All of the Guardians are back at North's workshop but what will happen when you have old enemies living in the same place? Also, who were those creeps hiding in the shadows watching them?
Chapter Four: Warning
[3rd person POV]
Once they had gotten back to North's place they all went straight to the globe room to discuss the problem at hand. Bunnymund had been glad to get out of the sleigh but was still playing nanny to both of the young spirits. The whole way back they had had several little arguments about when one of them had gotten the other in trouble or caused them a lot of problems. 95% of the offenses were made by Jack as he loved to not only freeze water when it shouldn't have frozen, but, also when he'd been either too early with bringing winter or way too late, causing people to hate the summer heat even more. Then there was apparently a time when Jack had "accidentally" frozen Summer's house he lived in.
North, who had been listening the whole time, couldn't help but laugh and comment how the two acted like a couple of brothers. Immediately the two objected to that suggestion vehemently and in unison. That reaction only caused North to laugh even more and say that he knew they would get along great; He felt it in his belly. It was that comment that made Bunnymund bust out laughing, taking a minute to collet himself.
As the group entered the globe room the two spirits had silently decided to not speak to each other and stood on opposite sides of the room. North stood by the fireplace with Sandy and Bunnymund next to him. Tooth, who was still worried about Summer, floated next to the Spirit of Summer who was leaning against the railing and looking down at the working yetis. Jack was leaning next to the frost covered window, resting his head on his staff.
"So, things are worse than we thought. Not only is Kuroi on the rise, but Pitch is too. Also, Pitch has partner we don't know of." North stated the severity of the manner clear in his voice. "Spirit of Summer, was there anything about Pitch that seemed odd?"
"Well, he had no eyes. They were just a couple of holes in his face…pitch black holes. Now that I think of it, his nightmares didn't have eyes either." Summer said, thinking back to his fight with the King of Nightmares.
"Did you say holes mate?" Bunnymund asked him, a look of partial confusion on his face.
Summer nodded and asked, "Who is Kuroi by the way? I haven't heard of him before, or at least that name in particular."
"Kuroi is darkness and death. He caused Black Plague and created Boogieman Pitch. He is older than all of us and very strong, though he has never shown himself to us." North explained to Summer.
"He also hasn't ever made a clear sign that he was planning something big, much less tried to capture one of us Guardians. I think this is the first time he's really done anything against us. Speaking of Guardians, don't you all think we should tell him?" Bunnymund suggested while painting a green design on an Easter egg.
"Oh yeah, I forgot all about it! I was so worried about finding him that it slipped my mind." Toothiana said with a giggle.
"Tell me what?" Summer asked, now really confused.
North walked over to the young spirit and put his hands on his shoulders, a big smile on his face. Summer looked at him and then the others, wondering what they had to tell him. Obviously it was something big and it didn't seem like a bad thing either. But, what could it be?
"Summer, you have been given a great honor none of us have received. The Woman in Sun has chosen you to be a Guardian. All of us were picked by Man in Moon but you are first chosen by her." North told him with a broad smile.
Summer stared at him in shock, not able to believe what was happening. In one day he'd gone from almost not existing to a Guardian, let alone the first chosen by the Woman in the Sun?! How was any of this possible when he not only didn't have an actual name but, he wasn't believed in at all (at least not in a good way).
"You're joking, right? I don't even have a name, let alone people that believe in me or know I exist. Heck, none of you except Toothiana and Jack knew who I was until today. No, this has gotta be a fluke." Summer said, the last part more to himself.
"You don't accept this; Why? It is good thing, no?" North asked him.
"Yeah, it's great but don't you have to at least have a name before something like this? Because I don't think A/C Killer counts and I sure as hell know that I've been nameless for the past 320 years." Summer answered. "I need a moment think. You guys talk; I'm gonna get some air."
With that Summer jumped out the opening in the roof and was gone before any of them could protest. All of them were quiet and stared at the opening, the morning sun just starting to shine through it. It was Bunnymund who broke the silence.
"Well, he took that better than Frostbite over here. I'm sure he'll come around after a few minutes." He said, not looking away from his egg.
"Bunny is right. Besides, this must be a big change for him. Just give him some time North." Tooth added in a motherly tone, smiling as North nodded and said, "Okay".
[1st POV; Summer]
I couldn't believe what I was being told. I'm now a Guardian even though I don't even know who I am! How is that even possible? I know Jack Frost didn't really have many people that believed in him when he was made a Guardian but at least he and the world knew who he was and his name. Me, well…not even the Guardians or the Man in the Moon know me. The Woman in the Sun, of all people, doesn't know my name! So if everyone doesn't know who I am, how can I protect anything? I'm surprised I haven't disappeared yet.
As I sat on the roof looking at the rising sun, a familiar voice spoke to me.
"Spirit of Summertime, what is wrong? You're hurt and upset, which you weren't when I last saw you." The Woman in the Sun asked me telepathically.
