The six had been bedridden for days, barely able to get up without crying out in exhaustion, unable to lift themselves, frustrated at how tired they were.
None of them ever felt like this, unsure what to do, forced to have Caitlin tend to their every need until their loss of strength returned.
It wore on her, they could see it, yet she kept a tired and bruised face, obviously not letting it heal fast or her body's own defenses having no need for something so small.
After the second to third week of being stuck in bed, they slowly began to get their strength back, able to move about.
They were too tired to think about training, only wanting to just sit and relax, allow their tired minds recuperate longer.
However, the ship suddenly jerking, startling them awake had not helped in their recovery, knowing something was wrong.
"What's happening?" Jack questioned, grabbing onto Eri's arm, the girl yanking herself free with a glare.
"A ship's attacking! What else?" she snapped with a near snarl, running off to get ready.
Despite his body still feeling like lead, the white haired teen forced his legs in moving, following after the girl, wanting to help. Even if he can't do much, he could at least use his ice to make whoever's attacking…
"Everyone return to your quarters, we're about to enter a Dimensional Tear!" Atomsk's voice echoed over the intercom, his voice riddled with fear.
"D-damn…" he groaned, collapsing, his body not willing to cooperate any longer.
"Jack!" a voice called, having his darkening vision look up, seeing Bubbie run towards him. "We need to get some place safe!"
"I can …I can hardly move…" he groaned in a near whine, feeling her arms grab him, forcing an arm over her shoulders.
She managed to make him lean against her, carrying him to the nearest room, both going inside immediately.
The moment they were inside, she helped him onto the bed, leaning down on her knees as if she were to pray. Instead, she was only trying to protect herself as the ship jerked more violently, as if they were on a rollercoaster with no straps.
Jack let out a startled cry, nearly sent flying out of the bed, the blue haired woman managing to keep him pinned safely.
She shielded him from any debris of books and such from smacking him, using her body to take the brunt of the force.
"Damn!" she sobbed lightly, trying to ignore the pain, praying Flapjack is okay, that K'nuckles is okay.
On deck, Caitlin stood ready, cards drawn along with her staff summoned, ready to activate spells. Next to her was Haruko, the two standing back to back, the other's guitar held similar to a club or sword.
"Damn it!" the ginger haired woman snarled as shadowed shapes began taking form. "How the hell did Heartless get onboard?"
"Does it matter now? Just focus on keeping them on the deck!" the redhead snapped back, slashing several large ones that tried jumping. "Nanemei-san! Where's our warp drive?"
Warning! Pearl X76RE has been damaged!
"Nanemei-san!"
The captain slammed her fist into a switch, the engines roaring to life, a loud screech echoing throughout the ship.
"Fuck!" Haruko screamed when the ship entered a new jump of speed, a shadowy hole beginning to form before the ship.
She was sent airborne as was the other, the two slamming into the walls of the ship, bones and wood crunching under the impact.
The shadows dubbed as Heartless had also been sent airborne.
However, due to their locations, they did not hit the walls, instead sent overboard, slide and scratching to hold on for dear life.
Any that fell slammed into the slowly breaking barrier, trapped and disoriented.
Others had fallen into the bright flames from the engines, destroyed from the heat and raw spiritual power.
North felt his stomach lurching, threatening to throw up, however his focus wasn't so much on his stomach, having found himself being slammed into the wall.
Whoever was attacking took them off guard, meaning that they have to be working for those demon lords; Darkness, Apocalypse, and Eclipse.
He could only fear how the others are doing, namely the patient Caitlin had been tending too, wondering how vulnerable he must be, how he must be doing.
Warning! Pearls X76RE and 8IA9P have been damaged!
Pitch and Sandy unknowingly clung to one another, the taller one doing so more to protect the other from being tossed around.
They were curled up by a corner of the room, finding that it was far safer from the falling debris and shifting furniture crashing into them.
Sand formed above the small dream weaver's head, clearly terrified, the other practically tasting it as well as his own fear and confusion.
Tooth was huddled into a small ball, taking the same initiative as the dream makers, tears soaking her face, feeling a trembling body against hers, sobbing in absolute terror.
She barely had to look to see the tear soaked faces belonging to Flapjack and Baby Tooth, knowing how terrified they must be.
Before she knew it, the fairy started praying to any god or gods out there for their survival, begging to live, begging to be safe.
