Help Has Arrived

Jack was about to brave shaking him again for fear he'd fallen asleep when a loud crash echoed just on the other side of the door, jolting Sandy awake. Jack could just make out North's booming voice and Bunny's aussie accent yelling something about rotten eggs and reindeer scat. Jack turned towards the raucous and released a nervous, but relieved chuckle.

"Naw look 'ere mate! What's the big idea? Crashin' inta me like that? Ya should be ashamed a' yaself!"

"Me? No, es you should be shamed! Sticking out feet to trip me."

"Why I 'ave half a mind ta..."

"It's about time you guys showed up!" Jack cried rushing through the doors. "You can continue your argument later, Sandy needs help! I don't know what's wrong with him!"

Bunny's eyes widened as he immediately leapt up and unintentionally knocked North back down in his haste to get to Sandy. Jack was hot on his heels as they charged back into the room.

"Yokavich! Bunneh! You're on naughty list dis year!" North cursed as Tashi and Yaloo helped him back to his feet. North happened to look up and chanced a glimpse of one of Tooth's fairies. "Hey! Dell Tooth ve found him! He's in here!" He cried before running into the room.

Breathing heavily, Sandy forced his heavy lids to remain open as he stared blearily up at the multitude of panicked Pookas rushing to his side. In the background, he could just make out the army of Norths double-timing into the room. Sergei smiled grandly and eagerly leapt from the chair to make his way over to the master of Christmas.

Gripping his staff nervously, Jack reached out a hand to garner Bunny's attention. "Ah before you touch him, you should know. He's seriously burning up."

"And 'avin' difficulty breathin'. I can hear and feel it from here." He twitched one ear back towards the frost child before dropping to his haunches in front of Sandy. "No worries about me gettin' burned mate. I've go' thick fur and many calluses. No matta how 'ot 'e gets, 'e can't hurt me."

Those words were like a balm to Sandy's aching soul. I won't hurt Bunny. He'll touch me, but I won't hurt him. Sandy felt the soothing warmth of hope flood into him and he released a heavy sigh of relief. But he couldn't stop worrying about their newest member and looked pointedly at the army of Jacks. Bunny rolled his eyes and turned towards North. "What can ya tell me about Jack's burns?"

"Vhat?" North asked fighting to dislodge Sergei who was scrambling up his pant leg. The little elf paused and pointed to Jack before continuing his climb. North arched a brow as he turned to look at the bare-chested youth. But before North could say anything, Jack raised his hands and stepped back defensively. "I'm fine! Really! Nothing a quick dip in the snow won't cure."

Sergei rolled his eyes as he carefully maneuvered himself onto North's shoulder and grabbed for the big man's ear. "Don't let ze kid fool you." He whispered. "He's hurting vorse den he's letting on."

Startled North turned his head to look at Sergei carefully. "Sergei! Old friend! Long time since heard your voice! Vhere have you been hiding?"

Sergei flinched and quickly held a finger to his lips for silence. Then, smiling broadly, he leaned forward mischievously and whispered into North's ear. "Underboot. Hidden 'mongst other elves. Dingle and his crew cause us much grief too. You vould not believe vhat ve've had to put up vith since zey came 'round. Seriously, ve all have to pretend to be mute and wear dese ridiculous outfits! Yeti's hats! Yeti's hats of all dings!" North burst out laughing.

But Jack just stared at the little elf. "You can talk! Why didn't you just tell me Sandy was in trouble!?"

Sergei rolled his eyes, and again, put a finger to his lips to shoosh the boy. He then pointed down to the hoard of elves that had assisted them in tending to Sandy.

Delirious, Sandy started struggling in the hoodie, looking desperately for the blankets edge to rise and assist Bunny in tending to Jack's injuries. Bunny put a restraining hand on his shoulder and held him down. "Stop fightin' mate. Jack'll be fine, he's as snarky as eva. You on the other hand, can' even figure ya way outta a hoodie and ya losin' ya sand."

A hoodie? Sandy wondered in confusion before understanding finally dawned. It's not a blanket at all! I'm…I'm wearing Jack's hoodie! He glanced over at the multitude of Jacks again, his face a mixture of concern and gratitude. Despite what Bunny had said, Sandy still had his doubts about Jack's well being. Those burns looked terrible. His own suffering quickly took center stage as some demon started going to town on his skull with a sledgehammer. His head dropped to the pillow and he squeezed his eyes tightly against the intense pounding. A silent whimper escaped his lips as gray tears spilled down his cheeks.

