Hey guys! Hope you all are doing well. Things have been crazy on my end…between all this virus stuff and taking care of my grandmother (she fell a few weeks ago and shattered her shoulder) I thought I'd never get this chapter uploaded. But I managed to finish (Yeah!)

So, without further ado, here is the next chapter. Enjoy :)

(North's Workshop)

Whirling drifts of snow crashed upon the barren landscape like waves, smothering the land in a blanket of nothingness. Screaming wind ripped through like carving knives, scouring the thick glaciers as if they were nothing more than chunks of butter. Every now and then booming thunder would shake the air as pieces of ancient ice crashed to the earth.

Anchored deep within one such glacier was the famous Workshop where North, Guardian of Wonder, resided.

Within the Workshop's thick wooden walls yetis hustled around as they prepared for the rapidly coming day when North would bring gifts to all the good children of the world.

Jingling bells echoed as the hundreds of little elves that also lived within the Workshop bustled around the yetis stations, the creatures trying to avoid being stepped on by the larger workers.

On the upper level above the main work place another spirit was also keeping out of the way, not that he was worried about being stepped on mind you. But he did not want to be in the way.

"Man, I'd never have guessed this much work went into North's job." Brilliant green eyes gleamed with awe as a young Dryad watched the yetis as they worked.

"Faine, there you are."

The boy jumped at the booming voice, "North! Sir!" Faine instantly stiffened as the Guardian walked towards him, "I'm sorry! I just wanted to watch." He quickly bowed, "Please forgive me."

"Forgive? What is to forgive?" North paused mid-step, a bit confused by the boy's reaction to him walking up, "Faine, what is the matter?"

Faine trembled as North came to a stop in front of him, "I…didn't think I was welcome…"

The entire Workshop echoed with North's booming laugh

"Faine my boy."

The Dryad flinched when the Guardian's heavy hand rested on his shoulder

"You are more than welcome here in my home." North grinned as he motioned below, "Besides, Yetis do not mind audience. Unless it is Jack." The Guardian chuckled at a memory, "He tends to try and take what they are working with to 'try' out."

Faine grinned at the thought of the winter spirit, "When do you think Jack will be coming back to the Pole? I never really got a chance to properly thank him for saving me from Kreager."

North rubbed his beard, "Hmmm that is good question. There is no telling what Jack has gotten into."

"Aren't you worried about him?" Faine couldn't help the anxiety that rose in his chest, he had seen that Jack had no issue challenging powerful beings if they were doing something the winter spirit felt was wrong.

"I would be if not for fact Pitch is most likely with him." North gave the Dryad a reassuring smile.

"Oye, and as strange as I find myself saying, Frostbite is safer with the shadow rat then he would be with a whole guard."

"Sir!" Faine couldn't help his shout when he caught sight of Bunny who was coming up the hallway.

Bunny smirked, "What have I tol ya about the whole 'sir' thing Sprout?"

"Sorry s…Bunny." Faine glanced to make sure that was ok.

A smile came to the pooka's face, "Thas better." Bunny moved to railing, "So Faine you watchin the yeti's work?"

Faine nodded, "Yeah! It's really cool." The Dryad moved beside Bunny and pointed to a young yeti working at a red painted table, "Greg made this really cool plane that spits out bubbles as it flies!" he pointed to another yeti, "And Zares made this cool disc that hovers in midair, it has lights and you can even attach a camera to it…and…" the boy stopped quickly, Faine putting on a bored expression "But it's not really as exciting as the Warren."

"It's ok Sprout." Bunny chuckled, "Even I admire the work done here from time to time." The pooka thumbed at North who was also at the rail now, "Just don't let North know."

"What is being talked about?" North glanced over at them; the Guardian curious as to why Bunny had lowered his voice.

"Just telling Faine here that we need to be heading back to the Warren." Bunny offered an innocent smile to the spirit.

A frown came to North's face for a split second, the Guardian knowing that wasn't what had been said, however he decided to let it go.

"That is too bad Bunny." North grinned, "I was to be making supper tonight."

Faine couldn't help but laugh when Bunny made a face

"North, candy canes and cookies are not considered supper."

"I know that." North pouted slightly, then he grinned, "I was going to make Solyanka."

