Hey all, sorry for the cliffhanger. It was nothing exciting, I just needed to divide the chapter before it got too long. I have a better idea of where I want to take this story and I am writing a little slower as my life is getting busier. But I will have the next chapter up in a few days, latest next week. Thank you for reading!
Jack blinked, not expecting such a blunt answer.
"The darkness…? What darkness?"
Chaya smiled happily, her eyes sparkling, not at all deterred by his lack of enthusiasm.
"The darkness Jack! The darkness everywhere," She suddenly stood up, walked past him and turned back, spreading her arms out to the little room. Jack turned on his heel to watch, half expecting some miracle to occur. Chaya's eyes were full of light, the golden orbs once again on fire.
"I can take the darkness out of people. The fear, the worry, the hurt. Everything that causes people to harbour darkness. I can take it all away, Jack! That's why Manny called me to be a Guardian. He wanted to me help people, to take away their pain," Chaya covered her mouth with her hands, joyful tears brimming on the edge of her eyes. "I finally have my purpose,"
Everything in the last few days, everything she had come to know as the new normal. Her adoption, her new father and her new ancestry, it had all helped her in realizing her true path. For years, she had lived a simple life, never knowing that she was destined for so much more. The pressure to fulfil some role had weighed her down for days now. But that was over, she knew her purpose. She knew who she was supposed to be and why Manny had called her. The weight was lifted off her shoulders and she felt free.
Jack stood up, smiling softly as he turned to face her. Chaya shook her head as her tears overflowed and Jack held out his arms. She didn't hesitate this time as she ran into his embrace, laughing joyfully as Jack twirled her around. He laughed as well, sprinkling snowflakes down over them, happiness tingling in his fingers. He had never seen Chaya this joyful, not even with her adoptive family. She finally knew what she was meant to do and the thrill of it did not escape him.
Jack let her slid down his body to touch the floor, pulling away to stand at his arm's length. Chaya smile was dazzling and her eyes sparkled, her tears dried and she beamed with joy. Jack looked down at her, his eyes softening tenderly.
"Chaya… ," His voice was quiet.
Chaya's golden eyes turned to him, her smile fading into a neutral curve of her lips. Tilting her head, she looked into Jack's ice blue eyes, confused at gentleness in them.
"What is it, Jack?"
Jack leaned down to her, his gaze never leaving hers. His eyes were beginning to close when Chaya abruptly pulled away, her eyes widening.
"Father!" Her voice was shrill and Jack flinched.
"What about him?" He tried to keep hold of her arms, but she shook him off, stepping away as she started toward the door. Jack turned on his ankle, grabbing at her forearm. "Whoa, whoa. Hold on, where are you going?"
Chaya shook off his arm again, screwing up her nose at him.
"Pitch, I have to go back to him. He's still in the Underworld, he'll be waiting for me. I have to go back,"
Jack turned fully, his feet planted on the floor. Was she serious? Did she want to go back to that man? His eyes narrowed slightly.
"You can't go back," He had not meant for his voice to sound so commanding and he watched as Chaya turned on him fully, resting her hands on her hips, eyes glaring.
"Why not?" She sounded incredulous.
Jack shook his head, running his fingers through his frosted hair. He knew Pitch better than Chaya, even if he wasn't related. She didn't know who he really was, she couldn't know. He was not to be trusted.
"Pitch was defeated, two years ago. We thought he was dead, he tried to destroy the world's belief! He's the Nightmare King Chaya, you can't go back to him! Manny has called you to be a Guardian and that's where you belong. You can't go back to Pitch,"
Chaya stepped away from him, her eyes darkening again.
"He's my father Jack. I can't just leave him,"
Jack was insisted and his voice got louder.
"Pitch is evil Chaya! If he's back, then we have to defeat him. The last battle with him was devastating. He almost killed us!"
Chaya shook her head, her own frustration rising to the surface.
