don't know. Not many spirits know of the All-Father." The group parted to allow Old Man Winter's original and oldest sprites to flutter to their new master.

"The All-Father is the creator of all worlds, all universes. He is the one that gifted Master Winter and Father Time their powers and abilities," Eira added before Jack could form a question.

"The Creator goes by many names, Master Frost, depending on what culture you are referring to," said Neva as the two girls helped him to his feet.

Meanwhile, Chrystal was talking to the other sprites, reminding them of the meeting place they had been heading to before the incident. "Continue heading to the castle gardens. We will meet you there shortly."

"Alright, Chrystal," a plump spring sprite with curly brown hair said. "But don't take too long. The prince is already unhappy with his brother's unplanned visit."

"We won't take long," Chrystal reassured. They watched as the other sprite nodded with a smile before she and the other seasonal sprites fluttered away to the meeting place. As they were leaving, Jack realized they were singing an unfamiliar song in their own tongue.

The song left goosebumps on his arms, almost as if he was cold, and the hair on the back of his neck stuck up as they sang in unison. The song seemed to fill the space with the same ancient magic he had felt just moments ago. The magic that was surrounding him once more, seemed to take on a faint tangible form as the elements painted a picture of swirls and small humanoid figures with wings, dancing to the sound of what he could only describe as instruments.

But as fast as the magical images came, it faded away as the ground moved away from him and the three winter sprites. The Winter Seasonal watched the group make his way down the hall until they disappeared beyond his view. However, that did not stop the magic that lingered around him, beckoning him to follow.

"This magic," he started but was unsure how to form the question.

"Father is near," North Wind said as her invisible hands landed on his shoulder. Jack looked over his shoulder, but only saw the currents that made up her form. "Father doesn't stay on one planet for very long. The galaxy is vast, filled with dead worlds and empty universes that need life." Despite how carefree and motherly the North Wind always acted around him when they played, Jack hadn't relieved until now how ancient and mature she sounded. "You should be honored. Father rarely takes special interest in the living. He is a very busy Fae."

"Father?" Jack turned his full attention to his friend as the currents danced around him. For a brief moment, he faintly saw an adult with snowflake-shaped wings standing next to Night before it dissolved into the currents he was used to seeing. "Weren't you always like this?"

"Yes," she said. "Although, I wasn't always like this. Long ago, before Father even thought about creating this universe, I was once a powerful young fae. I was the oldest of my sibling and the closest to my father." The currents around him trembled and echoed as she giggled softly. "We used to dance with the baby Frost Dragons every morning before Father began his morning rounds."

"Dragons?" Jack's eyes grew wide, and they sparkled like the frost he enjoyed creating. Autumn and Flora had explained to him that all the dragons had begun disappearing sometime during the end of the Golden Age. No one has seen a single dragon in centuries; not even the Gods know where they are.

"I heard they were extinct?" Night said, her ear flicking in the ancient beings' direction.

The North Wind smiled at them. "Nothing ever fades or goes extinct." Jack blinked. Wait, did she understand Night? "They just change and transform into… something else, something new. But that is a story for another time."

Jack's face fell. "Seriously," he whined. He really wanted to know about the dragons. They sounded so cool!

"We can't keep, Father, waiting," she said, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Princess Eira is right," Crystal said before retrieving his staff and offering it to him. "The King is waiting."

How long has it been since Jackson's death? A week? A month? Several months, maybe?

She couldn't remember, not since the day she felt his spirit leave this plane. It had been difficult waking up every morning to help her fellow tribe members with the chores. The villagers were killing more animals than they needed. They were expanding onto land that was not there's, using resources that were not supposed to be touched by outsiders. The elders of the tribe and even other neighboring tribes feared what the settles would do.

There had been talk that the settlers wanted to expand their colonies onto sacred land. Some of the other tribes had already begun to place traps and barriers around their ancestors, hoping to drive these settlers away from their ancestors' resting place. Tension was high, and it was only a matter of time before the settlers retaliated against their peaceful warning.

However, despite the knowledge of this tension between the two groups, she was still caught off guard when the settlers began accusing them of Jackson's death and Mrs. Overland's disappearance.

All of Jackson's close friends, Flee, and Jamie were currently taking refuge within their humble tribe. Her friends had seemed lost after Jackson's death. None of them smiled anymore, nor did they laugh. It was like the joy had been sucked out of them, and Jamie's father's obvious declaration of war could be seen for miles.

Jamie had taken up the role that Jackson used to fill. He managed to maintain hope within their small group, but the son of the monster, who was seeking their demise, was not Jackson.

Jackson was the glue that kept them all together. He brought joy and fun wherever he walked. He inspired hope and wonder when one of them felt down or when he spun a tale out of nowhere. His compassion, his love for his family and friends, his drive to help others without a thought, and his selflessness was what made her fall for him over and over again.

This was why the days after his death were nothing sort of a nightmare. The hours had blurred together into days and days into weeks. She couldn't tell when it was day or night anymore. She barely slept, barely ate. She hadn't even left the hut she shared with her father, Jamie, and Flee for weeks now.

Everything just reminded her of the boy that had captured her heart. A sorrowful sob left her lips as she gazed at the snow that still coated the ground. How could she move on without him? She had wanted to spend the rest of her life with him! Why was Mother Earth so cruel?

"I sense great sadness from you, daughter." Much like all other Ancient Spirits that had faded away at some point in their long lives, Mother Earth was among the few who still interacted with the living despite being invisible to all. Ali was the exception, however.

For as far as she could remember, she had always been about to see the unseeable. Spirits that had long since faded from the land of the spirits — and thus invisible to their own kind — were visible only to her.

Why? Ali did not know. All she knew was that she had a gift, a very special gift — the ability to talk to Mother Earth and Old Man Winters freely.

Ali turned her gaze to see the two ancient spirits standing to her far right. Mother Earth was a tall, slender woman with long, rich black hair, tan skin, emerald-colored eyes, and high cheekbones that were dusted with freckles. She wore a brown sleeveless knee-high dress that depicted sceneries of the different seasons, and on her head was a crown made of flowers and vines.

Unlike Mother Earth, who looked young and beautiful, Old Man Winters looked like an old man who had lost his way. He was slightly taller than Mother Earth, but not by much. He had sunken eyes the color of the sea, a long white beard that could out-beat Santa Claus, and wore a robe that was a dark shade of blue. The frost that had spread across the garment made him look just as regal as his wife.

The old man looked at her with concern in his blue eye. Father Frost was not the cruel, cold spirit that he had once been in the past before his fading. In fact, he was probably the kindest old man she had ever met once Mother Earth melted his cold exterior. He was happier now than he had been in centuries.

"Father Frost, Mother, what are you doing here?" She made sure to keep her voice low, not wanting to awaken her guest. Jamie and her father had left the hut about an hour ago to attend the weeklong fallen warrior ceremony with the rest of the tribe. Flee had been unwell for the past few days; Ali couldn't really blame her.

The poor girl had lost her entire family. She would break into a cold sweat every night and would look almost lifeless every morning. For the first time in weeks, Flee was still and dreaming, buried under several layers of blankets as sweet sage filled the hut.

No one had the heart to wake her.

"The balance between Light and Darkness has shifted once again," said Father Frost, a deep layer of concern entering his voice. "The death of a child and the sudden appearance of the Fearlings had caused quite a bit of activity lately."

Ali frowned just a bit. "Activity?"

"Yes," said Mother Earth. "There has been quite a bit of death and various cases of children and teens suddenly going missing at the other villages we have visited. We were merely passing by when we felt your sorrow, little one." Mother Earth bent down next to her, a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Tell me, daughter. What is making you weep?"

"Jackson… he's gone… and now the settlers are blaming us…" The spirits didn't look that surprised.

"The end of a life, especially one so carefree and wild, is always difficult to bear. But, as difficult as it may seem, it was his time," Father Frost's words cut through her like butter, causing tears to flow quickly down her cheeks.

"Young Jackson Pitchiner-Overland died a warrior, a brother, a son. However, he was gifted a warrior's rebirth by the creator," Mother Earth interjected with a soft smile.

"Winter is a very harsh and cruel season. It is very easy for a Winter Spirit to lose their way." He grimaced as he silently recounted his time as the Bringer of Winter. "It's a very lonely existence. After my time, there had been many Winter Spirits, and all have fallen ill to the Frozen Heart."

The frozen heart. Ali wasn't an expert on spirit diseases. However, from what she understood, a Winter Spirit's heart literally freezes over — blocks all positive emotions, making them uncaring and cruel and eventually fade away — because of isolation and hatred.

"There hasn't been a Head Seasonal of Winter in centuries… until now."

