AN:
This time around I chose the song from album Aqua by Aquarius. Never watch My Neighbor Totoro while writing a chapter.
Around the World PT.1:
"Well?" Tekla asked both Jack and Ero.
She had just given them medium size; glass cups filled clear liquid mistaken for water by Jack upon first observation. It was ingesting it that both boys were iffy about downing something given to them out of the blue. Ended with Jack asking Ero for type of magical assistance in form of an enchantment on rims of the cups. That would filter out the harmful effect of whatever had been asked to try to taste. Since both of them ended up drinking the contains in their given glass differently. Jack swallowed his in one gulped in rushful matter while Ero took his time in three swallows. Clearing both glasses ended up being emptied by both boys ready for Tekla to start questioning them.
"You two no fun." Tekla disliked what Ero magical did, "Since you ruin actual flavor of my peppermint liquor."
"Told you." Jack faces Ero with a smirk.
"Still...she didn't tell us before hand." Ero was fazed by Jack's 'I told you so'.
This got them both told by Tekla about her tween-teenage years back in her home country where she lived. Where underage drinking was allowed in large amounts by young children of all ages. Allowing teenage Tekla to become heavy drinker before she could reach her 16th birth year. Reputations she developed from being able to hold her self-liquor or out drink any man. Spread through her homeland to the point Vodka would be named after she died from a miscarriage.
"Meaning you were hammered all the time?" Jack tried not to laugh.
"Led to pleasant years for me." Tekla looked to a pitcher.
"Thank god my mother taught me that enchantment." Ero looked to his empty glass.
Ero ended up informing Jack about harsh effects that came along with ingesting Tekla's peppermint liquor. If left anyone to inebriated to walk straight or make a proper choice on which you spend time with. Hindering your sense of judgment and morals to point a wild night was cakewalk for you. Since when the ever do recover what's left of your brain unable to handle the hang over. Leave you wondering what happen the night or day before after finding your self in disordered moment.
"My mom swears the one-night stand she had with Spirit of Halloween was do to peppermint liquor." Ero recalled a time his mother sampled the stuff.
"Lucky I didn't wake up to something I would regret." Jack sat back in his seat.
Ended calling both boys' party poopers before picking up the pitcher that held only half of brew mixture fresh from the still. She tried offering the whole pitcher to a few Yetis that dare stay in the kitchen after lunch was over. Neither one of them wanted anything to do with laid in Tekla's peach lotion cover hands. Knowing that downing what she presented in form of a refreshing beverage. Would mess them up mentally so badly that known of them would know which way was up. Leaving her to shelf the pitcher in her private fridge located in her shared bedroom, or gives it away.
"Boys," Tone of Tekla's voice had Yeti's running out kitchen area as she called to Ero and Jack. "You have any plans for today?"
Jack wanted to get some personal time in by visiting his pond and Jamie before thinking about a snow day. Ero wouldn't be privately torturing with North until later that day during the evening time. Leaving both to agree to Tekla's idea of delivering bottles of her peppermint liquor to other guardians. Leaving them to jointly figure out through out this delivery run why this one would be weird.
Until both boys were stuck watch Tekla walk over to disembodied coveter made of petrified wood. She would reach toward upper section and open up its small doors to reveal tempered glass bottles. Their long necks attached to their spherical shaped bases with pine tree shaped caps. Peak both boys' interests since sizes of these jars ranged from 20 OZ being the smallest to 1.75-L being the biggest.
Only six 20-OZ jars with caps were taken out beside the half-filled pitcher
A metal funnel would be placed in each one of the openings of the empty Jars in order to be used to fill them. Not a single drop of clear liquor was spilled these Jars were loaded with contains of the pitcher. Colorful lights casted off from the fluid whooshing around in the bottle look like an illuminated show. Stayed that way even after they were sealed and capped off by pine trees shaped tops. Loaded in to portal carrier made of metal fiber and had six slots for only limited amount of these containers.
