Weapons at hand and determination at its peak, they were all ready to leave when a yeti rushed towards them grumbling frantically. North stiffened as he listened, his expression slowly falling into concern. He barked a reply to the yeti who rushed off once more, hastily following whatever order North had just given whilst the rest of the Guardians awaited a translation.
"He says flicker on globe," North explained, brow creased, "Could be Pitch but we can only find out by seeing ourselves."
Their eyes widened as the predicament became clear. There was the dilemma, so subtly phrased, but a decision nonetheless: confront Jack's attacker or prevent a madman threatening the innocent children of the world. Their priorities, their loyalties, were being tested. Glancing at each other in hopes that someone else would provide the answer, no one offered a solution. Bunny's ears fell flat against his head. His whole job revolved around these children he had a duty to protect and spreading hope through their childhood to fight off monsters like the boogieman but at the same time, Jack was a child who needed help even if he wouldn't admit it, and he had a duty to protect him to counter the three hundred years that he had abandoned him for, the three hundred years he had spent battling the demons and monsters on his own, ones that didn't appear as traditional monsters but hidden in the skin of spirits he should be able to trust. He knew what his Guardianship duties dictated what he should do but 'should do' and 'needed to' were two different things.
Sandy called all their attention, once more proving himself the oldest and wisest of the Guardians, indicating to him and Tooth and the distinct shape of a nightmare, then pointed at Bunny and North and created a snowflake above his head. The meaning was clear and Bunny was grateful for it. Me and Tooth will take Pitch, you and North help Jack.
"You sure?" Bunny asked, trying to convey his gratitude to the little man but also not force the plan. Sandy nodded and Tooth gave a curt nod of her head too.
"Just give that spirit a message from us too," she told him fiercely and Sandy pounded a small fist into his palm in agreement.
"Don't worry," Bunny grinned, "We got him, you go get Pitch and teach him a lesson from the rest of us- Jack especially." He wasn't sure what it was or why, but Pitch paid a bit too much attention to their youngest member and was too interested in the vulnerable young boy for the Pooka's liking and it bristled his fur more than anything else the Nightmare King taunted them with, flaring a possessive streak in the warrior that he wasn't aware he still possessed.
With another agreement from the pair, Sandy and Tooth raced down the halls to find out their destination, fully prepared to take out their frustration and worry on anyone who dared to mess with them, hoping dearly that it would be Pitch himself.
"Now, we need to decide where we should start to search for this pathetic excuse of a winter spirit," Bunny seethed, paws clenching unconsciously at his boomerangs at the thought of Jack's attacker. "This ain't going to be easy. They're damn near impossible to locate half the time and I don't have a clue where to start."
"Maybe we should ask Jamie," North suggested, "Jack said he was with boy when it happened and he may be able to offer more of description of this spirit."
"Good idea," Bunny said, trying to hide the astonishment at such a sane plan where the overbearing enthusiastic Russian was concerned.
"Come on," North boomed, a strange dangerous glint entering his eyes, "No time to waste, to the sleigh!"
"Oh, no! No way," Bunny growled before the other man could move, "Not after last time. This time we're takin' me tunnels."
Without warning so the large man could not complain or talk his way out of a taste of his own medicine, Bunny thumped his foot on the wooden floorboards and a large gaping hole opened beneath them, swallowing them both greedily into the depths of the earth, Bunny with a stoic silence, concentrating on their destination, and North with an undignified yelp of surprise and indignation.
They re-emerged out into the open, the tunnel spitting them out in a familiar garden, the grass still frosted with white dust as December neared and the clouds were washed pale as though the colour of the sky had been drained away in the past months. North landed in an undignified heap with a yelp, throwing a scowl at the large Pooka who gracefully landed expertly on his feet beside him.
