Author's note: I don't own Rise of the Guardians, but the concept of magic existing inside of knowledge and the skill known as 'Extending Vision' belong to me. I think I may have heard the concept of magic being in emotion many times before, but if there is someone who made it up originally the first time I do give them all the credit for it.
Don't worry, the rest of the ROTG characters will appear in the story soon.
CHAPTER 2: SECOND SIGHT.
Jo practically flew down the stairs early the next morning. He'd shoved on his brother's old black wooly jumper( a garment that reached down past his high it was so big) over his pajamas and pulled on his old boots (again, a hand-me-down) over his bare feet.
His hands were shaking with tension. If what happened the night before had really happened, then he was determined to find out more. Though it was going against all sort of logic, his head didn't mind telling him.
Especially now that the Nightmare King, the boogeyman himself, hinted at the fact they'd be seeing each other again...
Jo didn't bother with breakfast- not that he got much anyway in this household- and darted through the front door, closing it behind him carefully, as to not make his parents or his moody older brother.
He thanked whatever luck he had that Alecvander's street shop was only across the street. He only hoped the old man was awake.
The air with bitter and cold, and even after venturing out for two minutes his hands had turned pink from the cold. But he was too shaken up, his thoughts too full to care in the slightest.
The snow was quite deep how, and it took him a few moments to drag his feet over to the other side of the street. The cold ground made it feel like a venture across the town rather than a small road.
He knew that Alecvander lived over the shop. Yet again, another stroke of luck. Shivering in the cold, he rang the doorbell on the shop wall. He rubbed his hands together, looking behind him into the dark, early winter's night encase anything was there.
The darkness really didn't help his fears.
He tried again, this time holding down the button longer. He bit his lip as he waited intensely.
Please, please be awake...
Abruptly a rattling noise came from behind the door. Jo gave a tiny, trembling sigh of relief.
Alecvander, wide awake and dressed, swung the door open, looking about wildly, as if he had expected something bad. When he spotted Jo, he froze.
"You're probably not going to believe me...but I saw him." The words were like pins dropping on the floor, only ten times the intensity. Alecvander stared.
The old man's mouth dropped open, his eyes widening in obvious alarm, his whole frame growing still.
"Saw him?" he echoed in a rough, shaking voice.
Jo swallowed and replied in his own husky voice, his unease growing at the old man's alarm. "The Nightmare King..."
The old man looked about the street again, quickly before he looked back at the bemused boy, gesturing urgently.
"Come in, come in! don't say another word! Even the shadows have ears!"
Jo knew that going into a stranger's home was a bad idea, but the urgency in his tone scared him. He quickly entered the shop, forgetting to wipe his feet on the doormat.
Alecvander glanced around the area one more time before slamming the door shut and locking it tight.
Jo watched nervously as the old man shuffled about, turning off the lights and covering the curtains, all the while looking like something awful had happened. Jo watched him in bewildered alarm.
"Please, sir, What's going on? what's happened."
"I should never have told you about him- shouldn't have gotten that idea into your head. Now that one of the darkest spirits knows there could be another one of us roaming about..."
"Us? what do you mean, us?" Jo scowled in confusion. The old man finally stopped rushing about, and approached the boy with surprising speed.
"You can see things that no one else can, my boy. There's not many..." he pointed at one of Jo's eyes, then to the other with shaking fingers "Who can do that."
"What do you mean?" Jo asked again, still bewildered. Alecvander raised a finger.
"Follow me. I've kept these things hidden since I was your age..."
Jo followed the old man through the shop, were all sorts of odd antiques were piled up. He was led into what looked like an old storage cupboard when Alecvander started feeling along the old stone wall, as if looking for something.
"What have you kept hidden, sir?" He asked, a hint suspiciously, though his darn heart was still beating at a hundred miles per hour at the very least.
Suddenly, one of the bricks Alecvander rested his hand on slipped back. Then, a second after, the wall opposite swung open a lot like it did in one of the rare movies Jo got to see.
"Whoa.." He couldn't help but be impressed. A secret doorway? brilliant...yet still to be wary about.
