9 - 1
As far as Jack was concerned, he felt all the more protective now and he honestly wasn't entirely sure why. He felt restless, like something was nagging at him, telling him that there was more at stake here than anyone knew.
"You didn't tell them, did you?" Jamie asked quietly. Jack just stared, not sure exactly what Jamie was getting at.
"About us." Jack slowly shook his head. No, he hadn't told the other Guardians; he didn't think it was any business of theirs really. It was between him and Jamie; or at least it hadn't been any concern of the others until just now.
"Jack... I know how you feel and... I think there's more here at play than you realize... although, I think it's just a hunch." Jack leaned against his staff, one eyebrow raised as he stared at Jamie who finally shifted to meet his eyes.
"I...I think we're going to have a kid." Had it been possible, Jack's jaw would have hit the floor. He looked a lot like a fish, in Jamie's mind, but the teen spirit didn't laugh. After a long moment Jack finally got his mouth to obey.
"Are you... serious? I..." Several varying emotions played over the winter spirit all at once, mostly an edgy joy at the thought, but also shock and dumbfoundment. He wasn't even sure this was possible, and how did Jamie seem to know when Jack didn't?
"How do you even know this?" Jack asked, even though Jamie hadn't answered his previous question.
"It's... just a feeling. Spirits aren't really born the way humans are, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. Being moody doesn't suit you so ..." Jack stared a moment and then he stumbled back a step when he realized what Jamie was implying. Jamie thought it was Jack who was carrying the possible new life. Jack flushed at the thought, but the more he thought about it the more it made sense... well, as much sense as this could at any rate. Males weren't meant to get pregnant and spirits weren't really born like humans, as Jamie had pointed out. So... what exactly did this mean? Jack found all of this new information and the possibilities that sprang from it made him feel a bit light-headed so he shifted over to his bed and promptly sat.
"Just... how... when? I..." Jack fumbled, nothing he said made sense really after a moment though he seemed to collect his thoughts but there was no more to be said as a rap on the door caught their attention. Jamie moved back to the door and opened it, Bunny was there, shifting from one foot to the other.
"Er... can I come in? I'm kinda hiding from the others." Jamie gave the Pooka a funny look, but let him into the room all the same. Shutting the door behind the large rabbit.
"What do you want?" Jack asked, it came out harshly and Jack suddenly paled when he realized this. Bunny stared then shook his head, oh this was a right mess now wasn't it? The Pooka wasn't angry though, as Jack expected him to be; instead, the Guardian of Hope seemed a little amused.
"Got yourself into this one mate. I guess I shoulda warned ya, but I never woulda thought it'd happen. I mean... yeah it's summer but... crickey."
"What's that got to do with anything?" Jack asked, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.
"Seriously? You haven't noticed?" Bunny asked, his features scrunching up in confusion.
"Noticed what?" Bunny looked at Jamie who just shrugged.
"Oi... why me?" Jack was wondering the same thing as he watched Bunny pull up a chair and settle it only as close to Jack as he dared, which wasn't really that close; actually it was closer to Jamie who seemed to be standing with arms crossed like he was ready to attack the Pooka if he so much as sneezed wrong.
"Well... ya know how I ... er... disappear to the Warren after Easter right?" Jack nodded.
"I ain' ta only spirit that does this. Ya know what I mean, considerin' you barged in at the wrong time one year." Jack flushed, but nodded. That was a mistake he'd never make again, meeting an angry Pooka who had been trying to sleep through his heat wasn't an experience he planned to ever have again. Jack figured himself lucky to have escaped back out when he'd realized what he'd gotten himself into unwittingly... it was an escapade he hadn't told Jamie about just yet and he didn't think now was a good time to get into it.
"Every spirit has their time mate... an' dependin' on what spirit they are can depend on when that time is. Among elementals, our time comes with our season."
"What exactly are you trying to say here?" Jack all but demanded, he was feeling frustrated with the Pooka for no reason at all and he didn't understand it one bit.
"What I am sayin' is that ya shoulda bloody known that Jamie was in season." Bunny said, jerking his head towards the summer spirit.
"Bein' that on top of bein' your opposite... meant you were the receptive party while he was... Well, I don't think I need to explain that part." Jamie gave Bunny a look that made the Pooka squirm and glad that he hadn't. This was uncomfortable enough as it was, but Jack shoulda known better, especially after that one incident after Easter. Jack's eyes grew to the size of saucers. He hadn't known about this, after all he was a winter spirit and hadn't felt things like this since he was... Wait, did that mean he was supposed to have been feeling these things every winter? Since he didn't... what did that mean? Was there something wrong with him or... or was it just because he had been called to be a spirit before he could become a full fae? After all, he hadn't felt such urges except around Jamie... Jack wasn't sure what to make of all this really, his head was spinning with unanswered questions all of the sudden. For lack of a better term for his condition, Bunny had just outright said Jack was pregnant and that Jamie was responsible.
