~Chapter 3~

The Pumpkin King is the spirit of Halloween. Most of the time he was a treat to be around, but the Guardians knew he could be a tricky person to trust. You never knew what he had up his sleeve.

"Why the Spirit of Al' hallows North?" Frost asked as the sleigh came to land under the canopy of some trees.

They were dark, twisted, and downright creepy. It was hard to see past the thick trunks and the dead leaves still sticking to their limbs. North hopped down from his sleigh crunching the thick leaves coating the ground.

"Because he has ability to sense fear as it draws closer to Halloween. After all, tis season where fear and fun intertwine."

The Guardians all followed North's lead hopping down from the sleigh. Bunny had been oddly quiet the whole way. Sandy made a question mark above his head encouraging North to continue with his explanation.

North smiled at them, "There is tale in human world of Pumpkin king who tried to take over Christmas, yes?"

When no one answered North continued, "Well, Humans not entirely wrong. Hallow did try to take over Christmas but not for the feeling of fun and wonder. For the belief. After children reject second Halloween he give up, but the result did enhance child's belief in him. So now he is keeping to his own holiday."

Tooth looked worried, "North. Why didn't you call us for help when Hallow tried to take over Christmas?"

North laughed, "Because Hallow had no interest in hurting the children. He just wants belief. Nothing to alert the Guardians over."

Frost nodded, "But this doesn't explain how Hallow can help us, or would even want to?"

A shadow moved in front of them as small flames materialized everywhere. The flames floated in mid-air between the tree limbs casting a haunting glow over the area. Soon the whole forest was illuminated by them.

North smiled as his eyes narrowed at the flames, "Because Jack-"

A figure was walking towards them drawing everyone's attention.

"Hallow has grudge against the Boogieman."

Their eyes grew wide as a pale man stepped into the light. His jacket was a stitch work of quilt material and sacks, he wore a black wife beater. Old, dark, worn pants hung off his hips to tuck inside black boots. His lips were gray with black stitches on either side. His orange eyes were outlined with dark black circles as if he had never slept before. A crow sat on his worn top hat. The top portion of which was wrapped in briers. His black-gloved hands played with the small jack-o-lanterns that hung from his neck by old twine.

Hallow smiled showing his jagged teeth as his eyes fell on North. "Well Well, Well, what have we here. Santa Clause."

North nodded a greeting to the dark man in front of him. Hallow blew away the black bangs that almost fell into his eyes nodding back at North. Hallow gazed at all others present.

"Let's see here. The Easter Bunny, Tooth fairy, Sand Man, and..."

His eyes finally fell on Frost who realized he didn't know his name.

"Jack Frost." He stated with an eyebrow raised.

Hallow tipped his hat in silent greeting, "So what brings the Guardians to my hollowed woods?"

North cleared his throat to get Hallow's attention, "We are in need of your assistance Hallow."

The Pumpkin King laughed openly, "Assistance from the spirit of Al'Hallows? Need trick or treat advice?"

Bunny was losing his patience, "We need your help rescuing a sheila from the Boogieman."

Hallows eyes glowed and flickered with unseen flames when he heard Pitches title, "Boogieman?"

He gritted his jagged teeth seemingly growing irritated with the subject choice.

"Why would he take a child?"

"Tis not child." North interrupted Bunny, "Tis grown woman who believes in Pitch and not any of us."

Hallow's eyes grew large at the news, "An adult believer? There hasn't been one of those in over a millennium."

Bunny hopped forward excitedly, "Yea but she doesn't like em too much. You should have seen her fight that Boogie scoundrel! It was amazing! Until he blindsided her with a shadow and they disappeared."

Hallow openly laughed at this, "A mortal openly attacked the boogieman? I would have loved to see that."

His laugh died down to a chuckle as he regarded North curiously, "Fear is strong this time of year, what makes you think I can find her?"

North's eyes twinkled as he patted his belly, "Because adult fear is stronger than child and because I feel it. In my belly."

Hallow grinned showing off his jagged teeth again, "I accept this challenge on one condition."

North was the one to laugh this time, "You may ride in sleigh with me on Christmas eve."

Hallow continued to grin as he and North shook hands.

"Deal."

-Back in Pitch's lair-

Scarlet was hungry, annoyed, and had to pee. She sighed as the nightmare in front of her continued to wheeze and shake its head at her. It had taken to laying opposite her and had not ceased to try and communicate. Why? Scarlet had no idea, but she was about fed up.