"This way." Alecvander pulled a lantern off one of the storage shelves, lit it, and ventures inside. Jo followed warily, fists clenched tightly.
The wall slid back into place behind them, leaving the only light in the room being the candle inside the lantern. He heard Alecvander moving around, and suddenly another lantern was lit.
"Here, hold this and follow me."
The added light allowed Jo to see that they were in a chamber filled with bookcases, tabled and old chests. Following Alecvander, he asked him why he didn't just have electricity.
"If i installed power here, then people would know of this place's existence. The things in this room, my boy, are far too difficult and dangerous for normal people to know about."
"Normal people?"
"Yes."
The old man stopped at the far end of one of the bookcases, tracing a hand along the leather, threaded ridges of each cover untill coming to an abrupt halt.
"Ah! here's the one." When he pulled it out, the blond-haired boy saw that it was a large red book with threaded letters spelling the word 'MYTHS, SPIRITS AND GUARDIANS' on the front.
Huh. Maybe not bunking off school on some days was a good idea after all.
He followed Alecvander over to one of the tables, were he placed the lantern down for a better light.
He opened the book, flipping through the pages while Jo looked over his shoulder. The old man wasn't much bigger t han himself, so it wasn't hard.
He saw many pictures on the pages.
A Fairy-like creatures with blue and green feathers covering her body. A large, muscular figure that somehow reminded him of Santa. Strangely enough. What looked almost like what could be described as a were-hare, or a human-like rabbit with markings on its fur.
Then, a familiar, dark, looming figure made it's appearance on the page and Jo's heart thudded back into a quickened pace in not-yet forgotten fright.
"That's him!" Jo exclaimed, pointing at the drawing with a slightly shaky finger.
"Yes, I know. Pitch The Nightmare King. I should-be known not to tell you..."
"His name?"
"I shouldn't of told you anything. I wasn't completely sure you were on of us, but I only told you his name for it might have helped you convince him not to hurt you..."
"What?" Jo took a step back. "Alright, start explaining now, sir. I need to know what you're talking about.
"Of course. But these words stay in this room, do you hear me? you cannot breathe a word- for it would be the end of both of us"
Jo nodded quickly.
Who would I tell anyway? not like I have friends.
"Throughout history, a ancient spirit has guarded our world through others by calling upon the noble, the magic, the brave and the gifted to become Guardians of all things that are good. He is called the Man in the Moon. Have you heard that rhyme? well.
He was here before Santa, before the easter bunny, and even before the Sandman..."
"What? so...they're real?" Jo whispered in awe. The old man nodded slowly.
"More real than you could ever imagine."
Jo couldn't help but smile. They were real...
That's...amazing...
His head snapped back into attention when he heard Alecvander continuing.
"But not all magic comes from him. You see, magic is something that runs through all different kinds of things, mostly in knowledge and emotion. Have you ever seen a famous painting and thought: It's not that impressive, yet something about it is beautiful? When a writer or a painter really feels what they are trying to portray, their emotions fly from their minds, right into the paint itself. That, in its own way, is a simple but charming form of magic.
Not all magic is appreciated. Do you remember the medieval times? when women were burned, accused of being witches? they were not burned because people thought they were bad. No, some people only made it seem that way because Witches held more power than they did.
"Some of the poor women were deemed witches for having a dangerous type of magic- knowledge. The healers, the wise woman, all had at least a grasp on some of the most common magics."
He paused, once again flipping through the pages, until it landed on another figure. Wandering closer, Jo saw it was a portrait of a woman with dark, messy hair rising all around her head, wearing a robe that people in the medieval age would wear. Sparks of fire fluttered from her hands, with green, sprawling dust surrounded her bony, pale form.
Her faces was sharp, decorated by black markings.
"This is Hecate."
"Hecate? the spirit of witchcraft?"
"For someone who despises learned, As I have heard from others many times, you see to know alot, eh? And yes, this is her in one of her many human incarnations..."
Jo looked away in embarrassment. "I read a bit of that Shakespeare play. So, Hecate existed?"
"Still does, I'm very sure. Though for not much of a purpose, since barely any of her pupils escape the fires of execution centuries ago."
