Disclaimer: Based off the characters in William Joyce's book series: Guardians of Childhood and Dreamwork's Rise of the Guardians. All Characters presented here belong exclusively to the two entities mentioned above. This is a fan based work created purely for fun and not intended for monetary gain.

Ch. 1 The Invasion of the Mind

Fairies flew this way and that, earnestly working to put the children back in their beds. Sandy's dreamsand fireworks had done something he really should have expected but failed to anticipate. It was a good thing Jack was delightedly watching his first handful of believers as they departed for the Pole. For he was the only one who saw them suddenly collapse, sound asleep on the ice. He immediately alerted North who was quick in signaling his yetis. With Tooth's fairies and Bunnies eggs, they speedily gathered up the Burgess believers and tucked them all safely away, back in their beds. One of the yetis took a shine to the young leader and personally carried him up to his room. Chuckling with delight, he signed Jamie's book with a flourish. According to Sandy, the boy had dreams of meeting a yeti and Phil decided he would need to ask North for permission to come back for an occasional visit. He felt certain Jamie would leap at the chance to learn Yetish.

Smiling in satisfaction, the guardians left the fairies and yeti's to tend to the children as they headed back to the Pole. There was, after all, a grand celebration that needed planning. North had some questions for Jack about games and requested he come up to the front and stand beside him. Jack was only too eager to chat with North about his favorite games and which ones he would love to play after the feast.

Bunny leaned back, completely relaxed in his seat. For what was simple flying compared to the fighting he had done from North's infernal contraption? There was no longer any doubt the sleigh was in point of fact, quite safe. And if he were being completely honest with himself, he might even admit, that it was just the tiniest bit faster than his tunnels. Smiling, he turned to Sandy and asked what he thought should be on the desert menu. Bunny's own mind was already swirling with thoughts of delectable Easter chocolates. He eagerly began laying them out as options, which quickly had the newly returned Dreamweaver salivating in delight.

Tooth cut in with a fury. "Absolutely not! Healthy, fruit and nut deserts should be served! Nothing loaded with that infernal sugar! That crap will destroy our teeth!"

"I'll not force it down ya throat! And as far as our teeth are concerned my chocolates won't hurt ya precious little incisors a bit." His nose twitched in irritation. "Ya should remember that! It's good fer what ails ya. And I know we told ya the story of 'ow it saved North's life."

"Ha!" She cried pointing an accusing finger at Bunny. "I remember the story you and North told, but I wasn't there to see it myself. And while I won't deny its obvious uses for you, we all still have to worry about cavities! And you used to say chocolates should only be eaten in an emergency. But now you're wanting to use them for a moment of frivolity!?" She paused, her eyes suddenly widening in horror. "You've…you've been behaving more irrationally of late!" She immediately shoved her fingers into his mouth. "Your aradicular hypsodont teeth!? Are there any cavities forming? Any tooth decay? Are your growing roots okay? Don't try to fight me! I know you've created new chocolates to help you be more emotional so you can understand us better! How many have you had and how often!"

"Tooth, Fingers out of mouth." North said with an exasperated sigh and a roll of his eyes. But Tooth adamantly ignored him.

"No! Not until I've checked them all over!"

With a growl, Bunny forcefully removed her fingers. "For the perfect shape of an egg, they're bloody fine ya feathered fay. And don' ya try tha' again. A course I've been avin' a nip a' my chocolate. 'ow else do ya expect me ta understand ya irrational emotions if I'm not experiencin' 'em for myself!? Or 'aven't ya noticed? I'm not the one needing human lessons anymore?" His eyes flitted briefly over to Sandy before popping back to Tooth. "Seriously," He mumbled to himself. "Knock 'im out and the gumbi thinks first of 'is fists." But there was a small, affectionate smile on his lips as he uttered those words.

Tooth didn't hear him. Her mind was fighting with his apparent need for chocolates and the hazard that posed to his elegantly, tall teeth. She started stuttering in frustration. "Oh, well... well I…I...I guess, for a Pooka, in your situation, a chocolate a month might be necessary. But they're not necessary for the banquet!" She fumed before turning to look at Sandy. "You agree with me, don't you Sandy?"

