Astraea Mae Toz was a lot of things. Violent, sarcastic, bitchy, snarky, back talking; everything people wanted to drill out of their children when they were little. However, there was something else about this human girl, something many people never gave her credit for. Astraea Mae Toz was loyal friend. She stood by those she loved with a fierceness many would run from, and when a person threatened one of them, she changed.
Her face turned hard and determined, brain overloading with plans and information she may need. Astraea's whole demeanor transformed. She stood straighter, eyes intelligently putting things together. Something told her that she knew where her little one was and no one and she meant NO ONE, was going to stop her from saving her. Personally, she would rather die than have someone afraid.
Astraea Mae Toz turned into a very pissed off warrior, wanting nothing but to rip the kidnappers head off.
Beside the transformed girl Jack Frost was panicking, torturing himself for not noticing it earlier. The signs were THERE! Everything from the lack of sleep, to the unwillingness to tell him what was bothering her. So, instead of taking charge like he SHOULD have been doing, he paced, taking no notice to Astraea's changes, until she spoke.
"Jack, calm down, pacing isn't going to help anything." The immortal turned on the blonde haired girl, noticing the changes she had made in less than two minutes. Sure, she was still VERY much pissed off; yet, she had a look in her eyes, a look that told him to stop being a dumb ass and pull himself together. "I know you're angry, and probably panicking, but there's a little girl out there that NEEDS us. We got to get back to my house and contact the other Guardians. Whoever that asshole is, he has every intention on hurting her, and I will NOT let that happen." Jack was taken back from the sheer determination the young teen now possessed. Something told him not argue with her, for he didn't want to feel her infamous wrath again.
Nodding, Jack composed himself, and Astraea inwardly sighed with relief. She might have changed, but she was still HER, and this was FREAKING HER OUT. Whoever this bastard was, he meant business. He wanted Astraea, for whatever his sick reason was, and he WASN'T GOING TO GET HER. One, she wasn't something to be OWNED, and two, well, FUCK HIM. He'd made her life fucking complicated, and he was going to pay.
"We can fly," Jack suggested, glancing at the black woods around them. Personally, he didn't really want to walk in those, and flying was faster anyway. He was sure he could hold onto the teen, she WAS pretty tiny. The Guardian was PRETTY sure he wouldn't drop her, though he would make no promises.
Without hesitation, Astraea nodded. Of course she didn't really want to, the guy looked kind of… week. Seriously, he WAS pretty skinny and falling to her death didn't seem like a great start to saving Avery, but she would do it. That little girl, she was everything right now. No one should be afraid, and when it came to a developing child, shouldn't be scarred for life.
She would know, she was pretty messed up herself.
But, that wasn't the point. So, Astraea Mae Toz walked to the white haired boy, wrapping her small arms around his waist, in an attempt NOT to fall to her death. Gripping Lux in both hands, she hoped it wouldn't accidently fall out for the hinges were REALLY rusty. The teen had just gotten him back; she didn't want to lose him again; and this time, permanently. Sure, she wasn't afraid of heights, but she was FOR SURE afraid of falling to her death. It just didn't have quite an APPEAL to her.
Trusting Jack, which didn't come naturally to her, trusting ANYONE really, with her life, she left strong arms wrap around her, securing her to him. The boy felt like a block of ice, solid and cold, comforting the girl somewhat. For a moment, of insanity, Astraea wished they weren't going to safe the girl, and Jack was holding her because he WANTED to hold her. Of course, these thoughts were OBSENE, but hey, she WAS a teenage girl with hormones, it's only natural for her to want to be hugged; especially with a hot immortal who was bent on protecting her. Okay, more like FORCED to protect her, but she would take it. Astraea wasn't very picky when it came to these things.
Jack was a little surprised when Astraea wrapped her arms around him, burying her face into his chest, waiting for lift off. Securing her guitar behind his back, she waited, placing her feet on his, as if she would fall through if she didn't have something touching her feet. Even if it had to his.
Remember that comment about her being tiny? In his arms, she was even smaller. Astraea, almost a head shorter than him, curled in on herself slightly. She gripped onto him like he was Sandy, consciously or not. The girl, even with her ability to eat North body weight in food, was unnaturally light. She must weigh 110, if not less, which seemed a little, well IMPOSSIBLE. Jack registered that he needed to get going, and looked to the black sky.
"Wind, take me to Astraea's. Quick." With no more than that simple command, Jack jumped into the sky, feeling the air around him twist to help. Beneath him, Astraea gazed out from her friend's chest, seeing the dark forest fly by. Gasping, she buried her head back into his chest, feeling the exhilaration of being in the sky and also dizzy from the realization. After this was cleared up, she would have to make him take her flying, for FUN this time. Jack chuckled, eyes falling to the girl for no more than a second, seeing a smile pulling at her lips.
In moments, the forest turned to streets and houses, one with golden glowing sand circling it. Homing in on their destination, Jack picked up more speed, and landing in the small backyard with a thud. Astraea stumbled out of his embrace, looking dazed. She turned on the boy, eyes filled with the experience of actually FLYING. No jetpack, no weird strings, nothing. Just full out, FLYING, having nothing more than the Wind for help; it amazed and astonished the mortal. Fuck, she wished SHE could fly.
Behind them something opened, and a flying golden beam mauled Astraea over. She fell to the ground with a shout, falling on to her back. On her chest, stood Sandy, shaking his finger at her like a father would do to his daughter in a similar circumstance. Symbols flashed around his head, so fast no one could even CONSIDER deciphering them. After a moment, and no more sand pictures, Astraea spoke, expression one of amusement.