Without a second thought, Jack rushed over and quickly chilled the washcloth before mopping it across Sandy's blistering brow. The little man shivered and shook through the dark attack, but he was no less grateful for the cooling caress. As Jack gently messaged Sandy's brow, the great Pooka carefully maneuvered a paw against the dream master's chest. His ears turned forward to listen to his heartbeat and every shallow breath he took. After a little while, the pain subsided and Sandy found himself caught like a leaf in a powerful, dizzying, rip tide of sleep.

"Oh no ya don' mate! Not yet." Bunny whispered, dislodging Jack's hold to gently shake him. "I need ya to focus! Stay with me Sandy!" The urgency and near panic in Bunny's voice brought Sandy back around for the fourth time and the little Dreamweaver struggled to open his eyes to look up at the nausea inducing Bunnymund family. Gently, Bunny gathered him up and took a chalice of water off the end table and placed it against the Dreamweaver's lips. "Before we do anythin' else, drink!"

Sandy gladly accepted the cup and drank greedily. "Not too fast. Not too fast. Jus' take et easy." Sandy did his best to obey but he couldn't stop himself from gulping. He was just so thirsty. Even after the last drop was drained Sandy kept mouthing the cup, desperately searching for just another drop.

Much to Sandy's chagrin, Bunny took the cup away and carefully set him back into the chair. Then, Bunny leaned in so that their eyes met as he gently placed his paws around Sandy's golden face. "Where does it hurt mate? I can feel ya pain, but it seems ta be eminatin' from everywhere. Can ya tell me where the source is?"

Sandy gazed numbly up into those mesmerizing orbs of green, unable to call upon his sand to give a typical answer, not that he knew any more than Bunny did. Without warning, Sandy suddenly broke contact as his body entered a series of excruciating convulsions. Bunny groaned in agony as he too felt the intense pain racing down the mental bond and fell forward. Jack and North rushed to Bunny's side and grabbed hold of him just in time to prevent him from toppling over on top of golden guardian. Gasping from shock, Bunny shook his head to clear his senses of the residual pain before turning to his two compatriots. "I'm...I'm alright. Just...just a little dizzy is all."

"Could 'ave fooled us my friend." North said shaking his head and patting his shoulder.

Before Jack could ask what he was doing, Bunny leapt into the chair and towered above Sandy's fiercely thrashing form. Using his hind legs, he gently, but firmly secured Sandy in place, even as the Dream Weaver continued to struggle in teeth gnashing agony. Without a moment's hesitation, Bunny whipped out a chocolate from his bandolier and macerated it between his teeth. Leaning down, he re-established the mental link and urged Sandy's lips to part and slid the softened chocolate into the Dream Weavers mouth, encouraging him to swallow it down. With the hope filled chocolate entering his belly, the pain ravaging him slowly faded. Sandy collapsed back gasping and heaving into Bunny's supportive paws. Wearily, Bunny carefully laid him back into the pillows before retreating from the chair. His soft paws never left Sandy's face and his thumbs continued to gently trail along the contours of his chubby cheeks. "Easy, easy, everythin's gonna be okay." He whispered soothingly. "I'll not let ya go."

Panting heavily and without any strength left to move, Sandy tried to express his gratitude through the mental Bond. Bunny chuckled lightly. "Any time mate, any time. Now, let's try this again." Again, Bunny pressed their foreheads together. "What's causin' this?"

Sandy was about to point out the deep pain in his back when his stomach did a high rolling flip. His breath hitched in his throat and he curled out of Bunny's grip. His small golden hands pushed the hoodie up against his mouth as he struggled to keep the contents down. Bunny could feel it rising.

North looked on stoically, his fingers itching to do something to assist but knew it was best to stay put. Sergei sat on his shoulder wringing his hands worriedly and Jack was about to ask them what Bunny was doing when the Tooth finally arrived.

"Tooth!" Jack cried relieved to finally see her.

Tooth took one look at him and rushed him. "What Happened!? Who did this to you? Are your teeth alright? They didn't knock any loose did they? Where's Sandy? I swear when I find the one responsible for this I'll..."

North's big hands reached out and pulled her off him. "Tooth, quiet, Bunny es concentrating."

"Concentrating?"