Ali was frozen in place as she gazed at the ancient spirits with eyes that were slightly misted.

"I have no doubt in young Jackson's ability to restore balance to the world," Mother Earth said. "However, he can not do this alone. The world is a big place for just a single winter spirit, a grieving mother, and the Nightmare King."

Mother Earth didn't need to finish the thought to get her point across, but Ali was unable to respond to the ancient being's apparent request. All she ever wanted was to spend the rest of her life with her soulmate. Her soul ached for him, moaned for him. She didn't want to move on without him by her side, but was she willing to leave her friends, her tribe, and her father behind? Was following Jackson into the land of the spirits worth the pain that would befall those who were living?

If she didn't, Jackson would face the same fate that befell all winter spirits. Her heart ached at the thought of Jackson being cold and distant and eventually fading away. But if she ended her human life to be with Jackson, wouldn't she be hurting her loved ones and friends? Her friends were already in a dark place as they grieved the loss of a brother, a son, a friend. They didn't need any more heartache.

And her father…

Ali's thoughts stilled for a moment. Despite the chieftain's cheerful and proud exterior, he was still grieving the loss of his wife. He still cried at night when he thought Ali was not awake. He would still talk to her as if she was there in front of him. Ali was all he had left. Was she really so selfish to leave her father behind… just to follow the boy she had fallen for?

"You do not have to decide now," Old Man Winters' said. "The settlers will not attack for some time now, but you must be prepared for the worst. The settlers are preparing for war, a war that could very well claim many lives."

So they are planning to kill us. Ali hated thinking ill will against others, but for the first in years, she hated Jamie's father, the settlers that followed him, and everything he stood for. She knew the coward was encouraging war from behind the scenes. If it hadn't been for Jackson and several other children from high-ranking families within the village, they wouldn't be here today. Why couldn't that vile man be five feet under icy cold water?

"That is true," Mother Earth spoke, a tinge of sadness in her voice. "You must prepare for what is to come. But I am not asking for you to leave your kind. I am giving you the option to inform your friends, your father, your tribe to continue your lives as Winter Spirits." Ali was silent as she took that information in. "As my husband said, you have some time, but don't wait too long for time is very unpredictable and can change at a moment's notice."

"How long do I have?" She asked, fearing the answer.

Instead of answering, the two spirits looked outside as they felt a sudden shift in the air.

"Well, you don't see that every day," Father Winters said as his eyes gazed into the blue sky.

The Earth Mother frown slightly. Her brows were raised as worried eyes gazed into the sky. "Hmmm… the King never stays in one place for very long. I hope he is not hurt."

"What do you mean?" Ali gazed at the two spirits, eyes wide. Did they just say "the King" as in the King of the Faes? But that didn't make any sense. The King rarely stayed in one place, let alone one planet, for very long. What was so different about today? Other than…

"Jackson…" her voice barely went above a whisper, but the two spirits nodded, their gazes never leaving the window.

Old Man Winters lifted up his staff towards the window. The crystal jewel began to glow, creating a magical aura around him. All was silent until the spirit spoke up again. "It seems Mother Nature has requested his aid."

"He will not interfere," Mother Earth said, "but maybe there is a certain spirit he wishes to see." They returned their gazes to her, resuming their previous conversation. "Young Jackson cannot restore balance on his own daughter, but it is your choice. Do not take too long, though. You only have until the day Jack Frost throws the first ball of laughter to decide."

Jack silently followed the sprites as they made their way to Mother Nature's meadows. The meadows consisted of a lush field of flowers that had a perfect harmony of all seasons, lush green grass, and tall, healthy trees of all ages.

Jack loved how the flower could go from the most beautiful Viola and Camellia—which were often only seen in the wintertime—to the fiery Gerbera Daisies and Heirloom Roses of summer. It brought a smile to his face that these flowers, which are not supposed to coexist in the same space and season, did. It gave him hope that one day when he was ready to face the outside world head-on, he would be able to find the other Winter Spirits and hopefully help them.

He knew from Blaze and Autumn that no one had seen other Winter Spirits in the centuries during and after Old Man Winters' fading. Many of the spirits, from what he had been told, had gone into hiding when a spirit name Yuki-onna or Blaze's calls her, the Lady of Snow, felt she had to take charge and become the new Head Seasonal in order to survive.

Jack, despite not knowing her, felt bad for her. Her sincere deed, her want to preserve the life of the Winter Spirits, and sprites only resulted in a war among her own kind. And that was even before the attack of other cruel spirits.

Jack mentally prayed she and the others were okay. He wanted to help them. He wanted to guide them. Winter was not a season of death. It was fun, joyful, and a time of rebirth.

He will not — no — he will not allow them to suffer anymore. He will find the spirits that had gone into hiding ever shortly before and after the war. He will find the spirits that were now lost, angry, and afraid about the changing world they currently live in. He wanted to find and embrace the spirits who had not been so lucky to find someone to give them the guidance he had been so fortunate enough to have from the start.

Jack smiled as the North Wind caressed his face in reassurance and as Night gently brushed her long, sandy mane against his arm.

"We will find them," said Night. "Don't you worry about that."

"She right. The few that still remain may seem so far right now, but I promise you they have been waiting their whole lives for you. I know you will lead them with fun smiles and honor."

Jack nodded, not wanting to disturb the sprites and their song. Ancient magic that was practically tangible now could be felt from all over. Jack almost felt overwhelmed by the amount of magic he felt. He swallowed nervously, hoping that the sudden appearance of Eira's father and uncle wasn't a bad thing.

In the distance, Jack was able to see a large cluster of Mother Nature's sprites gathering around the vast meadow, but they weren't the only ones. Blaze, Flora, Autumn, and even his own sprites were hand in hand, singing in a language he could not understand. Beyond, the clusters of sprites that were there and the many that were still coming were beings he had never met before.

The beings were humanoid in appearance, with impressive-looking wings. Jack studied the being for a moment. Every pair of wings wasn't precisely the same. On some of the male beings, Jack noticed their wings were slightly larger than their female counterparts. The wings on the males had extensive designs that were both breathtaking and awe-inspiring, but they weren't nearly as impressive as their female counterparts. While smaller and not heavy in design, their wings were filled with so much color and decorated with tiny jewels on the edge of each wing that shined in the sunlight, making them look majestic and untouchable.

Amazing. Who are they?

"Looks like uncle and the other Royal Guards are already here." Jack blinked at the North Wind's comment. Realizing that the beings were wearing golden armor laced with red. Behind the guards, wearing a similar armor that seemed to be more fit for a king, was who Eira addressed as her uncle.

"He doesn't look very nice," Night commented, noticing the man's frown as he glared at the sky, mumbling something he could not make out.

"Father doesn't normally make surprise visits," the North Wind said with a small laugh that was bubbling in her throat. "Father was supposed to be going to Asgard to check on the tree and the surrounding plants he planted three months ago. I guess he changed his mind."

Jack tilted his head a bit, more than a little curious about Eira's father. He opened his mouth, ready to ask his invisible friend about her father, when his siblings suddenly came into his view. Each one was frantic as they flew towards him with two of Blaze's trainees.

"Jack!" Jack and Night came to a stop as Blaze, Flora, and Autumn skidded to a halt in front of them. They were all pale and a tad nervous about something.

The corner of his lips twitched down just a bit and his brows furrowed in concern.

"You guys alright?" He asked, noticing their pale complexation. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

His siblings looked at each other, concern and worry evident on their features.

"Jack," Flora asked, "do you know who that is?"

"Eira's uncle?" Jack wasn't quite sure what they were getting at. Were they afraid of Eira's uncle or something? He didn't look that scary.

"Jack," Blaze spoke up, "that's Agamemnon, prince of the Faes, leader of the Royal Guards."

"Okay…" Jack said, still a bit unsure of what they were trying to tell him.

"If he's here, then his brother is not far behind."

"Is that a bad thing?" Jack asked. "He's Eira's father."

"That depends…" Autumn began but was cut off when the music grew louder, and the magic became so tangible that they froze in place. Just like before, Jack could see faint instruments and tiny humanoid, winged beings dancing across the meadow. As he watched the faint beings dancing around a tall and foreign-looking tree, it became clear that these were memories of the ancient past.

Suddenly, Jack Frost and the other Head Seasonals felt an overwhelming pull to sing and dance along to the ancient tune of the old. The four siblings soon felt the winds leave their side as they joined the gathering of dancing and singing sprites.

As the music grew louder, the magic becoming more tangible, Jack was able to see the winds take on a less transparent form. While still transparent and unseeable to the outside world. Jack and his siblings were able to see the winds take on humanoid forms. The forms they took on were awfully similar to the Faes that were guarding the area.

