"This is the alleyway," Aster muttered darkly, as he and North entered. "And it reeks of shadows."
"Da," North agreed, as he fingered the remains of black sand scattered on the ground. "There is no doubt, Pitch was here." He sighed as he brushed the horrid stuff off his hands. "But I see no other clues."
Aster nodded as he checked behind the trash bins. Granted, it didn't surprise either of them. Pitch was always careful to not leave any clues behind. It was becoming more likely they had to resort to Plan B.
"Aster! North!" Tooth called as she raced into the alley, while carrying a lantern. "Katherine is home, and Ombric said he would tell Sandy." She held the lantern to light up the alleyway. "Any luck?"
"Nyet," North said grimly before turning to Aster. "I think it is time for your emergency plan, old friend."
Tooth lowered her lantern, biting her lip puzzled. "Emergency plan?"
Aster was silent as he reached into his vest, and brought out a golden compass. Ancient rune symbols, that only members of his Pooka clan could decipher, were carved along the iron casing. The arrow was currently pointing lifelessly at south, but that would change once the spell was active. Aster wasn't sure how old it was, even his grandfather hadn't been sure on the day he passed it down to him. All Aster knew was that it was ancient, and important to keep secret.
"Tooth," he started, clutching the compass to his chest, "it's about time North and I filled ya in on a secret. Remember that pendant I made Jack for his birthday?"
"Yes," Tooth said with an arched eyebrow, "what of it?"
"It's more than just a pendant," Aster explained. "I've always worried about Pitch finding me after all of these years, and if it happened I wanted ta make sure Jackie was safe."
Tooth blinked puzzled, but it gradually dawned on her as she looked to North. "You put a spell on it, didn't you."
"I did help in construction, but it is not ordinary spell," North said, and gestured to Aster.
Aster held up the compass as he sighed. "I had North help me take a speck of the First Light and install it inside Jack's pendant?"
Tooth's jaw dropped, as Aster expected. The First Light was said to be the what was left of the first spark of life in the world that lead to life itself. According to legend, it could chase away any darkness, including the shadows that were once contained deep in the castle of Uberwald before Baron Pitch succumbed to their call and released them.
His Pooka clan had always taken great pride to being the protectors of it, and they paid the price when Pitch attacked them in order to destroy the one weapon that could lead to his defeat. Aster had risked his life getting the First Light to Stanoff Clausen, and he, Sandy and North and ensured it was safely hidden where Pitch couldn't find it. Truthfully, only a select few in the city knew it was here, and Aster preferred it that way.
Many would wish to use it as a weapon or take advantage of it's ancient magic, but that wasn't what the First Life was for. It protected, and created life, it wasn't meant to kill or be used for personal gain. Aster didn't need it's magic to protect himself, but he did feel it was needed to keep his kit safe.
"How were you able to do that?" Tooth asked in a whisper. "Didn't you hide it so no one could access it?"
"If ya recall, Sandy and I set it up so only I can reach it in one piece, but don't worry, it's still safe. I only took a speck of it," Aster replied. It was barely even a speck, the piece he took was no bigger than a grain of sand. Yet, it was more than what Aster had needed. The First Light's power was nothing to snuff at.
"So, Jack's pendant has a piece of the First Light," Tooth reasoned, "which means Pitch literally couldn't touch him without injuring himself."
"More like get burned," North explained, "and I had implanted spell so only Jack and Aster themselves could remove pendant. It is impossible for Pitch to use his shadows on Jack."
"That's all well and good," Tooth said, folding her arms over her chest, "but that doesn't help us find Jack."
"Actually, it does, but it's a tad tricky," Aster said as he sat on the street. "This compass is linked ta the First Light in case it ever fell into the wrong hands."
"So, you can use it to locate Jack?" Tooth reasoned. "That's useful, but how come you've never used it before?"
That was a fair question. There had been plenty of times, Jack had wandered off and Aster had given him an earful each time for when he finally found him. However, all of those times had been during the day, not after dark and Aster had been able to locate the boy rather quickly without magic. Jack would deny it, but he was easy to predict as a kid at times, including where the rascal would run off to.
"It's ancient magic," Aster replied as he kneeled and set the compass on the ground. "Could attract the wrong company, and besides it's not suppose ta be used unless it's an emergency." And it was. Jack's life was depending on this.
With Pitch involved, it would take days to track Jack and there was no telling what the madman would do to his boy in the meantime. They couldn't waste a second.
