So I think I had a warning in the last chapter about this one, it is a little dark and sad. So just be warned about that. Also, I don't know if any of you are reading my Glade Life Fan Fiction, I have not updated in a while, but another chapter is in the works, so hold tight for that. Thank you for reading!

Chaya was still in a state of panic and shock as she guided Stoke back inside, slightly disoriented in the darkness. She made her way to the couch, knowing roughly where it sat in the gloom. Stoke sat down heavily, still sobbing through his fingers. Chaya crouched between his legs, holding onto his arms as she searched his face, anxious for answers. Stoke never let go of her, staring at her as if she would disappear if he blinked.

"It's you... it's really you," His ragged voice was painful to listen to; it sounded as if he had spoken in some time.

Chaya squeezed his arms, her vision blurred by tears.

"It's me, Stoke. I'm here,"

Stoke pushed against her arms, weakly, as if he was trying to get up. He grasping at her arm with his fingers.

"Da, Joey. They have to see you. They have to see that you're back. They need to, Chaya, they have to know," He sounded almost like a child, insisting he was right.

Chaya rose to her knees, holding her brother down, one hand on his chest.

"They will Stoke, they will. I'm not going anywhere, I promise. But you have to answer me. What's happened to you? What's happened here?"

Stoke stared at her blankly, the whites of his eyes shining in the darkness.

"We looked for you. We looked for you everywhere. We couldn't find you... we thought... we thought you were dead," Stoke's voice shook, his eyes flickering as if he were replaying the memories in his mind.

Chaya covered her mouth with her hands.

"We dredged the lakes for you... we visited-visited the morgue. You-you weren't there," Stoke was crying again, his voice hitching with each word, his eyes glazed over. "Da-Da told us to stop looking. Told-told us to stop trying. Joey wouldn't stop crying... he-he wouldn't go to school,"

Chaya lay her head on Stoke's knee, hot tears spilling onto her brother's jeans.

"I-I was laid off my job... they-they said I was a liability. I was-was a danger to everyone else. Da-Da couldn't accept it, another death in the family,"

Chaya looked back up, pain making it hard to breathe.

It couldn't be.

"Stoke... Da, he can't be? He's not.. is he?"

Stoke shook his head. He had stopped crying, but he looked none the better for it.

"He's in his room. He doesn't eat anymore. He hasn't come out since Tuesday,"

Chaya closed her eyes, breathing in a sigh of relief. But it was mixed with despair.

Two days. Her father had been bedridden; his depression had returned. And it had returned in fury.

Chaya opened her eyes, they still stung.

"And Joey?"

Stoke shook his head.

"He didn't want to stop looking," Stoke's speech was returning to normal. He sounded sort of like his old self. "He doesn't sleep much... I-I had just finished getting him to sleep when I heard the door. I didn't think... I didn't think it was you,"

Stoke leaned forward and grabbed his sister, pulling her onto the couch with him. Chaya wrapped her arms around Stoke's head.

"I'm sorry Stoke," She thought Pitch's rejection would be the last pain she would endure. Her family had fallen apart in her absence and it was all her fault.

"I'm so sorry,"

Stoke held her tightly.

"You came back,"

Chaya closed her eyes, tears threatening to suffocate her.

"I'll always come back. I love you,"

Stoke stilled underneath her, holding her close, rocking slowly. Chaya slid off him to sit at his side, still holding him as he held her.

She had to see Joey. She had to see her father, the father who loved her when one else did.

"Stoke... can I see Joey?"

Stoke didn't respond at first, keeping quiet as he steadied his breath, cleared his throat. It was a few minutes before he looked up at Chaya. His eyes looked hopeful, the fear was melting away.

It broke Chaya's heart to see him this way.

"Yes. I think you should. He needs you,"

Chaya hugged her brother again, wishing that she could take away all his pain. All this darkness that lay within him.

Stoke stood up first, leaning back to help Chaya, holding onto her hand as he led her toward the little bedroom the siblings shared. Chaya followed her brother quietly into the room, moving ahead of him as he turned on the light. The dim, yellow light cast long shadows before them and Chaya made her way softly around the bed.