As Eira joined her brother and two sisters, Jack, Blaze, Flora, and Autumn, for the first time, were able to understand the ancient song that every sprite across the four seasons was singing in complete unison.

Oh, Father

Oh, Creator

Oh, King of Faes

We beseech you on this day

Hear our calls, hear our cries

We bow to you all night and day

All Mighty King of Faes

Jack was taken aback as the sky above them began to turn dark. The sky rumbled as gray clouds moved in place to cover the sun's bright afternoon rays.

Jack lifted his eyes from the crowd to his sister, puzzled. "I thought you said it wasn't scheduled to rain today." Both Flora and Autumn frowned.

"That wasn't us, Jack," Flora answered.

"Mother and His Majesty are almost here," Autumn observed as her eyes studied the Summer Sprites.

We your children of Sun and Flames

Welcome you with open arms

Grace us with your warm rays

Grace us with your light

As we dance with your son

Hefin: The Brave

Hefin, the South Wind, kicked his legs out in front of him, alternating between high and low kicks. Eira and her sisters danced fluidly around him in a huge, as they echoed the singing crowned.

Hear our calls, hear our cries

We bow to you all night and day

All Mighty King of Faes

"I didn't know Hefin could dance the Russia squat." Blaze gazed at his companion, mentor, and prankster extraordinaire in utter dumbfoundment.

"Are you serious?" Flora asked, her eyes wide in shock. "How can you not know him by now? It's been well over five centuries!"

"Well, I…"

"Idiot," Autumn mumbled to herself with a sigh, only to perk up as the smell of an evening harvest reached her nose. She lifted her gaze to her sprites just as they began to sing.

We your children of Leaves and Harvest

Welcome you will open arms

Grace us with your wisdom

Of the great beyond

As we paint with your daughter

Fiona: The Wise

Fiona, the West Wind, took a small step in front of her before moving her arms in front of as she performed an elegant twirl. Fiona's back leg lifted up before twirling once more as she completed the twirl. Autumn glanced at Fiona's sisters, realizing each one was dancing a different form of ballet dancing.

It wasn't long before Eira, the North Wind, began dancing in the center as her younger siblings danced around her. She moved much more gracefully than her siblings. It was almost as if she was in a class all on her own. It was breathtaking, surreal even.

And a bright light broke the heavens, parting the dark clouds that had been covering the sky. The siblings covered their eyes from the blinding light.

"What's going on?" Jack asked as he and Night tried to see past the blinding light.

"He's here!" Flora yelled moments before the lights died down.

A soft collective gasp escaped past their lips as they say His Majesty carrying Mother Nature in arms. On his shoulder was a bird creature, and flying in front of him were two other Faes.

Agamemnon had a deep frown on his feature as his brother landed in front of him. "Don't be so down, Agamemnon," the King said as he placed Mother Nature on the ground. "Visiting my children and giving some advice to new spirits won't slow us down. Creating a new planet can always wait."

Agamemnon didn't seem too thrilled with his brother's response. But before he could answer, the four winds rushed to their father.

"Father!"

"You're here!" The King laughed as he hugged his children.

Jack's eyes widened. When the King hugged his children, their forms were no longer transparent. Instead, they were as solid as the ground they walked on. Jack Frost realized that this must have been their actual forms before they had lost their physical bodies during this war. Jack frowned for a moment, trying to remember the history book Autumn had been helping him read the week prior.

The book had talked about a war between something called the Fearlings and the Fae. Jack wasn't sure what these Fearlings were, but they sounded like something he didn't want to mess with.

"You seem a bit lost, my child." The Head Seasonal of Winter jerked out of thoughts, not realizing the King of the Faes had left his children's side to speak to him.

Jack rubbed the back of his head, a blush slowly creeping on his cheeks. "I… a… sorry. I'm fine. I've never met a Fae before."

The King nodded, understanding his confusion. "I don't typically allow others to know of my presence. I've had quite a few unpleasant experiences, if you know what I mean." Jack nodded before he could stop himself. In the back of his mind, he could hear the yell of a young girl and a woman he could not remember.

He closed his eyes, trying to push the voices away. However, the action only caused pain, an excruciating pain that went from his temples to the back of his head.

"Jack! Jack!" Eira and Night sounded so far away as the darkness tried to pull him under the water. He tried to move his arms, but they felt stiff, unmovable. He tried to open his mouth, but all he tasted was water. The water was in his lungs. It hurt. He couldn't breathe. Flee…

Jack gasped, his eyes shot open. Tears slowly began to well up as he gazed into kind, understanding violet orbs. The King held him gently in his arms as Eira rested a finger against his temple. He shifted his gaze to his friend, unsure of what was going on.

What was that? His mind felt so sluggish and worn down. Was that a memory? No. It couldn't be. It had to be just another mind trick. There was no way he… Flee. The name sounded so familiar. Was this Flee someone he knew? Had something happened to her? Wait… Had I see seen someone drown and just forgotten about it?

His mind shifted to the village girl. She had been so upset, so distraught about her brother. Had… had he seen his death?

"My Child, are you alright?" The North Wind asked. Her eyes that were identical to her father's studied him intently, worriedly. Her long silver hair hung loosely down the base of her back. On the base of her back were beautiful butterfly-shaped wings. Upon closer inspection, he realized the wings shimmered like ice, with its white and blue hues.

"Does your head still hurt?"

Jack was silent for a moment, waiting for the majority of the pain to disappear before responding to his dear friend. "A little," he said, grimacing as he did so.

Eira frowned at him. Her violet eyes shifted to her father, who seemed deep in thought. "Father? Is there something wrong?" While the question was pretty vague, Jack knew what Eira was asking her father.

"Your memories are fragmented," he said, earning a quizzical look from the Head Seasonal of Winter. "You're is trying to restore the memories that you have lost. However, without your tooth box, that will be impossible."

Tooth box? "Is that why my head keeps hurting?"

The King shrug. "Yes and no. The tooth box has the ability to hold the most precious memories of childhood. However, most spirits don't typically require their human memories once they leave the human realm," he said as he slowly shifted Jack into a sitting position. "But you are the first to wake up without your memories. Your subconscious is trying to remedy that, but without your tooth box to return what is lost, that is proving to be difficult."

"What do we do then?" Jack had not noticed Mother Nature walking towards him with a strange bird on her shoulder. The bird fluttered over to him, chirping something he could not understand. The bird with multicolored eyes landed on his shoulder, nuzzling his cheek in reassurance.

"I can not restore his memories without leaving lasting damage, but I can help with the pain. If you will let me."

"Damage?" What did he mean by that?

"You've been fainting and having panic attacks, have you not?" He asked, gaining a nod in response. "And the episode you had earlier will only get worse if I try to return your memories with my magic."

His throat felt tight as he absorbed the King's words. It was scary not remembering who he was and the people he may have known before waking up in that lake. The little girl and the shadow man from his dreams had felt so real. He had known them, had seen them, interacted with them. Yet, he couldn't remember them. He couldn't remember their faces. He couldn't remember what their likes and dislikes, and what they meant to him.

Jack wanted to remember, but not at the cost of harming himself and his family. "Where do I find this tooth box?"

The small bird bristled, chirping something angrily at him.

Eira gently ran a single finger down the creature's back. "It is alright, Little Tooth Fairy; we will find his tooth box. But the world is vast and dangerous. It could be years before we find it, especially with the Guardians still causing unnecessary fights."

Jack should have been disappointed that he wouldn't be able to get his tooth box, that he wouldn't be able to regain his memories anytime soon. "It's okay, Baby Tooth. I'll be fine."

Baby Tooth blinked as she gazed up at the spirit. She seemed surprised to be given a name. Her mother never took the time to name any of her daughters. They were merely clones of the original, after all.

"Baby Tooth," the King said. "That is a lovely name, my dear."

A dusting of pink traveled up the fairy's cheek as she chirped something. Jack tilted his head towards the King, hoping for a translation.

"She is thankful. In the years she'd been around, she had been given a name, not even from the legendary Tooth Fairy."

"Well, you're welcome then, Baby Tooth." The fairy nuzzled his cheek once more before taking up residence on top of his head, which is where she remained as the group of spirits and faes relocated inside Mother Nature's majestic castle.

"Here, this should prevent any lingering side effect you may be feeling." Jack gazed at the mug of clear liquid that Eira's father handed to him. It was rather surprising how all the colorful ingredients the King had put into the pot ended up clear and colorless. The smell that whiffed off of the steaming contents of the mug reminded him of a big cinnamon apple pie.

