The Darkest Night Hides the Purest Light

Chapter Nine: Party and Revel

"JACK FROST! G'T YER FROZEN SKINNY ARSE BACK HERE YA LARRIKIN!" He laughed as he flitted up, neatly avoiding the aggravated Pooka. Taking a quick glance around, he smiled as he spotted the others. The glade and Willow had all been decorated for the Revel, lights and decorations strung up to flutter in the light wind. Jack was proud to say he had made all of the decorations, his favorite being the glittery orbs that twirled around, imitating North's snow globes, but emanating with a soft white light, making the glitter sparkle more. A long table had been set up, buffet style, covered in a soft green tablecloth, and covered in various dishes. Tooth and her mini fairies were flitting around, playing with the decorations, making them spin and dance. North was happily pulling out various bottles and decanters, proudly explaining each to a slightly bored Firefly, who kept trying to edge away, only to be yanked back by the eager Cossack. Sandy was happily organizing the table, not realizing that Phil was behind him, moving things back. Several yetis and elves were running around, going through the portal that had been setup to be semi-permanent.

As soon as the others had started arriving, he had immediately begun his favorite game: Tormenting the Kangaroo. He waited until after Bunny had put the various goodies down on the table, before flicking his ear and darting off. It was so easy to rile the Easter Bunny up, making the game even more fun, especially since the two of them had to pause every now and then, when Firefly and Sandy gave them looks. The two would only interfere when they got a bit too rough, making the game settle back into a playful banter, rather than a full-out brawl, and Jack was especially careful, since he didn't want all his hard work destroyed in a moment of fun.

It wasn't just them, however, Mother Nature, aka Seraphina, had also shown up, managing to free Firefly from North's exuberant explanations and histories of the alcohol. The two talked together, walking side-by-side, for quite a while, Jack had noticed, although none of them dared get close to the powerful Guardian of Life. Sera, as Firefly called her, was extremely self-controlled, since she had to constantly monitor her emotions and power. It made her act more aloof, keeping her calm façade in place so as to not interfere with the delicate balance of nature. The fact that she could also swat all of them away with one well-thought out command, also made anyone leery to get on her bad side. Jack did notice, however, that the two hugged, Sera being careful not to touch Firefly's back for some reason, before separating, a soft smile on the taller woman's face.

After the two of them had been separated like children by an annoyed Sandy, the winter sprite noticed after some time that there weren't any more guests, making him blink. He had been positive that her friend, Kozzy, would have shown up, and had been curious to meet the stranger. Before he could mention it, however, he saw a familiar figure step out of the shadows of the trees, looking around with calm golden-silver eyes. As he moved to intercept the King of Nightmares, he heard a happy trill, before a blur shot past him, sending Pitch sprawling onto his backside. Firefly sat up on top of him, practically beaming, her wings buzzing brightly in her excitement.

"Kozzy!"

"Pitch!"

"Ya Mongrel!"

"Hello Father,"

"Oh dear,"

"What the hell?"

"Sandy quick!" Jack saw North and Bunny suddenly become suspended by dream sand tendrils, which made them hang upside-down. Sera gracefully walked right past them, taking no heed to their startled outbursts, as Tooth and Sandy flew over to the dangling Guardians. Jack barely heard them start to lecture the two, his focus on Sera waiting patiently a few feet away. Firefly finished hugging the Boogieman, wrapping her arms and legs around him as he managed to stand upright, before uncoiling herself from him. She buzzed about happily, almost hyper in a way he suddenly realized, as Sera greeted Pitch. Looking between the two, he could admit to seeing similarities in looks, despite not wanting to believe that Pitch was indeed Sera's father. His focus, however, was on a detail he hadn't noticed before.

When Firefly had tackled Pitch, her wings had spread out fully, slowly twitching and turning in the weird figure-eight pattern. Normally her wings were partially folded, unless she was flying, then they were a blur, like Tooth's. So he never noticed the marks on her wings. Oh, he had seen the silver and gold veins, seen how her wings shown with an inner light, soft enough that it didn't chase the shadows away at night, but bright enough that they were easily visible. Seeing her on top of Pitch, however, her wings spread out, he saw marks on her wings that made him freeze, in more ways than one.