Joey was asleep, his small body looking even smaller than before. His skin was pale and clammy. His eyes were squeezed shut; an expression of pain creased his young features and Chaya felt guilt stab her through the heart.

She had abandoned her little brother. She should have come back sooner.

Holding in a sob, Chaya lay a hand Joey's head, hoping to smooth out the wrinkles on his face. She ran her hand down to his shoulder, squeezing it gently with a soft sigh. She sat down on the bed and pulled Joey to her, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and holding him to her chest, her body shaking with tears. Stoke came to stand behind her, holding onto her shoulders, his head leaning on hers.

Chaya stroked Joey's hair, squeezing him to her, keeping him warm in the little bedroom.

He stirred against her chest, seeming to realize something had changed.

"Stoke?" Joey's tiny voice had deepened, roughened.

Chaya's sob escaped her lips and she leaned away only enough to see Joey's eyes blink open, focusing in on her. She smiled at him through her tears.

"It's me, Joey. It's Chaya,"

Joey stared at her, no doubt wondering if this was a dream. His eyes searched hers, concentrating on the image before him. He seemed to have aged many years since she had last seen him.

Chaya took hold of his hand in hers.

"It's me. I promise,"

Joey blinked, clearing his vision once more. His eyes widened when he saw she had not changed; youthfulness returned to his face. He buried his face into her shoulder, his shoulders shaking with tears.

"I knew you were still alive! I knew you wouldn't leave us!" His voice was muffled in Chaya's sweater, but the impact of his words cut right into her.

His childlike faith was incredible, he had never given up on her and she could not be more thankful. She held her little brother close, not wanting to let go, wishing that despite all that had happened to her, that she had never let him go. Never let any of them go.

They were her family. They loved her.

After a few moments, Chaya pushed Joey back, just enough to cup his face in her hands, wiping away tears as she looked into his eyes. They were still dull and wide, his face drawn, but he looked excited, happy. How long had it been since he had felt like that?

"I would never leave you. I'm sorry I didn't come back sooner,"

Stoke opened his eyes, his head still on Chaya's.

"Where have you been Chaya?" He seemed curious now that he had calmed.

Chaya didn't turn away from Joey as she answered.

"It's a long story. But first," She swallowed and looked over her shoulder to Stoke. "I think I need to see Da. I think he needs to see me,"

Joey smiled, even more, pulling on Chaya's sweater eagerly.

"Yes! You have to see Da!"

He started to push his sheets and blankets away, excited to share the good news with his father. Stoke helped Joey off the bed but took his arm before Joey could leave the room.

"Wait for us by his door, Joey,"

The little boy looked up at his brother for a moment, confused. Stoke was watching Chaya, who was as confused as Joey.

"We'll be right out. We can all tell Da together,"

Joey nodded slowly, seeming to accept that answer.

"Alright, don't be too long!"

He scampered out the door, crashing into the living room, a little less than quiet. Chaya smiled despite herself, but watched Stoke, anticipating something from him.

Stoke moved a step closer, keeping his voice low.

"Chaya, about Da,"

Chaya held her breath. Was there something else?"

Stoke kept an eye on the door as he spoke to Chaya.

"The doctor was in to see him yesterday,"

Chaya felt her heart stop.

"What did he say?" Chaya's voice was a breath.

"He told me the depression is back. Worse than before, worse than he's ever seen. The doctor said...," Stoke paused, closing his mouth to swallow heavily before continuing. "He doesn't think that Da will last much longer. He won't eat and he won't drink. We've tried everything, but nothing has changed. Now that you're here," Stoke glanced back at Chaya, keeping her gaze. "I want to believe that everything will change, but I don't want you or Joey to get your hopes up,"

Chaya frowned, even more confused. Wouldn't knowing his adoptive daughter is alive help her father? Wouldn't it cure him?

"What do you mean?" Chaya tried to keep the quake out of her voice.

Stoke frowned, the line on his face making it look even more drawn.