"Seriously. You could win a poker game with how straight your face is, and I can't understand the wheezing. I think it's best we just sit in silence because this is getting us nowhere."

Scarlet shook her head as the nightmare continued.

"She is trying to scare you." Scarlet jumped as a voice whispered in her ear.

The Nightmare had not seemed to notice the new presence.

"Nightmares have no other interest in humans than to scare them. I designed them that way. The nightmare noticed your anxiety and mistook it for fear of her. A silly creature."

Scarlet sighed irritated beyond words, "My anxiety grows from my inability to move and I have to use the bathroom. Badly." She drawled out the last word trying to put emphasis on what she needed.

Hands enveloped her waist as a dark figure appeared in front of her. Gold eyes danced with amusement as she gasped at his sudden appearance.

"Needing a break from being a prisoner, are we?"

Scarlet tried to remain calm and ignore his close proximity, "Even prisoners get a toilet. I think I'm entitled to a bathroom break every now and then."

Pitch chuckled rubbing his thumb down her jawline. With one quick movement, he had her chin tilted up so he could look directly into her eyes, "I fully intend to finish our conversation."

Scarlet felt heat tint her cheeks as a blush struggled to blossom across her face. If Pitch noticed, then he did not comment.

"Still, I would hate to have you wet yourself from fright, so I will permit you this one request."

Scarlet silently cheered. She needed to go. NOW!

The boogieman glided away using his shadows to form what looked like a door. He then twisted his fingers in Scarlet's direction and her shadowed prison dropped her. She almost lost her balance but managed to stay straight. Curiosity mixed with disbelief as she slowly made her way over to the door. Pitch chuckled at her inching form.

"Do not worry. It is perfectly safe. Behind this door is a bathroom for you to utilize in any way you wish."

Scarlet flushed a little as his eyes moved over her form, "Is there a shower?"

Pitch smirked, "Of course. Feel free to use it and anything else you find in there. I will be awaiting your return. Anxiously."

Scarlet shivered at the last word. She had not forgotten where their last encounter had almost led, and she needed to do whatever possible to make sure it did not happen again. Without a word, she dashed to the door and flung it open. Without even looking inside she stepped in and closed the door.

Dim lighting allowed for her to see in the small space but to her discomfort, she noticed that there were still shadows cast through the small space. Though not large enough for a person to walk through. Perhaps it was safe for the time being. Her eyes drifted over a copper sink on her right. Nestled inside a black cabinet with a soap dish, and a small trash can off to the side. Another door was right in front of her that was half open to reveal the room housing a stand-up shower and toilet. Scarlet opened a cabinet noticing that there was makeup inside.

"What would he need this stuff for? Entertain many women, does he?"

She rolled her eyes at the obvious stuff like wash clothes and medical supplies. Through the door, she noticed a closet to the left. Towels and different bathing utensils were housed inside the modest space. Bath oils, soaps, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, and other miscellaneous items accompanied them. She removed a couple of items before shutting the door completely. The toilet was a simple black one with an oval base and square back. Scarlet placed most of her supplies on the back of the toilet for the time being. The next thing she examined was the shower. Made up of black marble with gold and some browns swirling in the glistening stone. The light above streamed in from what looked like holes in the ceiling, but they were too small for Scarlet to climb through. Nor could she see anything distinctive beyond them. Just a lot of light. The young woman sighed looking around for a shadow big enough for Pitch to crawl through. Seeing none, she promptly used the toilet.

After relieving herself she decided to take a quick shower. To her discomfort, she had sweated during their last battle and now she itched all over. The faint odor of sweat that wafted from her garments was very unpleasant. How Pitch managed to take deep whiffs was beyond her.

The shower worked well with nobs just outside the entrance. She smiled at the strange design. She had never seen a shower with mechanisms outside of it. It only took a little tinkering to get the water started. After finding the desired temperature, Scarlet pulled off her dress and folded it neatly on top of the toilet. She then took off her boots, knee socks, jewelry, and undergarments. Fully naked she grabbed a towel, some cleaning product, and a washcloth. The water cascaded down from several showerheads spraying Scarlet from every direction. She felt almost at peace in the small space.