He was about to throw an amused comment at the Russian when a young voice interrupted them, and they turned to find young Jamie Bennett standing on the bottom step of the porch, a coat hastily half zipped up and hat askew atop his chocolate hair, gaping with wonder at the two legends stood in his own garden, a large grin on his face. For a moment, Bunny was reminded of Jack and he shook himself from that thought.
"Hey, Jamie," Bunny greeted.
"What are you doing here?" Jamie asked incredulously, jumping down the final step and wrapping the scarf that was clutched in his hands snugly around his neck but faltered as he realised how his statement had sounded. "I mean, not that you're not welcome," he hastily amended, "It's just I thought you would be busy, especially this time of year." He threw an anxious look at North, pulling up the zip of his coat finally.
"There's still plenty of time," North assured in his large voice, "Yeti's are still working away and I think there may be some particularly good present for a special group of children this year, as thank you for help."
"Really?" Jamie exclaimed, eyes shining brightly.
"Of course, after all is least we can do, and-"
"Ahem," Bunny interrupted before the man could launch into another endless enthusiastic ramble about his work. North shot an apologetic look towards him and Jamie turned to him, finally seeming to note the serious troubled expressions that they wore.
"What's wrong?" he asked warily, as though he feared the answer, "It's not Pitch again is it, because then-"
"No," Bunny stepped in again. They were pressed for time as was and every second they wasted, the more that despicable sadistic curse was slowly killing Jack. "Well, yes," he corrected and hurried on when Jamie's face fell, quick to keep onto the topic that they were concerned for, "That's not why we're here though. This is about Jack."
"Jack?" and in an instant the boy's whole demeanour changed, eyes filling with worry and no longer as distracted by two of his heroes stood before him. Neither of them were anything compared to Jack. "Is he alright?"
Bunny hesitated in his answer. Presumably Jamie had witnessed the fight if the boy's behaviour and understanding and Jack's brief uninformative recount was anything to go by, and must have therefore seen the injuries which Jack sported- the fact that Jack trusted a young boy he had know for only months enough to tell him when he was injured sent a mix of anger and sorrow to the large rabbit and he began to wonder that maybe if Jamie hadn't been there, would anyone have found out? Even if Jamie was aware of the initial injuries from the fight, was it right to burden him with the knowledge that one of his heroes, one of his friends, was currently sitting back in the infirmary at the North Pole struggling under the powers of an apparent incurable curse, and the Guardians, the ones who had accepted him into their little group and sworn to protect each other, could do nothing about it.
"He told us abou' the fight," Bunny admitted plainly, deciding to get to the bottom of this. There wasn't time for delicacy at the moment. Jack didn't have time.
"Oh," Jamie said slowly, furrowing his brow, "He told you?"
"Eventually," Bunny grumbled, "It's unbelievable how much that kid can talk and joke and yet never really say anything." He heaved an irritable sigh and his two companions lowered their gazes in regretful empathy.
He shook his head, banishing those types of thoughts for the moment, drawing attention back to the reason they were here.
"Look, he told us you were there," he explained, "And since he apparently can't remember who it was, we were wondering if you could give us a better description of this winter spirit who attacked ya?"
"Why?" Jamie frowned sceptically.
"Aside from the fact that he just attacked Jack?" Bunny asked bitterly, though Jamie only raised his eyebrows in a way that told him that that wasn't a good enough reason to go hunting down this spirit, as much as he too cared for Jack.
"So is this a revenge thing?" Jamie asked disapprovingly, it was strange the way a child could make the ancient warrior feel uneasy. "You see? This is exactly why Jack didn't want to tell you anything in the first place. He doesn't want anyone fighting his battles and he said that you would overreact and that's what he didn't want, and he was completely right."