Shutting his eyes tight, Aster held a hand directly over the compass and started to chant the incantation his mother forced him to memorize when he was a kit. Before long, he could feel a wave of heat rising up from the compass like he was holding his hand over a flame. He then took a deep breath, and swiftly drew his hand back.
The compass glowed as bright as a beacon. All three adults watched as the tiny arrow spun around on the dial. "Keep back," Aster warned when he noticed North was inching towards it out of his curiousity. "Unless ya want ta go blind."
North blinked confused, but then suddenly a beam of light shot straight out of the compass's face. North almost fell over from shock if Tooth hadn't steadied him. The light beam formed a spiral in the sky like it was gaining a life of it's own. It lasted for a few more moments, and then the intense light decided enough was enough and slowly faded until it was gone.
All that was left of the burning light was the glowing arrow on the compass that was now vibrating and pointing west.
"That's where we'll find Pitch," Aster said as he picked up the compass, "and I'm betting it's outside the city."
"Da," North said with a nod. "I know you don't care for flying sleigh Bunny, but in this case I think it is fastest way to get to location."
"He's right," Tooth replied, touching the Pooka's arm. "And Pitch won't be expecting someone tracking from the sky."
Aster cringed at the thought of being caught in that flying death trap again. However, the thought of how scared his kit must be right now forced him to toss it aside. "You're right, and we need to go now." Without uttering another word, the trio raced out of the alleyway as Aster gripped the compass tightly in his hand.
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Nightlight stayed by the window, not wanting to move from it even though the mysterious light had disappeared. Although he had no proof, the boy was certain he knew where the light came from.
"Nightlight, what did you see?" the second person in the room asked.
Nightlight shut his eyes as he turned back around with a sigh. "A bright light, but I have a funny feeling it's Mister Aster's doing. Although, I'm not sure how."
The other person gave a thoughtful nod. "I heard ancient Pooka magic involved calling upon the ancient light. He must be doing it to locate Jack."
Nightlight's fists tightened. Ever since Commander Sandy had informed him of the news, he'd been uneasy. He just knew it was his fault Pitch kidnapped Jack. It had to be. He was the sole reason his friend got put into danger.
"I know you wish to go find him," the person said, placing a hand on his shoulder, "and I would send you, but I need you here with me. I am afraid Sandy was right in that regard."
Nightlight sighed, but gave a nod. It was his duty. If he were to abandoned his post, and Pitch had attacked the palace, Nightlight would have failed the reason he was created. Yet, he couldn't help, but feel he was also failing one of his best friends.
"I'm sure they'll find him," the person replied. "Between Sandy searching the city, and Aster, North and Tooth on the job, Pitch can't hide."
"You're right," Nightlight said with a nod, "but I just don't know how I'll face him and Katherine after this."
Nightlight felt a hand on his shoulder. "Worry about that when the time comes, but for now, why don't we take your mind of it with a game of chess."
Nightlight doubted a game of chess would prove much of a distraction, but nodded all the same. "Yes, Prince Manfred."
"Manny," the prince said with a smile. "You know I prefer you to call me Manny. You've more than earned it after being my bodyguard for all these years."
Nightlight wanted to argue, but he wasn't in the mood to discuss proper conduct tonight. All he wanted was the reassurance that his friend was safe.
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The compass lead the group far outside town and pointed towards a forest. North parked his sleigh near the edge of the woods, but he gazed around with an uneasy expression on his place.
"This place, is not far from lake where Jack, Nightlight, and Katherine went to get ice blossoms at Christmas," North commented.
Tooth fidgeted, placing a hand on her sword. "Do you suppose Pitch saw them, while they were here?"
"I don't care where he saw them," Aster commented as he held out the compass. "Right now, all I care about is getting my kit back in one piece."
Tooth nodded as she gazed out into the woods, clutching her sword as if she expected the trees shadows to attack. "Where does the compass point now?"
"Straight ahead," Aster instructed as he stepped into the woods. "Pitch must have a hideout in here somewhere."
"I did read there is old maison here that was abandoned when owner ran into debt," North replied as he and Tooth followed. "Would make perfect hideout."
Aster could only nod as he focussed on watching where the compass was pointing. The group kept their guard up as they walked into the deep woods with only Tooth's lantern as their source of light. Eventually, as North predicted, a large run down mansion came into view.
Aster remained still as he watched the compass. The arrow glowed brighter than before, and pointed directly at the door of the old building.
"Jack's in there," Aster said as the group stayed hidden among the trees. "Even without the compass I feel it."
