It took me a good while, mostly due to work, figuring out the date for the wedding with my future husband, and writer's block. I finally got this sucker finished. And just to remind everyone, due to the strict rating (and past experience with the admins), I had to edited out the mature scenes. So if you want to see the unrated version, please go to the Archive of Our Own and look up WarriorNun. Again I'm sorry for the slow updates, but like I said, I'm not giving up.

With that said, please enjoy the latest chapter of Flicker.

Flicker Chapter 21: Trusting Instincts

Important notice: Due to the past experience with the admins, I have to keep this version T rated for Teens since the past version is way beyond the M rating. For those who wanted the uncut version, please go to the AO3 (Archive of Our Own) site.

The Workshop…

"You know…this is becoming tiring." Pitch commented as he watched the Guardians once again hit the books but the only difference is that they're preparing up for a possible fight. They made inventory check on what to bring to the Warren as they research for an alternate route. North was looking through his weapons and had to carefully pick out the least dangerous while Tooth read through the maps to refresh her memory. Onyx still kept her vigil by his side, watching alongside with him in amusement.

But at least Phillip has enough courtesy for providing him some herbal tea to enjoy while he waited despite the past animosity between them few years back.

"Oh, hush you!" Tooth snapped, not even looking up to him. "We need to hurry before Bunny would…" Then she swallowed hard and clenched her eyes for a moment. She really didn't want to finish that sentence. She couldn't…

Bunny is one of her best friends and collegues, and despite their different views on chocolate, but she fought alongside with him when MiM gathered them all together as Guardians.

And Jack…

She, above all, been trying her best to make up all the possible time that she unintentionally wasted. Looking back, neither one of them actually asked Jack outright due to his "invite" thanks to North. Remembering the moment when they thought that he betrayed him for his memories sent an uncomfortable twist in her stomach. The very sight of him being hurt and confused before flying off MiM knows where…

Toothiana didn't want to repeat that. And she would make sure of it.

And same goes for Bunny.

Even if he's the oldest (or second oldest due to Sandy), and more experienced in fighting, she would be more than willing to fight tooth (no pun intended, Jack would be so proud) and nail against him. Neither one of them deserved this…and with MiM as her witness, she would tear about the skies for them!

"It's been, what? A few hours?" Pitch remarked. "I'm pretty sure that they're at it like rabbits." Then he paused. "Well, more like Bunny taking Jack like a rabbit, that was more accurate."

"YOU'RE NOT HELPING!" It was amusing to see the tooth fairy queen clench the book so hard that she might tear it about despite the thickness. Her knuckles were stark white and her shoulders were trembling. But Pitch could tell that she was gritting her teeth, as if trying to restrain herself.

It was funny how a calcified structure fanatic could actually do such a thing.

Pitch actually took another sip as he held up another book for him to read, just for a leisure time.

Hmm, so that was Krampus been up to lately. He thought to himself, reading the contents. He does have a way with dealing with unruly children after all, adolescent detention facilities was up in his alley.

He looked up for a brief moment to see North pulling out yet another sword from the good old days, examining it before setting it back before picking out another one.

"How about the Tickler?" He mused to himself, examining it as he thought about it. Then he shook his head. "No. Next!"

Pitch rolled his eyes as he looked at the clock. They've been at it for a few hours. Even if they did come in prepared, it would be too late by now. Pookas are really aggressive especially when it comes with mating seasons. And knowing that overgrown rabbit, he probably already ravished Jack by now.

He frowned a bit as he swished his cup a bit.

Perhaps, he should do something. After all, who knows when will Flicker strike when they least expect it? They had no idea on exactly how powerful he can be.

Especially when he gets angry…

"Ok, our best options are Australia and the Easter Island!" Tooth spoke up. "The only thing we had to worry about are possible Bunyips and other nasties. I hear that koalas can be vicious."

Yes, he should do something.

Preferably right now.

Drinking down what was left of his tea, he set the cup and book down before standing up. He fixed his robe a bit as Onyx stood up along with him, still trying to make herself look imposing despite her short stature. He took one look at them, before noticing Sandy taking note of him and tried-emphasis on the word tried- to get their attention. But to no avail, since not only they are distracted, there is also the fact that he is completely silent.

An advantage and disadvantage to him.

Well, he is the Sandman after all. It is understandable.