Jack glanced at the King once more as he took a seat across from the dining room table. Sitting at the table next to him were Eira and Night. Night walked over to him and nuzzled his cheek.

"It's okay, Master. The potion will help."

He sighed, sipping the hot liquid, as he turned his attention to Mother Nature, who was on the other side of the massive dining room, talking to Baby Tooth and the rest of her Head Seasonals.

"Susanna, attack the Tooth Palace?" Blaze's voice was filled with sarcasm and annoyance. "I'm really not that surprised."

"I knew she was devastated, but I didn't think she would leave her daughter so soon." A small frown crossed Autumn's mature features as she straightened out the leaves on her dress.

Jack's heart ached. Something about that name sounded familiar. But, before he could ponder on the name, the King asked him a question.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. What did you say?"

The King merely smiled at him, his fingers gently drumming the table. "I asked how you are holding up."

Jack took a moment to ponder the question. "Alright, I guess. Me and Wind still need to work on our flight, but the others are saying we are doing pretty well. I'm struggling a little with my powers, but the sprites are saying I'm catching on rather quickly."

The King nodded. "That is excellent to hear. It is essential for any spirit to be well balanced before taking on their duties."

"Father's right," Eira said as she poured him a cup of water. "Being balanced is very important. As the Head Seasonal of Winter, you must not allow others to sway you easily. Doing so can lead to imbalance, and with imbalance, there will be chaos."

"Eira is right. There is too much imbalance right now. Any more could be catastrophic."

Jack's heart sank as fear settled in. What if he messes up? What if others get hurt because of him? It would be all his fault, wouldn't it?

"I wouldn't worry too much about that, though," the King said. The Head Seasonal looked at him.

"Why's that?" he asked.

"With every action, there is its right and opposite reaction. With the correct knowledge and skills, you will be able to handle anything that will be thrown at you."

Jack placed his mug down on the table, not realizing when he had finished it until it was wrong. "Now," said the King, "I will need to be heading out soon, but before I go, I would like to show you something."

Jack Frost was silent as he followed the King. Mother had been a bit reluctant to allow him to leave the safety of the castle, but she had not protested as they thought she would. Instead, she had allowed Baby Tooth and his siblings to accompany them.

"What is this place?" They had stopped in front of a small cabin-like house that had to be big enough for at least three people. Jack inspected the room as curiosity took over.

"This is the home of the Overlands. The father died long ago, trying to protect his son," the King said. "The mother no longer lives here, and the daughter is currently taking shelter with a friend."

Jack frowned as he walked around the small home. The home was in a rather poor state. The furniture and kitchenware were torn and cracked. The bedrooms looked ransacked. And it looked like someone had been tearing up photographs and clothing before he or she left in a hurry.

He entered the master bedroom and noticed black sand and sharp, jagged ice piercing the walls. On the floor was a small empty vial.

His soul felt heavy and tired as he inspected the rest of the room, but just like the rest of the home, someone had torn everything apart, almost in an angry rage.

"What happened here?"

"An angry spirit had lost everything she held dear," Autumn said, not bothering to inspect the room.

"This is what happens if you are not careful," the King said, his violet eyes filled with unwavering sadness and sympathy. "She has done quite a bit of damage in her quest for revenge against those who had taken her children away. She is lost, confused, angry, and uncontrollable right now. She is imbalanced. She does not know of the danger she is putting herself and others."

He felt for the mother spirit. It hurt knowing that after something so tragic, she had lost herself. He couldn't imagine the thousands of humans and spirits getting injured because of her inability to control her powers and sadness.

Jack closed his eyes.

Jack closed his eyes. I promise. If we ever meet in the future, I will do all I can to help you. I will not stop until I see a smile on your face. I will not stop until you laugh, have tears of happiness in your eyes. I promise you, no matter how long it takes, you will feel joy once again.

Chapter Text

“Wow, this is really cool,” Jack’s voice was barely above a whisper as he sat on his bed. Night was in front of him, using a single grain of black sand to create more. He watched as the sand multiplied and transformed into simple creatures. A small black dolphin swam in the air, followed by a bird that looked almost like Baby Tooth. Baby Tooth fluttered to her doubleganger, eyeing it critically before nodding in approval seconds later. It resembled her perfectly, right down to the small scar underneath her right wing.

“Am I able to do this too?” he asked. The horse nodded as the sand creatures returned to their original forms and swirled around Jack’s hand in innocent curiosity. The black sand grazed the tip of his fingers in silent greeting.

“Yes,” she said. “Creating nightmare sand out of a single grain is a bit tricky. It takes quite a bit of focus and control. But controlling and manipulating it should be fairly simple for you. It is the same when you create your snowflakes, Master.”

Jack gazed at the sand, watching Baby Tooth as she attempted to touch the sand that floated above his palm. 

Just like my snowflakes? He frowned at the thought. I don’t understand. How is that even possible? I don't know a thing about creating black sand... or moving it.

It didn’t take long for him to make a snowflake. There was no limit to his creativity. Whether big or small, shiny or somewhat dull, each snowflake was created with a spark of joy and fun. But, of course, each one was special and different from one another; no two were ever identical. He smiled as frost magic swirled around his fingertips, creating a bright, shiny snowflake. 

Baby Tooth chirped in excitement as she gazed at the flake in awe. The snowflake danced around the little fairy before dispersing into swirls of winter magic.

Most spirits see the creation of snowflakes as a complex, tedious, and time-consuming task, but for him, it was as simple as breathing. But was creating and moving the black sand really the same way?

The Winter Seasonal gazed at the black sand in his palm. He gently felt the grains touching his skin, rubbing them with his thumb absently as his friends waited for something to happen. The grains were rough in texture but not like the sand on the beach. Instead, it was soft, like hair. The color of the sand was almost jet black, but had a grayish tone and a hint of gold to it. 

“While Nightmare and Dream sand are different in nature, they are on the same level in terms of wielding the sand.” It was almost as if the faceless man from his dreams was right behind him, speaking to him as a teacher would to their students. “A wielder must never lose sight of themselves, nor their purpose as doing so can have horrible results.”

The man's tone suddenly turned sad, and, as Jack closed his eyes, he could see the backs of two children as they watched the man move the black sand. “Koz, that wasn't your fault! The Fearlings were controlling you."

"But that does not excuse the fact that I had harmed so many. I had lost myself, my purpose for a very long time,” the man said to the boy.

“But you are not lost now,” the girl said.

“No,” the man said, his voice filling with love, relief, and hope. “I am not lost, not anymore. And neither will you.”

The man looked at the two children as the sand traveled to the boy's palm. “Here, now you try.” Jack could sense the boy's puzzlement and uncertainty. “Go on,” the man coaxed.

Suddenly, Jack’s eyes opened as he heard a whisper coming from the leaves. “Remember what he taught you, little one. You control the sand; it does not control you. Find your center, clear your mind, and remember.”

Jack moved his other palm over the sand and thought about the man, the kids, and the woman. Deep in his soul, he knew they had once been a family. A family that was now apart and hurting. 

I want to help them. I want to help everyone. 

He remembered their smiles.

Their laughter.

Their joy.

The sand moved along with Jack’s hand, turning, first, into a snowball and then a snowflake. Ice and Frost magic swirled around the sand, infusing with it. The sand sparkled brightly before dispersing and returning to Night. The magic-infused sand brightened her dark tone, giving it a slightly light blue tint where a snowflake frost design rested on her body. 

Jack and Baby Tooth gazed at each other as they inspected the massive snowflake on Night’s hip, which connected to smaller frost designs across her body. “Whoa. I didn't mean to do that.”

Night inspected the new designs on her body. The previous designs Jackson had given her had long since disappeared shortly after his death. But these marks were permanent. She could feel it changing her, much like how it changed her Master.

“I like it,” she said. “I am part of winter now,” she neighed as her sparkly white and black tail moved from side to side.

Jack smiled as the North Wind picked him up from where he had been sitting. “What else can I do?”

“Shadow go-seek is the game. Find me if you can, Master.” 

Jack’s joyous laughter could be heard across the castle as he and Baby Tooth flew from one dark shadow to another. It had been exhilarating walking through a shadow for the first time. Then, after the initial shock passed, the duo floated within an abyss of fluid darkness that whispered in a tongue that was as old as Father Time, yet he understood it perfectly. 

He shivered as one of the shadows brushed against his arm. The coldness traveling up and down his arm was surprising for a winter spirit. 

“Welcome, young ones,” a shadow whispered from within the darkness. “Lady Night has just left this realm,” it said. “But she is not far. You can catch her in the East Wing, third floor to the left.”

“Chirp!”