"As appetizing as that sounds." Bunny pretended to be sad, "We need to be getting back to the Warren. I've got tons of eggs to be painted." The Guardian motioned to Faine, "Come on Sprout let's get going."

Faine started forward, then he paused he really wanted to stay a bit longer with friend "Bunny, can I stay the ni…" he stopped midsentence not wanting to make the Guardian think he didn't want to go with him.

Bunny however seemed to know what the boy was wanting to ask

"Faine you can stay overnight if you'd like. You can just come on back to the Warren in tha morning." The pooka's face brightened, "In fact that would be a great way for you to practice using the Ecosphere."

Faine's eyes widened, "Do…Do you really think I'm ready to try it by myself?"

"Sure, do Sprout." Bunny nodded, "Just make sure that you visualize your destination…Oh!" the Guardian pointed at North, "Before he tries North give Faine a globe," he glanced at the Dryad, "Just in case ya find yourself off track a bit."

"Here you go Faine." North grinned as he reached into the large coat he wore, pulling out a silver globe from within "Just say, Warren, and throw. It will open portal straight away."

Faine filled excitement, "Oh wow! I get to have one of North's globes!" the Dryad reverently took it from North, "These things are so cool!"

Bunny chuckled, "They are," the Guardian wagged a finger, "Just be sure an use it only if ya make a mistake with the Tunnels."

"Yes sir!" Faine beamed with pride as he carefully studied the object he now held, a bit of confusion washed over him, "How can I carry it?" the boy glanced at his pockets, "It's a bit big…"

"That is best part!" North grinned, "When made I added bit of magic spell to allow it to change size." He motioned for the boy to put it in his pocket, "It will shrink to fit."

Faine quickly did as North had instructed, "Wow!" the boy's excitement only increased when the globe instantly became the perfect size to fit inside the pocket the moment it was moved to the rim of it, "That is so awesome! I can't wait to show Ahio!" the teen glanced at North, "If that's ok? I know they were changing his bandages."

"Oh, is that why you were out here?" North chuckled, "I was wondering why you were not by Ahio's bedside." The Guardian motioned with his hand, "I am certain that Harold and Tony have finished by now."

"Thank you North." Faine bowed slightly to the Guardian

"Ok Sprout."

Faine startled when Bunny placed a hand on his shoulder

"I'm off to the Warren now." Bunny's voice lowered, "Faine, if you really don't feel comfortable trying the Ecosphere on your own ya don't have to ok." The Guardian smiled, "You can use the globe if ya want."

"Really?" Faine instantly felt a lot better, he had been nervous to try the shafts by himself without Bunny there but had not wanted to disappoint the Guardian. Now Bunny had given him an out if he wanted it.

"Just be careful Sprout." Bunny grinned as he started heading towards the main door, "I'll see ya tomorrow."

"Goodbye!" Faine waved as Bunny disappeared around the corner, after the Guardian had gone the Dryad glanced at North who was still watching the yetis "North, sir, do you need me to do anything for you before I go to Ahio?"

North shook his head as he turned from the railing, "That is being ok Faine." The Guardian's face filled with his signature smile, "I am to be working in my shop now, so you go to Ahio."

"Ok, but if you need my help with anything just let me know." Faine bowed slightly to the Guardian then he took off towards the infirmary.

(Burgess)

The hustle and bustle of Burgess had come to temporary halt as night fell. Sparse streetlights (there were maybe ten in the whole town) allowed brilliant stars above to glisten like drops of silver against a navy sky. A sense of silent peace had settled over Burgess as the inhabitants slept. However, at the Bennett home silence had also taken hold…though instead of a sense of peace a tight tension had settled in its place instead.

The source of such strain rested on Darkness who was propped up in his elbows on the couch he had been laying on since being brought into the house. The shade's silver eyes were full of panic as he stared at the people in the room.

"Where am I?" Darkness's voice trembled as he glanced around the room.

"Darkness, it's ok…" Jack held his hands outwards so the shade could see he held nothing, "You're in Burgess."

"Burgess…" Darkness spoke as he slowly moved to a sitting position, the entire time not breaking eye contact, "Where is that?" the shade's face filled with more confusion.