After a single moment, Pitch decided to take this into his hands and loudly cleared his throat to interrupt whatever they were doing. He gave his golden counterpart a triumphant smirk before turning to the Guardians as he placed on his usual pokerface.

"If I may place down a suggestion?" He asked.

"NO." Both Tooth and North spoke simultaneously.

Sandy was the only one with enough sense as he rolled his eyes and palmed his face. Well, at least he had at least ONE supporter.

"Well, I'm going to anyway," He snarked, purposely disregarding their opinion. "Perhaps, we should try again once of North's snow globes. If we had to find the alternate entrance to the Warren, not only we had to deal with the not-so friendly native creatures but also intricate labyrinth of the tunnels. That, and we have a flaming problem that is still out there. And quite frankly, time is not our ally at the moment."

North was about to retort but closed his mouth as he actually considered on what his enemy (or temporary ally) have said.

It was true, and considering the situation that they are in right now, they're not making much progress. Not to mention that Bunny might have already caught Jack by now. It doesn't matter how fast Jack could fly, nothing can match the speed of a Pooka. The thought of Jack being ravished violently by Bunny made North clench his hands into tight fists.

Colleague or not, he still cannot let Jack go through that kind of thing. After all, what kind of father that cannot protect his own child? Then he looked up to Pitch, who was still expecting some sort of response from them. Well, time to swallow that pride.

"What do you supposed we do?" North finally asked.

This seemed to give a bit of satisfaction due to the slight twitch upon Pitch's mouth before gesturing to the snow globe upon the table.

"How about we give that enchanted paperweight another try?" He spoke casually. "There is a possibility that after the…" then Pitch paused dramatically, as he thought up more appropriate words due to the Cossack's paternal instincts. "Biblical bonding, there might be some leeway to the rabbit's Warren."

"Uh, did you forget about the LOCK DOWN part whenever Bunny gets into one of his time of the years!?"

"I thought that those kind of jokes are beneath you, Toothiana…" Pitch snarked. "Anyway, no, I haven't forgotten about that. But there is a good chance that the lockdown was eased up a bit. The only challenge is to tread carefully."

North barked out a laugh at this.

"Carefully?" He questioned. "This is Bunny we are talking about. We can take care of ourselves."

His words seemed to inspire confidence in Tooth who turned to Sandy to see if it also lend in some of its spark. The smallest guardian gave her a single thumb up although his smile was a bit reluctant.

That…doesn't seemed to be confident.

"You forget, Nicholas," Pitch countered, keeping his voice even although there was a bit of bite to it. "Pookas are extremely territorial, especially after mating. One whiff of another alpha in their turf, and it would be a fight to the death. I would suggest you place Sanderson on the front lines for this one. He has enough power to subdue him. Theoretically."

Sandy then turned to Pitch with a look that really screamed out "Really?"

Pitch simply stared back at his smaller counterpart. "I'm just saying like it is."

"Alright! Alright…we'll try your idea," North spoke up, not wanting another fight. The last thing they wanted was another delay and further leading Jack and Bunny into emotional damage once the deed was done. "But just so that we are clear…you will be watched." Then he narrowed his blue eyes as he glared at him.

"One small misstep and we won't hesitate to take you down."

The Nightmare King simply stared at him cooly before rolling his eyes.

"Please, North, at least give me enough credit." He retorted. "Besides…don't you know…having too much of a good thing would do more harm than good. Now enough with the dilly-dally, smash the glorified paperweight already."

North only growled before retrieving the snow globe that was intended to open up the portal to Bunny's Warren. Normally they would just use the sleigh but this is a dire situation that they were in. Even with the speed of the sleigh, searching for the alternate route to the Warren would consume what little time they had left. As soon as the Guardian of Wonder picked up the snow globe, the pang of worry shot through his belly like a dull steak knife that he had used as a makeshift weapon back when he was a less than savory youth.

The cold sensation of the glass against his hand was nothing compared to what he was feeling as thoughts plagued his mind.

Disturbing questions, to be exact.

What if the damage was already done?

What if Jack didn't know what he got himself into and was raped to near-death?

Even if he survived, how will he be able to be in the same room as Bunny?

This was worse than the time when Pitch almost won when he disillusioned the children to the point that the Guardians were powerless. He had no idea what to do if he and the others somehow manage to get to the Warren. But whatever it takes, he would be there for Jack this time.