She didn't care who answered so long as they did, saving her and everyone here…
Warning! Pearls X76RE and 8IA9P have been damaged!
Bunny surprisingly was not being jostled around, instead stood fighting with what little strength he was able to muster.
Strange dark beings tried going down the stairs, sinking into the floor, only forced back up whenever Mamimi or Naota used some sort of strange spell.
He hardly had to ask, all he knew was to kill these things before they killed him or everyone else trapped in their rooms.
"Damn!" the teenage girl cried out. She held her arm as it bled profusely, tears forming at the edge of her eyes. "Burn damn you!"
Her eyes grew wide, a near insane look on her disheveled form, throwing what looked like a lighter at the creature, only for the flames to grow and consume the shadowy creature with a distorted scream echoing.
Bunny could only shudder at the noise, hearing the engines echoing with a similar noise to these things.
Seeing he couldn't keep up with the fight, instead focused on tending to the girl, tearing a chunk of her blouse off, using it to tie around her arm, making a tourniquet.
"You okay, Sheila?"
"I'll be fine…" she wheezed, the two holding onto one another for support, more from the ship's movements than actual exhaustion.
The madness continued for what felt like an eternity before it all stopped with a single large jerking, the echoes of the computer system's warning regarding the pearls stopping.
Slowly, all who were jostled around, regrouped sluggishly, barely understanding what happened, only staring at the mess made from loose barrels and crates strewn about.
"Caitlin!" North shouted, eyes wide with shock, a sudden burst of adrenaline rushing through him as he hurried over to the woman, seeing her face twisted in pain.
"I-I'm fine, I just dislocated my shoulder, that's all. What about you?"
"Oh yeah, where's my 'Hey, how are you doing, Haruko?' That's fine, just go on and ignore me…assholes," the woman grumbled as she lazily lifted herself up, holding her obviously broken arm, possibly shoulder too by how she winced in pain.
"Shut up and hold still," the redhead groaned as she popped her shoulder back into place with the man's help. "Arigatō."
"What are…" she started before the other grabbed her injured arm, the glove glowing brightly, the bones popping back into place. "Doesn't mean you're not assholes," she stated, pointing an accusing finger with her now healed arm.
Rolling her eyes, the redhead stumbled to her feet, "We need to figure out where we are and that there aren't any more Heartless running about."
"I took care of the ones that went overboard and slammed into the shields," a male voice spoke up.
They turned to see a young looking man, close to the height of the redhead, at least a couple inches taller than her.
He was dressed in black robes with white underneath and traditional sandals. On his back sat a large white ribbon like sash, a sword resting on his hip.
He had choppy black hair with a pale complexion, although it was nowhere near the redhead's pale skin.
His eyes however were shocking to say the least, each section a different color, a continuous ring around the pupil to the edge of the iris.
"Mirobow-kun, I didn't think you'd ever leave that room to help us," Caitlin spoke with a gasp, clearly surprised.
"Kanti-san took over watching K'nuckles-kun so I could fight with Yume Bāningu," he responded, his hand landing on the hilt of his sword.
"Domo arigatō."
"It is what I had been trained for, more so if children are involved."
"I know, I know," the redhead chuckled, seeing a slight smirk play on his lips as well.
However, when others made themselves visible, they grew concerned, the redhead more when smelling blood wafting off of Mamimi.
Instantly, she ran over with the others following, checking everyone over, Caitlin using her alchemy to heal any who were injured. Those she didn't get to right away, the strange man, Mirobow, took care of with his own unique healing.
"What the hell happened?" Jack asked, his strength appearing to return more, but still leaned heavily on his staff and Bubbie's shoulders.
He was wincing at the bright light that shined around them compared to the endless darkness speckled with dots of light.
He could even hear Pitch hissing in annoyance, turning slightly to see him walking towards them. He was practically hugging Sandy as if he were a stuffed doll, the small man wincing at the bright light as well.
"I don't know how, but we got tracked down by an enemy ship," Nanemei stated, her voice laced with anger.
"I thought you didn't get attacked?"
"By other pirates, getting attacked by someone working for Darkness does happen…just not as often… S.A.S.S. what the hell happened? When did enemy ships get near?"
I'm afraid I cannot answer that. They appeared instantaneously, something blocked their readings from my radar.
"Blocked her radar?" Tooth questioned with wide and worry filled eyes.