Jack bit his lip, trying to think of what to say that could help calm the shade who looked like he was going to flee any second.

Thankfully, Pitch came to his rescue

"What does it matter Darkness?" the Nightmare King offered a rare smile as he stood to his feet, "You are safe and among friends."

"Friends?" Darkness cocked his head as if the word were foreign to him, "What are those?"

Jack and Pitch both met each other's eye, the brother's silently conveying to the other that this was much worse than they had originally thought.

"Friends are people you enjoy being around." Jack motioned around the room, "People that you trust." The winter spirit wanted to make sure Darkness knew that so he wouldn't freak out like he had the last time he had lost his memory.

"Oh…" Darkness glanced at everyone, "and all of you are my friends?" the shade's brows furrowed, "Why can't I remember any of you?"

"Of course, you don't remember any of us Darkness…"

Jack glanced at Pitch who was rising to his feet

"You are suffering from a Deracinate spell." Pitch's voice was calm as he adjusted Sophie (who was still asleep) in his arms.

"A what?" Darkness cocked his head, completely confused

"It's a spell that wipes out memories." Patrick offered from where he and Iris were still sitting on the loveseat.

"Oh…that makes sense…" Darkness nodded as if that cleared up everything, suddenly he turned his attention to Pitch, pointing to Sophie who was cradled in his arms "Is she ok?"

"Sophie will be fine." Pitch patted his sister's back "She just used to much energy healing you."

Darkness's eye widened, "She healed me? From what?"

"It's a long story Darkness." Pitch exhaled, "However before we take up the rest of the night explaining it to you..." The Nightmare King glanced at Jamie, "My siblings need to go upstairs and get in the bed."

"Awwww but Pitch! I wanted to stay and help Darkness." Jamie's voice held a whine to as he deployed 'the look'.

Pitch however wasn't affected

"No Jamie, it is late." The Nightmare King held up a hand when his brother started to protest, "You should have been asleep hours ago."

"Fine." Jamie huffed, "But I'll be up at dawn!"

"Duly noted." Pitch waved a hand at the stairwell, "Now go."

Jack chuckled when Jamie started grumbling as he disappeared, the winter spirit stopped when Pitch turned his attention to him, "What?"

"I should be sending your little butt up there too." Pitch glanced at the bandage on the teen's chest, "You need to rest so that wound will heal faster."

"You can't d…" Jack stopped when the Nightmare King held up a hand

"I said I 'should' Jack." Pitch interrupted his brother, "But I don't feel like arguing with you for hours. So you can stay down here." Golden eyes fixed Jack with a look, "But you are to tell me if you start hurting or feel fatigued." Pitch pointed to the bandage on the teen's chest, "I know Iris patched your wound up, but it still needs to heal."

"He's hurt too?"

Both brothers glanced at Darkness who had been quiet

"What happened?" Darkness face was clouded with confusion and concern.

Pitch sighed, "As I said Darkness it's a long story." The shade glanced at Iris, "Hey do you mind taking Sophie up to her room for me?"

"Of course, Pitch." Iris smiled as she got up from where she was sitting, "I'll check and make sure Jamie has gone to bed while I'm up there as well."

"She has wings…" Darkness's voice was full of wonder as he stared at the woman's golden wings dragging across the carpet as Iris walked over to Pitch, "Is that normal?" the man's silver eyes gleamed with excitement as he glanced at Jack.

"In our world yes. There are several spirit's that have wings Darkness." Jack pointed to his own back, "In fact I had wings not long ago."

"Yes, and you also nearly fell to your death." Pitch huffed as he moved to the armchair

"I saved him." Patrick quipped from where he was sitting, a big grin now on his face, "Jack was lucky I just happened to be there. See I had just arrived via Freyal, who is a rainbow by the way. Anyway I …"

"Patrick…" Pitch pinched the bridge of his nose, "We don't have time for your gloating."

"I wasn't gloating..." Patrick grumbled as he crossed his arms, "You never let me tell my stories."

"Look Darkness is already confused." Pitch rolled his eyes, "We don't need to confound him more with your exaggerated tales."