"So people actually had magic. Like, you know, wizards and such?"
"Yes. But still, not the kind you have."
"W-what?" Jo stammered, stepping back "I...I have magic?"
Alecvander nodded quietly. Jo shook his head in disbelief.
"That's impossible!...I would've noticed it before, wouldn't I? I mean..."
"Your type of magic doesn't consist of things like spells and magic tricks, or, perhaps, being able to turn people into frogs. You've never really believed in magic, or myths until now have you?"
Jo shook his head.
"B-but...if it isn't that kind, what is it? and why are you telling me about it if it isn't?" Jo folded his arms and scowled.
"Patience boy. You must learn the differences between different magics. Not knowing is dangerous. And yours is a particular complicated one that does not involve spells or enchantments." The old man looked annoyed at his outburst.
"Alright, alright. So you have this type of magic, too?"
"Yes. And it includes the Second Sight."
"Second sight?" Jo vaguely remembered something from a story he'd heard long ago, "Oh, right...so, I'd be able to see fairies when other people can't."
"Fairies, imps, spirits, all of them."
"Whoa...but wouldn't witches and others have that ability?"
"No. They would need to use potions and rituals to summon one of these things, or brew a complicated potion to allow them to have the Second Dight for a short time. But even then, it takes decades to master these potions and rituals."
"And I just have it... naturally?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"That is a question I cannot answer. For you see, I asked the same thing when I was around your age to another one of our kind- which is not a great number- and was told that our magic does not lie within our blood like it does with witches and wizards, nor the knowledge that we possess."
"Then...what is it?" Jo asked curiously. Alecvander shook his head slowly.
"Only fate knows."
A long period of time passed in silence. Jo shuffled awkwardly on the stop, still trying to take this all in. He decided to try to go along with it the best he could.
"So why didn't I notice it before?"
Because You didn't look. Seeing things others can't you have the gift would be the main way of knowing you had it. But you seem to have always been a distant boy. You don't believe in these things, so you do not look for them. That is why you've never seen."
Jo bit his lip. I guess that makes a little bit of sense...
"So, um, You said it included the second sight. What else does it include."
"Ah. I knew you'd ask that. Just let me get another book. This is one I wrote myself when I was young man, to keep tracks of all the things I'd learned."
As Alecvander moved back top the bookcase. Jo couldn't help but wonder about that. If there were no books on his- their- kind, then did that mean they were so rare no one knew about them?
His thoughts were interrupted when Alecvander returned, holding an old, leather journal.
"Here we go." He placed it open on the table, and flipped it to the first page.
Jo looked over the old man's shoulder to see it.
There was a picture of an open eyes, one that's pupil had turned completely white.
"Whoa..."
"Our people use our eyes as our weapons. This action here-" he prodded the white pupil "is used for looking over miles of landscape."
"Huh...so We could be standing here but looking all the way across the street?"
"Indeed. But it's not a simple as it sounds. Extending your gaze is simple enough, it's the solid walls and doors you have to learn to see through. But it is the most common and easiest skill to master. We'll begin that first."
"Wait...so you're going to show me how, sir?"
Alecvander actually smiled. "Yes. Gifts should not be wasted you know."
Jo smiled back, deciding that he liked this old man after all. "Huh."
"But first, some breakfast. I doubt your parents will mind. I hear they're a bit...carefree, no?"
"Carefree of me, anyway. I'd like something to eat about now..."
"Alright then, follow me. But remember, we don't talk about this outside this room. This room is protected by old charms I found during my earlier years, and no mischief makers can poke their noses into our business. Remember, Jo." The old man said seriously "Not all magic is good. And some of it can be worse than you could imagine."
Not all magic...that brought back another thought.
"Alecvander...before we go...could you tell me why it was so bad that Pitch spoken to me?"
Alecvander sighed deeply.
"It Is I who was to blame. And yes, it is bad, for you see...Pitch has many fearlings. Do you know what they are?"
Jo shook his head. He didn't like the sound of them.
"Hm. Well, I believe their souls- or people- or something along those lines that serve Pitch. They have been corrupted by the Nightmare Dust, and it has made made them into something evil. I'm worried, because Pitch is always on the lookout for unknowing but powerful allies that he can turn to his side using this darkness."