"Are you done?" Sandy nodded his appearance still angry, as he floated off her chest, letting Astraea into a sitting position. Once she did, Astraea grabbed the little guy, cheek resting on a golden head as she snuggled into him. "I'm sorry to worry you, but I had a very good reason. Don't be mad at me… please…?" The angry expression on the Guardian disappeared immediately, and he put his hand on hers. An image of people hugging came to his head, and Astraea snuggled more into him. "You're such a teddy bear Sandy…"
Unfortunately for Jack, who was standing awkwardly to the side, observing them with curious blue eyes, he had to end this moment. Clearing his throat to get their attention, he looked at the two with an unnaturally serious face, confusing the Guardian of Dreams.
"Sandy, we've got a problem. A BIG problem."
Astraea POV
When a Guardian, even if it's Jack, says there's a problem (though I had already figured that out) you kind of get… well… you get a little scared. Especially when the one saying it is someone who is NEVER serious, hello Guardian of FUN, you tune in on how SERIOUS the situation has become. And you want to find that hole and crawl into it.
Sure, I knew it was bad. Avery is missing, a poor sweet girl with NO association with MiM or the Guardian, excluding Jack, is missing because… well to, pretty much, lure YOU out. It didn't seem like he was playing pretty fair, but hey, he WAS a villain. A villain with a weird ass voice, but still, a villain none the less.
Jack's gaze locked with Sandy's and they seemed to have a whole conversation, one that I was excluded from. HELLO?! Person, who the big bad villain wants, wants to know the plan too. Finally, Sandy's golden eyes swung to mine, studying me with knowledge I knew I would NEVER possess. Worry was etched on his face, worrying ME even more. If something could worry Sandy, Guardian of Badass-ery, than whatever it is, is fucking SCARY.
But he had Avery, and that was all that mattered. No matter who this bastard was, he was going to pay, especially since I was going to miss dinner, my favourite meal of the day.
"Mind telling me the plan? Because I assume we have one." Jack glanced at me, and shook his head. Sandy flashed some pictures at me, one looking like me and a locked door. I raised an eyebrow.
"Astraea, you're not going." Jack said, clarifying Sandy's pictures of the locked door. I laughed, getting off the ground and pretending to wipe a tear from my eye. Damn this kid was FUNNY.
"You're HILLARIOUS Jack, but seriously a plan? If it's to wing it, I'm up for that." Sandy looked at me again, those magical golden eyes searching my hazel ones. An image of swords clashing together came to his head. I nodded. "I know the dangers, but there's a little girl out there that NEEDS me." My gaze swung to Jack, eyes pleading for him to say yes. "Sure, it's dangerous, and I might get hurt, but HEY! What's a little danger to me? I AM indestructible!" Jack kept his stony face, determined to keep me behind and 'safe'. I sighed, I hoped it wouldn't come to this.
"I hoped it couldn't come to this, but you have no choice. Either you take me under YOUR protection, or I go by myself." Shrugging, I walked up to the house, placing my guitar inside. "Your choice." Jack and Sandy shared another conversation, Jack's gaze blue ice, while Sandy's were a more reasonable gold. Jack shook his head.
"No." He said firmly, making me groan. It threats didn't work, the nest step, was begging.
"Come on Jack!" I whined, giving my best puppy dog pout. "Pleeeasee?" The immortal shook his head once again, giving me his best I know what's best for you look.
"No Astraea."
"Sandy says I can go!"
"And Sandy wasn't assigned to keep you out of danger." Jack pointed out, obviously getting irritated with my pleading. Too bad for him, I wasn't going to let up anytime soon. Crossing my arms like a stubborn child, I glared at him. Sandy floated around us, watching in fascination.
"Jack I know of the dangers, just let me go! I'm not a five year old; I can take care of myself!" I hoped I could at least. Jack closed the distance between us with two strides, surprising me. His blue eyes seemed to sparkle with authority, a look so intense I swallowed. When he spoke, his voice had a hard edge to it, one I had never heard before.
"What if you get captured too, huh? What if he decides to hurt you—or WORSE, kill you? Have you even THOUGHT this through Astraea? Unlike US, you can die. Stop trying to be all high and mighty, and just STAY HERE." Jack held my gaze and I could see the small bits of panic. He knew he wasn't going to convince me, he knew, but he was going to try anyways. The boy had been asked by MiM, the all-powerful being who CREATED him, to protect me with his life. Unable to hold his gaze anymore, my eyes swung down to my shoes, finding them INCREDABLY interesting.
"If you guys get hurt because of me, I would never be able to live with myself." My eyes came up to meet his again and he blinked. Letting my emotions free for just one little moment, I prayed he would see my desperation for him to agree. "I would rather DIE than let my friends risk their lives for me. That's just who I am. Please, don't leave me behind. Please?" My voice went to a whisper as I said the last part. Jack studied me for a moment, searching my face for something.
The immortal teen seemed to find it and sighed, taking a step back to give me more space. Shaking his head, he scratched his neck sheepishly. That scary gaze was gone in seconds, letting my finally breath again. Oh thank god. If looks could kill, I would be dead.
"You would make a good sales person." He commented, trying to lighten the mood. When I didn't answer, he looked up at me through his eyelashes, and I could feel those butterflies come back. For once, I didn't mind them, letting them swirl in my poor empty stomach. Smirking at Jack, I walked up to the house.