She cradled the trembling boy in her arms, grateful he had stopped sobbing and thrashing in terror. Eventually she let him go, namely when the blue haired woman took notice, already at his side once making sure Jack was steady against a wall and could manage.
The fairy queen watched with astonished eyes at how much the woman loved her adopted son, whispering apologies for not being there when he was so scared. Once he was settled, she turned to the fairy, thanking her profusely for protecting her child.
"What were those things?" Jack asked louder than he intended.
They are known as Heartless, beings made from the darkness in the hearts that once belonged to living organisms, be it human, demon, spirit, the list going on.
"Darkness?" North muttered softly, wondering what the software was talking about.
It appears it's due to the appearance of Pitch Black that they were able to sneak in. I do not believe they knew of his presence, but took the advantage of not being seen to cross through the barrier and invade the ship.
"It's…it's my fault?" the nightmare bringer gasped, staring wide eyed at nothing.
He wasn't sure how to properly respond, how to defend himself if accusations were thrown at him suddenly.
"It isn't your fault, none of us expected it," Caitlin reassured, walking over to him, managing to pry Sandy free when seeing him trying to wriggle out. She took his hands, trying to comfort him as best as she could.
"She's right, if I had known, I wouldn't have allowed you onboard my ship without being more prepared," Nanemei stated, her strict features softening slightly. "S.A.S.S. I want you to calculate all damages received and process everything. I want a complete list filled out by the time I get back to the helm."
Of course, Lord Nanemei.
With that, the tall woman left, her fellow shipmates following her closely, the rest standing together to think things out.
"I'm going to see how K'nuckles-kun is doing, make sure none of the medical equipment got damaged," Mirobow stated as he began to get to his feet, already taking his leave as fast as he had arrived.
"What is wrong with him?" Jack muttered softly as the man disappeared.
"We should go with him, if there is a problem, sending Kanti isn't going to be helpful for him," Bubbie sighed as she took a hasty leave, Flapjack clinging to her hand, following her.
"At least things weren't as hectic as they normally are, we got off pretty easy with a simple Heartless attack," the redhead sighed wearily, hands still holding trembling gray ones.
"What are they?" Bunny asked, "I fought some of 'em and soon as I gave one a good smack, they disappear in a puff of black smoke."
"Just as S.A.S.S. said, they're beings of darkness that once held a heart. But it's more complicated than that. They are the darkness that lives in the hearts of just about every living creature in the universe. Far as anyone knows, they are mostly devoid of human emotion and thought, very few being capable of such actions, showing they are closer to being more pure while still carrying darkness within."
"So they just appear, just like that?" Jack asked, his voice soft, unsure how to react.
"Somewhat, it varies on how they're born."
"Born?"
"Hai, from what I have read in studies regarding these mischievous and deadly creatures, there are two main classes and what appears to be the start of a third class."
"What are they?"
"The pure black ones are basically pureblooded Heartless. They are only born when someone who carries even the tiniest amount of darkness dies at the hands of another Heartless. I'm sure there are other methods, but that is all we've found so far regarding them."
"What do you mean by tiniest amount of darkness?"
"Exactly as I said. By having the smallest amount of resentment, hatred, jealously, anything really, even if only for a second. Whether it's childish or not, if it's from a child or adult, it is more than enough for a Heartless to be born."
At this, the Guardians froze, fearing what she said, realizing any of them could become just like those things they fought.
The ones who looked most horrified of all though were Sandy and Tooth, the two almost always having a happy disposition.
But with the Dark Ages, their happiness would disappear, even if briefly, replaced with rage when fighting Pitch. And if it wasn't from him, they would grow frustrated at how humans could act cruel towards one another.
They would even get frustrated with themselves or each other at any point in time.
After letting the information sink in, the redhead continued, "If you encounter one with a mark on them, a black heart with a red outline and a thorny X over the center, that is another breed. An artificial set to be precise. They were built and created by a man who lost his sense of reality. He had been driven by his own passion to understand the heart and soul, not realizing what damage he could cause. I wouldn't even be surprised if Darkness had a hand in manipulating his own heart and mind."
"So how…" Jack started before stopping, realizing what he was about to ask was stupid.
There's no real answer to that one, it was obvious, there were probably more than any of them could count alone, so putting a number on them is pointless.
"What about this third class, you mentioned it?" he asked instead, the woman understanding, her frown fading away.