Once she was thoroughly soaked, she started to wash her hair thinking about all the events from the night before. She had only meant to pass by the little book store on her way home last night. A sound is what stopped her. So alarming because it was very familiar. To her amazement, it was her little sister's voice. She was crying. After finding the blasted ladder attached to the fire escape, she swiftly climbed up towards her sister's voice. Scarlet had not expected to find her scared out of her mind on the roof, or that what she was afraid of was a past fling from her childhood nightmares.

Fling is not the right word. She thought as she applied conditioner to her hair. More like an old acquaintance.

Scarlet located her washcloth and applied some of the odd-looking black soap with flakes of what she hopped were herbs in it. It smelt odd too, but she could detect the low hints of herb in it. A fresh smell she noted.

I wonder if Pitch bathes any. Surely, he does. His scent reminiscent of this kind of soap but with something mixed in with it. Scarlet shook her head while cleaning her lady parts and intimates. Don't think about his smell Scarlet! It will only make it harder to ignore and avoid him until you can figure out a plan of escape.

Scarlet was sure that whoever took Tila home probably called the police. They would be out looking for her but how could they with almost nothing to go off of? Where was the boogieman's layer anyways? All laws of physics were broken the moment she realized he existed. For all she knew, she could be on the other side of the planet or even in another universe. Scarlet sighed allowing the soap suds to wash away and focused on getting all the conditioner out of her hair.

At least I just got a wax a couple of days ago. No need for shaving.

A sound caught Scarlet's attention. It was like humming, but the rushing water was too loud to truly identify. She turned towards the noise only to freeze as the sound became very clear.

Just inside the doorway Pitch leaned against its frame. He was humming a song to himself as he gazed at her through the clear glass of the shower door. Scarlet didn't move. She couldn't. If she moved to cover herself, then she would be left without the means to protect herself. If she tried to grab her towel not even a foot from Pitch, then she would leave herself open to being grabbed again. So, she remained still as a statue in the stone shower. Silently weighing her options.

Pitch smirked raising a brow at her naked form. "I see we aren't shy after all. In that case, please continue to bathe. I will simply wait here for you to finish. Best not leave you alone with your thoughts. You may form a very unwise plan to escape me."

Scarlet finally moved her arms up to cover her top leaving her bottom exposed. Unable to do anything else to protect herself from his penetrating gaze.

"There is nowhere for me to go in this small bathroom. You may wait outside the door. I would prefer my privacy."

Pitch chuckled at her comment. It sounded like a demand to his ears. Casually he strolled up to place a hand on the glass of the door. "Is my presence disturbing you that much? Surely you are not scared of me. After all, there are no shadows here to bind you. You may protect yourself if need be."

Scarlet tilted her head at him curiously, "You aren't afraid of my attacking you, are you?" She more stated than asked.

Pitch leaned in so that his face was close to the door his lower right arm fully supporting him, "You barely landed a blow last time my dear. What makes you think you could overpower me now?"

Scarlet considered this. He was right for the most part. He may have been toying with me earlier on the roof. He's probably way faster and most definitely stronger than me. His power overshadows will also put me at a disadvantage. How can I fight him then?

A thought finally occurred to Scarlet she had not considered yet. Her eyes half-lidded, and shoulders fell in defeat. "Your right. I can't fight you."

The boogieman raised an eyebrow at her defeated posture. "Oh?" He probed to see what she was playing at. Scarlet turned halfway away from Pitch trying to guard her womanly goods the best she could.

"Please just tell me what you want so I can leave." Her voice almost sounded broken, but Pitch did not appear to be moved. He reached for the doorknob of the shower and swung it open.

"Total belief." He stated smoothly turning the shower off and stepping into the damp area. "I want control over the entire world and all its population to believe in me."

Scarlet kept her head down looking through her hair at Pitch as she stepped back into the wall, "How could I possibly help you with that?"

Pitch considered this for a moment. The Easter Bunnies words coming back to his mind.

"A lasting impression." He stated hovering just in the doorway to the shower.

Scarlet kept her head bowed but was still watching him through her damp locks. "What?"

He stepped closer reaching out a hand to her head. As quick as a viper strike Scarlet grabbed his hand and threw him into the wall behind her. She placed her lower arm at his collar bone with the other supporting it. Her right leg was just between his legs and the other held strong behind her. She glared up at the boogieman as he was fully pinned to the wall.

"Oops, my bad. I guess I don't plan on sticking around to find out."