"That would be using my powers for EVIL, my good sir." Jack chuckled, and then gazed at Sandy, who was following me. Images flashed on his head, looking like Avery, a house and a question mark. I sighed, my good mood ruined. "Good question Sandy, I have no idea…"
This caused a round of guessing, most of it Jack and Sandy, me commenting every now and then. Most of the ideas were too difficult, one of them to fly all around town to see if we could spot them. Obviously, that would NEVER happen, but HEY, it was an idea.
While they discussed—more like bickered—my mind went back to what the voice said. The thing is I can't come to you. You have to come to me. That line repeated in my mind, over and over again. It must be a place I know, a place I go all the time. Somewhere that had to do with Avery…
Gasping, I shoot out of the seat I was sitting in, startling the two immortals beside me. Sandy gave me a questioning look and Jack raised an eyebrow. I smiled at the two of them, feeling somewhat giddy for figuring out where she was being held.
"I know where Avery is! I can't believe I didn't think of it before!" They both kept watching me with confused gazes. "He said I had to 'come to him.' And he has Avery, and where do I see Avery every Saturday?" Jack's face lit up, finally catching on to my train of thought.
"The studio, of course!" Sandy watched us with curious eyes as Jack and I high fived. Unfortunately for us, the celebration was short lived as reality caught up to us. Jack and I shared a look, and I nodded. There was only ONE way we could save Avery, and oh boy, no one was going to be happy with it.
Turning around, I walked to the laundry/bathroom and began rummaging through the boxes. Finding the one I want, I carried it out and placed it on the table. Putting my nail on the tape, I quickly opened the box. Jack came over, curious on what I was doing. When he glanced into the box, his eyes got round and he glanced up to me in shock.
"Don't even ASK." Jack shook his head and went through the contents of the box. Sandy came over, looked at the box and began to scold me. I sighed, looking for the materials I was going to need.
Now, you MUST be wondering what was in the box. You see, when I was a kid, I liked spy stuff. So, I bought a lot of cool gear on internet. When I got older, and found out it was not a good idea to have an obsession with James Bond if I LIKED my lunches, I put them in a box. This way, I could keep my little obsession, and NOT get beat up every day at lunch.
Inside were thousands of different items, from night vision goggles to camera lensed pens. Taking out my pair of night vision glasses and a very generous amount of firecrackers, I placed the box back into the bathroom. Sandy was still unhappy with me, shaking his head and finger, but Jack looked over the moon.
"Yes, you have found out my little secret. Can we get back to business?" Instantly, the two nodded, waiting for my plan since I was the one who knew the building. "Alright, first, we need Sandy to somehow contact the other Guardians. While he's doing that, Jack and I will…" They stood at attention, not interrupting me once as I explained the rest of the plan.
However, they weren't the only ones listening; because, in the shadows of the house, a large black horse hid, waiting for the right moment to slip out and report to its master.
"Please, I want to go home…" Avery Carlson pleaded to her kidnapper as she curled into a ball. Black sand covered her arms and legs, leaving small scratches here and there. She whimpered, pulling back, only to be stopped by a wall. The young girl didn't know how long she had been here, for it was pitch black inside the room, and cold. She was so cold, and it was so quiet… So, so quiet. But the girl refused to close her eyes, for when she did, she would see her worse fears come alive. Something she was now VERY familiar with.
Avery pulled herself into a tighter ball, hoping to conserve what little warmth she had left, a deep malicious voice came from the darkness. All around her, the quiet was shattered by the sounds of hooves and neighs, making the girl cry out and begin to sob once again. HE was back.
"I cannot do that child," The voice cooed, materializing from the black and leaning down to the blonde. "You see, your little friend is coming, and I can't meet her if you leave so quickly." Pitch Black smiled evilly at the girl, who watched him with fear filled eyes. Pitch smile grew bigger, feeding off the poor girls fear as a new wave of energy hit him.
"W-Who?" Avery asked, voice cracking. Pitch laughed a long spiteful sound that reverberated off the walls. The young girl cringed, covering her ears in an attempt to block it out. It reminded her of bad things—and she was already so frightened.
"Avery?!" A familiar female voice called out, coming from outside where the child was being held. Pitch clapped his hands happily, ready to meet his 'guest'. "Darlin' girl, where are ya?" It drawled, making the hooves clatter joyfully as they melded into the shadows of the studio. Avery's heart jumped with delight, knowing only one person who spoke like that.
"RAEA!" Avery cried out desperately, unaware of her kidnappers happiness and disappearance. "RAEA!" The sound of a door opening echoed, and light flooded the room. Avery shielded her eyes, whimpering from the sudden exposer. Finally, she was able to lift her arm from her eyes and she looked to the doorway.
There, in the large doorway, a silhouette of a familiar teenager filled it. Astraea Mae Toz carrying what looked like a giant candy cane in one of her hands. Avery yelled out again, wanting to get up, but being held back by fear ofthe boogeyman coming back. The older blonde quickly made her way to the younger one, relief filling her.
"Oh, thank GOD I finally found you Ave!" Astraea bent in front of her, arms instantly enveloping her into a hug. Avery sobbed, happy to finally be safe in familiar arms. She crushed herself to her friend, burrowing her head into Astraea's warm body.
"Shush now. It's alright sweet. I've got ya." The older girl said soothingly, smoothing back her hair while she cried. When Avery stopped, she leaned back and gazed into the older girls soft hazel eyes. Avery had always loved them, even in the darkness; they shone with unearthly light and changed colours.