"Before I send you two off." Tekla needed to make a list of which she wanted to delivery to.
Up a Yeti would step approaching Ero to hand something he was asked to get from the youth's room over with Jack watching. Items were made of crystal material and small figurines were in the shape of winged beasts. Would be pocketed by Ero catching the light sight Jack had on him.
"You'll find out what they are soon enough." Ero winked at Jack.
Jack pulled the hood of his blue hoodie as far it cotton fabric restricted elasticity would allow him. Trying to cover his head and most of his face ended up to be the problem as he tried to hide his face. Not wanting to show the effects that Ero's own body language had his blushing like schoolgirl. Didn't block out clicking heels of belonging to Tekla walking toward him at quicken pace. To only end for a few minutes when someone ended up tugging his hood off his head with Tekla in his line of sight.
"I don't know what you bashful about;" Jack's attics amused Tekla. "Until I bother North about talking to you about it..."
Pecking his cheek with her cherry red lips while sneaking a written on piece of paper into one of his pockets. Before she pulled away from him to tell Ero about going along with Jack to make sure everything got delivered, and gather his own ingredients. Giving him the same kiss she gave Jack on one of his cheeks with her cherry red lips. Before pulling away and watching them off with wave of her hand. Not really caring that Ero had to chase after Jack upon leaving the Kitchen area. Bursting through same doors minutes after those boys left would be North bellowing loudly.
His first order of busy was the aura of familiar beverage that Tekla had waiting for him in filled glass. Saying this was only time he could sample the drink before she started getting workshop ready. For the long belied Celebration Party that she was moving from planning stages to preparation stage. After days spent on food and drinks she was going to serve to Spirits attending this gathering. She finally moves on to decorations and readying upon location in Workshop.
"What a party it shall be..." North stormed over to Tekla and scooped her in to his tattooed arms, "...due to my Sweet Candy Cane."
Instead of smiling like North wanted Tekla to do when they spoke of hard work she always put into hosting social gatherings. Always left good imprinted or reputation with spirits that were always invited. Who loved the all Yeti band they could dance through to the delicious food or drink passed out. Even hand crafted decorations strategically placed in every corner of the room. Left anyone to take a seat to take in the sight of colorful and detailed each garland, banner, or lantern held.
Just right now wasn't being looking forward too by Tekla after she was picked up and off her feet. By North, Who noticed that she wasn't returning his affection in her usual sensual or delightful matter. Instead she wore the same expression of deep sorrow and misery upon her porcelain doll face. Tugged so much at North's own heartstrings he asked if this had to do Pitch's latest stunt. Slow nod she gave him along side her voicing her fear of ever losing him would re-break her heart.
3:24 PM Late Afternoon, Deep Under the Continent of Australia
Jack was impressed with the teleportation spell Ero used to get them to Warren without Bunnymund's tunnels. It just meant using the same marble that left scorching trail to draw out a magical circle. Created circular symbol big enough for two people that had to stand in middle in order to activate it. This was something Jack wasn't up for since he still got bubbling feelings when close to Ero. Didn't stop North from shoving Jack up close and personal to Ero when it was time to leave.
Before Jack could leap out and fly off offering to go on solo delivery scorched lines under his bare feet. Didn't light up in a bring blue coloring in form laminating lights that shot up from the ground. Swallowing him and Ero's bodies when separate lines came together in center of the circle. Leaving scenery of the workshop to fade away like an oil painting washed away by bucket of water. Shades of Green took shape of underground oasis filled with spring plants, Easter eggs, and ancient temple.
"This should be the Warren." Ero clapped his names.
This was where both Ero and Jack were dumped on their rears out of a circular rift that closed up in seconds. Before the two of them could get to their feet and look around for Bunnymund to give a bottle. Sentential Eggs came to life at the sound of Jack yelling and Ero telling him to be quiet. Would have left their perches going on the attack if wasn't for Ero casting a spell. Lifted the heavy, egg shaped objects into the air about 10 to 20 feet to slow them down. Giving both boys the chance to walk a little bit further into the Warren weight started to take its toll on Ero. If only his magic was strong enough to keep them up there a few more minutes. Since he end up almost passing out by falling down on the ground beside Jack if Bunnymund hadn't showed.