Trapped in the middle, Sandy sat there looking back and forth between his two friends before sheepishly patting his ample belly. He loved desert. While it was true that they weren't ever really needed... They were just so good not to indulge in. And what was a banquet without desert and chocolate? Especially when it was made by the master chocolatier of the universe!?

It was probably the wrong admission on his part as she instantly flew into a rage and pried his mouth open too. "You've been getting into the sweets too haven't you!?" Her eyes widened further in worry as she recalled what Pitch did. "Are any of them damaged? Are any of them black with his taint or worse, broken!?" Try as he might Sandy couldn't get her off him. She was far too worried to be distracted and he didn't really feel up to fighting her. So, he yielded to her probing and opened his mouth wider so she could see more clearly. The sooner she was satisfied his glistening teeth were fine, the sooner this would end. But even as she poked and prodded at his sun-kissed molars, he was beginning to feel woozy and feint.

"Tooth, can' ya investigate 'is choppas latta?" Bunny asked trying to come to his rescue." After all, ya let North rest for one night after Christmas Day before ya start badgering him about dental hygiene and poking ya fingas inta 'is mouth ta check 'is chappa's. Milk and cookies, rememba? And I doubt Sandy's 'ad a chance to eat anything in the las' couple a' days."

When was the last time I ate? Sandy wondered briefly, his hands gripping the bench for support as Tooth continued her examination unabated. I know I had eggnog at North's workshop. But how long ago was that? His arms began to tremble from exertion. This isn't normal. But, it's probably just because I'm hungry.

At Bunny's insistent urging and another interjection from North, Tooth finally relented. "Well…I...I...I suppose letting it go for one night won't hurt anything." She said finally withdrawing her hands. Sandy breathed a huge sigh of relief and tiredly slumped down in his seat. "Besides, I…I was pretty much done anyway. I didn't see any black marks or anything so…"She snapped her head up and glared at the diminutive Dreamweaver as he wearily touched his aching brow. "Tomorrow, after you finish delivering your dreams, you're coming straight to the palace for a thorough check up. You hear me mister!?"

Sandy immediately threw his hands up in surrender before solemnly crossing his heart in submission and promise.

"Good! Now, about these chocolate desserts…" Her eyes snapped back up to glare at Bunny. "There is no way I'm allowing them at the banquet!"

"None of 'em are sweetened with sugar ya bludga! And don't even ask about high fructose corn syrup! That stuff 'ill kill ya! My chocolates are healin'!"

As their argument continued Sandy's eyes grew very heavy. Exhaustedly, he closed them hoping a brief power nap would help before he started feeling nauseous. Am I feeling air sick? He wondered in confusion. I guess I must be hungrier than I thought. He opened his eyes and stretched out a shaky hand to grip the Pooka's arm in an attempt to regain his attention. Two sets of eyes instantly snapped to his. He smiled reassuringly and rubbed at his aching belly. His gaze grew pleading as he clasped his hands before him, imploring Bunny for a chocolate snack.

Grateful for the break in argument, Bunny smiled broadly. "A course ya can have one of 'em now, mate." He quickly reached into his bandolier to draw out Sandy's favorite.

Tooth flew into an uncharacteristic fury. "Absolutely not! You know North will be preparing a fantastic feast once we touch down! You can wait to eat till then!"

Sandy's lips puckered in a plea as he lifted one shaky finger imploringly before clutching at his rolling tummy.

Her gaze turned hard "You need sustenance, not sugary crap!" Her attention snapped back to Bunny. "Don't you even think about giving him one!?" But Bunny was already holding it out to Sandy.

Sandy stared at her in confusion, dizzily trying to make sense of what he was hearing and seeing. This isn't like Tooth. She's never this argumentative, even over dental care. I know she enjoys arguing with the last Pooka, as we all do, but this is going too far. Can't she see I'm not feeling well?

Bunny glared back, unwilling to back down. "One ain't gonna ruin 'is appetite. Ya know that Tooth! He eats like a 'orse." But Tooth's fingers were faster and snatched it out of Bunny's furry paws.