"Can you stand sweetheart?" Avery shook her head, glancing down at her weak legs. Astraea shifted her candy cane—and it WAS a giant candy cane, a large wooden one to be exact— and slowly lifted the girl into her arms. The five year old wrapped her arms around her neck, holding onto her with a death grip only a terrified child could possess. Astraea smiled warmly at the girl, and turned around towards the door.
Only when the two got close, it slammed shut, leaving them in total darkness.
"Leaving so soon?" The deep voice of Avery's kidnapper called. "That's a little rude Beloved One."
Astraea POV
The plan was going BRILLIANTLY! Walking into the place had been an experience— a fucking scary one— but I'd found Avery, who was a little beaten up, but all in all, ALIVE. If it continued like this, we weren't going to need Jack at all. Just as I was about to make our quick getaway… the door of our exit slammed shut, leaving us in the dark.
Well fuck.
Avery yelped and began sobbing again. Tightening my grip, my hand rubbed circles onto her back, trying to calm her down. It didn't help that I couldn't even SEE the young girl, only able to feel her warm breath on my neck. Tear drops hit my shoulder and I placed my hand on her head, securing it there.
"Leaving so soon?" A familiar malicious voice asked me. Immediately Avery began to wail, clutching onto me and leaving a few bruises in the process. "That's a little rude Beloved One." Anger pulsed through me, making my teeth clench. Come on Jack… it shouldn't take you THAT long to fly through the vents…
"It's a little rude to kidnap people too." I snapped back, balancing Avery and my weapon with two hands. "Let us go." Something in front of us materialized, and even the darkness, I could make out features. He was tall, towering over me in an intimidating way. His hair was black and he had hard angular features, accompanying piercing yellow eyes. The kidnapper wore something similar to Sandy's robes, though this mans were black and not at all badass. Seriously, he looked like he was wearing a dress; it almost made me want to laugh, were it not for the whole evil grin and dark pulsing aura.
"But we haven't been formally introduced yet." The man stuck out his hand, as if he HADN'T kidnapped my baby girl and we were NOT in a creepy ass room. When he did so, Avery whimpered and held on tighter. "My name is Pitch Black, but you may know me as the Boogeyman or the Nightmare King." I raised an eyebrow and snorted at him, hoping to delay the bastard. Come on Tinkerbell… Come on…
"You don't look very King-like." I commented, shifting Avery ever so slightly away from him. Damn, this girl was getting HEAVY. Pitch Black's eye twitched, his permanent scowl deepening. The Boogeyman's aura seemed to expand, only to calm back down moments later.
"No, but in the Dark Ages I was, until those damn Guardians got in my way." He spat, saying the word guardian as if it were a curse. As he got agitated, sounds of hooves hitting hard wood floor echoed off the walls, making me take a small step back in fear. Pitch saw this and smiled, yellow eyes flashing dangerously.
"Raea… I want to go home…" Avery whispered in my ear sounding absolutely terrified. Rubbing circles on her back to reassure the frightened child, I glanced around the dark room. Where was he….?
"I know darlin', I'll get us out of here." Pitch laughed and Avery jumped at the sound. I didn't really blame her; it was a fucking frightening noise. It chilled me to the bones.
"But Astraea, we have so much to discuss, you can't leave just yet." My eyes flashed to his treacherously, and he lost his composer for a moment with the seer rage contained in them. When he did, I spoke.
"Now you listen here Pitch Black," I growled at him, veins burning with adrenaline. "You kidnapped my baby girl, and I do NOT take that lightly. If you don't let us go this INSTANT, I swear to MiM, I will kick your butt all the way to Pluto." Pitch smiled at this and tsked, tsked like I was a misbehaving child. My eyes narrowed on his.
"Now Beloved One, that's not very nice." Our line of view expanded until we could see black horses with red eyes surrounding us. I swallowed back my fear, and Avery squeaked, burrowing her head into the crock of my neck again. Pitch grinned at us, a grin that made my skin crawl. "I'll give you an opportunity to apologize." My hand went to my pocket, searching for the small balls that I had stuck there at the last minute. Jack hadn't shown up, worrying me, but he could take care of himself. I needed to get Avery and me out of here before something happened to the small girl.
Grabbing several of the small balls in my hand, I smiled at Pitch Black; a smile I hoped matched his. Shaking my head, I tightened my grip on Avery, praying this would work. If there was a God, help me with this insane plan. PLEASE!
"Thanks, but I'd rather not." Throwing the small firecrackers at the horses and my candy cane at Pitch, hoping to cause a diversion, I turned around and ran to the door. Behind me, the sounds of fire crackers, neighs and very angry screams erupted. Pitch yelled at them to 'get me'—a total super villain cliché may I add—but the horses had been spooked, giving me a PERFECT distraction to get to the door.
Take that Jack Frost and your whole 'I'm going to die' theory! Bitches please, I AM INDESTRUCTABLE!
My celebration was short lived when I tried to open the door and it didn't budge. Trying the handle multiple times—and hitting it multiple times— with no luck, my insides went hollow. Shit. Shit. Shit. SHIT. Around me, Pitches voice filled the darkness, mocking my efforts. His horses were beginning to regroup, their neighs piercing my ears. If they were to attack, I had no more weapons left. Absolutely NOTHING; we were defenceless.
Jack, WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU WHEN I NEED YOU?!
"Nice try Beloved One, but you are not going anywhere." Pitch laughed then and I spun around to see the horses advancing on us. Panic bubbled up, and my knees went weak with fear, yet, the rage continued, concealing most of the fear. This bastard was going to make me break a promise, and Astraea Mae Toz doesn't break promises. Oh no. I took that shit seriously, and no one and I do mean NO ONE, messed with my moral code.