"What's the plan then?" Tooth asked. "Sneak inside?"
"It is hard to do so without knowing how many men are there and not knowing layout," North replied as he gripped his sword, and his other hand was bristling with magic. "Sunrise is only few hours away. I say we charge in, fight and not leave until we find Jack."
"Normally, I wouldn't agree with such a plan," Aster said with a sigh. "But we can't waste anymore time." He knew the sensible thing would be to leave, and come back with reinforcements after gathering information on the mansion, but there was a high risk Pitch would move Jack to another hideout. Also, there was no telling what the insane former baron would due to the boy in the meantime. They had to act now.
"Then we are agreed," North said as he unsheathed his swords. "We will go in-"
"Wait, a tic, Mate," Aster said as he reached into his pocket. "Before we go charging in, I need to go all out."
Tooth's eyes widened as she spied that wrapped object in the Pooka's hands. "Chocolate?"
"Eighty percent dark cocoa," Aster commented as he tore off the wrapping.
"Oh dear," Tooth replied with a gasp, fully understanding what Aster was planning to do. "You're certain that's needed?"
"Best not to take chances," North replied. "Pitch could have full army in there."
"Right, so just give me a tic," Aster said as he brought the piece of chocolate to his lips. He popped it into his mouth and swallowed in one gulp. It only took seconds for the reaction to start. Aster gave a grunt as a warmth washed over him, and he could feel his muscles tightening and expanding.
He tried to stay silent, but he couldn't hold back his growl as his extra limbs sprang out of the sides of his body and tore through his shirt. Aster panted as he let his body settled, before lifting his gaze to North and Tooth.
"You alright?" Tooth asked.
"I'm fair dinkum," Aster said as he straightened his posture and gestured to the maison. "Let's go get my boy."
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Jack struggled against his ropes, but all it did was cause his wrists to become sore. He was forced to stop or else he would get rope burn. For the next few hours, all Jack could do was stare down at his pendant and try to make sense on what had happened.
Did Bunny put a spell on it without telling him? If he did, Jack would bet North or Ombric were in on it. Although, he had no clue on what kind of spell it was. He and Katherine had learned about protection spells a few months back, but most of them required the person to stay inside a magic circle. This hadn't needed any of that. Whatever magic the pendant had, it was more than ordinary magic.
I'm going to have a long talk with Bunny when I get home...if I get home, Jack thought darkly.
His heart stopped as the door opened again. Onyx entered, carrying a black bag, and right behind her was Pitch. His eyes narrowed as he locked eyes with Jack, as if he was depending on his glare alone to force the boy to give him the answer he craved. However, Jack wasn't bothering with staring back at Pitch's face, his attention had been stolen by the man's bandaged hands. Whatever this spell was, it managed to hurt Pitch that was good to know. Too bad, Jack didn't understand how it worked.
"Now then," Pitch spoke, his voice full of spite as he approached Jack. "Boy, I have one simple question, and if you value your life you will tell me the truth." He loomed over Jack, and spoke as if he was attempting to keep his fury under control. "Who gave you that pendant?"
Jack swallowed. He had to be careful. If Pitch knew that Bunny, a Pooka, had given it to him, all of Bunny's years of secrecy and hiding would be ruined. Jack had to protect him at all costs.
"I bought it," Jack said with a shrug. "What about it?"
Onyx gave Jack an almost sympathetic frown as she silently shook her head.
Pitch's lips formed a tight frown. "That pendant is hardly something a child could casually pick up at the market for a souvenir." He gripped the edge of the chair, but seemed to be careful to not touch Jack directly. "I ask again, where did you get that pendant?"
Jack did his best to keep his face emotionless. "It was a gift," he said simply.
"From who?" Pitch said, drawing his face closer.
"From my dad, why does it matter to you?!" Jack spat back, hoping playing ignorant would convince Pitch that was all he knew.
Pitch studied Jack's face, and asked in a tense tone. "And where did your father get the pendant?"
"I don't know," Jack replied, "he just picked it up somewhere."
"No, you do know," Pitch hissed, and stomped his foot. "And if you're smart you will tell me the truth now!"
Jack kept his mouth shut, and glared back at the man with all the hate he had.
Pitch sighed. "Very well, we'll do this the hard way." He let go of the chair, and straightened posture. "I may not be able to touch you," Pitch said, "but Onyx can." He snapped his fingers. "Onyx, see if breaking the boy's hand helps him improve his memory."
