Chapter 4

By mid-week Aisling was looking terrible. It took her longer to purify the sand in her blood every morning. She was also physically weaker and no longer able to stand. Jamie and Sophie were sleep deprived, but not physically weak like Aisling. Jamie worried for the girl and wondered in a passing thought if nightmare sand could kill a person. By the fourth night of her nightmare educed sleep, it took her until noon to purify the sand and she was barely conscious.

Jamie watched as tears leaked from her eyes while she laid on the floor of the cage. Like usual, the dream sand left the wound as it was purified. The girl mumbled under her breath as she cried, unable to move any longer. She closed her eyes again and sank into unconsciousness. Unknown to her, but watched by the other two, the dream sand she expelled swirled into a form, unlike the other times. Their first thought was that she might be dreaming and it was her dream, but that thought was changed as the frail-looking wolf started walking off and disappeared out of the cave.

Jamie hoped desperately that the little wolf would go get help. He didn't think Aisling could hold on for much longer.

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Sandy and the others were disheartened to find that the entrance to Pitch's lair had closed. They returned to the Warren to update Bunny on the developments. He was extremely worried when he heard Pitch had kidnapped 3 believers, including his own favorite, Sophie.

Tooth sent out her fairies to search around Burgess for another entrance, but they returned without finding anything. After Tooth received the report they saw a shadow creep along the wall. Bunny threw a boomerang at it. Pitch's laugh echoed around the Warren as he stepped out of another shadow.

"tut tut," he said, "is that how you greet visitors?"

"Where are they?" Bunny asked, growling.

"Who?" Pitch asked, dodging a bolt of ice.

"You know who!" Jack exclaimed, "Where are the believers?"

"Those children you seem to adore?" Pitch almost purred, "I assure you they're well looked after. The dreamer girl in particular is quite valuable."

A golden whip caught his wrist and he looked over to see the normally calm sandy with anger in his eyes. Pitch simply smirked and tainted the whip. Sandy had to let go before it touched him.

They all stared him down, wondering how he had acquired such power.

"Oh, are you wondering how much power I've gained?" Pitch asked them mockingly, "I've gained more in the past few days than I have in the last 10 years. Sandy's favorite little girl has given me enough power to create an army. I'm sure it will be ready by Easter. Perhaps I should make a Nightmare Princess to lead it- the girl is almost at her breaking point after all. This Easter won't be like the last time, you better be prepared."

With another laugh, he disappeared. The Guardians were in a state of shock. Sandy sank to the ground, as he was in the front, Tooth flew up behind him. "I'm sure it will be alright," she said, putting her hand on his shoulder and looking at his face. What she saw made her touch down suddenly. Sandy was crying, large, golden tears running down his face. Tooth looked to North for help and they all gathered around their shortest member in a group hug.

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The rest of the week passed slowly for Jamie and Sophie, watching Aisling and having their own nightmares. At the end of their second week of captivity, Aisling had only finished purifying the sand five minutes before Pitch came in again. She looked up at him standing over her, unable to move or make a noise.

"Haven't you hurt her enough?" Jamie rasped angrily.

"Perhaps my Princess should have a Prince," Pitch mused to himself, striking fear into Jamie.

"What are you going to do to her?" Jamie asked.

Pitch didn't answer him, but took his knife, making a cut in his arm. A black, inky substance pooled into his hand. Aisling stiffened and whimpered when it entered her blood, having only enough strength to do so.

Jamie watched as her hair darkened and her skin turned a silvery color. Pitch picked up the unconscious girl and turned to Jamie with a smirk. "I'll deal with you later," he said.

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The girl woke up groggily, blinking silver eyes. She saw she was in a bed in a room with grey walls, grey sheets, and grey pillows. A man approached her.

"Who are you?" she asked him.

He smiled. "you don't remember?" he asked, "I am your father."

"Who am I? she asked.

"My daughter, Aisling Pitchner. It is good that you have awoken. I have been worried." He replied.

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The Guardians sent out messages to all the spirits on Earth, warning them of Pitch Black's return and the danger of his current state. All knew of the threat coming on Easter Sunday.

Jack himself personally visited his own family. His mom, Mother Nature, viewed messages as an insult and preferred the personal touch.

She calmly listened to his explanation and said gravely, "This is not good. That he has enough power to raise his armies bodes ill for this world. I shall ready the seasonal spirits."

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Yay chapter 4!

Tsalyah