North nodded and pointed to the chair. Tooth's hands immediately flew to her lips. "What happened?"

North shrugged his shoulders uncertainly. "Not sure. Jack find him first. Though, technically, Sergei and his merry band found him first."

All further questions or explanations were instantly silenced as Bunny let out a yell that echoed through the room. "North! We need a pail or a container of some kind. Sandy's gonna blow chunks."

"Vhat?" North asked confused.

"Toss 'is cookies."

"Vhy vould he vaste somezing so delicious?"

"Just ge' me a bucket!" He thundered as he carefully lifted Sandy up. Thankfully, one of the yetis got the message as he hurriedly lopped over to the closet and grabbed the requested item.

Despite the bucket placed before him, Sandy stubbornly fought to keep it down. "Sandy, let it go mate. Ya'll feel betta if ya do." Bunny's infectious hope seeped deep into his aching bones and gave him a small measure of peace just as darkness erupted from him. It burned up his esophagus and spewed past his lips in uncontrollable waves. The other guardian's cringed at the stench but adamantly refused to leave his side. Bunny held him tightly and gently messaged his back in sympathy. Sandy was trembling so fiercely from the pain suffusing his entire body, the great Pooka failed to notice his flinching whenever he applied pressure to the center of his back. "That's it mate, just keep it coming. I know it hurts, and reeks, but ets betta ta let et out." Tears streamed from Sandy's eyes as he coughed and choked on the tar like substance erupting from him. When at last it abated, he collapsed limply into Bunny's arms drawing deep, ragged gasps.

Bunny soothingly brushed a paw through Sandy's sweat laden bangs as he waited for Sandy to catch his breath. "Feelin any Betta?" He finally asked, gently maneuvering him back into the cushions. After a few moments, Sandy managed the smallest of nods.

"Good. Now that we've got tha' outta the way, let's see if we can find the source." Gently, Bunny rejoined their minds but Sandy's thoughts were a delirious mass of pain, completely unhelpful as he fought feebly against the long arms of sleep. One moment his fingers hurt, then his toes, even his teeth and the tips of his hair hurt. They were all red herrings leading away from the true source.

"So, how…how did this happen?" Tooth asked anxiously ringing her hands. "I...I mean… Jack's burns… Sandy's sickness…" Her voice suddenly grew stern, filled with fiery wrath. "I swear when I get through with them they'll have to eat their meals through a straw!"

Jack looked up at her and managed a slight smirk. "You'd better not! Sandy's already in a lot of pain!"

That caught her off guard. "Sandy? ... Sandy did that!?" She demanded gesturing to his burns. "But...but how? He...he wouldn't..."

"He didn't do it intentionally," Jack said cutting her off. "I found him like this, twitching and thrashing in his sleep. I had to do something and…and… whatever you do, don't touch him. His skin will probably burn you.

"Oh Jack, that's how you got those burns." She reached out to gently touch him.

"Don't worry about me." He said grinning. "I'll be fine. I just need to take a long dip in the snow outside and I'll be as good as an unexpected snow day!"

Tooth looked at him doubtfully. "Are you sure? Those burns look really painful."

Jack shrugged his shoulders. "Been through worse. So, what exactly is Bunny doing and is Sandy going to be alright?"

"Well, I'm sure he'll be fine. If anyone can help Sandy with this...whatever this is, it's Bunny. And correct me if I'm wrong North," She said turning to look at the big man, "but, they're performing the Pookan mind meld, aren't they? It's, been such a long time and a lots happened to all of us, our minds just won't link up like they used to."

"Um, Pookan mind meld?"

North shrugged and stepped closer to plant a hand on Jack's shoulder. "Tooth is right. It is ze Pookan mind meld. Ze Pookan mind meld ez a vay of communication. At vone time, distance vas no obstacle. In fact, ve vere all connected by it. Ve could all feel when one of us vas faltering, even from ze other side of ze globe But..."

"But let me guess, you've lost your touch."

North nodded as Tooth hovered uncertainly. "Bunny is the only one still able to make the connection."

"And vright now, he's feeling vhat Sandy's feeling and no doubt struggling to find ze source of his pain and sickness."

"His back…" Jack murmured after a little while. He looked up at North and Tooth. "You said he's looking for the source, I think it might have something to do with his back, where Pitch's arrow struck."