"That was two years ago! I'm his daughter and he loves me! He'd do anything to protect me! Does that sound evil to you? Pitch has changed!"
Jack scoffed, folding his arms over his chest in disbelief.
"Chaya, you can't know that for sure. You've only known him for a few days. I've met and fought with him! He's playing you! Pitch is trying to return to darkness. He hasn't changed!"
Chaya's nostrils flared and she squared her shoulders.
"You don't know that! He's learned from his defeat, I can tell!"
"You can't tell, you barely know him!"
"He's my father Jack!" Chaya was near screaming when Jack finally took a step back, taking a deep breath. His eyes were flaring, the blue sparkle in them deathly cold. He was not accustomed to being angry, but he knew he was right in this case. Pitch had never changed, not since the stone age. He would forever be the Nightmare King, the worlds Boogeyman. He breathed steadily out of his nose before he spoke again.
"He may be your father, Chaya. But he only has one motive in his life,"
Chaya's eyes closed, Jack's words washing over her with a wintery chill. That first day in the lair, her first glimpse of her father, in the darkness. He had wanted only one thing.
He wanted to rule with her. Rule the world in terror.
That was all he wanted. He had spelled the ring for her to wear, to turn her world upside down, so he could bring her back to him. He had been misleading and devious upon first meeting, convincing her that it was her destiny, that he was going to shape her into a masterpiece. In his eyes, she was going to spread darkness just as quickly and deadly as the Nightmare King himself. That was who he was, that was his purpose. The Boogeyman, the Shadow Man. He was evil, darkness itself, the devil!
At least… he had been.
When she had returned, come back to him using the same ring. When she had come, desperate for knowledge about her mother, Pitch had been a totally different person.
Distraught and defeated without her. Pitch had lost his daughter again after years of waiting for her to come back. Yes, the plan had been twisted, but deep down… he had only wanted her to come back to him. She was his only daughter and he loved her, she could feel it. He was a completely different man that second time and he had continued to surprise. Pitch had brought her down to meet her grandfather, to know her family, something that he did not gain from; he had been terrified face his wife's father. But he had done it for Chaya. He had cared for her, kept her safe in the midst of death itself. And most amazing of all, Pitch had given up seeing his wife one last time so that she could take his place. He had sacrificed his only wish for her because he loved her.
He had changed, that was clear.
Standing up straighter, Chaya faced Jack. The white-haired boy stood staring at her, his eyes searching her own. Chaya tilted her chin up.
"My father has changed. He does not need to be defeated,"
Jack did not flinch, his eyes merely widened and he took a small step back. Chaya could've told him of all her thoughts, of all Pitch had done, but she was too angry. Turning her back on Jack, Chaya approached the door. She was going to leave, her father needed her more than the Guardians did; if only for the moment. She had to explain it all to him, come clean before she could truly fulfil her purpose. Chaya's hand was on the shiny, brass door handle, ready to turn when Jack jumped back into action.
"Wait!"
Chaya turned her head, looking back to the winter spirit, her golden eyes glittering dangerously. Jack stepped forward, his guarded stance deflated. With his hands out before him, he approached Chaya and stood before her, hanging his head.
"I'm sorry Chaya," His voice was heavy, he had obviously been doing his own thinking. "I have not seen Pitch as you have and maybe I never will. But I must stay true to the way of the Guardian," He held his head up again and Chaya stared at him.
"What do you mean?"
"I have to take you back to the Guardians,"
Chaya turned around on the door, blocking the entrance.
"Why?"
Jack held his hands out before him, his eyes pleading.
"Please, Chaya. Just hear me out, alright?"
Chaya took a deep breath and relaxed, allowing her arms to fall to her side. Crossing her arms over her chest, Chaya raised an eyebrow at him.
"Okay, shoot,"
Jack took a deep breath.
