Chapter 3

Harsh winds pushed against the glass. Rain patter hit the pane so hard, it sounded like the window would shatter. It was dark...the kind of dark that no one would want to be alone in. This darkness seemed familiar. Jack couldn't shake the feeling. A strike of lightning lit the boy's room. Jack's eyes took a moment to focus and adjust to the flashing. He searched around, but Jamie could not be found. A moment of panic filled Jack. Could it be? Was he….?

Just then, the bedroom door swung open. It was Jamie. He looked dishevelled and exhausted. A small smile started to tweak the corners of Jack's lips. He took a couple of steps towards the boy, "He bud! Thought you were…." His voice trailed off when he realized that Jamie wasn't listening or that he couldn't hear him. A ball lumped up in the back of Jack's throat. Jamie staggered into his room and went straight for his bed. He sat down quietly, never once looking over at Jack.

Jack was confused, he didn't know what to make of the situation. He went over to Jamie and knelt down in front of him. A blank stare was plastered across the young boy's face. His eyes were blank...so dull and dark. Dark circles only amplified the look of exhaustion and despair. "Jamie…..?" Jack questioned, a hint of shaking in his voice. But he was only met with a scream. Jamie's scream was full of fear. Tears started streaming down his cheeks.

Startled, Jack jumped to his feet and staggered back. His back hit the wall. Everything around Jamie became dark. Jack watched in horror as the darkness began to take shape-

"Jack! Jack! Vwake up boy!" Jack woke. His eyes flew open in a panic only to find himself being shaken by North. North released Jack's shoulders and took a few steps back. The winter guardian sat up quickly. He felt beads of sweat rolling from his brow, his heart was pounding so fast he was sure that it would burst from his chest, his hands were shaking uncontrollably. It took him a moment to scan his surroundings and realize he was safe at the workshop.

"Vwe heard you yelling out and thought some'sing had happened. Vwhat happened?" Jack couldn't form the words right away. "I….I saw Jamie...and Pitch-" "PITCH?" North's voice boomed through the workshop. All the elves stopped in their tracks, some stumbled over, others had their jaws drop. The toy makers all froze and listened in. "That low life, no good guardian hasn't been seen for two years! Vwe defeated him!" Jack nodded and wiped the sweat away and tried to calm himself down. It felt so real….everything. "But North...you don't understand. It felt so real. I have never had a dream-a nightmare like this before!" North put one large hand on his chin and rested his weight on one leg. He thought for a moment. "Jack, has there been any'sing troubling you recently?" "Well, yes." His thoughts immediately shifted to the thought of being forgotten again. He averted his eyes away from the large man.

North stroked his beard and smiled. "I think you are worrying over no'sing. Jamie and those kids love you. I don't 'sink they could forget you so quickly. Have more faith in your friends, Jack." North's voice was full of comfort, especially with his thick Russian accent. Jack shook his head slightly, he felt his heart calm and his hand finally sat still. North was right. No one would forget him that easily. And he was also right about Pitch. Pitch would never think to show his face again, would he? What power would he have? None, Jack reassured himself.

Jack inhaled, taking a long, deep breath. He exhaled slowly. "Okay...you are right. I am worrying over something silly I suppose." Of course, what did North know about being alone for 300 years, not being believed in. He knew that North was only trying to help. Jack turned and dropped his feet down on the floor. He stood up and stretched. "I think I'm going back to Burgess. Gotta visit with Jamie as much as I can before school starts up again!" North chuckled lightly and patted Jack on the back. His large hands almost knocked the wind out of Jack. He met North's grin with a small smirk of his own. "I'll be back!" Jack rushed over to an open window and jumped right out, riding the gust of wind back to Burgess!

((Sorry I've been gone so long! I didn't think anyone was really interested! I'm such a dork! Working on the next chapter! Thanks guys!))