Surgei nodded in agreement as North looked at them in concern. "Are you surre? Vhat makes ze dwo of you dink dat?"

Jack fidgeted with his staff. "Well, when he was sleeping, before you finally got here, he rolled over onto it. When he did, he arched as if he'd suddenly been struck. If he had a voice, I swear he would have been screaming in his sleep."

One of Bunny's ears whipped around towards Jack. " 'is…'is back?" He echoed, his eyes widening in shock before he abruptly turned back to look at the kid." 'e…'e was asleep? How and why is 'e awake now!?"

Jack sheepishly scratched at the back of his head. "You know the saying, Jack Frost nipping at your nose? Well..."

"Ya didn'! Tell me ya didn' actually..."

Sergei started laughing and earnestly shook his head as he held onto North's ear for support.

"Relax Cotton Tail!" Jack said chuckling uneasily. "I didn't actually bite him if that's what you're afraid of. I just blew a couple of my fun-loving snowflakes into his face and they landed on his nose. That was it. I swear." He turned and looked at North. "I just don't understand why a snowflake landing on someone's nose is considered nipping."

North smiled. "Ze same could be asked of vhy vhen Bunny sleeps he becomes a Dust Bunneh."

Bunny sighed and rolled his eyes in exasperation. "It was one time North! Seriously! We jus' went ova this no' five minutes ago!" Sandy's eyes shot open in shock as he stared at North and Tooth. He hadn't told them the story. He'd promised he wouldn't, and a promise was a promise! Sandy earnestly started struggling to reach out to Bunny, to take his paw, to do anything to let the Pooka know he hadn't told them.

The motion caught Bunny's attention. But When he turned back to look, his warm heart froze in his fluffy chest. He could smell the stench of fear and panic rolling off the little Dreamweaver in waves as Sandy trembled under his worried gaze.

But all Sandy could see were angry orbs of green glaring down at him from the shadows of soft, silver fur. Grey, teary sands trailed down his cheeks as he shook his head, desperately trying to explain that he hadn't told them and didn't know how they knew. But without his sand language, he couldn't. He saw Bunny's eyes narrow in derision. Hatred positively oozed from him as the great Pooka clenched his paws tight, ready to strike. Sandy huddled deeper into the chair, attempting to get away from the angry Pooka before him.

Bunny's ears drooped in concern and worry. "Come on mate." Bunny said reaching out to touch his cheek. "We'll get this figured out. I'm no' 'bout ta let ya go withou' a fight."

Sandy's shadow riddled mind transposed Bunny's words and interpreted a vehemence in the great Pooka's voice that simply wasn't there. The word "fight" struck him like a blow across the face and for a moment, Sandy struggled to raise his hands to his lips, beseeching mercy and forgiveness. He didn't want to fight Bunny and if Bunny chose to strike him, he didn't have the strength to defend himself. When Bunny gave no answer, Sandy curled shaking and trembling into a tight little ball awaiting the fateful blows.

Bunny's breath caught in his throat as he again reached out to try and soothe Sandy's terrified trembling.

Jack looked on in silence and chewed anxiously at his lips, before his mischievous center prodded him with a question. With a light smirk, he turned to look at Tooth. "So... I've heard another phrase." He started. "What's the story behind a 'Sweet Tooth'?"

Tooth's cheek feathers turned a vibrant red as North burst into raucous laughter dispersing the tension in the air. Bunny's ears swiveled around to listen. "What's this news naw? Tooth gettin' inta sweets?"

"Vhy yes, she certainly did!" North boomed. "You remember ze chocolate covered cherries you gave me fer Christmas vone year? She ate dem all!

"Well…well…" She stammered. "That was before I learned how bad they were for your teeth!"

"Hah!" North laughed. "You still come every Christmas to load up on ze sweets. In fact, you practically fall into comma after your rush for sugar es ova!"

"North!" She screamed, giving his shoulder a good hard punch. "You promised you wouldn't tell."

Still chuckling, North shrugged off the punch. "Since all ze sayins are coming out, ve might as vell put ze rumors ta rest. But…There's still one thing I haven't said concerning your sweet tooth…"

Angrily she slapped a hand over his mouth. "If it's going to all come out, I'll say it myself." She hissed turning to look at Bunny. "I adore your chocolates, and I swear if you make a chocolate desert for the feast when this is all over..." She glared at him. "I won't be able to resist! So, DON'T… YOU… DARE! My Christmas lapses are bad enough without them being at the feast!"

