Jack didn't move anymore. Alice didn't need to touch him to know that he wasn't going to move anymore.

Behind her the first believer of the winter spirits shook, and she didn't need to turn around to know he was crying. She could hear the sniffles. In front of her, the nightmarish man chuckled and pulled the blacken sand from Jack's cold body. Her hands shook, but she held the staff firmly in front of her.

"Aren't we adorable? Even after you saw what I did your still willing to protect that brat. Even though he isn't what I came for." The man clasped his hands behind his back again, chuckling at the realization that crossed her face. "That's right, dear Alice. I've come to take you away."

So that was the reason? Because of her? He killed Jack because of her. Why? Why would he do something like that? It didn't make sense to her. Just killing him for that reason? Just why?

What was so special about her? She was a brand new spirit who didn't know what she was doing. She only knew that the only link from her past that she couldn't remember was lying in the snow. The red snow that was melting in the slow downfall of rain that has started to fall from the sky.

The moon was crying. She knew it.

Crying for the Winter spirit that wouldn't be able to live no matter what now.

Which left her alone to defend the two of them. I me was crying loudly behind her now. She had to admit that she was scared, and it was no doubt that the nightmarish man could tell. Every move or motion she made, whether it was breathing or flinching her hands around the staff, the man watched with undoubting sickly yellow eyes. Yes, she was scared. She wasn't going to lie about that.

"Are you serious about fighting me without hearing me out? That's unfair-"

"... shut... Shut up."

"Aw, you're trying to be so strong, even when you've just watched something like that." Pitch called, placing a hand against her cheek. "I won't do it again, dear."

"Not that you can anymore." She spat at him.

"But, dear, he was in my way." Pitch placed another hand on her remaining cheek. "I promise it won't happen again."

Slipping a step back, she pulled out of his grip. "Stop that. I'm not yours."

"But you're no longer his, are you? Then that makes you up for the claiming."

"I'm not getting claimed by anyone, thank you very much." She felt the first believer grasp her blue covering.

"Oh, dear, your little defiance act is so cute. But I won't tolerate it while I'm around. So that will be the last time you act like this, understood?"

"Who are you to tell me how to act?" The grip on her frosted staff grew tighter as the nightmarish man took a step closer to the two of them.

"I'll make a deal with you..." Pitch called, taking another light step towards the two. "Come with me, and I won't hurt little Jaime."

"Won't even think about it?"

"Promise, my dear." She nodded to Jaime, telling him to run without saying a single word.

She watched the nightmarish man, making sure he stayed true to his promise. The man didn't even make a movement towards the boy as he escaped back through the streets.

"See, my dear Alice, I didn't hurt the boy."

"Promise you won't ever hurt him."

"He is not what I want."

"Promise me!" Her staff was raised again, coming up inches from his pale face.

"Alright, I promise you that I will not hurt the boy."

"Or kill him."

"Won't even touch a hair on his head."

"Promise?!"

"Yes, dear, I promise."

She stole one more glance at the cold body of the first winter spirit. She didn't want to leave him there, but she had to protect the children. If going with the nightmarish man meant protecting them, then she would go with him. Even if she never wanted to. Her grip on the frosted staff lessened slightly, and her defensive stance dropped. She would have to go with him. The Guardians had to understand.

"Good. I take it you are holding up your end of the deal."

"What will happen to Jack?"

"The Guardians should be here soon, they will find his body."

Her head dropped. She didn't want to hear that. It only reminded her that he was dead. Dead... And not ever going to wake up.

"Come along now, dearest. We must be gone before the Guardians come." Pitch held a pale hand out for her to take.

Another glance to look at the unmoving figure in the snow, rain glistening against his closed eyes. A glance to the pale hand out in front of her.

And she took it.

The rain fell that much harder upon the area.

O.o Sorry for the shortness.

Okay... Okay... I promise that there won't be anymore killing off characters.

Thanks as always for everything ya guys.

o.O