Hey, I know these chapters are getting further and further apart, but my life is getting busier, so please bear with me. I write whenever I can and whenever I am up to it. I am determined to finish this book and my Glade Life book. Thank you for all who are still reading and I hope you are still enjoying this story!

For all that had happened to Chaya in the past few days, every betrayal, every shock and every new revelation she had had in this new life, there was nothing that could compare to what came with it.

Magic.

She had dreamt about being able to fly before, deep in the recesses of her dreams or when she wished she could escape the stress of life. The idea of being free in the air, nothing but the wind and clouds surrounding her. What a feeling that would be!

Now, with immortal heritage and an ancient power within her, Chaya was about to see that daydream come true.

She and Jack had left the North Pole undetected, leaving a vague, little-said-as possible note for the Guardians to find. Jack had pocketed one of Santa's snow globes and he had reached out to Chaya.

"Let's go!" His eyes sparkling with blue excitement.

Chaya had been confused until Jack stepped closer and wrapped his arm around her waist. A flurry of winter wind whipped through her hair and before she had a chance to question him, Jack tightened his grip around her. He pointed his wooden staff upward and soon enough they were both in the air, carried along by the wind.

Chaya squealed, gripping onto the chest of Jack's sweater, her other arm wrapped tightly around his shoulders. The ground disappeared underneath her and grew smaller as they made their way up; the trees became a green blur as they flew over them. Chaya turned her head this way and that, watching the scenery unfold below her. The cold wind nipped at her, but she hardly noticed, adrenaline flowed through her veins, keeping her warm.

She was flying! Flying on the wind of the winter spirit, something she could never have fathomed would happen to her.

She looked up at Jack, his face set in a grin, his blue eyes narrowed to the wind. He looked as excited as Chaya felt, holding their course steady with his stave as he lead them through the winds. He held on to her tightly, the chill of his body sending shivers down her spine. Chaya turned back into the wind, watching with a bright smile as the world shifted below her, the hills tumbling over each other as if racing to catch up with them. Little bodies of water looked like mirrors, their reflections passing over them like fluttering shadows.

Soon enough, as they moved in speeds greater than any vehicle, Chaya began to recognize the land below her. Little houses dotted the hillsides, staining the ground brown against the snow. A large forest area was growing before them and the pond, the oh so familiar pond came into view. Chaya caught her breath and swallowed, her excitement dying down as reality came back to her.

She had to talk to her father. She had a job to do; there was no turning back now.

Jack slowed his speed, straightening up almost vertically before he dipped down for a landing. The wind rushed by Chaya's ears and she closed her eyes, the sight of tree branches hurtling closer was frightening. But Jack knew what he was doing and swerved around the trees, coming closer and closer to the ground until he could reach out his toe and touch the snow. He landed lightly, holding Chaya close to him as they came to a stop. Chaya's feet hit the ground and she stumbled, but Jack held her up.

"Careful, take it easy," He smiled as he let her go.

Chaya took a few steps away from him, getting her balance back. Once she was sure she could stand, she whirled around, her face sore from the smile.

"That as incredible!" Her face was flushed, her cheeks bright red. The cold was catching up to her and she wrapped her arms around herself to keep warm. "Thank you," She smiled at Jack, unable to think of anything else to say.

Jack smiled, holding his staff at his side, one hand in his pocket.

"Everyone loves it,"

Chaya nodded, rubbing her arms rapidly.

"I can see why,"

Jack frowned and took a step closer.

"Cold?" Concern lit up his eyes. Chaya nodded.

"I should have brought some kind of coat,"

Jack took out the snow globe, his smile slightly dampened.

"I wish I could help with that," He held out the globe to her. "It'll be warmer underground,"

Chaya nodded and took the globe from him. The ball felt smooth in her fingers and she stared into the swirled glass, mesmerized by the shapes and figures within.

All she had to do was think of her father and she would be there. But now that she was here, moments away from facing him, she was not sure she was ready.

What would he say to her? What would she say to him?

They had bonded, the time spent apart had been forgiven and Chaya knew she was loved by him. But... things were different now. Pitch knew she had lied to him, that she had twisted the truth about why she had come back to him. She had known he would never approve of her being a Guardian and the situation before them only proved her point; Pitch would never understand. But after so much worry, so much doubt about who she really was, she could not give up her destiny. The moon had chosen her and this was what she was born to do. There was nothing else to be said.

Pitch would have to live with it.

She was still his only daughter, would that mean anything anymore?

Chaya looked up at Jack once more. He stood watching her, leaning on his staff as he waited. It suddenly occurred to her that Pitch may not take kindly to him being present in his safe place. Not after everything that had happened between him and the Guardians.

"You should stay here," Chaya's voice was quiet.

Jack's face fell.

"I can't leave you with him," His voice was determined.