"So far, there's only been one, and she might just be what we need to finally figure out what they are exactly than what's spoken of in reports."
"What do you mean?"
"This one Heartless is very gentle, very well tamed and under the ownership and guardianship of one of my younger sons. He is especially close to her because…because at one point he just about let the darkness consume his heart, his entire being."
"Oh god…"
"What happened?"
"I'm not sure exactly, it happened long before his memories had returned, and Riku refuses to tell me. I would find out by simply reading his mind, but as you saw my reaction, you could only imagine what his would be."
"That's true, but still frightening to learn you nearly lost your child like that."
"He isn't the first to have been tempted, a flaw in my plan in saving everyone. I should have anticipated such a thing, done something to prevent that, so they would remain happy."
"No one is perfect, you've told us yourself countless times," Pitch reassured, seeing her smile bitterly.
"Hai, that's true."
"It must be tough though, being a mother raising so many sons and daughters…" Tooth muttered softly, her hands gently cupping Baby Tooth, holding her close. "But I think I understand your own frustration. You were doing what you thought was best, even if it was painful. I think I would've done the same thing if I was in your position."
"Arigatō…" she sighed.
They could tell that another weight began lifting off her shoulders finally.
The very idea just showed them how much pressure she puts herself through, and by speaking to another mother who understands her, it helped greatly.
"So, how often do Heartless attack?" North asked after a few minutes of silence had passed over them.
The redhead had since released Pitch's hands, but he remained close, probably still shaky on his legs and didn't fully trust them.
"Surprisingly, not very often ever since Riku and others regained their memories and began they traveling farther than they normally did between worlds and dimensions. The attacks have grown less. Why I don't know, but it can't be good. I can only assume some Knightshades entered their home or main bridges they use to travel through worlds and dimensions to attack, slowing them down."
"Knightshades?"
"Another shadowy being, but more of the mind's subconscious taking physical form. No one knows what they are exactly and they appeared recent, roughly within the last couple thousand years give or take. But they have proven to be relatively helpful with the Heartless problem amongst others similar to them. So for now, we put our trust into them, but we monitor them closely, making sure they won't double-cross us later down the road."
"There's more of them?"
"H-hai… I promise, I'll explain as much as I can as well as give each and every one of you complete access to the necessary files to study and research to your heart's content."
"Take as much time needed, do not stress yourself out over us," the Guardian of Wonder reassured, placing a kind hand on her shoulder.
She couldn't help but give a small chuckle before hearing footsteps followed by some cursing. They saw Nanemei walking back to them, Haruko next to her, the source of all the foul language dancing in the air.
"How bad are the damages?" the redhead asked.
"Not as bad as I thought, but it'll take at least a couple years to repair, six max."
"S-six years?" Bunny exasperated, his jaw dropping at what he heard. "What the bloody hell are we gonna do for six years?"
"We'll be fine; it would only take the amount of time because we would need to travel around to find all the parts needed to repair the pearls. Plus I need to get new software to update S.A.S.S. to locate future Heartless that try attacking while any of you are aboard."
Before Pitch could respond, the pink haired woman grabbed his hand, stabbing with a white object, blood being drawn.
"What the hell?" he snapped as he felt suddenly lightheaded, as if his strength had been drained once more.
"Warn him if you're going to do that!" Caitlin scolded as North caught him, steadying him on his feet.
"What? We need his DNA and reiatsu to match it with a proper software to prevent this shit happening again," she answered before a guitar came crashing down on her head. "Fuck!"
"She's right; he isn't used to such tests," the captain scolded threateningly, removing her guitar from the other's head, throwing it back to the holster on her back.
"Fine, fine…" she grumbled with a small whine, taking what she got from the near unconscious man, heading down probably to the med bay to store it or test it.
"Caitlin-sama, how are you doing in regards of your reiatsu?" Nanemei asked as things began to settle.
Yet the air still felt uncomfortable, mostly from what the six had just started to learn, knowing there's plenty more to come.
"I'm good."
"If that's the case, I suggest we play it safe by having the eight of you leave this dimension as fast as you can. I'll call Winry-san to take over what you started regarding the automail for K'nuckles. But knowing Darkness, she won't stop her attacks, especially if she thinks we're weak. I rather have us try and stay ahead of her not knowing about the Guardians. The longer we can keep them a secret from her, the higher our chances are if we were to ambush her at some point in the future."
