Blue: Aw don't worry, I'm sorry for my terribly infrequent updates! School work is stressful, thank you for finding time to read my fic, and you don't know how happy it makes me when someone reviews! Hope you are safe too *hugs back* :)
Bunny decided there was no time to wallow: the more time he spent overthinking, the more time Jack was with that monster. He had no idea what to do - he didn't have time to gather the other Guardians so he would have to do this alone.
He would rescue Jack, if it was the last thing he did (hopefully it wasn't, but the Nightmare King was a highly formidable opponent - the Pooka had only just avoided his wrath the last time and that was because Jack had stepped in to save the day).
As far as a plan went right now, he didn't have one, but he knew he'd be better off with weapons so his Warren was the first place he would go. After that, he wasn't sure but he knew he had to act fast, due to the circumstances. So without another thought, he slammed his foot down onto the ground twice and dived headfirst into the tunnel, immediately bounding his way back home, completely forgetting about Jacks staff in his current wrecked state.
All that remained in the grassy area now was two pieces of broken rope, one still swinging lifelessly from a tree branch, an old shepard's hook and a small, lone red flower.
Bunny arrived at the Warren in no time at all, though he had spent the vast majority of the journey worrying about Jack. Sure, he teased the little bugger whenever an opportunity presented itself, but he had never meant for this to happen. All the worrying only made him run faster, pounding through the tunnels like there was no tomorrow. The earth flattened under the harsh weight of his heavy footsteps and a few of the crops had been upturned when he dug his claws into the ground, but Bunny couldn't care any less about the condition of his underpass right now.
Motivated (though not by happy thoughts), he pushed his way through his home, heading straight for his weapons room. For anyone interested in weapons, this was a dream room, filled to the brim with all kinds of arms and devices. Three large, solid walls stood, proudly decorated with many shelves, holding a wide variety of items from whips, knives, dozens of boomerangs (they were by far Aster's favourite weapon), even nunchucks and much much more. Back in the day, Bunny was an amazing warrior, expertly skilled in hand-to-hand combat and all things weapons. He had been one of the best in his tribe. Now that he was the only Pooka left, he didn't care much for fighting (not counting his very-frequent play fights with Jack and sometimes even North), unless he had to, yet he still kept this room in case of emergencies.
Immediately, a pair of boomerangs were in his hand and, though they were not his favourite pair (he'd have to find them later), they'd certainly do the job. Along with his wooden utensils, Aster filled his holster with exploding egg bombs, a small hand knife and some rope, and a little bag of Sandy's dreamsand, just incase.
Aster was all prepped and ready to go and confront Pitch when he was suddenly attacked by an army of shadows and his world was submerged with black. Furry paws were instantly occupied with his egg bombs but he couldn't see an inch in front of his nose, never mind be able to see where the devilish things were. Before Bunny could even attempt to attack back, he felt the ground disappear right from underneath his feet.
Free falling through the shadows, he could feel each of the ominous silhouettes all over him, tugging him down further into the abyss of inky black. Stars filled his head as he span around and around in circles, unable to stop. It felt as if gravity had simply vanished along with the ground as he kept falling. No, he wasn't falling, he was plummeting like a skydiver without a parachute and he was afraid he would crash any second. A loud, evil cackling filled the empty silence around him, echoing from every point in the blackness.
Aster felt like the tumbling would never end when a wet sensation overtook him and a blinding white light filled his vision, making him squirm as his eyes adjusted to the obnoxious shining. Slowly, he opened his eyes and was dumbfounded when he realised where he was.
He was lying down in a divot position in his Warren, but he wasn't on the usual green, luscious grass that covered the ground, he was lying on something white and... wet? He rubbed his eyes again, the lingering blinding effect slowly dissipating. As his sight fully returned, he took a quick look around. The sight that greeted him made him jump up in shock.
His home, his normally emerald grassy floor that was covered in bright, colourful flowers, had been transformed into a Winter Wonderland. The Earth was buried in at least two inches of dazzlingly white snow, icicles hung from the ceiling like ornate crystal chandeliers, snowmen decorated with hats, scarves, gloves and even large carrot noses were littered around the area and fat, fluffy snowflakes fell from seemingly nowhere. To say the least, Bunny was absolutely dumbfounded.
"Incase you were wondering, every room in the Warren looks like this now," A loud, chipper voice filled the silence as Jack stepped out from behind a tree (now with each leaf individually coated in a glistening layer of ice) and took a bow. "No need to thank me." A mischievous smile appeared on his face and there was a sort of proud look in his eyes.