Chaya shook her head.

"I know, you don't want to lose me. But he's angry Jack, he may not be willing to listen to me if I'm with you. You can stay here, I'll come back when I'm finished,"

Jack frowned, disappointed at the prospect of having to wait around.

"What if he's angry enough to hurt you?"

His words stung her, but she understood his concern.

"I just have to believe that he won't. No matter what he's thinking right now, I'm still his daughter. That must mean something!" Chaya was not too certain if she believed her last statement, but she didn't have a choice. She stepped forward and gripped Jack's hand. "I'll be back before you know it. Now that I have the globe, all I have to do is think of you and I can get back. I won't get lost this time, I promise,"

Jack brought his hand off his staff to hold hers.

"Be careful,"

Chaya nodded, her face grim.

"Thank you, Jack,"

For a moment, she wanted to hug him; just for a moment. Jack had been there for her through this whole experience, even when she didn't want him to be. Chaya squeezed his hand once more before she took a step back and held the ball in her hands, her eyes closed.

Jack watched as the globe became black, it's centre stained with darkness. The globe jumped and grew in Chaya's hand until she was forced to drop it. The globe grew and expanded, sizzling as a portal opened. Chaya looked once more at Jack, waving her hand at him before she stepped through the swirling light.

As the portal collapsed around her, swallowing her up, Jack could not help feeling that he had lost her. He had no idea when she would be back, what Pitch would do to her or if she would get what she needed.

All he could do was wait.

And patience did not become the winter spirit.

Chaya was consumed by the darkness, the bright light of the snowy clearing disappearing in blackness. The portal evaporated and she was standing in emptiness, the only light coming from directly in front of her. A sound like rustling snakes filled her ears and she shivered, wishing suddenly that she had let Jack come with her. She looked up, tentatively, following the source of the light.

There sat the Nightmare King, lounging in a dark throne several feet above her. Phantom-like horses surrounded him, his nightmares, bristling at her appearance, their golden eyes piercing her like knives.

Her father hardly seemed to notice her arrival, staring into nothing with his head leaning on a fist, his eyes glazed over and his posture laxed. His legs were parted and he slouched in the throne, hardly more than a shadow with golden eyes.

"Chaya," Pitch drew out the name like a reptile, dry and rasping. His eyes sparkled for a moment and he lifted up his head. "So you have come. I have been expecting you,"

Chaya took a deep breath. The Nightmare King was truly frightening, especially when you were not on his side. She took a small step forward, feeling very sad and alone. Her father was angry with her, hardly recognizing her anymore. Hadn't they gotten closer? Weren't they still family?

"I came to talk to you,"

Pitch nodded his head slowly, deliberately.

"Indeed,"

Chaya frowned and looked down at her feet.

"I know you're upset. I lied to you... will you accept my apology?" She glanced up at him, looking for a reaction.

Pitch stared at her, unblinking. His nightmares were in a thicket around him, a shield between them. His eyes never left her face, looking down his nose at her. Chaya could only look up at him and after a moment, she thought she saw a change. The corner of his mouth lifted in the briefest of smiles and his eyes softened a touch.

"You are to be a Guardian... chosen by the moon upon your birth. Even though you are the daughter of darkness, you will throw that away for them," His lips curled in disgust and Chaya flinched, dread working its way up her spine.

"I cannot change my fate, father," Her voice a whisper.

Pitch's eyes hardened again, the softness evaporating.

"So you will not fight this- this so-called 'destiny'? You will live your life as a Guardian, separated from your true father? Brainwashing the children with false happiness?" his questions were sharp, accusing, penetrating Chaya. But underneath was the subtle touch of hurt and betrayal.

Pitch was struggling to hide it, but he was hurting.

Chaya closed her eyes, squeezing out the darkness.

"I know you will never understand father, but I can't deny this part of me. I am still your daughter, but I am also a Guardian,"

"You cannot live in both worlds!" Pitch's voice thundered her into silence. He pounded his fist down on the sides of his throne. "You must choose! Me or them!"

Chaya felt a tear slide down her cheek and she shook her head. Lifting her head, she opened her eyes to him, wet with sorrow.

"I cannot choose, father. I can't live without you. I love you,"

Pitch did not speak. A long moment of silence passed between them. Chaya stared at him, her eyes still misted. Pitch's eyes were on her, but he did not seem to see her.

Chaya took a deep, shuddering breath, closing her eyes with her head low.

"I must use my powers in the way my mother would want me to use them," Her voice sounded small in the darkness, but she did not back down. "I will use them for good, in my place as a Guardian. I will follow my destiny, but I will never leave you,"

"Lies!" Pitch stood up, his voice and movement causing a stir amongst the nightmares. Chaya took a step back, shaking like a leaf before him. Pitch pointed at her, his finger crooked. "You have already left!"