Allowing Ero to lowered the Sentential Eggs back onto their perches before giving into unconsciousness. He ended up falling into Bunnymund's arms then soft grass under their feet showing no signs of awareness. Not wanting to look for an answer from willing Jack while he adjusted his hold on Ero. Before leading Jack with Ero comfortably in his arms to opening of burrow that was his home.
"Careful hadn't cleaned up, mate." Bunnymund warned Jack.
Onto a colorful sofa carved from some type of wood Bunnymund placed quiet Ero carefully. Something about the Ero never having actual childhood came from Bunnymund's lips. Just wasn't loud enough for Jack to hear before Pooka why he was here confronted him. The jingle of glass jars shaking in their carrier had Jack lifting metal carrier with his staff. He made sure to place now five bottles of the alcohol on near by surface for Bunnymund to get a look.
"Tekla North sends her best." Jack relied her message.
"That Sheila sure can Surprise." Bunnymund looked over Jars.
Before grabbing one of bottles or asking Jack to hand him one so he could put it away in one of his cabinets. Bunnymund hopped off into depths of his borrow Asking Jack to give him a few minutes. A chance he took by taking in the room the Ero had been placed to be sort of sitting area. Furniture was made from carved wood and colorful fabric like sofa that Ero occupied. A few wall painting and pictures would be found hanging on upper parts of the wall beside tapestries. Leaving Jack to take a solo-sitting chair that was placed near enough to the sofa to be near Ero.
4:28 PM Afternoon turns to Evening, In middle of the some Ocean
Ero turned down Bunnymund's offer to stay a little longer within his Warren to gain some of his energy back. Jack sort of agreed with Bunnymund didn't mean he was taking Ero back to North's workshop. Since he would helped Ero into one of Bunnymund's tunnels that would take them to Sandman's home. It was moving through those narrow tunnel of dirt would be hard on Jack. Since holding a tired Ero on his staff could hinder his ability to fly or even steer his staff.
Before escort form Bunnymund could take place or call was put out to North to come get Ero. Out came one of the figurines that Jack saw a Yeti give Ero before they left the workshop that morning. That Ero dropped onto the ground calling it a Cat-apillar that grew in before them. This over grown creature in the shape of small school bus made out brown furred tabby cat. Had this huge grin on its face while it had a few more legs on top of the ones it already came with.
"Coming?" Ero asked Jack.
A doorway with a stairwell led to a padded and furnished inside of the Cat-apillar made to look like bus. Ero was first one in with Jack right behind him assuring worried Pooka he would keep an eye on fellow youth. To only be threaten in form of a warning to let any further harm happen or come to Ero. Before he found him self settling down near a seat Ero half way down on ready to sit. Lifting up one of his hands to tap twice against the fur lined wall of insides of Cat-apillar.
The furry source of transportation moving into opened tunnel in the form of a swan like dive ended with a plop. In magical since ended up fitting perfectly while bouncing off dirt walls not once losing its smile. Pacing it self due to Ero needs time to take a slight nap to regain his lost energy. Didn't stop form conversation between Jack and Ero to start explaining purpose behind the Cat-apillar.
"Something my mother crafted using a form of alchemy and Creation based Magic." Ero yawned trying keeping his opened; "Purpose behind it was she to move herself and stuff around with out being detected."
Jack ended up allowing Ero to use his shoulder as a shoulder when he finally drifted off to peaceful slumber. The show of gold sand showed objects appeared in form of a small trail above Ero's head. One to Jack that stood out was bust of a woman with long wavy hair and wide open eyes. Model nose and lips on high cheekbones made her look like she was in her late 20's. A witch's hate and black cat appeared flying around this feminine bust beside other symbolized items.