"So then... it's for certain?" Jack finally managed to ask. Bunny nodded.
"I wasn't so ignorant about you being mates... but I didn't expect this. Before you get your knickers in a knot I haven't breathed a word about either thing to the others... which is why I'm hidin' here. Though what ya do and with whom is yer business so long as it don't affect ya bein' a Guardian." Jack nodded, finally... something he and Bunny could both agree on.
"You know more about this, spit it out." Jamie said, startling both spirits. Bunny's ears plastered against his head. He knew winter spirits could be down right cold, but the look Jamie was giving him made him think the summer spirit could give winter spirits lessons...
"Er... sorta."
"Why don't you explain 'professor rabbit.' " Jack couldn't help but tease the Pooka a little and this got a smile from the Guardian of Hope as he'd been aiming for. Bunny glanced towards Jamie though before speaking, since Jamie was the father... The last thing he wanted was to upset the summer spirit.
He didn't know as much about what Jamie was capable of like he did with Jack and he didn't want to find out the hard way.
"Well?" Bunny tried not to squirm before he continued. This was a very uncomfortable topic to begin with, let alone in the presence of Jamie who was displaying the protectiveness of a new father. The Pooka did his best to shrink in his chair to be as nonthreatening as possible. Jamie gave him a really weird look before sighing and relaxing as he realized he was probably overreacting and Bunny looked like Jamie might set him aflame.
"I'm not going to hurt you Bunny, I'm just... tense as all." The Pooka nodded, but didn't alter his position so not to accidently set the summer spirit off unconsciously.
"Yer got a right ta be. Bein' new ta all this. With... yer permission of course... I'll help ya make a womb." Jamie blinked, giving the spring spirit a strange look.
"Er.. well since Jack here is male, gotta have some place for tha little ones ta grow. Won't be in 'im but it will act like a real one an' yer both can be connected to it... Er... and with yer permission I'll be as well." Jamie nodded with a small smile.
"Wait, you said that as if there were more than one..." Bunny shrugged.
"Can't know for sure, just words at this point mate. Put your hand on Jack, I'll take yer hand and we'll get this done." Jamie nodded and did as he was instructed, one hand resting on Jack's shoulder while Bunny took his hand. The three of them seemed to glow with health, the power of summer and winter guided by that of the Pooka's spring power. In front of Jack a small ball that seemed to be made of ice appeared, it was barely bigger than a basketball and despite being opaque it also had a healthy gleam around it as if it were able to produce its own light and etched into the ice were leaf patterns that gleamed a soft green. Jack reached out towards it and gently touched it; surprised how it seemed both cool and warm at the same time.
"There... erm... iffin' ya not ready to tell the others ya might want ta-" Bunny didn't get to finish as he spun suddenly just moments before the door swung open violently.
"Here you are!" North boomed and Jack clutched the ice ball against him, instinctively curling himself around it while Jame had leapt between Jack and the door, looking for all in the world like he was ready to tear apart the spirit who had suddenly barged in. North's eyes went wide as he took in first Bunny and then Jamie; barely able to see Jack who was behind the summer spirit.
"I... think explanation is in order here." The Guardian of Wonder said after a moment, stepping back from the door as he realized the newest Guardian and the Guardian of Hope were standing protectively before Jack. Bunny glanced towards Jamie who looked over his shoulder at Jack. Jack sighed.
"Guess we should."
9 - 2
Jack kept the orb clutched in his hands protectively, as if he expected that something would jump out at him from every corner of the workshop to threaten the new life. It was instinct that had Jack doing this, as it was his power that was most invested in the care of the developing life within the orb. Jamie had put an arm around Jack to try and comfort him while Bunny had led the three of them through the workshop, following North to a meeting room where Tooth was flitting about with a few fairies and Sandy was floating above a chair, dozing off. When They arrived, however, North prodded the sleeping Guardian awake. Several question marks floated over the little Guardian's head when he saw Jack and the orb. Tooth had gone quiet as well when the three had come in behind North.
"Is something that need explaining." Jamie looked to Jack who just nodded.