Bunny was lost for words. "Wha... bu...how? You were- then- kidnapped... and shadows-" Without allowing Bunnymund to finish his sentence (though it was more a jumbled mess of words than a sentence), Jack said: "this is what you get for trying to prank me. Or get revenge or whatever it was that you were doing."
Wha- how did you do this?" Aster looked around, dumbfounded, not noticing the mischievous grin on his comrades face when he replied "I had some help."
With a devilish grin on his face, the Boogeyman himself swiftly stepped out next to Jack, his golden eyes gleaming.
"Jack, move away! He's dangerous!"
At that, the Winter Spirit burst out laughing, the sound ringing loud and clear across the glade. After a few minutes, he reached up and wiped his eyes which were watering from his enjoyment. Regaining enough breath to minimise his laughing to a faint chuckle, Jack proceeded to explain to Bunny their current situation.
"You see, I knew you'd been watching me for weeks after the little 'paint fiasco' which, by the way, was a complete accident. I knew that you would never let me get away with it though, accident or not, especially after you were told off by North-"
"I was not told off!" Bunny protested matter-of-factly.
"Yes you were now hush, no interrupting." The Guardian of Hope was looking highly sceptical of the Boogeyman (who was enjoying every moment of the the Pooka's confusion with a wicked grin on his face) but allowed his younger comrade to continue, being very suspicious of what was happening. Though he was sure to keep his boomerangs out, hidden behind his back in case a quick reaction was needed.
"As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted *cough cough Kangaroo cough* I knew you'd try and get revenge, so I watched you while you watched me and I was perfectly aware of your little plan. Which sucked by the way, but that's besides the point." Jack was earning more than a few protestant humphs from Bunny and he was purposefully dragging out his explanation so as to annoy him further.
"Soo I recruited some help (here he signalled to Pitch, as if the Pooka wasn't aware of who the 'help' was). Because I knew what your plan was, I used it to my advantage. I knew you wouldn't tell the other guardians because that would take too long and you adore me so much that you'd feel you had to 'rescue' me on your own-"
Now listen here ya little-" Aster was not liking how this was playing ou
"Ah ah, that's two warnings!" Jack interrupted sarcastically, earning yet another huff - and a deathly glare - in response.
"I must say I think my acting was quite good, you looked pretty convinced. Anyway, I hid your boomerangs when you weren't looking so you'd have to come back here to get some some others. We got my staff back from where you left it, then I got Pitch here to give you a little ride in his shadows (notreallysorryaboutthatyoukindadeserveditfortyingmeupinatree) while I kindly decorated the Warren because I just know how much you love Winter and the cold and snow. Ooh, I almost forgot," Jack beamed like he was a little child who'd just lost his first tooth and produced a portable camera from behind his back, "I took pictures. You look so cute when you're scared Bunny."
Bunny was absolutely furious and it was in his right mind to grab the other Guardians and throw him in a tunnel leading to the hottest place on Earth, but one question was still burning in the back of his mind: "how tha hell find ya get tha bloody Boogeyman to help you?!"
Rather than Jack, Pitch responded this time. "I am right here you know. I owed him a favour. Besides, the look on your face was enough for me," The grins on both his and Jack's faces grew until they were practically reaching their ears. "You were so afraid for the boy."
Jack's ego did not need that. "Aw Kangaroo, I knew you cared."
Bunny didn't seem to be able to create a response. How in the world did the bloody Nightmare King, of all people, owe Jack a favour?! After he'd nearly tried to kill him!
"Though this was fun (I'd love to do it again some time Jack), I must be off. Nightmares to spread and all." Without any other warning, Pitch fell down into a shadow, leaving just the two Guardians in the room. It was silent for a few seconds but Jack could see Bunny's right eye beginning to twitch with anger and decided it would be best to leave while be still could, but not before adding "Oh and in case you weren't sure yet, this is what you get for trying to trick me. Here's a friendly reminder: I always win."
Jack could practically see the smoke coming out of the Pooka's ears as he flew away, laughing like a madman. He'd just about got to the exit in one of the tunnels (he didn't have a clue where it led but Bunny was chasing him and he'd prefer to end up in the middle of nowhere than in the hands - or paws - of his comrades wrath.
"It'll melt in about a week!" Jack called as he flew out of Bunny's reach, adding fuel to the fire. He chuckled, hearing the string of curses yelled after him.
He'd definitely be staying hidden for the next month or so.
So I'm not super happy with how this turned out - it was longer than I expected yet it felt like I was just waffling for most of it and I'm not too fond of the ending. I hope you enjoyed it though.
Please review, any tips, suggestions or prompts are welcome!