Would stay like that before turning into scenes from Colonial America of how this woman died told Jack about Ero. From how her battered formed sat before judgmental towns folk begging to appeal to her and her unborn child. To be told they don't fall for trickery of a witch and her spawn of the evil before she sentenced to be drowned. This pulled Jack's on painful memory of how he came to guardian while needing to ask Ero something.
At the moment he knew needed wait deciding to hand over the jar him self then waking Ero up to do it.
6:42 PM Early Evening, Some where above the clouds of Southeast Asia
Jack thought Ero would be catching a ride with him on his wooden staff when they made their way to Tooth's palace. Instead was surprise when he got eyeful of stallion horse that was crossed with dragon in purple coloring. It bat like wing span reached out 11 feet or more as it glides through the air with Ero on its back side. It had to be 5.1 feet in height and scales in place of fur from what Jack guessed as flew along side him.
"Never saw a Dragon-Horse before?" Ero asked catching Jack looking at his creature, "Her name is Hita and magical creature my mother crafted."
Out of Hita's nostrils smokes mixed with embers flowed and swirled around it flapping wings while shifting in air currents. Every now and then it would nod his hand in order to keep it long main from its sight. Flying straight avoiding Jack since Hita was being steered by Ero following directions. Not once was Ero going to take Jack's offer of him leading them to Tooth's Palace in the sky. In fear of Jack pulling a prank that Ero wouldn't be unable to get out of knowing Jack.
"First time." Jack just stared at Hita.
"Good." Ero couldn't help but laugh a little.
Jack taking advantage of the situation by getting close enough to the smoke Hita had breathed out asking for the wind's assistance. Had him picking up the tail ends of the smoke that would end up following end section of his staff. Bits of frost started to appear within the smoke cloud in place of embers. Would end up moving with Jack as he flew above Ero's and Hita's heads in swirling matter. Forming connected circular pattern out of a smoke cloud with froze chucks. Would be blown away by Hita's wings when Ero lowered his person knowing she was about to do something.
She ended up doing a simple loop-de-loop that had Jack in middle when she performed the move. Not dropping Ero once when she turned up side down in the air once ended with her in front of Jack. Had Ero waving at Jack when he slightly turned around and waved to Jack while sticking his tongue out. Hita just waved her head back and fourth like she accomplished correctly for Ero.
"For got to tell you." Ero thought Jack needed to know, "She's bit of a trick flyer with chip on her shoulder."
She ended up stretching long feathers on very tips of her wings further out before she sped up. Leaving Jack to fall further behind them if he didn't pick up the pace the wind was already pushing him at. Turned their 1st delivery into a race between two boys to who would make it to Tooth's Palace first. Soon would be coming to end when the sight of levitating structure came in to view.
"You better slow down." Ero pats Hita's mane.
He knew from what his mother use to tell him that he needed to be careful when getting near Tooth's Palace. Since the mini-fairies that work for her were also known for there viscous offensive purposes. That were only lineated toward other visiting guardians or spirits here to see Tooth.
Coming in at massive speed like Ero had Hita doing would send them plummeting in ground below. Slowing down their speed some would allow them to land peacefully and deliver the 1st Jar. Jack was given to chance to catch up with them before a familiar bussing of little wings filled their ears. Before either one could answer the other about a rematch of speed who was the fastest. Tiny fairies in cheery mood to see both boy swarmed around their eyes wanting to take greet them.
"Tooth knows we're here." Jack looked to Ero.
"Seems like it." Ero was getting dzzy look at all the fairies flying around.
He would have fallen off Hita's back if the dragon-horse hadn't just landed on solid ground in smooth way. Just Ero ended up stumbling off her back saying something needing to catch his breath. Since he fell to the ground in front of Hita unable to call her back into figurine form using magical words. Leaving Jack to represent one of the six bottles to Tooth with out Ero tagging along.