"Yes, my Lord," Onyx replied with a nod, reaching into her bag and bringing out a hammer.
Jack paled, and felt his body shook as Onyx approached. He had to protect Bunny, but this was going to hurt, and if they still believed Jack was hiding something they wouldn't stop there. He could hear his heart beating in his ears. He was scared.
Jack shut his eyes as Onyx reached for him, waiting for the pain to strike.
Suddenly, screams echoed throughout the halls. There was the sounds of doors and glass breaking. Jack was certain he heard he heard several screams of curse words.
"What the devil is going on?!" Pitch hollered.
Right on cue, a man with fresh cuts on his face and hands rushed into the room. "My Lord!" he screamed, struggling to walk with a limp. "We're being attacked!"
"By whom?!" Pitch demanded.
"A-A man, and a woman, both carrying swords!"
Jack's heart leaped into his throat. North and Tooth! It had to be!
"Well, capture them!" Onyx ordered as she left Jack to yell at the men.
"We're trying, but t-they both fight like demons! And there's a monster with them!" The man turned to Pitch with a fearful expression. "They have a Pooka with them!"
"Bunny," Jack whispered, and felt like he was ready to cry. They found him! They really found him!
He glanced to Pitch and saw the man had froze on the spot. "That's impossible," he snapped, grabbing the man by his shirt collar. "They're all dead! I made certain of-"
Pitch trailed, and slowly turned his attention back to Jack. The boy squirmed under his gaze as Pitch dropped the man and stared with fury burning in his eyes.
"That's what you've been hiding," he hissed. "You got that pendant from a Pooka!"
Jack swallowed, before speaking in a firm tone. "And what if I did?" He smirked at him. "You scared of Pooka?"
More screams could be heard from the doorway. "Sir!" Onyx cried. "Your orders?"
Pitch looked tempted to yank Jack out of the chair, until his eyes landed upon the pendant and he twitched.
"Get the boy out of the chair, but keep him tied," Pitch ordered as he rose and headed to the door. "We're leaving, and hopefully we can use him as a hostage-"
Suddenly, the door was kicked down. The room became dead silent as a figure stepped inside. It was hard for Jack to see with Pitch blocking his view, but a familiar voice rang out.
"Where's my kit?!" called out a voice Jack had never been so happy to hear.
In Pitch's shock, the man staggered as if he couldn't believe his eyes. "Impossible...you're alive?"
Jack finally had a clear view grinned in relief. "Bunny-" He cut himself off as he clued into the sight before him. It was indeed Aster who entered, except he currently had two pairs of extra arms. Onyx and the henchmen also seemed to be stunned.
"Um…" Jack muttered, not sure what to say. "Bunny?"
Aster locked eyes with him and relaxed slightly. "Good, yer alright." He then spied Pitch, regained his composure, and growled. "Ya get away from my kit, or I promise ya won't be leavin' with yer arms attached."
"Your 'kit'?" Pitch muttered as he narrowed his eyes. He glanced to Jack as he seemed to overcome his shock. "A Pooka raising a human boy, that certainly explains a few things, but that is of little concern to me." He snapped his fingers. "Onyx capture him! He'll be useful for information!"
Jack held his breath as Onyx drew a dagger from her coat and stalked towards Aster. "Bunny! Behind you!" he shouted.
Bunny dodged the attack. Onyx slightly stumbled, and with a determined sneer she struck again. Only this time, a sword appeared and blocked her.
North smirked as he fully entered the room, pushing Onyx back with his blade. "I do not forgive people who attack my friends."
Onyx snarled, as she attempted to hold her ground. "My Lord, we need to go!"
Pitch snarled. "Fine!" He snapped his fingers, and suddenly shadows appeared behind Jack. "But I'm not going empty handed."
Jack twitched as the shadows inched closer, and struggled to get out of his ropes. "I'm so not liking where this is going!"
Pitch smirked, and lifted his leg to kick Jack back into the shadows.
"Not on my watch!" Aster cried as charged at the man. He wasted no time using his six arms to grabbed Pitch from behind.
"Let go of me you furball!" Pitch hissed as he struggled in his hold.
Aster smirked. "If you insist!" He effortlessly tossed Pitch aside like a ball. Pitch slammed into the wall, and gave a low groan before collapsing to the floor.
"My Lord!" Onyx cried, as she promptly broke away from North and rushed to his side.
Jack glanced back and his fear faded as he saw the shadows behind him vanish. He then looked over to Pitch who was climbing to his feet as Onyx supported him.