Jo slowly began to understand what he had said. "So you think he'll want me as an ally?"
"An ally, a servant, a weapon, it's all the same to him. As long as it works to his benefit."
Jo frowned considerably. "And...when you said that knowing his name would convince him not to hurt me...what exactly did you mean?"
"Pitch has becoming more and more furious over the years, for parents are always telling their children not to believe in him. If he were to meet a child who knew who he was, and also his name, I am sure it would get them on his good side- or at least, as much as it was needed for him not to harm you."
"Why would he have harmed me if he wanted me for an ally?"
"A person who has potential for powerful, as he must have realised you did, can be more of a threat than an ally..."
"So why d'you think he decided to have me for an ally rather than a foe?"
"That...may be my fault."
"How?"
"He obviously sensed your power- but also your're fear. Fear I placed there as the start of a joke, to scare who I though was a no-good trouble maker. And that fear is something he can manipulate." He sighed, rubbing his forehead shamefully.
"I am sorry, my boy..."
"Don't be!" Jo said earnestly. "I'm actually glad I was able to see him! because...all of this...this gift...this is amazing!"
"But dangerous. He will come looking for again, I'm certain of it." Alexander lifted the lantern up a little higher, as if to shed more light on his serious expression "And you must keep away from him at all costs."
"So what do I do? he knows where I live!" Panic began setting into Jo's mind. Alecvander raised a hand to calm him, but looked thoughtful.
"We may need help from someone who knows how to ward off such spirits. Until your magic is powerful enough, you'll need help to keep Pitch away."
"What about you? aren't you powerful enough to stop him?"
Alecvander looked pained. Jo regretted asking, but was about to press on when the old man replied "My eyes...were injured by someone a very long time ago." He gestured for Jo to come closer, pointing at his eyes.
Standing nearer, Jo saw with a start that his pupils were not black, but dark grey. His irises, that he once thought were grey, were blank.
"Oh...what happened?"
"Ten years ago, I encountered Pitch. He wanted us to begin a 'partnership' but using my talents I saw right through him...I knew what he was planning. So I refused. When he realised what I'd done, he attacked, and we began a battle. Before I could defeat him however, he fired an arrow of nightmare dust into my eyes, clouding them forever."
Jo felt a wave of guilt and pity wash over him. "I'm sorry."
"It is in tha past. Now, you must protect and grow your gift." Alecvander gazed around the room. "Though it should be safe as long as it's morning. We'll have breakfast, and then we'll work on expanding your vision."
"What about Pitch?"
"We'll go and visit one of Hecate's rare pupils. She'll know how to help."
"A...a witch?"
"Indeed. She should be able to form a charm that will keep Pitch away- or at least, hide you from his gaze untill we find a way of stopping him. Now, for some eggs and bacon..."
"Yes...Very interesting..."
All was not well in this realm. It was dark and silent, the only noises breaking the quite now again where the echoing whiny of a Nighmare.
The place was frightening and eerie, like it had stepped right out of a nightmare or a scary storybook.
Shadows covered the sky, and not a trace of cheerfulness could be found.
The Nightmare King stood in his dark realm, surrounded by pointed lanterns high up on a jagged tower top.
Before him was a disc constructed of nightmare dust, on which two sand figures, one resembling the small, spindly frame of a child while the other resembled a feeble, arched figure of an elderly person.
"How sweat. It seems Alecvander has found a new protegé. Perhaps...I should send them a gift of congratulations..."
Pitch grinned dangerously, sweeping a hand over the dark substance. Immediately it morphed into the figure of a Nigtmare. Pitch watched as It grew into a large beast, and his smile widened as he watched it gallop away through the air.
His yellow-green eyes narrowed darkly as he turned, holding his hands behind his back as he strode away. Whatever Alecvander thought he could do to stop him, he was more than ready to vanquish that thought.
"See you soon, Jo. I look forward to our next chat."
Second chapter's up.
I really didn't think anyone would read this...but if they do...
review!
I really need to take a break...