Bunny just stared. How had this kid become so loyal to Jack in so little time? "We're not overreacting," Bunny argued, "We're just looking out for our youngest member…"
"I hate to break it to you, but from what I saw the other day, Jack is perfectly capable of taking care of himself," Jamie wasn't lying exactly. Sure Jack had had it rough in that fight and almost lost, but he had fought with great experience and skill that the other Guardians probably weren't aware of and, as Jack had told him after the fight, he was living proof that he had managed to look after himself and survive for three hundred years on his own without the need for anyone else to fight his battles for him. Besides, he had promised Jack and he hated to break his promise, so the least he could do was to defend him. "He's dealt with this for three hundred years and he's okay, he wouldn't want you to fight for him instead. Do you think that would improve the situation at all?"
"He's not exactly okay Jamie," Bunny grumbled though the fact that this had been going on for three hundred years without his knowledge broke him partly inside, Jack shouldn't of have to deal with that for so long on his own. Being told off by a kid really wasn't helping his mood either.
"What do you mean he's not okay?" Jamie asked frantically, fear sparking in his innocent eyes, quickly falling from his reprimanding stance, folded arms falling loosely by his side and eyes darting between the two Guardians in search of any answers. "What's happened? What's wrong with Jack?"
"Nothing too serious," Bunny assured the panicking boy, thinking to himself that it wasn't not a lie, not really. If they could find these elusive winter spirits and get them to reveal the cure then it wasn't anything serious at all. "He'll be alright but we really need to find the one who attacked him the other day."
Jamie nibbled his lip nervously, internally debating whether this was an appropriate exemption to his promise with Jack that he wouldn't tell the Guardian about the fight, although, technically Jack told the Guardians himself and he never promised to not say anything about any other winter spirit he may have encountered.
"Okay," Jamie conceded, shoulders slumping in defeat and sending a silent apology to Jack for giving in so easily. "If it will help Jack." He rubbed the back of his neck distractedly, trying to recall the terrifying battle that he had witnessed mere days ago. "Let me think…He looked like he was maybe in his twenties? I think… but I know with spirits that means nothing because they don't age so I guess his real age will be much older. Dark clothing, really light blond hair, almost white- but not like Jack's- dark eyes, quite thin," he listed all the features that he could remember and North and Bunny listened intently, memorising everything significant detail.
"Any chance Jack mentioned a name?" Bunny pressed when Jamie had finished. Jack had told them that he didn't know but he wanted to make sure after discovering how reluctant the young Guardian was at revealing anything about his life.
"No," Jamie shook his head apologetically, "They didn't really talk much but Jack definitely knew that he wasn't friendly." He trailed off with a frown before adding, "I don't think he's on good terms with most spirits…"
Bunny's face fell at that. How many spirits did Jack suffer bullying and abuse from? They had always known that he was lonely but never alone and, man in the moon forbid, treated as awfully as he apparently was and how had a kid managed to realise all this long before the Guardians had, the immortal beings that were supposed to protect children, especially defenceless children like Jack?
He heaved a sigh and turned to leave, scouring his mind for all the places that they would have to search to find these winter spirits. They would have to go to the main areas that were currently amidst the very throws of winter and that would take so much time, time that Jack may not have. He pushed the negative thoughts from his mind- he was the Guardian of Hope after all and if he didn't have hope then how was he expected to spread it to the rest of the world.
"One more thing," Bunny turned back, not expecting any helpful answer but they needed all the help they could get and so far it seemed like Jamie knew far more about their winter spirit than they did. "Do you have any idea where we might find him or any other winter spirits? Did Jack ever mention anything during his visits or let anything slip about where these other winter spirits usually are?" It was worth a shot after all; it was already proven that Jack revealed more to Jamie than he ever had to the Guardians.
Jamie shook his head in defeat then paused, eyes widening as some thought or memory awakened in his mind.
"Wait, there was this place," he spoke slowly, unsure but as he continued his voice grew more confident in what he was saying, eager to help Jack if finding this winter spirit was what it would take, "that Jack said we weren't allowed to go…somewhere in North-west Russia , a mountain range, I think. Yeah, it was. The largest mountain along the range, he said we weren't to go there, that he wasn't supposed to. He said the winter spirits didn't take kindly to being interrupted when they went for frequent rest periods there."