"What? But aren't you leaving yourselves exposed if we leave? If you make Caitlin leave?" Jack asked, concern showing for the woman and her crew.
"Wasteland can do more than sail in the deepest regions of space, but sail on the widest of oceans. If I have to continuously hop dimensions to evade her, I'll stick with planets with water and oxygen. There are millions of alternate Earths and other planets that bear the very same air we breathe every day. We'll be fine, I assure you."
"If you think it is for the best for now, then alright. But please notify me if you are in any danger or need any help on anything at all and I'll be here," the redhead spoke, giving her longtime friend a firm handshake, before the other took a step back, giving a graceful bow.
"I understand, but please, do not stress yourself to help me when you, yourself are in trouble or stricken with any form of complications. You are a genius in many fields, having raised dozens of offspring and taught every one of them your vast knowledge. I know if I am unable to contact you if my life is in danger, if my crew and ship are in danger, I have complete faith in any of your children to help us in our hour of need."
"Domo arigatō, Nanemei-san, arigatō," she thanked, moved by her words, "Promise me that you'll be careful."
Nodding, she gave an order out, calling Naota and Eri, the two appearing within minutes, ready for any given order.
"I want you to fetch some supplies for Caitlin-sama's group. Wherever they travel, there may be nights they will find themselves sleeping under stars or in caves. And if such a situation occurs, I'm sure they would be grateful being mildly comfortable."
"Hai!" both answered before taking off for the stairs.
After about thirty or so minutes, both returned, several large bags filled up along with half a dozen sleeping bags.
"Arigatō," Caitlin thanked with a smile.
"I will carry bags, I have special devices I had brought along in case of carrying luggage," North chuckled as he revealed a different looking snow globe.
Activating it, he had the given gear sucked inside, keeping them safe as he pocketed it soon after, a large grin on his face.
"Very ingenious," Nanemei chuckled as she let the group step away, her keeping the two kids back. "The next time we meet, I would like to learn more of your technology and magic."
"I would be honored," he grinned before both stared in surprised when Mamimi ran over towards his group.
"What are you guys doing?" she panted, looking between them.
"Nanemei-san suggested that we should leave for a while. It seems it's too dangerous for us right now to stay… I'm sorry," Jack explained, seeing the girl looked distraught over their sudden departure, forcing him to avert his eyes slightly.
He felt bad having to leave her like this, but knew he couldn't stay if he wanted too. He'd be too much of a burden to protect if they got attacked again.
They have enough to deal, he would just get in the way and without proper training, not knowing what he was dealing with, he might end up doing more harm. He honestly didn't want to start living up to the tales regarding his name, making a complete mess.
"You could've at least asked if you wanted to say goodbye to any of us, you jerks!" she cried out angrily, punching him hard in the arm, her face pouting through unshed tears.
"Okay, guess I deserved that, but why am I the only one to get punched?"
"Cause you're closest to my fist."
"Okay…but Mamimi, I am sorry for not saying something. It's kinda just happening, not like it was planned weeks ahead," he chuckled nervously.
"I guess…"
"I doubt this'll be the last time we see each other. We're in the same war, we're friends even. It could take a while, but we'll run into each other again, I'm sure of it."
"You're right, guess I just overreacted," she laughed lightly, appearing to calm down before growing serious. "Just don't do it again or I'll kick you so hard in the balls, there'll be a new definition for blue balls."
"K-kay… I-I'll be sure to keep that in mind," the winter spirit nervously.
"Good," she chirped happily as the two gave a final hug, also hugging the others goodbye before joining Nanemei's side.
Rolling her eyes slightly, Caitlin silently chuckled as her hand was encased in dark flames much like Torna's had been when they traveled through a dimension.
As she tore through the air, creating the portal, she gave them a nod to follow her close.
"We're going to be traveling a lot far than when BG and Torna had for you the first time. I can't promise it won't be bumpy, so I highly recommend that you hold onto each other. And if you can…" she explained before pausing as a pair of gold arms wrapped around her waist. Chuckling softly, she finished, "Hold onto me."
"Looks like Sandy's got the right idea," Tooth giggled, happy to see how quickly he can bounce right back after being depressed.
For some reason, the redhead just seems to bring out his happier side.
Even Pitch always seems to brighten up when around her, treating her well and with as much respect as he can without going overboard with it.
The redhead chuckled as she looked to the others, waiting for them to be ready before leaping through, hearing them follow.
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