Long and narrow, short and jagged, deep scratches which were barely visible, littered her thin wings. As his eyes observed the delicate limbs, he even saw one mark that looked exactly like a cracked glass window that had a stone or something thrown at it. None of them were easily seen, only because he was at the right angle to the sunlight, could he see the scars. They had to be scars, he realized, scars that had disrupted the delicate gold and silver designs, scars normally hidden by the light the wings normally emanated.

As he watched, he saw Pitch's eyes dart to her wings, before his hands gently brushed against the scars, his fingertips barely grazing them. They would twitch slightly, and trembled but remained still, before he dropped his hands. Observing Firefly, he saw her happiness, and her blatant trust, as she hovered near him, easily accepting his presence and truly glad to see him. Remembering what she called him, he realized lightly, that he now knew who Kozzy was. Awkward.

It took some time to convince North and Bunny not to attack Pitch, that he was indeed invited, and there was to be no fighting that night. Sandy had taken up the role of defending the peace, and wasn't hesitating in utilizing his sand whips to restore order. Whenever they, or Pitch, began any instigating, the Sandman was there in moments, giving them disapproving looks. Surprisingly, Pitch was the first to back down, after a shared look between them and both glancing over at Firefly. Both of them knew she wouldn't accept any fighting, for this night at least, and her request to at least behave civilly was a simple and innocent sentiment they both would accept.

The party wasn't large, except for the various yeti, elves, and fairies, who came by in shifts, and consisted only of the seven of them really. North wasn't particularly pleased with this, but he remained quiet long enough to pull Tooth away, to find out why. Thanks to his excellent hearing, Bunny also came over to inquire as to why the festivity was lacking in participants.

"Firefly's a loner, like you Bunny, and like Pitch, she doesn't have many friends, and it's normally just Pitch, Seraphina, Sandy, and I, who celebrate with her." Tooth explained, looking slightly uncomfortable, "She doesn't get along well with many others, or rather, they don't like her,"

"What ya mean, Sheila? Sparky's got a good heart, dun see why they don't like 'er,"

"Bunny right, Tooth! Oгонек very kind, very nice," (little light)

"I can't explain, just," she looked extremely uncomfortable, wringing her hands together, "Don't tell her I told you, she doesn't like to talk about it,"

"Now wait a mo' Sheila," Bunny stopped her before she could flit away, "Why them mongrels don't like Sparky?"

"Bunny, please,"

"No, explain,"

"Simple you giant furball," the three of them jumped when Pitch appeared behind them, walking around them with an aggravated look. "They dislike her, because she doesn't judge anyone,"

"What ya talkin' bout, Pitch?" The King of Nightmares sneered at the Pooka, utterly ignoring the other two Guardians, who shared knowing looks.

"You know nothing about her," his eyes flashed, "You don't understand anything about her."

"Not yet, Ah don't," Bunny straightened, glowering, "But Ah'm tryin' now,"

"You're centuries too late," he goaded, sneering, "Where were you when the others were torturing her? When they taunted, insulted, and bullied her? Because her power was different and far more subtle than anything their puny little minds could understand? Because she was a Dark Fae? Can you honestly say that you would have defended her? I doubt it, you judge so easily, rabbit, you would have judged her and continued on with your life."

"Pitch, enough," Tooth cut in, upset, "You know she wouldn't want you to dwell on that. She doesn't want any of us to worry, or think about it,"

"I think about it every day," he sneered, focusing on her, "Every time I close my eyes, I see what they did to her. You saw only a glimpse, when she was almost healed, you didn't see what I saw."

"Pitch, please,"

"No, I don't want to hear your excuses, did you even look for her, when she disappeared?"

"Of course I did!"

"I doubt it," he whirled away, storming off, leaving them staring after him.

"Tooth,"

"North, please,"

"What did he mean, when she was 'almost healed'?" Her feathers flattened, eying them seriously, before looking away.

"Tooth?"

