Chapter 1: Drop off

As old as she was, Toothiana had never experienced such a busy day. Punjam Hy Loo was experiencing the biggest intake of teeth coming in than ever before. Tooth didn't think things were ever as hectic before, even when she was just starting and went into the field by herself.

Her poor fairies were working and sleeping in massive shifts, each doing her part to give the other some help until someone else came to relieve her of duty. Tooth even thought she saw some sleeping on the floor, forming little piles of feathers underneath the hustle and bustle.

Normally Tooth would be ecstatic. Ever since the end of the Nightmare War she had been more active in her duties as the Tooth Fairy. She often visited kids whose teeth came out by more interesting means-which were often very creative! But given just how bad things were getting even she was drawing towards the brink.

She didn't like to, but eventually Tooth handed the main duties over to Baby Tooth under the conditions that it was only for a few hours and that Tooth would be right back after a quick recharge. From the hurried reaction Baby Tooth had when Tooth mention getting some rest, Tooth figured that she really needed it.

Tooth flew to her quarters, still shaking her head at the reaction of her "Second in Command". The little one was definitely hanging out with Jack too much but Tooth didn't mind. Uppity nature aside, Baby Tooth was more than capable of handling things for an hour or two.

So tired that even nestling under the covers seemed too much, Tooth plopped onto her nest of pillows and soft throws. Her eyes were growing heavy and as time passed, she felt the need to sleep growing stronger-

"If I leave these teeth under your pillow-would that be funny, huh, Feathers?"

Moon…no…

Jolting upward-and even flying a few feet back-Tooth looked for the source of the voice and found a figure covered in spider webs and dirt seated on one of the windowsills. Tooth didn't expect her to show up. Why would she come here-Why? Tooth didn't say the words-wait…

"Teeth?"

The figure giggled, the feathers along Tooth's back bristling, "Yup, Feathers. Teeth. I've got quite the collection here! All extracted at the same time so get 'em while they're ripe!"

Tooth cringed, if that spirit was who she thought it was, then those teeth were probably literally taken out at the same exact time. She wouldn't put it pass them to be that cruel. But Moon help her, whomever annoyed the spirit did not deserve their teeth ripped out!

"You know very well that teeth are my district." Tooth spoke, settling on the floor finally and then going over to the figure, her hand out stretched. "Not only that but invading my palace is not the way to visit."

The figure scoffed and started playing with the misshaped bag in their hand. "Yeah, I know that, Feathers. But I gotta tell ya, he did ask for it. Not literally mind you-that would've been weird-but he got mouthy!" The figured giggled again and gave Tooth a wide grin, an arsenal of sharp teeth gleaming like gypsum. "So I helped him with that little issue. He won't be talking for a while now-unless you help him that is."

"That doesn't make taking his teeth right, M-" Tooth cut herself off. Saying the name would be dangerous. She wasn't given permission to do so and she did not want to call the spirit by the wrong name.

"Cat got your tongue, Feathers?" The figure started to circle Tooth, bouncing the bag back and forth between hands. Tooth wasn't comfortable but this was her home, her room, she was not going to let this crazed spirit win. "C'mon, only two of Us has an M in our name-just guess? What's the worst that can happen?"

A cold look was the answer.

"Well, other than the obvious…" The figure stopped under a lantern letting Tooth get a good look at it. Tooth knew the difference from one of Them and the other two. This one had tight curls going everywhere in no clear direction, adding height to the figure. Their eyes didn't have the rings underneath nor did they have that look of madness… The easiest way to tell was their smile. This one had the smile of a shark after finding a particularly tasty looking young seal…

"Mischief."

A loud squeal and clapping came from the named spirit, aptly named for her area of expertise, "Yes indeed, feathers! I thought for sure you'd call me the other one and then I'd just have to stick and make things so you would always remember which one I am!"

"The teeth, Mischief." Toothiana held her hand out for the bag.

"Oooh, suddenly so brave and authoritative when you can name me, huh, Feathers?" Mischief sneered but handed over the bag anyway. "Miss will do, Toothiana. Now, do Us a favor and help the poor dear who is currently missing all their teeth, ok?"

She wanted to say no strictly on principle, the pranks Mischief played when someone annoyed her were never nice and Tooth did not want to get caught up in whatever disaster would happen-but…

As the Tooth Fairy, Tooth had to help…and the way Mischief worded her last response didn't seem like there was much choice. Tooth wasn't afraid of Mischief or her other selves, but she did not welcome the opportunity for the them to wreak havoc on her and her fairies.

"Of course, Mischief. Now if you don't mind, I need to attend to certain matters."

Miss gave Tooth the most ridiculous curtsey and promptly jumped out of the window she must have entered. Not used to Miss's dramatic exits, Tooth hurried over and saw the spirit floating away on the wind. Tooth shook her head and sighed, leaving the window and rubbing her temple.

"What did I just agree to…"