“Thank you, Mr. Shadow!”

Just as the Winter Seasonal and the Fairy were about to leave the Realm of Shadows, they felt a vibrant vibration. The wispy shadow was laughing. They returned their gaze to the ancient shadow. “Think nothing of it. It has been such a long time since we had lively visiters.”

Baby Tooth tilted her head in confusion, asking, “Why?”

“Ever since the war, Lord Pitchiner rarely talks to us anymore. The Fearlings may have changed his appearance and how others perceive him, but they could not corrupt his heart. His love will always remain the same.”

“What happened?”

“There had been many tragedies over the centuries. The execution of his people had only been the start. He could not handle this failure, despite knowing they have not moved on to Death’s Realm,” said the shadow. “But in the realm of the In-between. They await their chance to heal the injured soul of their brave and honorable General and Lord.”

The shadows moved in unison, giving the impression that they were sad. “They are here, in this realm, aren’t they?”

“Yes, this realm is the bridge between the living and dead,” it enlightened before Jack spoke up again.

“Where is he?” The question came out before he could stop himself. 

“Far away from us,” the shadows’ voices echoed as one. 

“In a place where no dreams exist,” a shadow of an elderly woman said. 

“Only pain…” This shadow sounded young, like a child no older than seven.

“And endless grief,” a group of female shadows said brokenly.

“The loss of a child is a pain that can break anyone,” another shadow added, but he couldn’t pinpoint the origin of this one.

“But,” the Ancient Shadow added, “maybe you can help him.”

Baby Tooth, who had been sobbing silently on his shoulder, perked up at this. “How?” His chest felt less tight at the prospect of helping an injured soul of a lost warrior.

The spirit that the shadows called Lord Pitchiner seemed lifeless as he lay in a bed that was far too big for him. His complexion was an unhealthy shade of gray as sweat covered his brow. They would have thought he was dead for a split second if it wasn’t for his chest moving with every breath he took. 

Baby Tooth rested on the man’s chest after pulling up the blanket under his chin. The man continued to lie motionless on the bed. The fairy looked at him, uncertain what to do. The man was clearly not well. He was so still, so void of hope and joy. A tightness filled his chest as snowdrops whispered the events of the past couple of hours. Lord Pitchiner, consumed with grief, unknowingly tried to take his own life.

Jack closed his eyes as he thought. The castle was silent as the residents slept in their respective rooms. The only movement that caused any sort of alarm was the gentle snores of the guard outside and the harsh winds brewing outside. He opened his eyes and gazed at the man once more. Something about him tugged at his heart. Had he known this man before? He was uncertain. However, this did not stop him from placing a cold hand on his forehead, allowing his instincts to guide him.

“It must be hard,” he whispered, “losing someone you love over and over again. I won’t say I understand how that must feel, but I imagine it’s like falling from the highest tree and crashing into a pile of logs that mother’s sprites just finished cutting.” He smiled at the memory. Flora had been so flustered as she fussed over the minor scratches he had received from the fall during one of their lessons.

“It may seem hard to continue on without them, but you must not give up.” His hand glowed with a soft bluish magic. “You have so many people that love you. That miss you.” His voice cracked with emotion. His chest tightened even more with something he couldn’t recognize. “You can’t give up! Don’t you realize how much you are loved? Your people have not left you. They want to help you. They want to comfort you.”

Jack rested his forehead against the other and whispered so softly that Baby Tooth couldn't hear him. “You are not a monster, Koz. You never were. You are brave and kind and I love you so much." He paused, unsure where that came from, but continued on before he could process what he said. "But you must be stronger than those who seek to tear you down. Because if you don’t, me and Flee will replace all your things with flowers and lock you in a room with mom.”

Jack pulled back then, slightly surprised by the tears and the words that had just spilled from between his lips. Wait, what? Where did that come from?

Baby Tooth fluttered to his shoulder, noticing the tears. She attempted to wipe them away with her wing. 

“I’m okay.” He smiled at her, pushing his confusion away for now. “Let’s go before Night starts looking for us.” 

Before leaving, Jack created a snowflake in hopes of cooling down the General’s heated flesh long after they had gone. Unknown to the duo, more blue magic was infused with his snowflake; and as it melted, the magic landed on the Boogieman’s closed eyelids, finally bringing him out of his feverish coma.

“I… I’m… sorry…” The Nightmare King rested his arm over his eyes as emotions flowed through him. The shame he felt outweighed the sweet words his self-consciousness had been trying to remind him of. He could hear the words of the people he had failed to protect.

"None of this was your fault, General."

“You did all you can.”

“But you must move on.”

“Please let us help you.”

“Young Jackson is not gone.”

Jackson…

Pitch let out a long sigh as he wiped away the tears. All good things must come to an end. He knew that better than anyone. He had spent lifetimes watching many children and adults perish at the hands of diseases, natural causes, and even by their own kind. He had even taken away lives long ago. But Jackson’s death had broken him in more ways than he would like to admit.

He wouldn’t want this. He would want me to continue living for him. The Nightmare King sat up, then. His hands folded in his lap. I must do better.

Ignoring the aches that were coursing throughout his body, he rose to his feet. “Jackson, I’m sorry. I will move forward, just as you wanted." A smile returned to his features as he walked towards the door. "I will not let you down.”

Jackson may be gone physically, but he would always be with him in spirit, that he was sure of.

Chapter Text

“As a Head Seasonal, you are in charge of preserving the balance of this world. Snow should not be present when it is supposed to be the height of summer, a heat front should not be present when flowers are supposed to be blooming, and leaves should not be turning brown and falling when plants are supposed to be awakening from their hibernation.” 

The two elemental spirits exited the castle and entered Mother Nature’s vast garden. Flowers blossomed in an array of colors and sizes as the winds gently blew pasted them. Walking past the garden of flowers were a variety of trees that had withstood the test of time. Several of the trees were covered in vines, with the surface of the trunk being cracked and easily chipped, but they refused to fall. They stood tall with their bright green leaves, shielding them from the harsh rays of the sun. 

“No one season is more important than the other. You must all work in harmony to ensure another ice age does not happen.” 

The ice age. Truly a horrible time, young prince. The leaves around him spoke in a hushed whisper. 

So many unnecessary deaths. 

A difficult time for Old Man Winters. There is only so much a spirit can do without another spirit to confide in.

But he is in a better place now.

Yes, yes indeed. He is happy.

He has found what he has been searching for.

Jack looked at the leaves, a small frown on his features. Old Man Winters had been a cruel, heartless spirit in his time. So many had died. But if he had been alone for over a millennia and by the time Mother crashed on Earth, it was already too late to break through his frozen heart. 

If I had been in his shoes, would I be any different? Would I have distanced myself too? Would I have allowed myself to be consumed with hatred, loneliness, and despair until it crushed me? Just like the General? The thought scared him, but it also gave him hope. 

He couldn’t help Old Man Winters. He had faded away. Unseeable to even his own kind. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t help the poor general. When the time was right, he wanted to find him, to make him laugh, to remind him of what joy and happiness were. 

“Is any of this making any sense, Jack?” The Winter Seasonal blinked as he turned his gaze away from the whispering leaves above him to the woman in front of him. Thankfully, the leaves had been kind enough to repeat what the Spirit of Nature had been trying to explain to him for the past twenty minutes.

He smiled brightly at her. “Makes sense so far, but how would I know where and when I’m supposed to be spreading winter?”

Greenish-golden eyes twinkled in relief. “Well,” she said matter-of-factly, “once you form your spiritual connection to Winter, you will have the ability to sense the changing patterns and currents. For any major pattern changes that will need your immediate attention, you will get a formal communication from me.”

“I see,” he said slowly, trying to understand her words. “I think I’m following along so far, but what if winter rejects me.” He hesitated for a moment, gazing up at the trees as the strange voices whispered to him once more. “I mean Winter hasn’t had a Seasonal in forever. What if it doesn’t want one? What if it rejects me? What if I make the same mistakes as Old Man Winters?”

Ah, so that’s what it was. Emily Jane wasn’t all that surprised by her uncle's concerns. She had expected them. Jack was not accustomed, nor knowledgeable yet of the rules of the seasons. It would be a lot to take in if she told him everything now. 

He wouldn’t be so doubtful, so lost, if he hadn’t lost his memories. The childish voice of her inner doubts entered her mind, turning darker and more hateful with each passing second. You could have prevented this! But you chose to spare their lives at the workshop. She knew the truth of those words. By trapping the Guardians at the workshop instead of ending their lives or reenforcing the shield to prevent them from entering the village, she had only doomed them all. 

Jackson’s death was her fault.