"They hurt her, Pitch found her, he took care of her, this was before I was friends with her. They, they damaged her wings, really badly. It took her years before she could fly again. Pitch, he helped her, he took her in, he healed her wings, he took her all over the world to scatter her lights, he and Sandy were the only ones who protected her. When I found out, when I became friends with her, I helped, as best as I could. She treats my fairies like they were her own, and I do the same for her firebugs, but I can never make up for what they did."

"Who? Who would dare harm Guardian?" North's face darkened, anger flaring bright.

"No one knew she was a Guardian,"

"No excuse, ta treat anyone like dat," Bunny growled.

"No, there isn't, but,"

"Don't dismiss, Tooth, don't make excuse,"

"I'm not!" her eyes flashed, as she buzzed angrily, "I would never excuse or, or, accept their reasons! But Firefly refused to say who did it! She hasn't even told Manny!"

"What are you guys doing over here?" Jack interrupted, tilting his head as he balanced on his staff.

"Oh, Jack, nothing, don't worry about it!" Tooth flitted away, obviously upset.

"Oh~kay~ that was strange, have any of you noticed she hasn't shoved her fingers in my mouth yet? Not that I'm complaining or anything, but it's just, weird,"

"Frostbite, what do ya know 'bout Sparky?" Bunny interrupted him, glowering.

"What do you mean?"

"Her past," North chimed in, shrugging, "We curious, how she came to be Guardian and such,"

"Oh, well, you could always ask her," the winter sprite shrugged, looking at them strangely, "She did mention something about being like Sandy, though, if that helps?" He looked back before jumping down, smirking, "Why you asking Kangaroo? You like her or something?" he teased. Bunny's ears lay flat, as his nose twitched and turned red. None of them heard the soft calls.

"O' course not!" he looked away, crossing his arms. Jack's smirk faltered, before gaining strength as he tilted forward, to stare at the embarrassed Pooka.

"Hey guys!"

"You DO like her! Oh this is awesome,"

"Guys?"

"Shut yer trap, ya bloody show pony!"

"Are you listening?"

"Is this why Tooth and Sandy have been keeping you away from her? I thought you just pissed her off,"

"Oh, rack off!"

"It's going to start soon,"

"Aww, is the poor lil bunny feeling lonely?"

"You want to come help us out?"

"Jack, that iz enough," North stepped between the two, rubbing his forehead, "Bunny been alone very long time, Jack,"

"We could use your help over here!"

"Oi! Dun be talkin' to 'im 'bout me like Ah ain't even here, mate!"

"Are you seriously ignoring me?"

"Thus, is very, how you say? Sensitive, to such jokes. And dah, he like her very much,"

"You know it's rude to ignore your host, right?"

"North!"

"Great, he was right, guess I owe him some of those brownies now, so long that he gets their attention,"

"No way, that's a lil weird, Bunny, after all, you're two different species,"

"Oi!"

"ARE YOU LOT GOING TO ARGUE AWAY OVER THERE, OR ARE YOU GOING TO COME HELP!" The three went silent, looking over to see an annoyed Boogieman, exasperated Firefly, and three amused Guardians. Various yetis, elves, and fairies were gathered around them, watching.

"Help? Help vith vhat?" Pitch gestured with his hand, motioning to the various glass jars that had been stacked on a separate table.

"I figured, you guys wanted to join the traditional walk," Firefly shrugged, "So I pulled out extra jars, we're going to head over to the cliff now,"

"It's almost time then?" Jack jumped up, scooping up three jars and bouncing up and down.

"Almost," she ruffled his hair affectionately, a soft smile on her face. Everyone quickly scooped up several jars, even the fairies had tiny little jars they could easily carry, following as she took a winding path through the trees. They talked softly amongst themselves, continuing conversations, which enabled the Pooka to slip up next to the other Guardian. "Oh, hello, Bunny,"

"Sparky, Ah wanna apologize," he glanced away, his ear flicking back to listen behind them.