Jack immediately burst into rambunctious laughter. The lightened atmosphere miraculously lifted the dark burden from Sandy and allowed him to see clearly. The anger he had perceived coming from Bunny was forgotten as his shoulders started quaking in a fit of giggles. He couldn't help it, the shock on Bunny's face and the bright crimson of Tooth's cheek feathers were too much. Despite the pain ravaging his diminutive body he finally burst out, into all out laughter.

A wicked smile crossed Bunny's lips as he looked over at Tooth. "Well, then, I think I'll just have ta make ya somethin' special." He said, his voice dripping with villainous intent. "I'm thinkin' chocolate covered cherries jubilee."

Tooth's eyes rolled up into her head with desire for a moment before she shook herself. "You are EVIL!" She screamed, moving to smack him playfully in the chest but stopped just shy when she caught sight of their gasping, laughing Sandman.

Sandy couldn't help it. It was too funny. Feverishly he clutched at his sides and belly as his laughter continued unabated.

Bunny noticed Tooth staring and turned to look himself. A broad smile of relief pulled at the corners of his lips as he too saw Sandy laugh and noticed how some of the color and light returned to the Dreamweaver's cheeks. But as soon as Sandy's laughter died down, his color began to fade and the darkness advanced on him again. Bunny sighed and shook his head. "You said it looked like it might be 'is back?"

"Yeah, why?" Jack asked leaning easily on his staff.

Bunny's ears drooped further in worry as he reached out and comfortingly messaged Sandy's cheek as the Dreamweaver's smile slowly faded in exhaustion. "North, do ya still have an infirmary? And is it still up to specs?"

Cocking an eyebrow, North just looked at him. "A course I do. Even dough dere is magic in dis place and extremely dalented yetis, ze elves…" He had to pause when Sergei indignantly tugged at his ear. "Vell, ze new band of elves are always causing trouble and sometimes… accidents happen."

Bunny put a paw to his forehead and heaved a heavy sigh of exasperation. "I mean do ya have an apparatus that will display the internal workings of a physical form. In addition, I'll be needin' some surgical tools…."

"Surgery?" Tooth piped up rubbing at her arms. "Are you sure, I mean, do you really think...Those kids cast the spell of belief, he should be fine, shouldn't he?"

"Does 'e look fine!?"

Tooth fluttered back, her hands coming to her mouth in shock and sorrow. Bunny took a deep breath. "Look, I'm not sayin' it's definite. I'm jus' sayin' 'e's gettin' worse by the minute and it's best to eliminate all possibilities." His voice softened. "I fear there might be somethin' more ta tha' infernal arrow." Without another word he reached down and lifted Sandy from the chair. Sandy grimaced and struggled feebly against Bunny's hold as his paws accidentally pressed where Pitch's arrow had pierced him. Bunny felt the intense pain trickle down the bond and instantly changed positions, attempting to ease the pressure. Sandy collapsed, panting heavily into Bunny's arms and weakly leaned his head against Bunny's chest. Exhausted beyond his endurance, Sandy still struggled to stay awake at the pleadings of his friends. Despite his best efforts, his eyes drooped closed, and sleep dragged him unmercifully back down its dark corridors. This time, no amount of shaking or pleading was going to rouse him. Bunny shook his head worriedly before turning to look at Jack. "Laughter appears ta be powerful medicine. Ya were right, there's definitely something imbedded in his back, despite the ankle bita's spell." His voice softened and all those present could see the small glitter of tears threatening just at the corners of his eyes. "I'm sad to say it, 'is battle with Pitch is far from ova." Once more he turned to North. "So, do ya have an infirmary that has the tools I require or no? I really don' wanna have ta take him through the tunnels of my warren if I don' have ta. Granted, my best chocolates are there and the softest trees, shrubs, and even some plants that could only be found on 'is home planet, but I fear 'e won' make the journey."

"Really? Bunny…" North chuckled, shaking his head. "You doubt my offices? A' course I do! Vright dis way." With that North walked through the open doors and hurriedly led them down the halls.

Authors Notes:

Sorry this one was almost two days late. I've not been feeling well; down with a migraine. Here's hoping I'll be able to post the next chapter tomorrow. But if not, you'll know why. I also want to thank Milly34k for joining us on this crazy ride. I'm glad you're enjoying it. ^_^