He will make sure of it.

"Well? We're waiting." Pitch's grating voice broke his train of thoughts.

North could barely repressed the urge to groan. Honestly, this partnership is more trouble than handling the naughty list. At least the children would learn to shape themselves up whenever they come across a coal in their stocking.

He then stood at the very center of the Globe Room, giving the snow globe a good shake before bringing it before his face as he lowered his voice into a whisper.

"Warren…"

And with that, he then raised it high above his head, praying against all odds, and smashed it to the floor. To his surprise and relief, the familiar colorful swirling vortex opened up before him and he couldn't help but let out a jolly laugh.

"It actually worked!" He crowed.

Both Tooth's and Sandy's faces brightened at the sight before them, all the while Pitch just stared impassively.

"Of course it worked." He spoke up, sounding unimpressed. "Now we had to worry about a giant lagomorph ripping out our throats."

All three of them turned to glare at him, to which he simply stared back the three guardians.

"Just saying."

North rolled his eyes as he held up his oldest blade, no doubt once held by the first Lunar Tsar.

"Let us go." He spoke in an authoritative voice, as Tooth and Sandy flew in behind him as soon as he entered the vortex. Pitch and Onyx quickly followed suit without hesitation before the vortex dissipate. Despite the uneasy truce between them, both the guardians and Pitch were bracing themselves for whatever awaits them on the other side.

The Warren…

There was some sort of sensation in the air.

He didn't know what but his instincts were telling him that something- or someone- was entering the Warren as he felt his long, sensitive ears twitch and snapped his eyes wide open.

Someone IS entering the Warren.

And Jack was too exposed in the open.

Must…hide…Mate.

Bunny then gently but quickly gathered Jack into his arms, holding him in a bridal carry before making his way into one direction. He wasn't in a hurry but it doesn't hurt to power walk to the safest part of the Warren. A soft murmur escaped from the winter sprite as he groggily realized that they are moving, from what he noticed that they are heading deep into the woods and ruins of the Warren.

"B…Bunny…" He managed to speak up.

The Pooka looked down at him and gave Jack a reassuring smile.

"Hey, Sleeping Beauty," He purred down at him, never slowing down in his pace.

"Where are we going?" He was still exhausted from their latest romp but barely managing to keep himself awake.

"To my Burrow, it's safer there."

Jack blinked up at him in confusion as he tried to process on what he heard.

"What do you mean?" There is a slight possibility that he might have slurred a bit there but hopefully Bunny would still understand him.

"Someone or something managed to get inside the Warren." Bunny explained to him. "It was too dangerous to leave you out of the open with your pants down." Then he paused. "Literally in this case."

"I coulda help you…" Jack drawled out, sounding like he was losing a short one-sided fight against sleep's hold on him.

Bunny couldn't help but chuckle at this.

"Forgive me for being blunt but I highly doubt that you would stand, much less that you would stay awake." Then his smile softened as he stared down at him. "However, I do appreciate the thought."

Jack could only let out a sigh, going in and out of consciousness as he snuggled in Bunny's arms. Not even the even yet fast pace was enough to keep him awake, though he did notice that this part of the Warren was different. The trees were not as dense as that certain section that Bunny had journeyed to. Unlike the thick, dense darkness, here it would seem that it was the most sunlit. He also noticed that there were a patch of flowers here and there, leading to a grassy mound with a burrow entrance. It has that peaceful sense to it, not as eerie as the last place that he found Bunny in one time.

"This is where I can be by myself," Bunny spoke, almost as if answering the unspoken question that he had in mind. "Think of it as my personal abode."

"I thought the entire Warren was your abode."

"Well, more accurately, my personal room slash safe room." Bunny chuckled. "Most of the Warren is mostly for working on my googies and chocolate."

Jack smiled as he nuzzled up to him. "An artist and a chocolatier, I chose my men well."

"I'm your first man." Bunny pointed out as he laughed lightly. "Now get some sleep. I'll be back for you, I promise."

Along with getting your things…he mentally tacked on.

Jack seemed like he wanted to protest some more but sleep eventually overtake him and he was out like a light. Bunny smiled fondly at him before standing in front the entrance to the Burrow. He had never thought that he would live to see the day that he would not only introduce his mate to his burrow, but perhaps that one day they would share it together.