"It is over, Pitch," North spat as he pointed his sword at him. "Your men have either been injured or fled. Surrender!"
"Hardly," Pitch said as shadows appeared beneath his feet. He cast a glance to Jack as the shadows absorbed him and Onyx. "I'll see you around, Boy."
Jack shivered at the words. Aster growled and flung his boomerang at Pitch, but it proved too late. The shadows, along with Pitch and Onyx, vanished like they had never been there.
North cursed, stomping his foot. "We were so close to catching him!" A whimper was heard and suddenly all eyes turned to Pitch's henchman that remained in the room. North raised an eyebrow. "But we still have you."
"No, you don'!" the man yelled, scrambling to the door. "I'm out of here! I don't get paid enough for this!"
North tried to grab the man, except he ran out the door before he could catch him. However, within seconds, he came flying back in as a battle cry rang out.
Tooth entered glaring at the moaning man, until she spotted North. "There you are! I told you not to rush ahead-" Tooth exclaimed, and looked annoyed until she saw Jack. "You found him! Thanks heavens!"
"And I'm glad you found me," Jack replied as he looked downward at his ropes. "So, how about someone untie me?"
"One moment," Tooth replied as she dashed forward and lifted her swords. "Hold still!"
Jack did as he was told and with a single swipe, Tooth's sword cut through the ropes. Within seconds of the ropes dropping off of him, Tooth wrapped her arms around Jack.
"I'm so relieved! We were so worried," she said.
Jack rested his head on her shoulder as he hugged back. "That makes two of us." He then raised his head to Aster. "So, how exactly did you get extra arms?"
"Grew them by eating chocolate," Aster explained as Tooth broke the hug for Aster to move closer.
"Seriously? You never told me you could do that!" Jack said in shock. He then blinked and gave a half smile. "Huh, guess that's why you never drank hot chocolate."
"Never mind that," Aster said as he gently lifted Jack's chin and examined his face. "Don't see any bruises. Did he hurt you? I'll kill him if he-"
"I'm okay," Jack said quickly as he rose. "He knocked me out and…." He trailed off as he held his pendant. Oh, right. He almost forgot that had happened.
"Jack?" Aster asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Pitch tried to use his nightmare sand on me,"Jack replied, feeling very tired, "but my pendant suddenly glowed and it seemed to hurt him. Then he-" Suddenly his knees gave out. Jack felt his body swayed until Aster steadied him.
"Jack, are you alright?" Tooth asked as she held his other arm to stable him.
"Yeah, sorry," Jack said, softly. "Just feel drained all of a sudden."
"Is understandable," North said as he patted Jack's shoulder. "It has been long night for all of us."
"Ya especially," Aster replied. "And on that note, we need ta get ya home."
"Okay," Jack said as he leaned into him. "I guess you're-Hey!"
Jack suddenly found himself lifted up into Aster's arms like he was a small child.
"Bunny, I can walk, put me down!" he protested, and attempted to break free. Yet, to his frustration, all six arms held Jack firmly.
"I'm not takin' any chances," Aster spoke in a firm tone. "Besides, yer exhausted this will be faster.
Jack growled as he blushed red. He could whine all he wanted, except there was no arguing with Aster when he got like this.
"Give us details as we walk," North said, wrapping an arm around Tooth's shoulder. "Let us take you home."
"But what about Pitch's men?" Jack said as he pointed to the still moaning man on the floor.
"Most of them fled," Tooth explained, "and we'll send word to Sandy to come fetch the injured once we reach town. They're not moving anymore, any time soon." She held up her sword to prove her point. "Trust me."
Jack sighed in defeat. "Yeah, fine, I surrender," he grumbled as he let his body slump against Aster's chest. "One thing though," Jack said as he raised a finger. "My mail bag is here somewhere. I don't know why, but the whole reason Pitch snagged me in the first place was to get a letter from Nightlight."
Jack had expected baffled expressions just like he had earlier, except not one of them looked shocked. Strangely enough, they all looked concerned.
"That is worrying," North muttered.
"Why?" Jack asked as Aster started to carried him out of the room. "All he ever writes are letters for Katherine and they're just riddles, and crosswords. It doesn't make sense."
Aster looked hesitant to say something, but instead he ruffled Jack's hair with his third hand. "We'll figure it out, Kiddo."
Jack raised an eyebrow, however, kept quiet as he set his head against Aster's chest. He hated to admit it, but he was tired. All he wanted was to go home, and not think about the creepy way Pitch had almost used his sand on him.