Jack frowned, worried that perhaps they were overloading the poor spirit, however when he glanced at Darkness the shade did not seem to notice that Patrick had even spoken. The spirit's face instead full of awe

"Wow…wings." Darkness twisted his arm feeling of his back as if trying to see if he also had the appendages, a frown came to his face suddenly, "Did I have wings too?"

Jack shook his head, "No Darkness you don't have wings." The teen paused for a moment, "Well at least you never had them since I've known you."

"Then why is there a hole in my shirt?" Darkness made a face as he messed with the frayed fabric.

"I suppose that is the place to start given that was a recent event." Pitch spoke up before Jack could reply. The Nightmare King fixed Darkness with a look, "Now we do not know the whole story as to what happened Darkness but perhaps that is for the best. Since it might give you a point to start recalling some of your memory."

Darkness trembled slightly, "O…Ok."

"Now let's see…from what we were told this whole thing started with Sam running off."

"Sam?" Darkness cocked his head, "Who's that?"

"Sam's another friend." Jack spoke up before Pitch could reply.

"Gotcha…" Darkness nodded, then he glanced at Pitch, "Ok continue."

"Anyway…" Pitch rubbed his chin as he considered the best way to start, "I wasn't here for the reason why Sam ran off so I can't attest to why, however I do know that you went after him to try and convince him to come back."

"Why would Sam need to be convinced to return?" Darkness pursed his lips, "Doesn't he like us?"

"Sam is…complicated." Jack shook his head as he joined Darkness on the couch

Darkness scooted over to allow Jack room, "How so?"

"Let's just say he had a rough life before becoming a spirit and then even more so afterwards." Jack patted Darkness's shoulder when he started to ask another question, "I know you're curious Darkness but let's just focus on you right now kay?"

"One more thing about Sam." Darkness frowned, "Where is he?"

"We do not know."

Jack instantly felt guilty as Pitch spoke, the teen could hear the worry in his brother's voice

"Our hope was that when you woke up you could tell us who may have taken him since you were the last person to be with Sam." Pitch shook his head, "But unfortunately when you woke the Deracinate spell had taken full affect and your memory is gone."

Darkness sat quiet for a moment, then his face filled with concern, "So finding Sam depends on me?"

"Well it would make it a lot easier to be sure." Pitch waved a hand at Patrick, "Patrick here has already put in several calls."

Patrick huffed, "Yeah but so far not one of my contacts have any information on where the kid could be or who took him."

Jack chewed his lip at that, he knew exactly who had taken Sam and where he was being held. But if he told anyone the winter spirit was certain the Haruto would not hesitate to make Sam suffer for it…or worse yet kill the poor teen.

"Why would someone kidnap Sam?"

Darkness's worried voice brought Jack from his thoughts. The winter spirit felt even worse when he caught sight of the absolute concern on the shade's face.

"We don't know Darkness." Pitch shook his head, "Which is what we were hoping you could tell us."

A look of concentration came to Darkness's face, "Ok, tell me what happened."

Pitch nodded, "Now we were not here for the beginning of all this…me and Jack being…otherwise engaged with our own adventure." Pitch cleared his throat, "But from what we were told when we returned is that you went out after Sam when the boy ran off." He paused for a moment, "Do you remember that part?"

"Ummm no." Darkness shook his head

"Ok…" Pitch scrunched his brow trying to think of how to proceed, "Well in that case this story will be very gapped since the next thing that we know involving you was that you were found tied up in the front yard."

"You were unconscious." Jack interrupted, "With a horrid wound in your back." The teen continued when Darkness looked at him "It looked like you had been hit in the back with a fireball."

"Which is why we are pretty certain that it was a Kiln spirit that took Sam." Patrick spoke up too, "Those are fire users by the way." He made a face, "They also have nasty tempers. And never pay their tabs…"

"Thank you, Patrick." Pitch rolled his eyes, though he glanced at Darkness, "Knowing that it was a fire spirit, does that bring anything to mind?"

"I…I don't…" Darkness furrowed his brow, the poor spirit trying to recall anything resembling what had been said. After a moment however Darkness shook his head, "I'm sorry…I can't recall anything." The shade buried his head in his hands, "If I could only remember I might be able to help us find him!"