"No father! I cannot leave you, I won't!"

"I abandoned you once Chaya," Pitch's voice died down as if drained from his outburst. He stared down at her, his golden eyes seeming to have melted. "I regretted every minute I did not spend with you. Every second of every day when you were not by my side. I would go to the ends of the earth and back to chose a different path. To have you as my own,"

Chaya crumpled before him, falling onto her knees with her head in her hands, crying as the weight of her father's words washed over her.

"I am not abandoning you, father. Please... believe me," Her words were muffled.

"You are abandoning me as I abandoned you! I will not be used in this pitiful game of revenge!" His voice rose again, causing the ground to shake. "You have come in search of advice, on how to use your powers," He leaned in with an evil smile on his face. "You wish to take away my darkness. To heal Santa's imbecile workers! To be the hero!"

Chaya looked up at him through her fingers. How had he guessed? Pitch sat back down in his throne, seeming to reveal in her despair.

Chaya took a few deep breaths, feelings of hurt and fresh betrayal coursing through her. Who was this man before her? What had happened to him? Was her being a Guardian really worth all this? Hurting and pushing away his only daughter?

Did he... did he hate her?

She swallowed, her face grim and her eyes full of sadness.

"It's what I was born to do," She couldn't say much more, her voice choked and her mind defeated.

Pitch leaned forward, his eyes angry once again.

"You were born into a family of darkness Chaya. You are not of that world. You are the daughter of the Shadow Princess and the Nightmare King. Your legacy is shrouded in blackness, there is no other life for you. There is no other family!"

Chaya couldn't take it anymore. This man who used to be her father was no more. His anger had consumed him. He would never accept her and he would never help her. He was not the family she needed, not anymore.

Who was there left to love her?

Da. Stoke. Joey. Chaya gasped a gentle breath. Her adoptive family!

They were still looking for her. They didn't know all that had occurred. They needed her and she needed them. They may not be able to help her in using her power, but they were her family. They were her true family.

Chaya stood up, brushing the dirt off her legs. Pitch watched her from his throne, his nightmares watching her every move.

Chaya took out the crystal globe and Pitch's eyes narrowed; he knew what was coming. She lifted it up and smiled at him, a dull, tired kind of smile.

"I do have a family. They loved me for 16 years. They are my family,"

Pitch stood up again, taking a step closer to her down the steps of his throne. In the depths of his fiery eyes, Chaya thought she saw a hint of panic.

"They are not your family. They were forced to love you all those years ago. They did not choose you as I did,"

Chaya leaned forward, all her sadness suddenly becoming anger.

"They did not abandon me as you did,"

Pitch stared at her, watching as she closed her eyes and held onto the globe. It sparkled, bright white light flooding the cavern; the nightmares bucked and backed away. The globe grew in her hands and expanded into a portal, the light becoming blinding even for Chaya. She stepped forward, about to pass through the portal.

"Wait!"

Chaya froze and turned to look at Pitch. He had come down from his throne, standing on the ground a few feet from her. His eyes were narrowed to the light, but they were still panicked.

He was scared.

"If you leave, you will be a part of their world," He straightened to face her, ignoring the light as he bore down on her. "You will no longer be the daughter of the Nightmare King,"

Chaya swallowed, tears buring her eyes. Hurt welled up inside her, threatening to drown her.

This was her destiny.

"If you wish it to be so, father," Her voice was a whisper. Without another word, she stepped through the portal and it began to collapse around her.

"Chaya!"

Pitch leapt forward as if he could reach her before it closed. The light sizzled out and he was left once again in darkness. He stopped, breathing heavily as he stared at the spot his daughter had stood. The nightmares were wary about him, shifting around and below his throne, unsure of what would come next.

Pitch was shivering and he dropped to his knees, unable to stand straight. He bowed his head, closing his eyes.

She had left him... just as he had left her. She chose the Guardians over him.

Her bonds had been cut.

Pitch shook his head. His knew in his heart that he had not meant those words; he only Chaya knew that too.

"You will always be my daughter," He whispered softly.

His words were lost on empty air and the thickets of black nightmares.

Jack was surprised when he say the portal open. Had it been that long already? Frowning, he watched her step out of the darkness and pick up the globe once it collapsed. Her eyes were dark, her mouth set in a line.

Jack jumped forward, coming close toward her.

"What's wrong? What happened?"

Chaya handed Jack back his globe and pushed passed him. Jack turned and followed.

"Chaya!" He took hold of her shoulders and looked into her eyes. "What's wrong?"

Chaya looked up to him. Tears were in her eyes.

"I want to go home, "

So this chapter is a little sad. Pitch is really torn and it seems like a sad ending for them, but there will be more! Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed his chapter! Let me know in the reviews