"Ah... well, a while ago... a few days at the very least... Jack and I confessed our feelings to one another. Things kinda went from there..." He glanced over at Bunny who shrugged a little, indicating that it was up to Jamie to divulge as much of what had happened between the two spirits as he thought was right.
"Well, in a nutshell... that orb is protecting our child." The room got really quiet, North seemed dumbfounded. Sandy was only momentarily shocked before grinning at the two, Bunny of course had no reaction at all. Tooth's jaw dropped before she flew towards Jack to get a closer look, her face going from shocked to beaming.
"I knew it! This is so great! I'm happy for you!" Jamie wasn't sure what to feel about Tooth's reaction; Jack, on the other hand, just flushed.
"You knew about this?" North asked, looking accusingly at Bunny who seemed to flush slightly beneath his fur.
"I knew they were mates... didn't know about the kit until a little while ago when they were both with us talkin' to Manny. You know Manny a'course... bloke wouldn't say nuthin' on this matter. Ye know as well as I that it's their choice, long as they fulfil bein' a Guardian." North nodded. Jamie wondered why Bunny seemed to take their side on this, the Pooka had never been this friendly towards Jack... Could the furry Guardian... ? A soft smile played on his lips, he had a sneaking suspicion he needed to talk to his little sister about why she was still single... Jamie nearly smacked himself with his palm. Sophie! She was going to be an aunt! She should know about this.
"Um, Bunny, would it be safe to travel with the orb?" Bunny turned to give Jamie a funny look.
"Well, sure... but... I wouldn't think ya'd want to. Too many risks, an' I can't see Jack wantin' to leave it anywhere..." Bunny trailed off. The others stared at Jack who seemed to be challenging them to say something against what Bunny had said. Of COURSE he didn't want to leave his child just anywhere! The developing spirit was vulnerable, it should go without saying that he'd want to be near it until it emerged.
"Jack... I need to talk to my sister about this. No doubt she'll want to know and I believe she has something to tell me..." Jamie deliberately trailed off, looking at Bunny who shifted nervously. Jamie smirked a little. He'd thought so.
"I'll be back soon." Jack nodded a little, flushing again lightly when Jamie gave him a peck on the cheek before leaving him with the other Guardians who seemed to keep their distance if only because Bunny seemed to take up the protective position that Jamie had vacated.
Jamie didn't take long to arrive back at his old home. He found though that his sister wasn't there and with a slight frown he found himself slipping inside through his window when a rap on the door produced no answer and circling around the house proved to provide no signs of her. So he'd slipped inside, glad to find that she'd left it unlocked; he's spent several minutes sitting on the couch before she came home. Sophie blinked, surprised to find Jamie waiting for her before she smiled.
"Hey big brother!"
"Hey Sophie. I think we need to have a little chat."
"Sure, let me just get changed." Jamie nodded, it took her a few minutes before she came down in a pink sweater and jeans. When she did she hugged him before plopping down next to him.
"So, what did you want to talk about?"
"First, I have some news for you... You're going to be an aunt." Sophie's eyes widened and a grin spread across her face.
"I'm so happy for you! You'll have to bring them here when they're born." Jamie flushed a little, but his eyes shone with pride as well and Sophie giggled a little, she couldn't help it. She was just so happy seeing her brother happy!
"Another thing I wanted to talk to you about. Bunny." The mention of the Pooka wiped the smile from the woman's face. Her expression was carefully guarded. Jamie smirked a little.
"Did you think I honestly wouldn't notice little sister?" She flushed.
"Um... about that... he... doesn't know." Jamie raised an eyebrow.
"About?"
"Anything... I... I haven't seen him in over a year now..." Her gaze dropped a moment before she met his eyes again.
"Don't you think it's about time?"
"But... but I'm human!" She protested and Jamie crossed his arms.
"Why should that stop you when it didn't stop me?" He'd gotten his memories back, the ones he'd been missing those four years but he hadn't told Jack... not yet anyway. He'd been simply holding Jack in the afterglow of their lovemaking when the memories had returned. Not swiftly and none of them had been painful. Well, not physically anyway.
"It... it's not the same. You were only mortal." Jamie gave her a soft smile, putting a hand on her shoulder, he gently squeezed.
"Yes... and there are ways around your ... dilemma just as there were mine." He saw hope flicker into her distressed eyes and he knew he'd chosen well to tell her.
"Then... it's possible to... that I could..."
"Become a kangaroo ?" Jamie said with a smirk, the irritated look she gave him was worth it.