"I said no!"

Sandy's eyes widened in shock as did those of her helpers. She didn't just...yes…yes she did!" Sandy swallowed hard. Up to this point, Bunny had taken her small insults like a champ. But what she just did, stealing his chocolate, right out of his hand, with no intention whatsoever of eating and enjoying it herself, was a can of worms that needed to be closed. Fast! You never mess with a Pooka and his chocolates! If you take one, you had better eat it and let him know how absolutely fantastic it truly is. Otherwise reassure him that you'll eat it later or will give it to someone else who needs it.

"No one steels my googies." Bunny growled. "Ya'll give et back if ya know what's good fer ya."

Sandy immediately threw his hands up in surrender to Tooth, imploring her to give the chocolate back to Bunny. Her mini fairies tried pulling at her arms. One even pulled on her crest feathers trying to get her to see reason but she adamantly ignored them all as she glared at Bunny. Sandy could see Bunny's paws itching to reach for his boomerangs. Things were getting serious. Personally, if he had to fight one of his friends, he'd rather face the tooth-fairy. Her army was formidable, but a Pooka, especially Bunny, hyped up on dark chocolate, could easily take her and her army. He remembered well his battle to put Bunny to sleep when the Pooka had stayed up ten years past his bedtime. He'd won the fight of course, but not without a scratch or two for his efforts. What he didn't understand was how this had escalated so fast and hard. It had just been friendly banter a few seconds ago! Anxiously, he reached up and gripped Bunny's paw, hoping against hope it would draw the Pooka's attention away from Tooth.

It didn't work. Bunny was already too lost in the tide of anger and was only growing more enraged the longer Tooth held the precious item in her hands with no indication of opening the foil wrapper. A dark growl began emanating from his furry throat. "I said, give...it...back!" Sandy pulled at him harder but the great Pooka's focus was needle fine. In desperation, he began to gather his dreamsand into a trembling hand. If he couldn't calm Bunny down, he would have to nock Tooth out and take the chocolate from her. Thankfully, Jack had noticed the argument escalating and clued North in.

"Vhat es vith you two? Dis is not like you. I know it vas stressful fight, but es over now and time for celebration! Give Bunneh back es chocolate else I put you on Naughty list."

"But...but he'll give it to Sandy and...and I dread to think what that could do to him and his teeth!" She spluttered.

"Do ta 'im!?" Bunny cried yanking his hand free of Sandy's shaky grasp to grab a boomerang. "Why it'll 'elp settle 'is stomach and tie 'im ova till dinna! Hastily, Sandy held up his trembling hands to Tooth in surrender. His fingers crossed his heart for the second time that night as he promised not to have any till after the feast.

Sandy's increased shaking didn't go unnoticed as Bunny immediately turned on him. "Don' ya be sidin' with her! Ya need that chocolate and ya need et now!" Red ringed the emerald green of Bunny's eyes before he abruptly turned and loosed the boomerang. A loud crack echoed through the air as the weapon found its mark and struck Tooth soundly in the face. Her head was whipped back at a sickening angle and blood spurted through the air.

Shocked, Sandy's eyes flew open and he bolted straight up, panting heavily. He looked behind him anxiously. But Tooth and Bunny were peaceably arguing over deserts. No aggression evident in their demeanors. Pain shot through his stomach and he instantly clutched at it. He desperately needed one of Bunny's chocolates now and instinctively stretched out a shaky hand to the great Pooka. He was within mere inches of touching when he remembered the awful vision and stopped.

But the action didn't go unnoticed. "Oi, ya alright there mate?" Emerald green and lavender eyes focused in on him in concern, before two sets of baby blues joined them.

Startled, Sandy immediately withdrew his hand. A long, sheepish grin spread across his face as he simply rubbed at his broad belly suggesting that he was merely hungry. An image of his favorite chocolate desert appeared above him.

Bunny smiled indulgently as he reached into his bandolier. "I'll be sure ta make et fer dessert. Do ya want a chocolate now ta tie ya over till the feast?"