"I don't know if Da will believe it's really you. The doctor said his mind has changed. Something is blocking his ability to comprehend reality. He said... he said it's as if there's a dark cloud over his brain. Like he's full of darkness,"

Chaya felt her heart drop.

Pitch's darkness. Her family had given into fear and despair, they had opened the door to blackness.

They were full of darkness.

Chaya felt helpless. The world of magic and immortality had made its way into her family, they would not be able to understand it. They hadn't seen what she had seen.

Would her Da truly not believe it was her? Had her biological father's hand reached further than her own heart?

Stoke took hold of Chaya's hand.

"Chaya?"

She blinked again and looked up.

"Let me see Da. Let me see if I can help,"

Joey was still waiting faithfully out in the living room. He ran straight to Chaya when she stepped out of their bedroom with Stoke, holding her around the waist as they walked toward their father's door. Although he was more awake and cheerful, he seemed unwilling to let Chaya out of his sight for long.

Stoke put a finger to his lips as he opened the door to his father's room, gesturing for Chaya and Joey to go in before him. Chaya thanked him silently as she ushered Joey in. He left the door open, favouring the faint light from the living room to turning on a light in this room.

Darkness owned this room. Ruled it entirely.

Chaya felt herself well up with tears once again when she saw her father.

He was buried in blankets, merely a dark lump on the bed. She could not tell if he was laying on his side or if he was on his stomach.

Chaya picked up Joey, still clinging to her by her clothing. He wrapping his skinny arms around her neck, turning his head to watch as she stepped around her adoptive father's bed, taking a seat on the bed.

His head was just barely poking out from underneath the sheet, his brown, tufty hair showing in the dim light from the living room. He had not heard them come in.

Chaya turned to look at Stoke, but he only shook his head.

Chaya let Joey slid to the side, sitting right next to her on the bed. She moved a few inches closer to her father, feeling her throat close at the sight of him. He had lost himself again, falling down the hole that he had found when his wife died. How long had he been standing on the brink, waiting to plunge once again?

Taking a deep, faltering breath, Chaya reached out and lay her hand on her father's shoulder, rubbing her fingers over the fabric, hoping the movement would create some reaction.

Her adoptive father stirred under the touch, but he did not move the blanket away from his face. After a moment, he settled once again, his body rising in a long, drawn sigh before he fell back into the submission of his slumber.

Chaya felt tears sting her eyes; more tears, she had cried more in these last few days than she should have in a lifetime. Taking a deep breath, trying to control her emotions, Chaya pulled the blanket away from her father; she was not surprised at what she saw.

His face was drawn, white as a ghost, his eyes sunken into his skull. His body was thin and he looked ten years older than he should have been. His face was lost in a bush of facial hair, his bread growing willy-nilly all over his chin, jaw and cheeks. His eyes were closed, but not peacefully as in sleep. His forehead was creased, many, many lines running through his rough skin. His mouth was pulled out in a line, making his cheeks taut. The pain in his face was so prominent that Chaya could not bear to look. She bowed her head down on her father's shoulder, closing her eyes as the tears spilled over.

Joey pawed at his sister, tears running down his face. He was scared once again, worried Chaya would disappear. Stoke came around the bed, sat down between Chaya and Joey and took his younger brother up in his arms, holding him to his chest as he wrapped a free arm around Chaya.

"He's been finding it harder and harder to wake up," Stoke whispered his words, meaning only Chaya to hear. She nodded her head, rubbing her skin against the warm cotton of her father's T-shirt. She lifted her head to look at him again, reaching out her hand to touch his face. His cheek twitched and his eyes fluttered. Chaya leaned in closer, hopeful.

"Wake up, Da. It's me, Chaya,"

Her father's eyes opened for a moment before closing, slowly, like the eclipsing of the sun. Chaya was not sure if he had seen her, but she knew he was awake.

"Da? Da, it's me. Da, it's Chaya," Her words were laden with tears. Could he hear her?

His eyes opened again, this time for a moment longer, his eyes looking bright in the darkness. They were focusing, circling over and over again trying to clear the image before him. Chaya reached out to touch his face.