Clenching my teeth together, I glared at the advancing horses. Avery was screaming, and those screams only fueled my temper. My body began to shake and my breathing became uneven. Pitch continued to laugh at us, watching our doom and enjoying it. MiM's locket began to heat, but I ignored it. Everything was focused on one thing and one thing only:
Get Avery, the pure innocent girl in my arms, to safety.
Nothing else mattered, not my life, or Jacks, or the Guardians. All that mattered was a sweet girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, who was scared out her mind, repeating 'I want to go home Raea' like a mantra. The only thing standing in my way was this door.
"Avery, I want you to cover your eyes and ears alright?" Said girl looked up at me in terror and I smiled reassuringly at her. "Don't worry sweetheart, I'm going to get you out of here." The girl nodded and burrowed her head into my neck, placing small hands to her ears. When she was done, I noticed the horse's a mere foot away, their red eyes watching us hungrily, rearing to charge.
Just a few more seconds…
"Giving up?" Pitch asked his horses getting ready to charge. Glancing at the darkness, I smirked.
"Never." At this, his horses reared, running towards us. That's when time seemed to slow down.
Everything was in unearthly detail, as if someone had given me 30/20 vision. I could make out each individual sand grain on the horses, each little speck of black, each somewhat darker then the last. Every twitch of their rearing forms, EVERYTHING became clear. My legs bunched as another wave of adrenaline came to my veins, getting ready to execute my last desperate plan. Though it was overused in thousands of movies, it was my only hope.
When they were inches away, I jumped to the side, rolling awkwardly as to not hurt little Avery in my arms. She let out a yelp as I awkwardly landed on my arm, a small snapping sound finding my ears. Pain reared though it and I gasped slightly, tears welling up in my eyes. Blinking them away, I watched the scene before me.
Unable to stop, the horses slammed into the door, causing it to open on impact. They screamed, some at the front disintegrating from the speed and weight of the others. Light from the street flowed into the room, casting me in its familiar glow. The Nightmare King snarled, coming out of the shadows closest to us. Quickly standing up, which was freaking HARD with a hurt arm and a child, I made my way towards the now open exit, thanking every bad action movie that used this technique.
"NO!" Pitch bellowed as his black sand wrapped around my ankle, causing me to lose my balance. Turning over so as to NOT squish Avery, I let out a scream as I hit my arm. Avery was shrieking bloody murder, hands now holding onto me and not her ears. The sand steadily pulled us back into the room, me thrashing like a mad man and yelling any threat I could think of that DIDN'T involve my colourful language.
"Oh no you don't!" A familiar voice shouted from behind me and a flash of brilliant blue light came. Covering Avery with my body, I felt a cold wind blow into the room and I almost cheered. THANK YOU GOD. THANK YOU!
The grip on my leg disappeared and I heard something that sounded like a whip come from above. Avery was crying still, hands holding onto my jacket, face buried into the neck. Soothing her, I glanced up at our saviors, the corners of my lips lifting into a small smile.
Because standing in front of me were the Guardians, looking strong and very, very pissed off. Jack was in the lead, staff raised and glowing blue and white with power. Sandy floated above him, two golden whips in each hand, eyes focused on Pitch. North stood behind him, shiny menacing swords in his large hands. On either side of him was Bunny and Tooth. The large rabbit held a boomerang, while the fairy just smashed her fist into an open palm. Each one wore the same expressions, hard and in charge. My heart filled with appreciation and gratitude. They came… they came for me and Avery.
"Pitch." North started in his thick Russian accent, one of his swords lifting to point accusingly at the Nightmare King. "You have kidnapped innocent child and Astraea. Is unforgivable." Pitch deviously smiled at the Guardians, black sand whipping around him like a whirlwind. Avery whimpered slightly and I held her tightly, assuring her with a look that we were safe… that we were okay. Something flashed on Sandy's head, but I was too far away to understand.
"You believe I care about your forgiveness?" Pitch stepped into the shadows, letting them surround him. "You may have beaten me before, but things will be different in this war. Until next time Beloved One…" Jack sent another shot of ice, but it was too late; the Nightmare King was gone.
For a moment, everyone was frozen. The Guardians watched the spot where there enemy once stood, still in battle stance. Avery sobbed underneath me, and I glanced down, a warm smile gracing my features. Smoothing down her hair, I tried to sit up, only to yelp when I put pressure on my left arm.
With the adrenaline wearing off, my body hurt like hell. I could feel bruises beginning to surface around my neck where Avery had held onto it and on the side I had landed when I played chicken with the black horses. My ankle burned, as if someone decided to poor acid on it, which was REALLY uncomfortable. The arm I had fallen on was definitely fractured, if not broken, and it felt like I may have cracked a rib or two. All in all, I felt like shit and I REALLY wanted a nap.
And a sandwich; I could REALLY go for some food right now.
Avery observed our saviors with wide eyes, obviously stunned at WHO had saved her. If she believed in Jack Frost, I KNEW she must believe in the rest; it came with the territory. She opened her mouth, and then snapped it shut, to only open it again, making her look like an adorable little fish. At the thought, I softly chuckled.
Untangling myself from the small girl, I tried to sit up again and felt careful hands help me. Cradling my hurt arm, I smiled gratefully at Tooth, who beamed at me. The rest of the Guardians crowded around then, talking all at the same time, excluding Sandy, who communicated with pictures.
Bunny: "Are ya alright ya little ankle-bitter? Did Pitch hurt ya?"
North: "Astraea, what is wrong with arm?"