"Yeah, it's possible. Sophie... if this is what you truly want... then go after him. Let him know. Don't be afraid, don't make the same mistakes with him that I did with Jack." Sophie gave him a small smile.
"Thanks Jamie."
"Oh don't thank me yet." She gave him a puzzled look until he pulled from behind his back a snow globe.
"I reckon that a certain furball is more than anxious for his "anklebiter" to return to his home..." The knowing smirk on his face made Sophie stare, mouth agape before she blushed crimson at what she knew he was implying. He put the globe in her hands.
"I'm heading back to the pole, but I'll be sure to let him know if I see him that you're waiting." Sophie was too flustered to speak, but she didn't need to as she smiled at him. She was going to owe him for this, but he didn't see it that way as she shook the globe.
"The Warren." She whispered into the globe, three colored eggs appearing and Jamie watched her toss the globe; waited until she'd disappeared into the portal to head out the window of his former room and headed off back to the pole.
9 - 3
A shadow slowly crept through the forest. It was not the shadow that this forest had known, at least not in a good long while. All was still, as it should be for the creatures of this forest that it had once roamed through so many times in mere passing, knew that it was about and that it was to be respected and feared. A soft, satisfied chuckled came in the single breath that was the second that had been taken in this place. How long had it been since this one had been free? Oh the sleep it had been forced into in the ages of darkness by one that had wielded fear... Eyes narrowed. That one would suffer for transgressing upon what was rightfully its domain. This one, called Pitch, had tricked it once... never again. Feathers were ruffled by a cool breeze and eyes glanced around the woods. All should be still, even the breeze and yet this breeze defied it. Well... a new scent was upon this breeze. It brought the scent of a young spirit that was still a baby compared to it... and this baby was... with child? Well, that was of little interest really, but there wasn't just that. There was scent with it of a newly risen spirit, one that was still an egg. Head cocked with curiosity, beak lifted into the air, the wind brought little else but the being it smelled was so warm... Ah... a summer spirit no less. This one had always loved summer, its heat was welcome to it and had often been a comfort against foes; not that any who had lived could take it down. Eyes flashed with anger at remembering how it was bested... oh that a human who had written of it had spoke the very thing that could banish it! It had fallen into a slumber far from here because of that accursed poet! Fortunately, that human was no longer abound in this life and yet IT was back and around. Who would remember such a weapon that could not be held? Could a beak form a grin, so would there be one upon its features! This world would kneel as it had once before, for it was back and IT was the Jabberwock. It lifted its head, eyes aglow in the darkness of night, a cry that had not been heard in so long began to echo into the night. It was not a loud sound but it would be heard across the entire planet; such was the song of the Jabberwock, its song so mighty and pretty that all who heard it would know that it had returned and meant to ascend as ruler as it had once been. Feathers gleaming in the moonlight, it looked up towards the moon; for a moment wondering if it were the one who dwelled there before that caused what seemed to be a glimmer... or was it merely imagined? Surely the one who had long sat and watched the Jabberwock's work, noting its every move in the night, would still be there as she who ruled the sun was still there. Oh there were so many new ones! They would make excellent servants! Bringing food and preening the beautiful feathers... Ah, the little winged ones would have the honor of keeping clean each single feather... and there were so many of them too! There was... also... the bigger one... She needed a special place too... Oh! She could have the honor of feeding it! Yes, that would be perfect! The round one... what to do with that one? Hmmm, there was also the furry one... Perhaps the furry one would make a nice pet. The round one needed a place too... Well, that would come in time. Perhaps the round one would prove amusing or useful in some way that it did not yet foresee. No matter. Eyes that shamed rubies roamed the place as it decided that it needed a meal. Its first and without any servants, for now, that meant that it had to hunt. Oh what pleasure there was in the hunt! Silent as a ghost, it moved without even disturbing the brush as it concealed itself away in the shadows as it moved towards the shining lights. Candles? No, this was something new. Well, as long as it lit the way what did it matter? A little light could not harm it. No light could really. Walking alone was a woman, she seemed an easy target and so it moved forward until it caught the scent of another. The furry one. It hopped into view and the woman squealed in delight and jumped into the arms of the large rabbit. Hmmm, no, best not make too much of a fuss yet; not to give away exact position though no doubt the rabbit knew the Jabberwock was back. The way the rabbit bristled was such a lovely sight, oh yes, this one was worried and in a swift motion had picked up the woman and the two had vanished down a hole. Well, there would be others; there were always more humans where there was one. The one called Bunny, by the woman, would be a nice pet indeed... once trained. Thoughts of that drifted away, however, as the scent of another human wafted through the air. It was a man who was walking home, swaying a little. The scent of alcohol heavy in the air. Ah, perfect. None would know that this one was gone because of it. Humans always were ready to believe anything but the truth of what fate awaited the unlucky anyway. Always had been, it was the only way the species had survived before the Dark Ages had come to an end. The man didn't have time to register what he saw in the darkness or the shape that seemed to materialize before him; no words to fully describe it, no sound to make before the being grew in size and snapped up the human in a swift motion. Leaving no trace of being there, no trace that the man had stood there moments ago and a satisfied hiss came from it as it returned to its normal size. Still a little weak from not having eaten in so long, it decided it best to retreat and let the meal give it more energy. Tomorrow would be soon enough to hunt again.