Susanna becoming the Snow Queen, starting her on the path of vengeance, was her fault.

Little Flee’s loneliness and heartache were her faults.

Her father’s losing control of the Fearlings and the emptiness he now fault was her fault.

All. Her. Fault.

Mother Nature closed her eyes as she was overcome with emotions. Thankfully Jack was not paying attention to her. Pushing her conflicted emotions aside for now, she focused on the winter spirit in front of her. 

Taking a deep calm breath, she finally thought over his questions. “I wouldn’t worry about them too much.” Jack glanced at her with a tilt of his head.

“Really?”

She nodded. “You see Jack, just like the other seasons, Winter is very unpredictable. It is because they are so unpredictable is why they need a shepherd to guide them across the world, to keep them calm and focused on the task at hand. And the winter entity has been without a shepherd for a very long time.”

His knuckles turned white as he tightened his grasp around the handle of his shepherd’s crook. “A shepherd huh?” Something about his words made her feel uneasy, but he addressed her once more before she could formulate a question of her own. “What happens when they don’t have a shepherd to guide them?”

“Disaster.” Her features tightened with a grimace. Those were times she could never forget. “Earthquakes would shake the crust of the earth. Volcanos would erupt. Wildfires and draughts would destroy all plant life. Massive tornados, hurricanes, and cyclones would tear through the land. And Tsunami and blizzards would flood and freeze the land the humans inhabit.” 

“But wouldn’t…,” Jack hesitated, fear withholding the words he wanted to say.”

“Everyone has a part to play in the balance, Jack. Just like your siblings, the spirits, and elementals, your part is to help guide winter, to preserve the balance. Without it, all life will end.”

Jack swallowed nervously as he returned his attention to the trees. A gust of wind suddenly brushed past them and for a brief moment, Emily Jane would have sworn she heard the whispers of an unfamiliar language.

Hmm? What was that? Gauging his features, the Spirit of Nature noticed his white brows raising ever so slightly, his eyes looking troubled.

“The ice age. That was the start of the unbalance wasn’t it?” Jack didn’t look at her as he spoke. It was almost as if he was talking to someone she could not see. “It hasn’t been the same since he faded away, right? I mean I can feel something is off and if what you are telling me is true then things will only get worse.” 

“Jack? Who are you talking to.” Looking up, she noticed some of the leaves riding the wind that was now swirling around them gently. It couldn’t be…

“The voices.” He looked at her finally, suddenly realizing that she was still standing there. “I mean… you don’t hear them?” He tilted the wooden stick to the tree line, where leaves still hung on their branches. 

“The leaves. You can hear the leaves.” Hearing her surprise, Jack shifted from foot to foot, his eyes not meeting her gaze. “I guess…Is that bad?”

“No, no, not at all.” She shook her head. “It's a wonderful gift actually. No one but Gaia can communicate with the leaves. I can hear them faintly, but I can’t understand them.”

Now it was Jack’s turn to look surprised. “The leaves? Only I can hear them?”

“Yes, the leaves are as old and as wise as this planet. They know and see all.” Placing her hand on the tree, she wondered. “What did they tell you?”

Jack leaned a little bit on his staff as he talked. “Well, they were just confirming everything you are telling me.” 

She nodded. “Anything else?”

He pondered for a moment. “The changing of the seasons and weather patterns. The shifting of the balance. The war between the gods that Autumn was telling me about the other day. Other spirits, like the General—”

“Jack don’t ever go near them!” The ground shook violently as she lost sight of her emotions. “Her thoughts shifted back to the lake. The expression on her father’s face. The screams of Susanna and Flee. The broken family. The smugness of the rabbit—the guardians.

“Mother! Mother! What’s wrong?!” Jack’s voice was full of panic as the wind picked up, the leave ruffled, their whispers quickening, and the ugly gray clouds that formed over the fall section of the forest. “Did I say something wrong?” The question came out as barely above a whisper. 

Emily Jane blocked out everything as her vision faded behind closed eyelids. “Don’t ever go near them. They are dangerous. I can’t lose you too.” She couldn’t hold back the vulnerable tone in her voice. She just got him back she couldn't lose him again... to the guardians. If she had to keep him away from her father until he was strong enough to protect himself then so be it.

“I’ll be careful, Mother.” She opened her eyes, feeling a cold hand on her arm. “I don't know who I shouldn’t be near, but I promise I’ll stay away from them.”

Mother Nature gave him a slight smile. “Listen, Jack, with the way things are right now, there are spirits that you must stay away from.”

“Ok, but…” The question hung in the air for a moment before she gathered the courage to continue. 

“Long ago there was a war between non-elemental spirits, Gods. This war was so bad that it almost destroyed not just the balance of the world but all life as well. I lost so many elemental, nature, and seasonal spirits that day… so many lives were lost. After that day, I swore never to get involved in another spirit's war.”

Jack didn’t say anything, but she could tell he was horrified. “As long as we remain neutral, no one would get hurt, even if it means I’ve turned a blind eye to those I was once close with. Lady Liberty. Old Man New Year. Madam Valentine. It’s been ages since I'd last spoken to any of them.”

“There’s another war isn’t there?” He finally asked when she went silent. 

She nodded slowly. “Yes, there are a group of holiday spirits that are currently at war with the Boogieman.” My father…

Another war, huh? I wonder what they are fighting about and why? Mother would not say the reason for the fight, just that it was for selfish reasons. 

It made him wonder.

Blue orbs gazed at the snowflake-decorated ceiling. His eyes traced along the delicate details as they intertwined along the edges of the molding. It was so beautiful, so memorizing. He could almost fall asleep to it with the little tooth fairy buried in the warm blankets he had given her.

Almost.

Sighing the winter seasonal sat up. Mindful of his two sleeping companions, he left his room and made his way over to the library. 

Why are you up, my child? Eira, the North Wind, surrounded him in her gentle breeze. 

“I couldn’t sleep. I can’t stop thinking about this war mother was telling me about.”

“Ah, yes, the Guardians and Pitch Black.” Jack blinked as he saw the faint form of the former Fae taking a seat on one of the many sofas in Mother’s library. “This war has been going on for far too long. The poor General has already lost so much. Yet they can’t seem to see past their own hatred and ignorance.”

“Pitch Black? The Guardians?” Jack looked at her in confusion. “What do they have to do with the General?”

The North Wind pounder the question for a moment before the current in front of him changed, revealing faceless images of a long distant past.“To understand the present, my Winter Child, you must understand what came before.” Jack watched memorized as he saw a figure of a man that looked almost like the General. Surrounding him were wispy creatures. “Let me tell you a story of the great ancient past between the Fearlings and its Great Hero, Kozmotis Pitchiner.”

Chapter Text

Mother Nature’s palace wasn’t as chaotic as the Tooth Palace, nor as big, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t breathtaking and magical. No one but a select few had ever stepped foot into the enchanted castle of nature, home to the Head Seasonals, sprites, and Pitch Black’s daughter. Baby Tooth truly felt humbled and honored, that an outsider like herself, was entrusted into their folds. 

I hope they are doing okay. 

Snuggling into the warm blankets once more, she sighed as her mind wandered to her sisters, the beautiful teeth she collected and watched over day after day, the beautiful craftsmanship of the Tooth Palace and murals, and then finally her mother. The peacefulness soon shattered as she remembered her lies and excuses, and her part in the misinformation of so many spirits, Pitch Black’s people, and the death of the Jackson Pitchner Overland. 

Pushing the blankets away the small tooth fairy sat up and gazed sleepily around the room. A gentle ray of the early morning was shimmering through the wide open window, chasing the shadows of the night away. The delicate frost patterns decorated the windows making it look ancient and surreal. 

Amazing. I’ve never seen frost this up close before. While she knew what snow was and that it existed, her mother never sent her out to places that were covered in snow and ice. She was always tasked to collect the teeth of children near the tropics. And it was always her older sisters who accompanied the Queen to the North Pole. Not that she minded at all. It gave her time to watch the seasonal spirits and the Boogieman from afar.

“Ah, so that’s where you are?” Baby Tooth glanced behind her to see none other than Mother Nature. The golden hue in her eyes seemed to sparkle from the gentle rays that were entering the room. “Jack and Flora went to the center of the garden.”

The center? Why?

Almost as if she could read her thoughts, the ancient spirit took a seat on the bed. “When the time comes, Jackson will have to leave the safety of the palace to guide winter throughout the world. When he does, I wish for you to be by his side. To protect him, to guide him.” She smiled. “He has grown quite fond of you. I know you two will be the best of friends.”

“Oh, of course, Mother Nature. You have my word!” She chirped excitedly.