"Well, Pitch attacked me, which is where the injury came from. And…why did you pick me when I don't even know who I am and no-one else knows I exist?" I asked her, looking up at the sky.
She was quiet for a moment and answered, "Because you are meant to be a Guardian. Besides, people don't have to know you exist for you to help them. I chose you because, even though you have spent your whole life unknown, you still protect children and families without blinking; you've spent your whole time keeping them safe and have earned the title of Guardian."
"So, what do I get to be called? The Guardian of not-having-a-name? There seems to be abit of a problem with that." I told her, my sarcasm clear.
"Do you know who you are? And I don't mean you're name." She asked.
I paused and thought about it. Then I answered, "Yes. I'm the Spirit of Summertime and a protector of childhood. I bring happiness to families as they enjoy their summers."
"Did you need a name to know any of that?"
With a sigh I answered, "No, I didn't. It'd be nice though."
"Well, how about this: If I ever remember who you use to be, I'll make you a proper title. Does that sound good?" She offered.
"Yeah, but no slagging on it." I told her, smiling slightly.
"Alright, I won't. You should head back inside; it's too cold for you out here. Also, get your ribs wrapped up, I can tell they're really hurting you."
"Kay, will do. I'll talk to you later." I said, smiling at the sun. Then I got up, wincing as my ribs burned again, and jumped back inside the globe room.
When I landed Tooth flew over and asked how I was. I told her I was okay and looked at North, who had walked over from the fireplace. He stood a few feet away from me, his hands on his belt.
"Well? Have you decided?" He asked me.
"Yes and if the Woman in the Sun chose me to be a Guardian, I accept. Besides, that means Jack can't tease me about not being at his level." I answered with a smirk.
"Good! I knew you would say yes. The belly never lies." He told me leaning in close with a smile. "Now, let's get back to the matter at hand. Pitch had holes as eyes. Kuroi has holes as eyes too."
"Well, Pitch did come from Kuroi. Maybe the two are working together? Pitch said that he had to make an "offering" to his new partner to show he was loyal." I told him and the others.
Bunnymund looked up from his egg and asked, "Didn't Pitch betray Kuroi at some point?"
"Yes, he did. That would explain the loyalty and offering. But what are they planning?" North asked while pacing back and forth.
I thought for a moment wondering about what Kuroi could be planning with Pitch. Also, I thought about how I was part of it. Neither of them wanted me to figure out what my full powers were, but why?
"When was the last time any of you saw Kuroi?" I asked.
"The Black Plague. He had caused it and it took us forever to make him stop. Even the Man in the Moon had to help us deal with him. God that was probably the worst fight in my whole life." Bunnymund answered while shivering from the thought of it.
"Do you think he might be up to something like that again? Maybe he and Pitch are working on making a way to kill people with, well… nightmares. It'd make sense since Kuroi is death and Pitch is nightmares." I suggested to the others, causing all of them to freeze in shock at the idea.
Before any of them could say a thing a loud and painfully familiar laughter filled the globe room. I immediately took up my staff and stood ready to fight, the other Guardians doing the same. We all looked up however as a huge blot of black sand covered the opening in the roof and made the electricity short circuit. Soon the whole building was dark.
As the lights went out I heard the sound of horse hooves clopping on the wooden floor, their snorts and neighs echoing all around us. Completely blind I listened as the nightmares attacked who I could only guess was Bunnymund and North due to their battle cries and the sound of swords and boomerangs. Then I heard Tooth yell out in surprise and saw flashes of gold and blue from Jack and Sandy. However, that light was only enough for me to catch a glimpse of things. Nervously I backed-up, my staff pointing in front of me. It was only when I felt myself back into a tall figure that a spike of fear rose up in me.
"Hello again Spirit of Summer. It's time for you to come with me." Pitch said sinisterly.
"Like hell I will!" I shouted as I ducked away from his grasping hands.
Rolling away I got to my knee and could see the holes Pitch had as eyes were glowing like black lights. I got up and shot a burst of light at him, which he dived away from desperately. Then, regaining his footing, he shot something through the darkness at me. Suddenly my whole leg was in pain and I fell down trying not to scream.
Speaking of screams I heard Tooth cry out as, what I'm guessing would be a nightmare, hurt her. Hearing that I felt anger surge through me like never before. I was okay if somebody hurt me but, I am not okay with the people I care about being hurt instead. Pulling myself to my feet, ignoring my injured leg, I raised my staff high above my head and filtered all my rage into this one hit. Bringing down my staff I watched as a wave of brilliant and blinding light spread over the floor and then burst out of my staff in a huge explosion.
Pitch and all the nightmares shrieked in agony, more so than before, and flew around blindly until the light died down. Then, when they could somewhat see again they flew out. Pitch, however, had something to tell us.
"Hear this Guardians! If you do not hand over the Spirit of Summer then we will take him after ruining you and everything you've worked to protect! This is your only warning!" Pitch shouted to us, fleeing after.
Yay, Chapter Four is done! Took me forever. Hope you enjoy and leave comments. ^w^