"That's a start," Bunny said, relief washing through him, loosening the knot in his shoulders. He turned to North with a smirk, "That's your territory, mate. You wanna take the lead in this?"
"You betcha," North boomed, grinning broadly at the thought of returning to his once native land. "I think I can find just the place."
"Good then we better hurry," he stamped a large foot and a hole burst through the grass, disappearing into the darkness. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Jamie gaping in astonishment at the freshly formed tunnel. "Thanks for all your help Jamie. We really appreciate it. You're a good kid."
"Wait!" Jamie shouted hurriedly when they made to leave and ran right up to them, looking up imploringly into their eyes. "Is Jack going to be okay?"
North kneeled down to be on level with him, fixing him with a solid glare that spoke only honesty. "We will look after him Jamie. Do not worry."
"Okay," he mumbled. "Just don't let anything else happen to him, please." Without warning, Jamie suddenly launched himself into the man's arms, hugging him tightly and North opened his arms in surprise before returning it comfortingly.
"Everything will be okay, Jamie," he assured and the child finally pulled away with a sniff and a final nod, backing away to let them leave and stuffing his hands into his pockets.
Without grumbling this time, North jumped without hesitation, both too focused on how close they were to possibly having more answers.
"Hold on, hold on," Bunny faltered just as he was about to leave, "What do you mean 'we' weren't allowed to go. When did Jack take you anywhere near Russia?"
"Um…" The boy's eyes widened comically as he realised what he had accidentally let slip.
"Never mind," With a shake of his head and a vow to have a serious lecture on the responsibilities of a Guardian to their youngest member, Bunny disappeared down the hole before it sealed, leaving nothing in it's place except a small daisy.
Neither of the vigilant Guardians saw Jamie remove his hand from within his thick coat after they left and carefully examine the procured snow globe.
The intense cold hit first. Bunny cursed under his breath as he shivered, furry arms wrapped tightly around himself in an attempt to stay warm. North, on the other hand, seemed unfazed by the large drop in temperature, beaming around the forests blanketed in thick snow like it was Christmas.
"Ah," the Russian exclaimed, embracing the chilled winds that swept over the land, "This is place. Just smell that fresh air. Welcome, my friend."
"Yeah, believe it or not, not my first time," Bunny grumbled as he shuffled through the thick snow to his friend. He had to give it to Jack, as he stared out at the perfect white land that glittered like diamonds against the small rays of the sun from where it hung low in the sky, staining both land and sky a deep vibrant cascade of red and orange, bleeding through the pale environment, winter could be breathtakingly beautiful with such detail and beauty in every scene that he knew Jack took such care in including despite his insistence that he wasn't about hard work but 'snow days and fun times'. "Okay, where do we start?" He clapped his paws together and turned expectantly to North, shaking his head away from the magnificent scene laid out before them.
"Hmm," The large man pondered, "Well, North-West Russia, I can think of only one mountain range that it could be. Not far off but quite trek." He turned around, searching the horizon until he found a large shadow towering against the sky. "We should have brought sleigh," he mumbled as the two stared up at the large structure they had to climb.
Bunny ran a large paw over his face, "The kid won't let us have it easy for once."
North continued staring up, "Ural mountains," he announced, sweeping a large arm at the mountain range, beginning his lecture with awe rather than his usual overbearing enthusiasm, "Runs from North to South across Western Russia. Will all be cold now, but Eastern side should be warmer so would be best if we start there. Jamie said more North, da? That narrows down the search so think we should try there," He pointed high up at a structure that rose into the misty clouds, "Mount Narodnaya- 'People's mountain'- also happens to be highest peak but is good place to start."
"Bloody brilliant," Bunny grumbled under his breath, surveying the mountain and the snow that coated everything in sight. "If ya don' mind, I think I migh' take a shortcut."