"For as long as I have been a Guardian, I have believed everything Manny has done. He is our leader and I haven't questioned him. He called you to be a Guardian and that means something. Maybe it isn't to defeat Pitch and maybe it is, I don't know. The only one who can tell you that is Manny. So please, if you came back to the Pole with me and talk to the other Guardians, explain all you've seen of Pitch and talk to Manny, we can figure out our next step. We can find out what Manny had in mind when he called you, what he wants you to do. What he wants all of us to do. You're part of a team now Chaya, so we all have to work together," Jack swallowed; he knew he had abandoned that very team to find her, but he hoped that she would listen to him nonetheless. Breathless, he continued. "If you come back to the Pole with me, we can discuss this with everyone else and decide what we can do,"
Chaya stared at him, her eyes unblinking. Jack took a deep breath, holding it as he waited for her to reply. The dark haired girl dropped her gaze for a moment, tapping her leg violently, as if in deep debate. Finally, after a few minutes of silence, she looked back up at him, her face resolved, but set in a small frown.
"Alright, I'll come back to the Pole. But," She held up her finger before Jack could react. "I will go back to Pitch. He's my father and I have to come clean to him. He deserves to know what's going to happen to his only daughter,"
Jack let out the breath, closing his eyes gratefully.
"Thank you,"
Chaya nodded, annoyed. A lengthy pause followed and Chaya looked to her side, suddenly uncomfortable.
"So… how are we going to get back?"
Jack opened his eyes, becoming his old self once more as he began to relax. Smiling mischievously, he bent his shoulders and pulled out a small crystal ball from his sweater pocket. Chaya's eyes widened as the ball grew in his hands, sparkling and rotating before her. Taking a step back, she leaned into the door.
"What is that?" She had never seen anything like it and even though she had seen some crazy magic as of late, this was still new to her.
Jack shrugged, smirking smartly and tossed the ball up into the air. It expanded, grew out like a bubble, the edges of it bordered with colourful, sparkling light. The inside was translucent as a mirror, swirling this way and that like a pond at the winds mercy. A portal, a hole between two places, something Chaya had only dreamed of. A watery image of the Russian Kings workshop came into view, the Pole.
Chaya stared at Jack.
"Where did you get this?" Her voice was breathless and her eyes reflected the shimmering light of the portal
Jack laughed, as someone in on a joke would. He shook his head, picking up his staff, preparing to leave.
"I always try to carry one when I'm not at the Pole, Santa has plenty lying around. He won't miss it,"
Chaya raised an eyebrow at him, a small smile playing on her lips.
"You stole it?"
Jack shrugged again, wiggling his eyebrows.
"They don't call me the spirit of fun for nothing,"
Chaya rolled her eyes, pushing herself off the door.
"No one calls you that,"
Jack waved her off, a sly smile on his lips as he beckoning her forward. Chaya swallowed, suddenly nervous as she stepped toward him. The portal continued to spin, never shrinking or growing as it waited. Jack held out his hand to her and Chaya took it, staring warily into the other side.
"Will it hurt?"
Jack smiled wickedly.
"You'll find out!" and with that, Jack yanked her through the portal, spiriting in the air on his staff. Chaya screamed, immersed in the portal all in an instant. Her body passed through the water like substance with no sensation and she stumbled through onto solid ground. Gasping for breath, Chaya let go of Jack's hand and spun around, her eyes narrowed.
"You jerk!
Jack winked at her playfully and she scowled in return. He took up the ball, which had shrunk once again and replaced it inside his sweater. He was glad that Chaya was smiling again. Jack hated their fights as they were both too stubborn to know when to stop. Fortunately, it only took a little magic and some laughter to clear up the hard feelings. If she was to be a Guardian, he could see them being very close friends in the years to come. Possibly beyond friendship, if Chaya felt like Jack did. Something about her… the curve of her hips and the mystery in her smile. Maybe it was because she was immortal, but Jack could not imagine anyone more perfect.
"Jack?"
