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Ch 25.

Nona felt much better having talked things out with Sandy; his reassuring words had eliminated her fears. Now all remnants of her nightmare were finally gone. Parting ways with the dream keeper, Nona prepared herself for a test run as everything came rushing back. Her cloak wasthe ultimate Halloween costume. If she could imagine it, she could become it; and with any luck her new found strength would lead to more believers.

Flying through the air Nona felt the ends of her cloak wrap snuggly around her body as she transformed with ease, just like her phantoms. In an instant, the Horseman appeared in all his raging glory.

'How 'bout a witch?'

Suddenly she found herself swooping through the air with a cackle, before promptly landing in front of her house. She smirked as a devious idea popped into her head. 'For old times sake...'

In a matter of seconds she had changed again, as she made her way onto the porch. Walking over to the nearest window she found Pitch's gruesome face staring back at her. Nona backed up with a start; no wonder Bunny had been scared of her pranks.

Reaching into Pitch's hair line, she pulled back her hood, and immediately the illusion began to vanish as her cloak released its tight hold.

Brushing out the billowing folds, she frowned turning her gaze towards the morning sky.

'I guess it's time...'

...

Sandy's face held a solemn expression; everyone had gathered for the ceremony, but Jack and Nona were missing.

Heaving a sigh, North finally spoke up "Where could she be?"

Bunny fiddled with his boomerangs in annoyance. This was the second time they'd gone missing, and the last time, Jack had spent the night with Nona. He clenched his jaw; try as he might, he knew there was something going on between the two of them and it made his mind reel in jealousy.

Just then, the doors burst open seizing everyone's attention, but it was only Jack.

Bunny released a sigh of relief, while the others groaned in disappointment; he was a little too happy that Nona wasn't with the boy. The Pooka continued to watch him, half expecting Jack to make some smart remark, but he never spoke a word. Instead, he just sent him a wry smile, before wandering over to the others. Something was up.

North's looked at him expectantly. "Jack, have you seen-" But the winter spirit just shook his head; it was as if Nona had just up and vanished.

Tooth hovered closer with a look of concern. "North, you don't think Nona would break her promise... would she?"

The room fell completely silent and Bunny felt his temper snap.

"That does it" he barked, shoving his boomerangs back into place, as he leapt towards the door.

"Bunny, wait!" Tooth cried. "Where are you going?"

"Where d'ya think?" he snapped, but just as he turned to leave, North stood in his path. "Patience Bunny."

Without warning, a cold rush of air filled the room as the winter spirit hurriedly took his place with the others. "Jack!?" they shouted unanimously.

He winced "Geez, I didn't think I was that late!"

Immediately everyone turned to the imposter; Tooth tilted her head with a puzzled expression. "If you're Jack then who's-"

Jack stopped dead in his tracks as he came face to face with himself; his eyes went wide.

"Wow..." he murmured.

Immediately the fraud took off running.

"Un uh, you're not gettin' away that easily mate." Hurling one of his boomerangs, Bunny sent 'Jack' sprawling onto the floor.

"Well," the boy sighed "it was fun while it lasted..."

Rolling onto his elbows, he tugged at his hair line and instantly Nona's face appeared with an impish smile. "Surprise?"

"Blimey..." Bunny breathed as he mentally scolded himself. Out of everyone he should have seen this coming. Nona had used that same trick on him numerous times before; but it had been so long, he'd practically forgotten. Still, he had noticedsomething was off about, but he hadn't pegged it until now; it was the temperature.

Jack grinned as flew to Nona's side. "I'm impressed; you almost got away with it." he commended, as he helped her to her feet.

"Ya," she said, with an awkward laugh. "But I guess I'm not cool enough."

He chuckled "I thought you wanted to stay off the naughty list?"

"Where's the fun in that?" she winked.

North coughed loudly, capturing everyone's attention.

Locking eyes with Nona he started to speak. "Are you ready now? To become an official Guardian?"

Taking a deep breath, Nona strode over to his side. "It would be my honor."

Sandy watched the old man haul open the large leather-bound book, cringing as the Elves started up with their music; Jack and Bunny rolled their eyes. Plugging his ears, the dream keeper could see Nona shake her head in confusion; she couldn't hear a word North was saying.

Abruptly, a small gust of wind put an end to the racket. Nona nodded at Jack appreciatively as North cleared his voice.

"Will you, Charlotte, vow to watch over the children of the world, to guard them with your life, their hopes, their wishes and their dreams?"

She hesitated; he'd called her Charlotte.

Bunny raised his eyebrows playfully. "Well Lottie?"

She felt her heart leap in her chest; he remembered! Shifting her gaze back to North, she grinned with pride, before finally giving him an answer.

"I do."