North's booming laugh echoed across the empty plains, startling the Pooka, "Lost your touch old friend? Not as young as used to be," he chuckled at Bunny's sour glare, "Though think I may have to join you. I do not think that I have energy to climb all way up there and then fight this spirit."
Bunny smirked at him but tapped his foot once more as a large hole appeared that would take them a way up the mountain where they could start their search. Becoming accustomed to the tunnels instead of his much preferred sleigh, North jumped through first with a yell and Bunny followed.
If he thought the base of the mountain was cold, it was nothing compared to the impenetrable icy chill that engulfed the mountainside, freezing cold wind buffeted them carrying snow and hail that almost had them forced off the side of the ledge they had found as a small pathway. North pulled his thick coat further around him and bowed his head against the wind as Bunny consented to just wrap his arms further around himself. Normally the Guardian of Hope wouldn't mind treks like this and would take enjoyment from the scenery and achievement but the cold was too much for him. It was well-known that the Aussie hated the snow and cold- as he had no problem voicing his discomfort- but he had never had to endure it for so long.
"Bunny," he thought he heard a voice call his name but the wind roared through his ears and screeched through the high rocks blocking any sound that could have reached him. He didn't bother to look up, the blizzard too thick to be able to see far. He grumbled under his breath but didn't complain to his companion as he knew it was pointless, that the wind would steal his voice before anyone could hear it.
"Bunny!" The deep Russian voice yelled at him and Bunny finally pulled his eyes away from the frozen ground, realising that he had indeed heard his name and it was no trick of the wind. He turned to face North who was staring back at him as though he had just missed something so obvious. He frowned for a moment, trying to figure out what it was that he had missed…then it hit him, or more it didn't hit him anymore. He could see North's face clearly, it wasn't obscured by sheets of snow and the land had calmed all of a sudden. Regretfully he glanced over the side of the ledge they were making their way up and his stomach churned at the sight. Far below the land was laid out like a child's play set, so small that only the faint darker shades could be made out as trees and white conquered the rest, the forest that they had previously jumped to was too far to make out and the land had morphed into rocky slopes carpeted in white and littered with rocky debris that came from the surrounding mountain and laid out a treacherous path, the land below obscured by sheets of snow and sleet that hailed down relentlessly from stormy white clouds that leered over them and a faint leaping shine of a river ribboned through the landscape.
"What happened?" He asked as he scrambled away from the edge. He looked over his shoulder and saw that the blizzard was still raging on mere steps away from them but had suddenly stopped where they were standing as though there was an invisible barrier holding it back…or winter spirits.
"Bunny, up there," North whispered, or his equivalent of a whisper which was still too loud for Bunny's liking. Up above them, almost mistaken as a bird, a black form was swooping in for landing, lightly touching down on the rock as effortlessly as the wind itself. "I think we have found our winter spirits."
"Tha' wasn't so hard," Bunny commented in relief. He had imagined that it would take too long to find this spirit- that was if he was even here which Bunny desperately hoped for- not to have found him in the space of a few hours. "I think I have their location," he told North, fixing his eyes on the spot where the spirit had just landed, "I say we use me tunnels and surprise 'em."
"I agree, my friend," North placed a hand on the hilt of his sabre, glaring with a fury that should not be seen on the jolly man.
Without hesitation, a hole was opened on the side of the mountain and the two jumped through, eager for their revenge and some answers.
I'm back! I'm so sorry that it took so long, but here's chapter 10!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and it was worth the wait, I just haven't had a lot of time to write, been plagued with writer's block and ended up rewriting a few things and there's been a few extensions to the original plan but enough of my excuses. Hopefully the next chapter shouldn't take as long but no promises- Sorry. Jamie's back briefly and more from Bunny and North next chapter. We're almost half-way as far as I've planned so there's lots more to come. Apologies if I got anything wrong about the mountains and Russia, I researched it a bit before writing it in but I don't know much about it.
Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed the last chapter and follows this story still despite the poor updates. Please let me know what you think. Hope this was okay.
Thanks.