Chaya's voice caused him to start, opening his eyes; he had not remembered closing them. Chaya was frowning, looking around at the workshop and Jack instantly became tense. Something was amiss
The place was dead, no one was around them. The two had come out just where Jack had wanted them, underneath the glowing globe that centred the workshop; all the lights of the worlds believing children sparkling in the gloom of the empty room.
Where in the world were the workers?
Jack turned around in a circle and then another, his instincts awakening within him. Something was not right. Chaya stepped closer to Jack, feeling frightened at the serious expression on his face.
"Jack, where are the Guardians?"
Before Jack could respond, a door across the room burst open and Bunny, Tooth, Sandy and Santa stepped into the room. They were cautious, peeking in through the doorway before they stepped fully into the light. As soon as they saw Jack and Chaya, the four hurried toward them.
They looked anxious.
"Where in the blazes have you been, mate?" Bunny hopped up to Jack, his face in a snarl, clearly agitated.
Jack turned around to face them as the others caught up to Bunny, gathering quickly in a tight huddle around the winter spirit. Tooth, her fluorescent wings beating a million miles a minute, caught sight of Chaya and gasped.
"You're here!" She fluttered closer to her and Chaya backed up, wary of the attention. Tooth backed up, her hands over her mouth. "We thought you were with Pitch. On his side!" Tooth, who never got angry, certainly sounded like it, turning from Jack to Chaya and back again, her colourful eyes full of shadow. Jack turned back to Bunny and Santa, his instincts had proven correct.
"What's happened?"
Santa, his large arms folded over his barrel-like chest, was shaking his head sadly, just as upset as the rest of the Guardians.
"It was Pitch. He was here, in the Pole,"
Chaya's eyes widened and she stepped closer to the group, standing next to Jack as she held her fingers to her lips.
"He was here? Why? He was-,"
Santa pointed at her, his eyes darkening.
"He was looking for you. He didn't believe you were to be a Guardian, he didn't want to. He brought his nightmares with him,"
Jack's mouth fell open and Chaya gasped.
"But… but he wouldn't… everything was different. He was going to change!"
Bunny rolled his eyes, his blue fur shivering on his skinny body.
"Pitch doesn't change! He's the same as he's always been! Evil and conniving!"
Chaya opened her mouth to respond, her eyes wide with shock. Jack blocked her with an arm and spoke up louder.
"What happened? Where are your workers?"
Santa shook his head, his sadness returning.
"They're under a spell. Pitch has put them to sleep!"
"Darkness! He's put his darkness in them!" Tooth fluttered back to hover with the Guardians. Sandy bounced around them, his sandy figures moving over his head too quickly for anyone to read. Chaya covered her mouth, holding her face tightly as she digested the news.
Pitch had lied to her! Had this been his plan along? Had he been waiting to attack the Guardians while she was with her mother? Were his motives just as selfish as ever? Chaya closed her eyes, fighting back tears. Her father had been loving, caring, protecting. Had it all been as Jack said; a charade? She couldn't believe it, she didn't want to believe it!
Pitch was returning to darkness!
Darkness… his nightmares, his evil magic. He was using it against the Guardians again, just as he had done so before. But now… she was here. Manny had called her. She could take the darkness away!
Was this why Manny had called her? To take the darkness away, to go against her father? The man she thought had loved her? Tears stung her eyes but she refused to let them fall. She had loved Pitch. He was her father and he had betrayed her… this was her destiny and he had cast his darkness over it.
Now she had to fight him, defeat him. Cast out his darkness. This was what she had been born to do.
Slowly, Chaya let her hands fall to her sides, her golden eyes hardening. The other Guardians looked at her, alerted by the serious expression on her face. Jack turned to look back at her, concerned at her look.
"Chaya?"
She lifted her head, setting her mouth in a straight line.
"Show me where they are,"
Alright, that's it for this chapter. Thank you all for reading and thank you for the reviews. I really appreciate the feedback! It means so much! Cheers guys!