Jack: "Avery, are you alright? Did Pitch hurt you?"
Sandy: A picture of an arm, a broken bone and a question mark flashing so fast it made my head dizzy.
Tooth: "Give them some room! They just went through a very traumatic experience, let them breath!"
This continued for a while, Avery watching wide eyed at the legendary figures that she had looked up to for years, while I looked upon them with amusement. Finally, when the questions turned to gurgled sounds and made my head hurt, I interrupted.
"SHUT UP!" I yelled, still holding my hurt arm. The Guardians head snapped towards me, mouths open with unasked questions. Avery's eyes swung to mine, big and wide. Sighing, I stood up, only to almost fall back down, if Jack hadn't steadied me. Smiling my thanks at him, I addressed the group.
"We can answer questions later; first, we need to get Avery home. Her mother must be worried like crazy." The Guardians nodded, mumbling apologies. Avery tugged my jean leg, eyes still wide with wonder. Bending down, careful not to fall over or nudge my arm, I tilted my head at the girl. She leaned into my ear, still watching the group of immortals.
"Raea, are these the Guardians Jack tells me about?" She asked me, her breath tickling my ear. Nodding, I motioned towards the group, straightening up.
"Avery, I'd like you to meet," My finger pointed towards Tooth, "The Tooth Fairy." Tooth waved, purple hues sparking at her. "The Easter Bunny." He saluted the small girl, eyes soft with warmth I had never seen. "Santa Clause." North smiled at her, waving a beefy hand. "The Sandman." Sandy waved enthusiastically at the girl, golden eyes beaming. "And you know Jack Frost." Jack smiled warmly at the girl, picking her up and twirling her around. Avery squealed, all traces of fear gone in an instant, comforting me immensely.
"She sure does!" Jack yelled, getting a small chuckle out of everyone. Avery clung to his neck and smiled brightly at him, her small blue eyes watching his large blue eyes. She snuggled into Jacks chest and spoke.
"I want to go home." Jack nodded and looked towards the Guardians. North nodded to Sandy, who sprinkled the small girl with some dream sand. Instantly, above Avery's head, a small scene of her and Jack playing in the snow started. Sighing in relief, I felt myself sway. Now that the adrenaline was gone, I felt like a steam rolled had run me over. All I wanted to do was curl up and go to sleep. Bunny steadied me this time, letting my weak body lean up against his soft warm fur, which totally didn't help me staying awake.
"Thanks Bunny." I mumbled, still cradling my hurt arm. Fuck, it hurt like HELL. This included the poor ankle the Nightmare Sand had grabbed, which had decided to burn as if it were on fire. If I ever saw Pitch Black again, he was getting a piece of my mind.
"No problem Sheila." My eyes traveled to the Guardians, smiling slightly at them. They had saved my hide, and I appreciated it. More than any of them would EVER know.
"Thank you all. Seriously." Sandy floated up to me, wrapping his small golden arms around my neck carful of my arm. Bunny pated my back and when Sandy let go, Tooth flew in, crushing me into her soft feathered body, making my arm ache but I didn't complain. Soon, it was North who was crushing me and I let out an airy chuckle. Letting go, North gave me another wonder filled smile and I let out a rush of air. OW.
"Hey!" Jack protested and I turned towards him with a raised eyebrow. The white haired immortal still held a sleeping Avery, shifted her and opened one arm. "What about me? Don't I get a hug?" I frowned at the boy walking up to him, limping slightly, and punching him with my good arm. "Ouch!"
"That's for hanging me out to dry, you ass-hat! What happened to our plan, you damn idiot?!" I yelled at him, eyebrows coming together in a not so attractive facial expression.
"NightMare's attacked me before I got to the vent!" The immortal defended, putting a hand up in surrender. He hung his head in shame, giving me his best puppy dog face and I felt my anger towards him vanish. "I'm sorry." He whispered, looking at me through his eyelashes "Forgive me?" I sighed in defeat, knowing I couldn't keep it up. Damn, I was just too darn tired… and hungry. GOD I WAS HUNGRY.
"Fine, you're forgiven." Jack smiled then and I rolled my eyes. Taking a step, I gave him a quick hug, placing my head on his shoulder, careful not to wake Avery. Jack wrapped an arm around me, keeping me there for longer than I wanted too. Butterflies started up in my stomach again, which did NOT feel good with an empty stomach. Damn, this boy smelled fucking GOOD. Like evergreens, and winter time, and DAMN he just smelt AMAZING. Even though he was slightly chilly, I didn't mind, and tried to decipher the smells that clung to his hoodie.
Eventually, he let me go and I stepped back, turning toward the Guardians, who shared knowing looks. I frowned at them, raising a questioning eyebrow. They ignored me and smiled at the two of us. Shrugging, my eyes landed on each one.
"So… how are we going to get to Avery's?" I asked them, rubbing my throbbing arm absentmindedly. North's eyes perked up and Bunny's ears flattened to his head. Cocking my head to the side in confusion, I waited for them to explain.
"That is easy. We take sleigh."
In a small home across town from the studio, a mother was crying her eyes out. Her pride and joy, Avery Carlson, had been missing for hours. The sun had begun its decent up, filling the room with soft light, which gave the woman no comfort. Her lovely little girl was gone, how could she live on without her?
The police had left hours ago, claiming they would call if any new information surfaced. Right now, they believe Avery had just wandered off and gotten lost. Ms. Carlson didn't have faith in a word they used to comfort her, knowing her sweet daughter would never do such a thing. She may be young, but Avery was intelligent, able to hold a conversation with adults, unlike many children her age. This only caused more tears to fall.