"I've come home," Tears swallowed her words. This was all too much. Her family was falling apart before her eyes and she didn't know if she could save them.

How could she help them?

Chaya squeezed his shoulder again.

"I'm sorry for leaving," Her voice was a whisper. "I never meant to hurt you. I never wanted to abandon you. I love you, Da. I will always love you,"

She squeezed her eyes shut, willing her father to walk up. Willing the darkness out of him.

A light sparkled behind her eyes, distracting and twinkling.

Soft golden light filled her from the inside, pulsating and alive.

Chaya felt warmth pass through her, reminding her of all the happy moments she had shared with her family. The wonderful life her adoptive family had given to her. She remembered the exhilaration of flying with Jack Frost, the sheer childlike joy of seeing Santa's workshop. Feeling the golden sand of the Sandman, being mesmerized in the fluttering wings of the tooth fairy, being amazed at how tall the Easter Bunny really was. Those perfect, bittersweet moments she had shared with her mother, her true mother. Even the feeling of Pitch's arms around her, protecting her from the horrors of the underworld.

Happiness spread like a fire. She felt at home, safe and secure.

"Chaya?" Stoke's voice sounded unsure, shocked.

Chaya opened her eyes, looking down at her father.

Her hand were glowing, golden light pouring from her fingertips like water.

She sat up, her eyes widening. The streams of golden light fell onto her father, spreading over him, melting into his skin.

Chaya gasped. Was this her power? Was she taking away the darkness? She had not been able to do it before. How was this possible?

Chaya turned, her eyes full of awe and lay her hand on Stoke's chest. His eyes widened, gasping at the impact. The golden light from Chaya's fingers passed through his shirt, into his skin.

"What-what's happening?"

Joey raised his head, tears staining his face as he watched. His eyes grew wider.

"Chaya! You have magic!"

Chaya sniffed gently, taking her hand off of Stoke to lay it on Joey's head, feeling a flood of hope and relief as the light passed into him as well. Turning back, she looked at her father.

The light was flickering underneath his skin, making him glow. His eyes were wide open. His mouth moved, his head lifted off the pillow.

"Chaya?"

Chaya smiled at him, her eyes shimmering as he sat up. His movement was slow, lazy as he was no doubt feeling dizzy. He sat up in the bed, looking down at his hands and arms as the light coursed through him.

"What's going on?"

His voice, his deep, fatherly voice. It had returned. The strength and wisdom he had held in his voice in the days when Chaya was young. The voice that held hope, safety and protection. The voice of a father who loved his family.

He was back. The darkness was gone. The depression had disappeared. Her father had stepped away from the hole, filled it in.

The light faded away, from her father, from Stoke and from Joey.

Chaya turned from one to the other, smiling from ear to ear.

She felt a hand on her shoulder, her head. She was being pulled into an embrace. Her adoptive father pulled her close, kissing her head and warming her through.

"My little Chaya. You've come home," His voice was ripe with emotion, but it was real. It was full of life once again.

Chaya returned the embrace and wept into her father's chest.

"I had to. I had to save you,"

"Save me?" Her father pulled her away, looking into her eyes, holding her by the arms. "Chaya, did you do this? Did you cause the light?"

Chaya nodded, turning to smile at Stoke and Joey, who sat close behind her.

"It's my birthright. It's my power,"

Stoke frowned, although Joey looked excited.

"You have magic! Like Jack Frost and Santa!"

Chaya nodded, smiling more and more.

"Just like them,"

"But how? Chaya, where have you been? What have you been doing?"

Chaya turned to her father. She felt relieved. The panic and fear from before had vanished. She had taken the darkness away. She had used her power. She was going to a Guardian.

All she had needed was the love of her family. True and unadulterated compassion for those she cared for.

She smiled at her father.

"I have so much to tell you, "

The next few chapters are going to be wrapping up loose ends and Chaya will finally become a Guardian. This story is almost finished and I can't wait to have it all completed. Thank you all who are reading and I'd love to hear your feedback of the full story so far!