Mother Nature’s smile lit up the room, relief filling her, but there was still an uneasiness in her eyes that looked sorely out of place. “Tell me, child, have you heard of Thor or one of the other Norse Gods talking about Yggdrasill, the tree of life.”

“Yggdrasill? But I thought it grew within the realm of the faes.” Jack gazed at his sister as they walked deeper into the forest. Unlike Jack, who was unaffected by the cold, Flora was bundled under several layers of clothing, a greenish blue hat, blue mittens, and a light blue puffer jacket. 

“Well, yes it is,” she confirmed. “The main embodiment of the tree resides in the Fae’s realm, but it has grown over the centuries and planted seeds to help nurture those worlds. With every new world King Kendrick creates, a new tree of life is created to store the life essence of that world.”

“So this world’s tree of life is here?”

“Why yes it is. You see when His Majesty first created this world, the land wasn’t as divided as it is now. It was once barren and lifeless with no plants, animals, or spirits in sight.”

“But Mother…?”

Flora shook her head. “Mother wasn’t around at the time. After His Majesty created the land with the aid of his children, they created the first Winter Seasonal.”

Jack sucked in a breath. “Old Man Winters.”

Flora nodded. “That’s right. Along with him, they created a few winter sprites, a summer spirit, and her two young sprites, a fall spirit, and a spring sprite.” As Flora continued explaining the creation of this world, his interest peaked when she mentioned strange shadows.

“Shadows? What kind of shadows?” Over the weeks when the others left him to his own devices, Jack found himself entering the realm of the shadows. They would tell him stories of the Golden Age and of their great hero. There would be the occasion in which they talked about Tsar Lunar, the being called Nightlight, and the Fearlings. 

“Well, I can’t say they are the Fealings or the shadows of Pitch’s realm, but they are entities born of evil, lies, deceit, you name it. They seek to destroy anything they come in contact with until there is nothing left.”

Jack came to a complete stop. For someone who was already as pale as snow and should be impossible to look any whiter than he already was, he lost whatever pigment he had, looking almost sickly and close to death. “Jack?” Flora gently approached her brother, surprised by the sudden reaction. Then again, they rarely talked about the Fearlings or any of the more unstable dark spirits out there. “You okay?”

Jack swallowed nervously and just nodded. Jack knew very little of the Fealings. While the North Wind and the Shadows did talk about the Fearlings, they were still a mystery and even then he couldn’t recall them ever mentioning spirits worse than the innocents who were turned into mindless shadows of death. “So what happened?”

Flora placed a hand on his shoulder and studied him for a long moment before finally clearing her throat to speak. “When they clashed, the animals died, the vegetation they had started to grow wilted, and the ocean grew so violent that it cut through the land causing it to split.” She frowned slightly as she returned her hand to her hip, gazing at the enormous tree in the distance. 

In the center of the forest, where the four seasons connected, stood an old and brittle-looking archaeopteris tree. Deep slash marks traveled across the conifer wood of the trunk making it look ghastly and fragile. But despite this, the trunk of the conifer species was sturdy and strong as it withstood the test of time and the elements of each respective season. 

As they got closer, Jack looked at the tree in awe. On the winter side, the huge root and even the part of the trunk and branches that faced their direction was covered in delicate frost patterns and snow, which covered the wounds it had sustained all those eons ago. Bright green leaves could be seen on the side of summer and spring. Bright flowers were resting on the branches and the ground that faced spring, while sand was seen on the side that faced the season of summer. On the fall’s side, the leaves were a variety of colors, with some starting to fall to the ground. 

“Wow.”

Flora smiled as she gazed at little critters resting on the branches. “This is the Tree of Life, also known as Yggdrasill, Jack. All life originates here, the source of Gaia’s essence. It is our job to help Mother protect it, to keep it alive when His Majesty is not around.”

The Tree of Life. The source of life, young one, came the whispers of the leaves. A huge responsibility, yes. But balance must be maintained. The King can not do all on his own. So many worlds he must look after. So many lives under his care. 

As he listened, Jack realized the weight of their words. The source of all life on his planet was in his hands —no!— their hands. He had a part to play, but…

I can’t help anyone if I don’t get a hang of my powers first. The seasons are out of balance right now. Jack looked at his staff, deep in thought. I have a part to play in this. I can protect my family. I can protect everyone. I can help him.

“Flora, what did you do when you first connected with the Spring entity.”

“Spring wasn’t as violent as the Summer entity. It was gentle and awaited my command to start.”

“What you mean violent?” His brow rose slightly.

“Summer was just as hot-headed as Blaze.” 

Jack choked down his laughter. Did she just make a pun about Blaze? The fiery-haired spirit of Summer? The greatest prankster of all time? “Don’t laugh,” she groaned. “It will only heighten his already big ego.” She sighed as the wind brushed pasted her. “Hmm, looks like he set something on fire again.”

Jack snickered, more amused than worried. “Are we going to save him from mother's sprites again?”

Flora pouted as she considered her options. 

The voices of his people, the people he failed, echoed around him. Their silent words of forgiveness… forgiveness he knew he didn’t deserve started to eat away at the pain Jackson left behind. 

“General, you are so very loved. Don’t let sadness take you away again.” 

“General, it wasn’t your fault. It never was.”

“They should have tried to help you! Not hunt you down like you were in the wrong.”

“The Guardians don’t deserve their title! They destroyed so many lives! And for what?”

“The lives of others are just as important as children. But not at the risk of neglecting so many others.” Pitch jumped not expecting another to understand the shadows quivering around him. Looking up from Susanna’s bed, Pitch was greeted with a rather annoyed and grumpy Krampus.

Krampus being the son of Hel knew his fair share of demons and dark spirits worse than the fearsome Boogieman, the Nightmare King. Pitch wanted to laugh at the irony that he of all beings was being targeted by the Man in the Moon and his Guardians instead of some of the vilest and cruelest spirits that lived deep within the darkest places of the world, waiting for the chance to devour both children and adults alike. But after the events of the past couple of weeks, he didn’t have the energy to. He was so tired, so drained of everything. Why was he always the one losing?

“Pitch, knock it off. You will only hurt yourself in the end if you keep this line of thinking.”

A sudden creak was heard as the massive, well-built body of the Shadow of Christmas lifted away from the delicate wood door frame. Pitch was hit with the thought that the other must have been there for quite some time, watching him without a word. The Nightmare King was filled with a sudden lightness in his chest. Sometimes he’d forgotten what it was like to have close friends that would do anything for him. 

Pitch glanced at him as heavy hooves walked away from the wooden doorframe and stopped right in front of him. Old, ancient red orbs studied him for a minute too long causing the Man of Fear to dart his gaze away. This only earned him a loud, annoyed sigh in response before he heard a loud creak from the wooden chair next to him.

“Pitch it is not my intention to spy on your thoughts. Just as it is your job to know the fears of every child and adult, it is mine to know the emotions and thoughts of every living thing around me. Unlike Nicholas who relies on the list to know who has been naughty or nice, I do not have that luxury. I must rely on other means.”

Pitch was silent as he listened to the demigod. The brief moment of guilt and uneasiness ebbed away, remembering when the Guardian had cast his brother figure away. Out of all the years he had known the Shadow of Saint Nicholas, he had only seen him cry once and that had been the one and only time he had seen the Father of Christmas and Guardian of Wonder as a cold and heartless being. He had every right to send the other to Heleim but chose not to. Krampus, despite his cold, imitating front, had a heart that could match North’s, maybe even more. 

“I’m sorry…for everything. I’ve already burdened you enough. When she wakes up we’ll go back to the lair.”

“Don’t be stupid, Pitch.” Krampus poked him with one of his winkled claw-liked fingers. “You’re in this mess because you didn’t come to me in the first place. I told you not to underestimate them. You needed more than just your horses to defeat these fools.” 

Krampus’ lips were pressed together into a thin line as he studied his friend once more. “You would always have a home here, no matter what path you took in the grand scheme of life. But…” Pitch looked at him as he sighed once more. “Life has a way of bringing the worst out of everyone…” 

Pitch looked down as he recalled all his life mistakes starting from his life as Kozmotis Pitchner all the way to his ultimate failure. Jackson... I'm so sorry.

“But she has a way of bringing out the best as well.” Pitch blinked as he glanced at Susanna. She was so still and looked so vulnerable as she lay in that bed. “Love is the most powerful of emotions to have, my friend.” 

Krampus placed his clawed hand on his shoulder, refocusing his gaze back at the demigod. “Hold on to that. Don’t ever let it go. No matter what happens, no matter the time, place, or realm, love will always guide those who are lost back to where they need to be. “Pitch you will see Jackson again. Maybe not tomorrow. Maybe not next year. But he will return to you, but if you allow yourself to fall, he will be lost to you forever.”