Sandy shook his head as a party hat materialized. He brought his hands to his mouth and blew on a silent party horn. It flared out with joyous fanfare before bursting into a miniature fireworks display. He smiled broadly up at Bunny before bowing to him in gratitude for the offer, but he would wait.

Bunny looked at Tooth in shock before he returned his attention back to Sandy, his nose twitching in concern. "Are ya feelin' alrigh'? Ya've neva turned down a chocolate before, even if it was before a grand celebration."

Sandy nodded his head. Despite the fact that he was in desperate need of one, he wasn't about to take a chance on that...whatever the heck that was...becoming a reality. They'd all been through a lot. Bunny had officially lost his holiday for this year so who knew how far the Great Pooka could be pushed and he sure wasn't going to tempt fate, especially right after experiencing… well…that!

Bunny's ears drooped slightly in disappointment. "If ya sure mate."

Sandy reached over and gave Bunny's arm a gentle squeeze. An empty table appeared followed by a table filled with deserts. He rubbed eagerly at his belly to let him know he would be sure to enjoy several of his chocolates after the feast. That caused a smile to return to the Pooka's face. "You 'ad betta, 'cause I'll be fixin' my finest as well as ya favorite."

Sandy clapped his hands in excitement as tooth huffed in feigned exasperation. "Just be sure to brush." She said with a wink.

Sandy crossed his heart, for what he thought might be the third time. He wasn't entirely sure. The dream...the vision...whatever that had been, had felt so real and been so horrible, he wasn't really sure if it counted. He barely managed to suppress a shudder as he recalled seeing Tooth's blood running down her front before her limp form tumbled from the sleigh. He squeezed his eyes tightly against the visage as his heart thumped loudly in his ears. He thought he knew everything there was to know about dreams but that...He opened his eyes and looked towards Tooth again, just to make sure she was alright. And she was, contentedly sitting there on the railing, fully immersed in her conversation with Bunny. With a sigh, he turned and found Jack watching him nervously.

Sandy smiled and flashed him a quick question mark.

Jack tightened his grip on his staff and shrugged uneasily. "Are you sure you're okay? I'm no judge of health, but, you look a little under the weather."

Sandy chuckled and shook his head. A series of ZZZ's floated above him as he wiped at his tired eyes. Gently, he reached down and delicately rubbed at his aching belly.

"So...just, tired and hungry?" Jack asked as North too, turned to look over at Sandy.

Sandy nodded and gave the kid two thumbs up for his perfect interpretation.

"Von't be long now! Ve get to Pole, I have Yeti's whip us up somzing spectacular and then we feast and vrest."

Jack smiled at North, but Sandy couldn't help but notice the slight unrest and sorrow pulling at their new brother in arms.

Sandy tried to flash him another concerned question mark but Jack was no longer paying attention as he bent and whispered something in North's ear. In the next moment North let out a very loud, belly laugh. "That is funny game! Ve should play!" To Sandy's ears, there was something about the way that North said it that seemed... off. Especially when he saw the big man steal another glance in his direction. Confused, Sandy sent up another question mark but North ignored him and turned his focus back to driving. Sandy sighed and shook his head. No point in worrying, there was nothing he could do anyway. But it was a strange reaction to one of Jack's games. He shrugged his shoulders and leaned back in his seat to rest for a few moments. But the small, furtive glances everyone started sending his way, were… chilling. The air seemed almost thick with tension and uncertainty. A chill suddenly traipsed down his spine and he instinctively gripped at his arms and shivered. He did not like this; he did not like this at all.

They're blaming you for something. A dark voice suddenly hissed in his ears, sending a wave of dizziness washing over him. Sandy pitched forward and gripped at his head. You let Pitch take you down. Because of you, they were almost lost!

Sandy delicately messaged at his aching head as he struggled against the alien thoughts. That is ludicrous! I fought long and hard! I was Outnumbered and surrounded on all sides. What more could I have done? Every time I struck at the darkness I was also fighting to keep a look out for the orchestrator of that mess. But I couldn't see him! How was I to know he'd snuck up behind me!?