Jack's heart twisted at the pure agony in Darkness's voice, maybe if he told them not to say anything Haruto would never know that he went against instructions? Before the winter spirit could talk himself into it Pitch cleared his throat.

"Let us not dwell on Sam missing. We will find him soon." Pitch offered the distressed spirit a calming smile, "Let's work on restoring some of your past Darkness. What is the last thing you recall?"

Jack watched Darkness blink slowly

"Ummm if I'm being honest…" Darkness's expression turned sheepish, "…waking up here."

The room went quiet

"You…you don't remember anything. At all." Patrick was the first to break the silence, "You don't remember you mother Morana, the tortures of the Catacombs, being sewed to Pitch's soul, forcing him to kill pe…"

"Patrick! Enough!" Pitch's voice a bit harsher than he intended, but the Nightmare King could sense the rising terror within Darkness as Patrick spoke.

"Sorry." Patrick apologized when he also saw how upset Darkness was becoming.

"Darkness are you all right?" Pitch made sure his voice was soft as he addressed the shade now cradling his head in his hands. The Nightmare King was worried that Patrick had unintentionally caused the spirit to remember too much at one time.

"No! No I am not!" Darkness's voice echoed in the room, "I don't remember anything that Patrick just said! I don't remember anything past my own name!" silver eyes lowered, "and waking up here…that's all I know. I'm so sorry."

"Hey it's ok Darkness." Jack placed a hand on the shade's shoulder trying to comfort him, "We're here for you. Pitch and I know of something that will help get your memories back."

"Really?" Darkness brightened for the first time since waking up, his silver eyes went to Pitch "You can get them back?"

Pitch nodded, "We believe that we can." The Nightmare King sighed, "Though I must say it may take a bit longer than we originally planned…what with Sam being abducted and all."

"That's ok." Darkness shook his head, "Finding Sam should be our main priority." The shade grinned, "Besides, it feels oddly freeing to not know anything about myself." His smile faded slightly, "Though my heart aches for some reason…like a piece of it is missing."

Patrick smirked, "That's love buddy." The spirit made a kissing face, "And you have it bad for a certain Dryad."

"I do!" Darkness grew excited, he glanced at Pitch, "Is she here?"

Pitch chuckled slightly, "No she is living with Tooth at her palace."

"Oh." Darkness's excitement fizzled out.

"Buuuut." Patrick smirked as he continued, "You could go visit her."

"That's first thing with semblance of intelligence you have said in a long time Patrick." The Nightmare King grunted as he rose to his feet, "I have been mulling over going to see Tooth anyway since she is the expert on memories." Pitch motioned to the front door, "Let's head over there now."

Darkness's face lit up as he got up from the couch

"I'll have to decline guys." Patrick spoke as he got up from his seat as well, the spirit made a show of popping his back, "I'm exhausted after my shopping trip and then that nice calming ride on the Nightmare Express." The spirit grinned, "I'm going to grab Iris and then head back to the mansion for some well deserved rest and relaxation."

Pitch grinned, "Thank the gods I won't have to hear you complaining the whole time."

"Hey, I don't complain." Patrick pouted slightly, "I simply express how I feel." The spirit's carefree smile dulled slightly, "I'll let you know the moment I hear anything about Sam."

Again, Jack felt the weight of guilt settle in his chest, "Guys I…" he stopped when Pitch suddenly turned to him, "What?"

"You are going to stay here Jack."

"That's not what I…" Jack startled when golden sand was suddenly flung into his face, the teen lost his balance and fell backwards onto the couch. He glared at his brother "Pi…tch…" the winter spirit was cut off by a loud yawn as the Dream Sand began to take effect.

"Sorry Jack."

Jack struggled to keep his eyes open as Pitch shook the remaining golden flecks from his hand.

"But it is the Summer season at Tooth's right now." The Nightmare King replaced a small bag within his cloak, "And heat is the last thing you need right now."

"But I…" Jack's voice trailed off as sleep began wrapping around him, the last thing he heard was Darkness asking Pitch what was going on, then sleep overtook him.

Let me know what you guys thought of the chapter :) I love hearing from you guys and seeing how you are liking the story progression. I know there wasn't too much action in this one…but do not despair action is coming ];) Muhahahahahahahaha! Till next time.