Pitch closed his eyes for a moment, feeling a bitting taste in his mouth. The pain of Jackson’s death was still there and knowing that he had left so soon left a bitterness in his heart. But he knew he must move on. If Jackson really did join the ranks of the ancient wind spirits then it may only be temporary. The King of the Faes was not a cruel man. They all must walk the path of darkness and light. It was up to them to listen and take his silent guidance or fall to the depths of the unknown and endless darkness. 

“You’re right.” He would not allow himself to fall again, not when so many depended on him to hold those worse than him back from another mass genocide. “I should have come to you sooner. I’m sorry.”

Krampus just sighed, knowing he had more to say. “It’s just been one thing after another after I regained my humanity. I’ve forgotten what it was like to rely on others that weren’t my own family. I know Jackson is a better place right now. He will serve the King well.”

Krampus’ brows raised at that. “You don’t mean…” Pitch nodded causing yet another sigh to escape the elder spirit. “Well, I know he will do good. And when he is ready, I know he will return to his plane.”

“Rather as a spirit or reborn as a human, it doesn’t matter to me, I will happily wait for his return. Until then I will live on and make sure his next life is not as dangerous as the last.”

“As long as the Guardians continue this path of hatred and division, this world will not be safe. Their actions are stirring something bad. Dark spirits that are normally dormant are starting to become active.”

“I know,” Pitch said, squaring his shoulders. “That is what I’m afraid of. I can’t do this alone.”

“And whoever said I was going to let you?” Krampus gave him a pointed look that plainly said ‘You are out of your goddamn mind if you think I’m going to let you do this on your own again’. “I’m not letting you out of my sight again and I have already alerted the others of the situation. We are all here for you and will help you any way we can.”

“Blaze! What the hell happened here?!” Emily Jane Pitchner scanned her living room, quite perplexed. Her beautiful marble table, decorated with gold, was sliced in half. On several of her expensive linen-fold motif sofas were huge tears, destroying the delicate patterns of that era and the fine craftsmanship of her hard-working children. Several photographs and decorations she had in the room were littered on the floor, cracked, and some broken beyond repair. And in the middle of the room, where burn marks can be seen on the carpet and on the walls, was Blaze. 

The former great warrior of the Ancient Greece era stood protectively before his injured sprites. Even from this distance, Mother Nature could see four of Blaze’s sprites curled around each other, trembling, as they tried to nurse their wounds and return to fighting whatever had attacked them. 

“Mother! It isn’t safe! Get the others out of here!” His normally carefree, laid-back voice was no longer present, instead it was the harsh commanding voice of the soldier Blaze had once been. The voice he always used in the heart of battle. Returning her gaze to his, she immediately noticed his drawn sword and how it was dripping with the dark residual of a dark spirit.

How the fuck did a demonic entity get past the barrier?

The presence of this thing was everywhere, on the walls, on the floors, on the ceiling, and even on the items in the room. Blaze must have detected it, warned the other residents of the castle, and confined it to this one room. That would explain why none of the workers were around, but that didn’t explain how this thing got here and why.

The sound of her other children reached her ears as they ran down the hall. With the exception of Jack, Flora and Autumn had their weapons raised instructing Night to take Jack somewhere safe. 

“But—” was all Jack got to say before the Nightmare Horse dragged her master into the shadows. 

“Mother, we felt a dark spirit when we entered the castle,” Autumn said as she held a thorny vine whip, while Flora held a seven-colored flowered staff in her right hand.

“What’s going on?”

“Get out of here!” came Blaze's voice, just as the dark entity came out from the wall behind him. The spirit was ghastly in appearance, nearly unrecognizable with its red glowing eyes and sharp claws dripping with plasma that could describe any number of demons and evil spirits she knew of, including the Fearlings.

The Summer Seasonal quickly summoned an energy force field around his sprites and the room (keeping them out) before his sword clashed with the demonic entity once more. Their attacks were quick and fierce, almost unseeable to the unskilled. The three spirits blinked almost missing Blaze’s fiery blows with the evil spirit. One after the other the two slashed at each other, blood and plasma splattering on the walls and floor as the pair tried to kill the other. 

Fear edged into their hearts. Blaze was no pushover. He was one of the best warriors in the spirit realm but at this rate… 

“Mother, what do we do? Blaze can’t keep this up!” Her daughters’ voices were so far away, almost unhearable as memories flooded her mind. 

The memories were scattered, short and brief, but felt like forever as the fight continued on without her. 

“Father, please come home. I’m scared.” She watched as her younger self gazed out the window with a sleeping Jackson cradled in her arms. The Fearlings could be seen everywhere. Didn’t her mother say they were locked up?

“Don’t worry Jackson, your big sister niece will always protect you.” She gazed out the window of her pod, watching as her mother placed her uncle into his. In the distance, she could hear the screams of the other families as the Fearlings and Pirates broke through the force field.

“Mother!” The Fearlings had found them, swarming around them moments before her mother could enter her own hibration cradle. She looked back, a sad smile on her features, tears falling down her cheeks as she sent their cradles off into the open space. And then she was gone. The Fearlings had taken her, forever.

“Why?” She was in another world. It was cold and covered in ice and something else. In the distance, she could hear the distant sounds of swords and magic clashing. “Why am I alone again?”

“Father, you fool.” Her father had done it again. She frowned as she narrowed her eyes at the fleeting back of the former thief who had been requesting her aid in stopping her father and freeing Katherine and Nightlight. Did he really not know what it meant to remain neutral? She made a promise to never get involved in another god-forsaken war ever again… even if it meant she had to abandon the ones she loved most. Turning her eyes to the shadow projection of her father, she frowned, regret deep in her belly. “I’m sorry Father. I can not help you either. I have lost so many over the years due to the last war. I can’t risk the balance shifting more than it already is.” 

“I understand, Emily Jane. Just be warned, my daughter, the Guardians have been approaching many of your spirits and even ruffing up those who do not see their point of view. You may not be able to stay neutral forever.” And then he was gone. Fuck.

“Blaze!” Emily Jane was snapped back to reality to witness something truly horrifying. When it seemed Blaze was getting the upper hand and about to land a finishing blow, the entity split itself into two. The creatures' eyes glistened as they swiftly surrounded Blaze and attacked. 

Blaze swore under his breath as he dodged the first attack but was unable to dodge the other; soon, he went flying, slamming into the force field before falling to the ground with a thud. 

Mother Nature placed her hands on the force field, trying to tear it down. Blaze wasn’t moving, yet somehow his will to protect them was far stronger than hers. The force field refused to budge.

“Blaze!” Just as the two spirits were on him, their claws raised to strike, a whirlwind of ice, snow, and shadows came out of nowhere. Frost quickly covered the force field, preventing her from seeing what had happened to her child. Wait? Was that Jack? “You okay Blaze?” came her uncle’s voice moments before the whirlwind of snow, ice, and shadows disappeared. Jack, riding Night, exited the shadows near the far wall. They all stood there in shock. When did he learn to do that?

“Yeah, I think so.” The Summer Spirit struggled to his feet and gazed at the now frozen evil spirits. Despite how beaten up and injured he was, the other smiled. “Hey, guess these guys are all frozen up.”

All he got was a groan from his sisters and a relieved sigh from his mother. Jack snorted at the joke, before using his staff to shatter the two entities into tiny pieces. The North Wind quickly whirled around the pieces of glass chunks and disappeared with them.

“Are you sure you’re okay? You’re bleeding.” Blaze looked at himself as he took down the force field. He was indeed bleeding. He had a nice claw-shaped wound on his right side, black bruising all over his legs and arms, and tears all over his new Hawaiian shirt. 

“Yo, I just got this!” 

“Blaze,” Mother Natured cleared her throat wanting to re-divert the other’s attention, “go to the infirmary. I speak with you about what happened later.” 

The fiery-headed spirit nodded, already heading towards his injured sprites. “Come on lads. Let’s get you four fixed up.” The four just clung onto him like children as he made his way out of the living room. Everyone was silent as they watched him silently leave. 

“Mother?” Jack leaned against his staff, a furrowed brow on his features. “Is Blaze going to be okay?”

“He’ll be fine,” she said to her ‘son’ as she inspected the room once more. The evil presence was gone for now, but that didn’t put her mind at ease. “Children, check the rest of the castle. Make sure there is nothing else here.”

“Right,” they said before disappearing, leaving her alone with the little tooth fairy that had been hiding behind her hair. 

“The balance has shifted once more.” She bit her lower lip. This was not good, not good at all.