You should have kept Jack at your side.

Sandy slowly shook his head trying to dislodge the strange and disturbing thoughts. If I had... He would have faced the same fate! The strange, dark voice mercifully fell silent and Sandy leaned exhaustedly back in his seat, his hands falling to rest in his lap.

"You alright mate?" Bunny asked stretching out a paw to touch Sandy's shoulder. Sandy looked up and smiled reassuringly before nodding his head. For everyone concerned, it would be best if he pretended to be fine. After all, I don't want to ruin the party, Jack deserves this moment. And after a good hot meal and a long rest I'll be as right as rain. I just need to hang on till then. He looked up and noted with relief that they were already beginning the final descent to North's workshop. Not much longer now. He thought.

But as the sleigh lurched down towards the landing ramp, Sandy's stomach threatened to leave him, forcing him to make a grab for it. The loop-de-loops that followed, wreaked even more havoc on him as he struggled to keep whatever was in his system down. Sweat beaded up on his forehead as the pressure increased. This isn't normal! I travel with him every year to make sure all are asleep by the time he gets there and I've never experienced anything like this! He took a shaky breath wishing his head would stop spinning. OH when are we finally going to stop!?

But as the sleigh continued through North's newest rollercoaster construction, Sandy, grew sicker and sicker. His normally bright golden glow dimmed and his breaths came in quick, desperate gasps as he feverishly longed for the ride to end. When at last it did, the others found him shaking and gasping in a tight little ball, unable to move.

"Sandeh, you alvright?" North's worried voice echoed from somewhere above him as the big man's hands gently reached down to lift and support him.

Sandy slowly opened his eyes and was surprised to find them all staring at him. The looks on their faces seemed to shift from concern to accusatory and back again. So, is it worry? Or is it blame? The unfamiliar voice hissed and Sandy was barely able to suppress a shudder at the alien thoughts. It felt like something dark was slithering around inside his head. He fervently fought to ignore it and its evil lies. He knew in his heart, his family was just worried about him. Wearily, he rubbed at his eyes again and indicated he hadn't been up to the loop-de-loops but he'd be fine in a moment.

North's brows drew together in a tight frown of doubt before Sandy jovially levitated himself up and out of the sleigh, nailing a silly landing filled with fanfare. To Sandy's immense relief, this seemed to assuage everyone's concern, even North's.

"Are ya sure mate? Ya took a hefty blow."

Sandy rolled his eyes in annoyance and huffed in aggravation before shoeing them all down the hall. He made sure to give Bunny and Jack an especially good, hearty shove. The sooner North got on to preparing the feast, the sooner he could eat. The sooner he could eat, the sooner his stomach would stop rolling and the pressure in his temples would ease. Really! He was fine!

His silly antics mixed with his faux anger, seemed to put them all at ease as they immediately burst into smiles and began prancing gaily down the hall. Tooth and Bunny immediately started in on deserts again, but this time there was talk of adding "Cacao" beans instead of "Chocolate". Sandy shook his head as he levitated after them not sure what the difference was but glad it was the start of a compromise.

He only managed a few feet before his sands suddenly gave out on him and he landed roughly on his knees. His brows scrunched in confusion and worry as he worked to steady himself. It was becoming increasingly difficult to move. He managed a few more steps before dizzying waves of vertigo slammed into him. He almost fell, but stubbornly maintained his footing. He looked down at the ground beneath him and saw what seemed to be millions of large bubbles racing across its surface, distorting the shape of the rugs and stones. I've never seen it do that before! I hope North doesn't decide to keep this weird fun house effect. It's overly disorienting and isn't helping. He raised a shaky hand to his brow before looking up to see how far behind he was lagging. He wasn't far. It should be easy for him to catch up.