Pitch laughed as the small shadow underneath one of the faucet heads grew larger to stretch across the wall. He fell back into it dragging Scarlet with him. She struggled against his hold on her arms as she continued to fall through the darkness. In a sucking form, she was pulled into a different room with Pitch still holding her arms.

The room was three sizes bigger than the bathroom with a king-sized bed. Black covers and what looked like animal skins lay atop them. A fireplace flickered opposite that, and there were no doors or windows to be seen. Scarlet pulled and squirmed against Pitch's hold but just as she suspected he was way stronger than he previously let on.

"A lasting impression is all I need to make sure you never forget the boogieman!"

He started laughing loudly as Scarlet managed to pull one arm free. She had to do something. Anything!

(The Guardians)

Hallow's eyes narrowed as he hung off the side of North's sleigh. He was looking down on the world as it passed by in a blur.

"He hasn't so much as blinked in the past fifteen minutes."

Bunny complained as he watched Hallow's head move this way and that as he surveyed the cities that passed.

Frost leaned his head against his staff as he also watched the spirit of AL'Hallows, "He's taking this seriously."

Tooth sat patiently next to Sandy as he made rapped signs above his head. Tooth nodded at him,

"Sandy is right. We need to trust Hallow. He is an exceptionally strong Spirit, and he has located Pitch before."

This piqued Frost's interest, "North had said that Hallow held a Grudge against Pitch."

North could not answer Frost himself for he was too busy navigating the reindeer, so Bunny explained,

"Hallow first met Pitch back in the Dark ages. Back then Hallow wasn't even believed in. Despite the Fall harvest and Al'Hallows, not a soul could see him. One day Hallow decided to take one of the most frightening days of the year and add a little fun."

Frost grinned, "So Hallow came up with Halloween?"

Bunny nodded, "The mortal's helped a lot but Hallow guided them. At first, it was hard but then he managed to get one man to see him. A tailor in a small town. Normally he just made leather boots and tunics but on AL'Hallows he would wear a costume of animal skins and horns to scare the locals with. A harmless trick that most would have burned at the stake for, but the Towns People apparently thought his costume would scare the evil spirits away."

Frost was on the edge of his seat. "Okay. So how did one man and Hallow start a major holiday then?"

Bunny huffed at Jack's impatience but continued.

"Hallow convinced the man to make more costumes and get the townspeople to join in. Then he had the tailor give out cakes and treats for the children. Soon the whole town was participating and from one town to the next over the centuries Halloween grew into the holiday we all know today. It's taken a lot for Hallow to reach this point. Still, he hasn't got many believers, but he protects the kids and pretty much the whole world from fear. He helps them to overcome it and that's powerful stuff."

Frost nodded, "So that's why Pitch doesn't like Halloween or Hallow? Because it teaches kids to not be afraid?" Bunny shook his head glancing at the Pumpkin King.

"No mate. Pitch tried to take over Halloween, but the concept of fun is foreign to the Boogieman. All he knows is fear. That was the first time Hallow felt true adult fear on his holiday. He managed to track the fear to a small town in British Columbia. All of his tricks had been turned into nightmares. Hallow never forgave Pitch Black for interfering. Guy holds a grudge that is over a century-long." Frost whistled in awe.

"Wow, he sounds a lot like me. Trying to spread fun."

Sand man made a bunch of signs above his head and Tooth started to giggle. This drew Frost's attention, "Didn't quite catch that Sandy."

Tooth giggled again, "He said you even look alike."

Everyone started to laugh as Frost's grin abruptly fell.

"Last I checked," Came a deep voice on the wind, "The ladies found me very appealing. In a candy man of your nightmares kind of way."

The Pumpkin King looked over his shoulder at Jack.

"So, I'd take it as a compliment if I was you, Frost."

Frost's grin came back full force, "Yea, I can see that."

Hallow smiled back but it vanished as soon as it appeared. His jack-o-lanterns started to glow as each one howled. Hallows orange eyes started to glow.

"There is a strong adult fear coming from the north."

North immediately yelled for his reindeer to change course. Causing the sleigh to teeter.

"How far away is it?" Bunny asked whilst holding on to the sleigh railing.

Hallow didn't answer. His expression had turned serious as he focused on the fear ahead. Frost stepped closer in concern.

"Hallow?"

Hallow continued to stare off into the distance. "Best step on it North. I have a feeling your mortal woman is in danger."