"Bunny!" Sophie had squealed happily when Bunnymund had appeared near her. She'd jumped into his arms, a second later she'd felt the familiar drop that told her that he'd taken her from the streets. She'd swung around to cling to his neck so he could race through the tunnels unhindered as he'd done so many times before and she was surprised to find that he'd taken her to the North Pole. In fact, all of the Guardians minus Jack, seemed to be worried as they saw Bunny arrive. Even her brother was there.
"What's with the look?" She turned towards Bunny, her eyes widening a little when she realized that he was trembling.
"B-Bunny?" She asked a little shakily. Bunny was a tough one, nothing got to him... or almost nothing. Why did he suddenly look as terrified as a wild hare cornered by a hound?
"Sophie! Thank goodness..." Jamie said, looking relieved.
"Jamie... what's going on?"
"We have a new enemy. A very dangerous one, which is why you need to stay here."
"But Jamie-"
"He's right." Bunny said, his eyes still wide with fear but he'd finally stopped shaking.
"That was... too close. WAY too close... I... I almost didn't make it in time..." The words were so soft that suddenly Sophie felt afraid too. What did he mean? She glanced from him back to her brother.
"Sophie... have you ever heard of the Jabberwock?"
"You mean that nonsensical creature? Sure. Who hasn't? It's a..." She trailed off, her eyes widening a little.
"But it's just... isn't it?" Jamie shook his head.
"Sadly, no. It's not just a myth and... it's a man-eater Sophie." Her eyes grew even wider as what her brother was telling her and suddenly what Bunny had said hit her hard. He'd almost been too late... Then... it had been hunting HER... The concept of that made her sway as the world seemed to suddenly tilt. Bunny caught her and Jamie grimaced a little.
"Take care of her."
"Always mate." Bunny said, his gaze tender as he cradled the unconscious woman in his arms. Jamie gave the Pooka a weak smile when he realized who he was talking to. Of course Bunny would. He watched the two for a moment as Bunny hopped off to settle her in one of North's spare rooms. He turned from the other Guardian, he was shaken, badly, that his sister had gotten so close to that monster... He didn't realize he was shaking a little visibly as he turned to the others. He hadn't taken the oath yet, perhaps when this was all over he'd be able to...
"Jamie, maybe you should sit down." Tooth said softly, concern was etched across her face. She'd never seen the boy react like this before. He'd always seemed so calm, but now he looked like he was fighting just to keep from lashing out at something. He took a deep breath as he met those magenta eyes. He had to remind himself where he was, that he was no longer just a helpless human; that he could do something about this new threat and that he would. The question was what? It wasn't like going after this creature and giving it a good thrashing would do. He knew better. The Jabberwocky wasn't so easily beat... or was it? Once he felt calmer he looked at the other Guardians.
"What do we know about the Jabberwocky?"
"Not much. Is ancient being, here before we were. Only one spirit who might know."
"Who?" The other Guardians glanced between one another, none of them answering before the image of a figure appeared over Sandy's head.
"Pitch. You have got to be kidding me..." Jamie groaned, his head fell into his hands. No one had heard from the Boogeyman since his defeat those years ago when Jamie was alive, when he was but a kid. How long ago had that been again? Well, it didn't matter, there was no way the shade was going to help them. Not without getting something in return. Jamie sighed, they didn't even know where the entrance to his lair would be.
"Let's do this then. We need to find him." It was the last thing Jamie thought he'd ever say, but what choice did they have? Pitch was, of course, immortal as they were and wasn't subject to death so long as fear was around; which meant he'd never die so long as there was life around to emit even the lowest, most basic levels of fear. Jamie wondered how it had come to this as he and the remaining three Guardians headed out to find the very spirit that they had sworn to protect children from.
