Prologue: Part 1
Standing atop the carved marble stones surrounding the sacred lake was the man in the moon. Watching the earth with more than mild fascination. Arms crossed over his chest as he leaned forward, looking into the crystal clear water as an image began to form. A small smile taking shape in his expression as the guardians came into view. Witnessing the four work together to finalize the creation of the workshop in the north pole.
Bunnymund, the Easter Bunny, bounding back and forth assisting the yetis with the heavier labors that came with construction. Sanderson, the Sandman, floating high above on a cloud of golden sand and transporting materials throughout the workshop atop smaller sand formations. Toothiana, the Tooth Fairy, fluttering from place to place with her baby teeth carving and crafting the delicate details of the workshop. Then lastly Nicholas, Santa Claus himself, working his wonder helping and directing the others in the creation of his new home.
The man in the moon would have liked to watch these four for much longer really; enjoying his spirits' interactions and accomplishments. The celestial being held a sort of compassionate pride for his spirits that was comparable to that of a proud parent in more ways than one. But, nevertheless, someone was apparently in need of his audience. As such he stood up straight, looking away from the water of the lake, and turned towards the doorway; unfolding his arms and cupping his hands behind his back instead.
"So what brings you to my humble abode, Father Time?"
The man in the moon questioned as he faced Father Time, one of his eldest spirits from very long ago.
"Manny. You're looking well. I still cannot believe you got that name to stick."
The spirit with bright silver eyes greeted with a small smirk, chuckling slightly before walking closer to the much more powerful being and extending his hand.
"It was rather amusing when it did."
Manny's smile stretched further into a grin.
"It is good to see you, but you never come to me without news of some kind. So what is it that I am in for this time?"
The celestial nodded in return and shifted forward to take the offered hand, briefly shaking it as he looked down at the young man. Who was only really young in appearance.
"I wish it was good news."
Father Time's smile faltered then, the man glancing off to the side with a sigh momentarily as he reached into his long coat and pulled out a large pocket watch that seemed to spin in every direction at various speeds with far too many arms. Untellable to everyone but himself.
"It looks like your time is coming to an end."
The elder spirit declared grimly, his expression serious.
The celestial being gave pause to this, dimly glowing white eyes widening somewhat as the other man's words began to settle in. He was an immortal being, as were all of his spirits. The only way for one of them to "end" would be to willingly step down as spirits and let their life pass, or if they were killed; and the man in the moon most certainly did not ever intend to step down from his position. In other words, this left only one feasible option.
"How will this come to pass?"
Manny questioned with a slight frown, knowing that the majority of the time he was not permitted to know details. Though assumed this time that perhaps Father Time would allow it, surely the elder spirit would not have told him of this event otherwise; unless he was only there to say goodbye.
"A war, in 500 years. Amongst your spirits no less. I can't see the enemy or the cause of the war, but the enemy prevails. Once this war is won the darkness will reach through the stars, and you will die."
Father Time laid out truthfully as he stared at the every turning pocket watch within his grasp; looking up moments later to meet the other man's gaze.
"However, it seems there are some cuts in this line."
The elder spirit stated, his expression becoming less grim.
"So this track in time can still be altered."
Manny's expression shifted from one of worry then to one of thought instead.
"500 years… Thank you for the warning, my friend."
The celestial being nodded gratefully whilst shifting his weight to one leg and crossing his arms over his chest; leaning back towards the lake to look over the Earth once more as he contemplated.
"Good luck. I'll return if I'm able to speak to you about this again."
Father Time promised before taking his leave, tucking the pocket watch back into his coat as he walked away from the man in the moon. Knowing however that the chances were slim that he would be able to provide any more information about this upcoming war; without severely shifting and/or breaking the lines of time.