"Go on,"

"Ah didn't mean fer any o' dat ta happen,"

"I know,"

"Pitch, he just rankles meh,"

"I noticed,"

"Sparky, Ah'm bein' serious!" she sighed, glancing over and locking eyes with his.

"I am not a toy or prize you two can fight over. In fact, if anyone has any claim to me, it's Sandy," she turned back, easily keeping to the overgrown trail.

"Ah know, Ah'm sorry,"

"I accept your apology, watch out for that root cluster,"

"Wha- ack!" She turned in time to see him trip, stumbling forward, and knocking the two of them into several brushes. "Oof, Sparky! Ya right?" He leaned up, disregarding the jars scattered around them, to check her over. She lay on her side, huffing softly in amusement, but other than some twigs and leaves in her hair, she seemed fine.

"Ow," Firefly wiggled, arching up to dislodge the sharp rock under her, inadvertently pressing closer into him. "I'm fine, you?"

"Yea, ta," Despite feeling his nose warming, he remained laying over her. Before she could say or do anything, other than look up at him, he leaned forward and nuzzled her. Pulling back just a bit, he pressed his head against her, going still.

"You're such a snuggle-bunny," she giggled softly, sitting up and threading her fingers into his fur on his cheeks, and tugging his face up. "As lovely as this cuddling is, I have a Revel to start,"

"Ah know," Nonetheless he pressed his head against her again, receiving a gentle scratching.

"I would never have thought you'd have a cuddly side to you," she admitted, "You're always acting all tough,"

"C'n ya blame meh? An' Ah figured, ya would like meh bein' more, touchy,"

"You like being petted," she observed, scratching one ear, while rubbing the opposite cheek. He churred softly, leaning forward to chin her, only for his eyes to snap open when she pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "Up, now, and we can talk and get to know each other later,"

"Fine," he stood, helping her stand, before they gathered the jars, which thankfully didn't break. Brushing off the twigs and leaves, they continued down the path. Bunny wasn't quite sure why they were going to a cliff, but when they stepped out of the treeline, he understood partly.

The cliff overlooked two mountainous regions covered in a sea of dark green and brown, a gentle valley between, and plenty of open space to see the sky. Everyone settled to watch the easily admired sunset, and greeted Manny as he slowly appeared. Halfway into the journey of the setting sun, Firefly opened the first jar, followed by Tooth, Pitch, Sandy, and Sera, and soon after by everyone else. None of the glittering bugs left the jars, however. Firefly slowly made her rounds to everyone, taking each jar and holding it tenderly, making it suddenly start glowing and humming. When the last jar was softly lit, of various colors, she tilted her head up to the sky and sang a soft melody, in a language only a couple of them understood. The melody was soothing, sad but encouraging, and held undertones of wonder, hope, and joy.

"She's singing a Star Dialect," Tooth whispered, "I don't know the words or true translations, but it's a simple song of balance and equality. Sandy translated part of it for me years ago though,"

"What's the translation then?" Jack wondered, watching as Sandy, Sera, and Pitch all listened with nostalgic expressions.

"You cannot feel pleasure without the pain, There's no way to feel joy and no sorrow, You can't hate unpopularity without knowing fame, As the night goes on the morning of tomorrow." As soon as she ended the short verse, glowing orbs emerged from the jars, streaming up in various hues of all colors imaginable. Everyone went quiet, watching as the tiny lights merged into a graceful colorful cloud, swirling as the colors rippled before changing instantly to silvery-white, then to gold, yellow, green, blue, purple, red, etc, in all different hues. Firefly stepped over to the edge of the cliff, on a jutting stone, spreading her arms out. In a single breath, the lights swarmed, dancing around her, to dive over the cliff, and spreading out like a wave. As everyone crowded the edge of the cliff, watching, Jack smiled.

"You're right, Sandy, they do look like the stars coming down to visit,"

Chappie's done! Woot!.. ;p..So a lil cuddling Aster/Firefly, but other than that, just a filler chapter. A couple hints to Firefly's past, of course, although a chap is coming up, which will explain her past more fully... not for awhile tho..

Enjoy! Thanks to everyone who's reading! Have fun, write free!