Everyone's eyes grew wide at the dread in Hallow's voice. North urged his deer to pull harder as they continued their course for what they hopped was Scarlet.

~Pitch's Lair~

The room was dark despite the fireplace crackling. Scarlet stared into the golden eyes of a man she could honestly state she was petrified of. His glare was intense as he silently considered the woman in front of him. Her chest rose and fell as she took deep erratic breaths within the warm room. If ever there was a time to fall back into the shadows and disappear now was that time. Scarlet's hand stung from its recent connection with the strong cheek of one Boogieman. She had not thought about what she was doing, only reacted as her naked form was drug into what Scarlet assumed was Pitch's bedroom. What's worse is how shocking it was to finally strike the Boogieman without him blocking or disappearing. There was no thrill in this. All sign of playfulness was gone. Scarlet briefly considered the fact that he was 'playing' with her all this time. Now the fear was rolling off him in waves and it gripped Scarlet's heart like a vice. She had to struggle not to faint from the sheer force.

Her knees felt weak as she stepped away from the boogieman. He took a deep breath to calm himself, "Keep pumping out the sweet fragrance of your fear and I won't be able to control myself, Scarlet."

It was a warning that confused Scarlet, "I-I thought you wanted me to be afraid."

Pitch closed his eyes for a second trying to restrain himself. Scarlet was amazed at how disciplined Pitch seemed at this moment.

"Your fear is better than the most potent perfume but in waves, it can be overwhelming," Pitch stated.

His voice low and husky ghosted past his lips in a restrained whisper. Scarlet read him loud and clear. She took several deep breaths herself. As her frayed nerves sizzled to a lower level of anxiety the boogieman began to visibly relax as well. Scarlet tried to smile.

"And here I thought you weren't a gentleman."

The boogieman laughed, "I am far from being a gentleman, but I am no fiend either. When the time comes you will submit fully to me on your own. I guarantee it."

Pitch laughed again as Scarlet gaped at his bold acclamation. She scoffed turning away from his amused eyes.

"Can I please have some form of clothing then?"

Pitch's laughter trailed off until silence met her ears. Scarlet did not want to look at him, but the silence made her wonder if he had even heard her request. As Scarlet looked over her shoulder a silken material brushed against her skin. Scarlet gasped as she looked down to see her body draped in a black halter dress that hugged her curves and flowed away from her hips. A slit ran up the front stopping just three inches from her womanhood. She raised an eyebrow at the simple yet elegant gown.

"I take it you keep dresses and make up in your home for women friends?"

Pitch did not look amused, "I do not dress in it myself if that's what you're thinking."

Scarlet smiled at his small joke. Pitch's shadow connected with her as he sunk into the floor. The woman stepped back in alarm but found a pair of invisible hands trailing all over her body.

"What!" Scarlet twisted this way and that but found no boogie man near her. "How?"

Pitch laughed at her reaction. A shadow grew behind Scarlet that formed into the golden-eyed Pitch. He wrapped two arms around her waist drawing her to his own form. Scarlet didn't bother to push him away. He could apparently touch her no matter where she was in the room. So how could she run away?

Pitch chuckled low in her ear, "The garment you wear is made from my beautiful shadows. You shall wear it until I decide to remove them."

Pitches hot breath switched from one ear to the other, "They are an extension of my power so no matter where you are I can find you and-" One of Pitches hands trailed up her stomach as another invisible hand trailed her spine, "-I can touch you."

Scarlet closed her eyes as the tickling sensation moved from her spine to her sides. Finally, the invisible appendage wrapped around both hips before settling on her lower abdomen.

"Pitch."

Scarlet breathed drawing his attention away from her form. Pitch's lips met the side of her face.

"Careful my pet. Your fear is growing stronger."

Scarlet shoved him back stumbling into the middle of the room. Pitch laughed openly as he moved about the room through the shadows.

"Rest Scarlet. A nightmare will bring you food for nourishment. You will need to keep your strength up for when you finally fall."

Scarlet looked about the room as his laughter bounced off the walls. It disappeared leaving Scarlet alone in the fire-lit room.

"I guess he meant it. It will be my final decision."

The problem is no matter how much food and rest I get I won't be strong enough to keep saying no forever...and I am very certain he is willing to play this game until the day I die if necessary.

With nothing better to do in the bedroom, Scarlet laid back on the fur covered bed. Thoughts of Pitch and eventual freedom reverberating in her consciousness.

~Fin