A soft knock came to the door then, and Ms. Carlson sluggishly made her way toward it, dread heavy in her heart. She prayed that it was her little blue-eyed beauty, but she was too broken to allow the idea to pass. So when Ms. Carlson opened the door, she was pleasantly surprised.
Standing on her door step was Astraea Mae Toz, a beautiful young lady with the most amazing hazel eyes. She looked terribly beaten up, one arm hugging her chest and bruises emerging from her pale skin. But what had pleasantly surprised her was the little bundle wrapped in her arms, sleeping peacefully. Ms. Carlson let out a yelp of joy, taking her daughter from the teenagers arm and squeezing the life out of her. Astraea smiled warmly at the middle aged woman as Avery squirmed.
"Found her asleep on a bench by the studio. No idea how she got there, but as soon as I found her, I brought her home." Astraea lied smoothly, showing no telltale signs to the older woman. Ms. Carlson looked at the teen with tear filled eyes, amazed.
"I can NEVER thank you enough Astraea. You are my hero." Said girl shrugged, only to wince when pain radiated from her beaten body. The mother glanced down at her child, seeing small cuts that covered her tiny form. She frowned, but was too overjoyed to question it. Her baby was back, and that was all that mattered.
"Don't mention it Ms. Carlson, I was happy to help. Better get going, the suns comin' up and Mum's probably wondering where I am." Ms. Carlson nodded, still stunned by this girl. Sure, she had heard of how kind and humble Astraea was, but THIS was a whole other thing. She was a hero, a life saver. For as long as the woman lived, she would never forget this act of kindness.
"Do you need a ride home?" She asked yet the girl just shook her head and smiled. Astraea took a step from the porch, retreating into the morning.
"No, I'll be just fine. You take care of Avery; get those little scrapes cleaned and everything, no need to worry about me. I'll call later tonight to see how she's doing. Bye Ms. Carlson, you have a nice day now." With that, the young girl turned and hurried off, giving one wave towards the woman, hazel eyes sparkling at the two. Ms. Carlson yelled her goodbye and closed the door, happy to have her daughter safe at home.
For as long as she lived, she would thank that young girl for finding her Avery. Grateful until the day she died.
"OW!" Astraea yelped as Tooth tried to remove her jacket—again. This had been going on for quite some time, the Guardians, excluding Jack and North who was steering the sleigh, trying to look at Astraea's arm and her protesting. "IT HURTS! DON'T TOUCH IT!" Sighing, Jack gave the mortal teen an eye roll, but she was too busy screaming to notice.
Since getting Avery home, all attention had focused on the hurt Astraea. She was really beaten up, arm probably either fractured or broken, and bruises covering her neck and arm. A large acid-like burn had shown up on her ankle, blistering an angry red. The immortals also guessed that a few ribs might be cracked, or hopefully bruised, but they couldn't be sure until Astraea agreed to be examined.
Astraea was having NONE of that. From the moment she dropped Avery off, all she wanted to do was crawl up in her bed and sleep. Her hurt arm throbbed with never-ending pain, her ankle now starting to become numb, and she KNEW she would have to use crutches for a while.
But she was still having NO ONE touching the poor limb she hugged gently to her chest.
"Come on Sheila, we need to see your arm so we can access the damage." Bunny explained, gazing at the rest of the guardians with pleading eyes. Even though they were in the air, everyone was focused on the small mortal, making her their number one priority. Sandy, who was floating beside her, nodded. Tooth was on her other side, having gotten one arm out of her jacket. North was glancing back as he steered the sleigh, searching for a safe place to land. Jack was off the side, still upset for not getting to the girls in time. Astraea glared at them all, holding her arm protectively.
"No." She snarled, trying to slide away from them. "It hurts; I don't want anyone to touch it! Let me be!" They began to argue again, until Jack got sick of it. God, this girl needed to get her priorities straight. She needed medical attention and her protests weren't helping anyone; especially HER.
Moving everyone out of the way, with little to no protest, Jack crouched in front of the girl. Astraea frowned at him, shifting her arm away from the blue eyed immortal. She very much knew how he affected her, though she would never admit it. Placing his hand on her good shoulder, Jack gave her his puppy dog pout, causing Astraea's insides to melt.
"Astraea, your arm could be broken, we need to look at it." Her hazel eyes studied the Guardian of Fun, swirling from their brownish green to brownish gold. Astraea clutched her arm protectively, gazing at Jack with a look that resembled a small hurt child.
Jack was taken back. This girl, the girl who could kick anyone's ass when need be, was scared out of her mind. She had confronted the BOOGEYMAN and came out alive, quite an accomplishment for a mortal. Astraea Mae Toz saved Avery with next to NO fear, so how was THIS scaring her?
His head began to hurt with trying to figure out the complicated girl. Finally, she spoke, voice just as her face was, terrified.
"But it's going to hurt..." She whispered, obviously not wanting to move the tender limb. Jack nodded and gave her, what he hoped was, a reassuring smile. Taking the seat to her right, Jack took her warm hand in my cold one, rubbing soothing circles with his thumb. Astraea's stomach immediately reacted, causing her to swallow.
"I know, but I'll be right here, alright?" Astraea looked right into his cyan eyes then sighed in defeat. She glanced at the other immortals, eyes still showing their fear, but had an edge of determination.
"Just be quick." She ordered, closing her eyes and, with new found bravery, leaned her head into Jack's neck, for comfort. Surprised by this, Jack glanced down at the girl. Her eyes were now firmly shut, and she was trembling slightly, readying herself for the unavoidable pain this action would cause.