Taking a deep breath he forced himself to move as fast as he could. He had just caught up and was walking right behind Tooth, when North began bellowing out orders for the scrumptious feast. The list he gave out would normally have him salivating with desire. But his roiling stomach suddenly rebelled at the mere mention of food. Earnestly he clutched at his churning stomach and careened into a nearby wall. Nope, not hunger...definitely...not hunger. He scrunched his eyes tightly and drew deep, ragged breaths as he waited for the pain to subside. After a minute or two, it did but his strength was fading fast. He shook his head trying to clear it as he struggled once more to see how far behind he had lagged this time. To his chagrin, they had completely disappeared from sight. His shoulders sagged in sorrow but he refused to give in. I'm not sure where the others have disappeared to, but one of the Yetis should have noticed my lagging and come to check on me by now. Though, it's quite probable they were too focused on jotting down North's orders for the fantastic feast.

Or… they've forgotten all about you. The darkness whispered. Why should they care about you? Because of your failure, Pitch Black almost won.

That's…that's not the reason they haven't noticed my lagging! He gasped fighting back. HHThey think I'm fine... I thought I was fine...

And they didn't care enough to see through your bluff. The thing hissed in response.

Sandy shook his head as he fought to ignore the fear and doubt starting to swirl around him. Where's a pesky elf when you need one? I need to do something to let them know I'm in trouble.

An elf? And what good will that do you? They're nowhere to be seen. Even if there was an elf nearby, they wouldn't be able to hear its bell ringing. Even if they did, they wouldn't understand it's you fighting to gain their attention.

Sandy made another desperate grab for his stomach and dropped to the floor panting and sweating. Water, I need...water. He tried to swallow as he lay there shaking and sweating. It wasn't until he heard the timid call of bells and felt the pressure of tiny hands pressing up against his cheeks and sweaty brow, that he opened his eyes again to see a small gathering of worried elves. They smiled in relief when they saw his eyes focus on them. Anxiously, they grabbed his hands and tried to urge him up.

The elves! The elves found me! Sandy thought in relief. The darkness receded as he staggered back to his feet. Using the wall for support he allowed the little creatures to guide him. He didn't know where they were going, but he earnestly hoped they would lead him to North and the rest of the Guardians as he stumbled after them. It took everything he had to just keep putting one foot in front of the other but as long as the gentle, mischievous elves remained at his side, he would continue. He only hoped he would meet back up with the others soon and be offered a chalice of water instead of eggnog.

After what seemed an eternity, they finally came around a bend that led to an open door. Exhausted, Sandy placed his hands on the frame and peered inside. The room was small compared to so many of North's other rooms, but it was quiet and cozy. A warm, welcoming fire burned happily in her hearth as red, plush swivel chairs stood circling the fire place. Sandy sighed in disappointment. The elves hadn't led him to the others after all. They meant well and their hearts were in the right place, but they just weren't bright enough to be of actual help. He turned to go when his legs finally gave out and he collapsed. The elves instantly surrounded him, patting his shoulder and urging him to enter the room and rest. Shaking and panting, he looked back up at the soft plush furniture and spied the overstuffed chair closest to the fire. It was piled high with inviting cushions and positively glowed like a little piece of heaven. He gazed longingly up at those super soft pillows. Sleep seemed to call to him from their plush depths. Dizzying waves of vertigo gave him the impression the earth was trying to shake him from its back as he slowly struggled towards the plush haven. The elves were tenacious as they worked to do whatever they could to help.

In a moment's time, he found himself before the opulent arm chair, but without the strength to rise, he couldn't hope to reach it. Nevertheless, with the elves insistent urging, he took a deep breath, gathered what remained of his energy and pushed himself up into the air before crashing down into the chair's warm, downy soft embrace. Shaking and shivering, he lay there as the elves crawled up the chair and tried to make him more comfortable. They piled pillows over him and together, they worked to place an exceptionally soft one under his head. He released a silent whine as a point in the middle of his back began to burn. Another elf appeared in the doorway carrying a chalice of water. It was a team effort to get the glass up to him, but by the time they did, Sandy was already fast asleep. Several of them pulled at his collar, trying to rouse him, but no amount of prodding could wake him. He was out cold.

Author's question:

How is interpreting and understanding North's and Bunny's speech? Would it be better if I removed their accents and had them speak relatively plain English? Or leave it as is?