Tooth took this as the go ahead, and she slowly straightened the girls arm. The pain was immediate, causing Astraea to gasp in pain and tighten her grip on Jack's hand. Continuing to rub circles on her hand in a comforting gesture, he started to rant, hoping to distract the girl from the agony.
"Look it's almost over. Tooth needs to straighten it a little more than slide off the jacket. See, you're almost done; it just needs to straighten a little more. I know it hurts, but after we can get you home, you MUST be tired. And we can find you some chocolate, I know you love that, right Blondie? Oh, she straightened it fully and only has too—"Astraea's distressed filled voice cut through his tirade and Jack glanced at the blonde girl. Her eyes were still closed, but Astraea looked like she was amused by his reaction to her painful experience.
"Jack?" Her voice cracked and she opened one eye to meet his. The hazel eyed girl's face was contorted in pain, resembling a small child again. Jack's features instantly softened, as she reminded him of a sniffling Sophie after she had fallen off the swing when Jack last visited Burgess.
"Yeah?"
"Shut up, I don't need the commentary." Jack laughed at this, and noticed Tooth had pulled off the jacket completely, smiling at the two. She gently grabbed Astraea's sleeve and pulled it up. The young girl gasped and shivered from the agony the had movement caused. Jack's stomach churned as he examined it.
Oh god, that looked BAD.
Astraea's arm looked like a tie dyed shirt gone horribly wrong. Where she had landed on it was black, and going out until it covered most of her fore arm, was purple and blue. The limb had swollen quite a bit and there wasn't a bone poking out of the skin, which was good news at least. From seeing hundreds of broken bones—and causing most of those— Jack didn't believe it was broken, but badly fractured.
Now they all knew why Astraea didn't want them to touch it. It must hurt, to quote Astraea herself, like a bitch.
Everyone froze at the condition of Astraea's arm, all reacting in different ways. Tooth spun away, moving to hold the edge of the sleigh, hyperventilating. Bunny did the same, muttering something under his breath that sounded like 'Bloody hell, I'm going to be sick'. Sandy held an expression of concern and worry, but made no move to come closer, and Jack couldn't blame him. If Jack had the heart to leave the young girl, he would do the same. When North glanced back at the scene, his face paled and he started to search faster, finally finding a spot in the woods and descending.
The young girl noticed Jack's instant stiffening, and decided to check out her aching limb. She instantly wished she didn't. Astraea's eyes widened and her face paled. The grip on Jack's hand tightened to the point of it being painful, but the immortal teen didn't complain. This was BAD, really, really, really bad. It needed immediate medical attention, and the Guardians were surprised that she was still conscious and functioning.
"Holy shit, holy SHIT!" She exclaimed, gaze glued to the appendage with fear. "Holy MOTHER FUCKING SHIT! Oh my god, THAT'S AN ARM? That's MY FUCKING ARM?" Astraea was now becoming hysterical, shaking uncontrollably. Sandy unfroze and came to the girl, floating in front of her. She glanced at the Guardian before returning to her rant. "It looks like someone ran it over, with a fucking TRAIN! Oh god, I think I'm going to puke." This set the guardians into panicked action, including Jack, who untangled himself from the girl. They all began to rummage through the sleigh, looking for anything useful.
"There isn't anything here mates!" Bunny bellowed, arms digging in the back. North shook his head.
"But I asked elves to put in first aid kit." The rest of the Guardians all groaned in frustration, still searching for anything to help the teen who was sitting silently.
Inside Astraea's head, she was continuing her freak out, very, VERY loudly. Her arm, her poor sweet arm, looked like something from a bad horror movie. Something that would eventually burst, and out comes the very scary alien monster that had been growing inside there HER ARM LOOKED LIKE A FUCKING ALIEN EGG FOR GOD'S SAKE.
God, Astraea felt dizzy. Black spots began to dance In front of Astaea's eyes, mocking her for being a weakling. Consciousness was slipping, she could feel it, and so she began to blink rapidly, hoping to clear her vision and keep her awake.
"Astraea, are you alright?" Jack questioned her, stopping her internal rant, and his search for useful materials. Jack could see her focusing and un-focusing on the world, and a sinking feeling came to his gut. Oh no.
"Why is the world spinning?" Astraea asked before her eyes rolled into her head. She toppled forward, and Jack made a grab for her, catching the girl inches from the floor. Making sure not to hurt her arm, he gently laid her down on the bench. Tooth fluttered nervously above her, as Sandy sprinkled dream sand, hoping to calm the agonized face Astraea wore; but the sand slid from her body, having no effect.
"We need to get her help mates." Bunny said, stating the obvious. Usually, Jack would snort and make a sarcastic comeback, but the girl in front of him was deathly pale. The rest of the group agreed and turned to North, the unofficial leader of the so called Guardians.
The wonder filled man observed the situation with uncharacteristically hard eyes. Just like them, they he was terrified for the small girl, especially when MiM would return tonight. North was not sure how his old friend would handle his beloved hurt AND unconscious. But said girl needed medical attention, and he could only think of one place.
"We must get her to Pole. Yeti's know what to do." With that, North went back to the reigns, readying for lift off.
Annnnd, that's Chapter 10. Double digits! Wohoo!
Anyway, thank you all for the reviews and favorites and follows! I really do enjoy the feedback and everything.
Oh, and sorry for the wait. Took me FOREVER to edit it, and I had to rewrite some of the stuff... three times.
Well, thank you again and I hope you enjoy :)
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