As much as he wanted it to say that it was THEIR burrow…it still wasn't. Not officially anyway. Even though they already went ahead with the consummation, they're still working through the kinks of their newfound relationship. Once this whole Flicker thing was over and done with, Bunny would court Jack properly.

A sigh escaped from his lips.

"Honestly…that bloke is more trouble than Frostbite here." He smiled fondly at his new mate. "Well, at least I get to be his first." The thought of Flicker flashed through his mind's eye and Bunny scowled as he held Jack closer to him.

I would definitely make sure that he wouldn't touch you again…this I promise you as guardian and your mate.

With that vow in mind, he quietly stepped inside and head down a short tunnel leading to a certain den. Before him was a nest of grass and fur, the closest thing that he had to a bed. He had tried the guest beds that North provided him in case he needed a place to crash, even the hammock at Tooth's palace. (The other one, he would rather do it ONCE). But nothing can compare to his nest. There was so much nostalgia connected to that nest, long before he became a guardian. Back during he time when the Pookas were still thriving.

Bunny shook his head.

What happened in the past stayed in the past, there was no use on dwelling upon it further. He had to focus on the present, starting with making Jack's safety his number one priority. The next was confronting the intruder in the Warren. With that in mind, he gently set Jack down upon the nest. He caressed his mate's face, admiring the features before standing up and head back out into the Warren.

This intruder had some moxie to actually enter the Warren. He would show who's the big boss around here…

—

Running on all fours was faster than running on two, but nevertheless, he never doubt his own speed. His surroundings were a blur of mostly green and brown, but he knew where he was going. After all, the first rule when it comes with tracking down the intruder on one's territory was always have the element of surprise in your favor.

Plus he still needed to get Jack's staff and clothing, he highly doubt that Jack would appreciate going around naked and unarmed. Though he wouldn't complain about the first part but business.

A scent wafted into his nose which caused him to skid into a stop. He rose his head up a bit and sniffed the air once more, his ears twitched out for even the faintest of sounds. It would seem that the intruder was not alone judging by the sounds and scents. Not only that, they seemed to be at that one particular place…

The very place where he left Jack's things.

Damn.

While there is a chance that they cannot operate Jack's staff, it was still a risk to just leave it out there. He had to take the careful route, keeping close to the ground and out of sight. Like a lion stalking his prey, Bunny kept his ears flat against his skull but lifted them up a bit to hear them better.

He only picked out some semblance of sounds, couldn't make out what they're saying but he managed to pick out "…is this snow…" and "…staff…" and he also found something familiar with them and it wasn't just the scents. Well, he would if it weren't for the fact that he wasn't going on auto-pilot with his instincts.

All Bunny knew is that there are intruders in the Warren and that he had to keep Jack safe.

And one way he would do that was to take them by surprise, even if it was just him against a certain number of them, three from what he heard.

Wait…

"…someone so silent, you're annoying…"

Four…there are four in the Warren. And that kind of number against one…his kind of odds.

He had shown his share of Nightmares and Fearlings in the past, so whatever they are, they clearly had no idea whom they are messing with. Like a grey panther, he slowly stalked through the brushes, making sure that he doesn't disturb one leaf. After taking a moment on calculating his time, Bunny used all ounce of strength into his legs before springing forward and tackle the closest mass that he could grab out of four.

They tumbled upon the grass but Bunny managed to pin the body to the ground, he raised his right paw while keeping the other upon the throat, feeling the adrenaline rushing through his system. He could feel his heart pounding in his ears as his breathing was ragged. Bunny was about to bring his paw down until he managed to gained enough sense to stop himself as he stared down in confusion.

"…What the…?!"

Pitch glared up at him, despite being in a chokehold.

"Go ahead and rip my throat out," He managed to speak out, hissing in air. "And see what happens!"

See you all next time in the next chapter! Please leave a comment and critique!

Author's Note(s)

Krampus - a Christmas demon/pagan spirit of Alpine folklore, said to accompany St. Nicholas on Christmas Eve. While St. Nick rewards good children, Krampus punishes bad children by stuffing them into his wicker basket and drag them to Hell. Think of him as Bad Santa. For my take, since he leaves the punishing bad children to North (who prefers the coal method) as time progress, I picture him as the type to be a warden for a juvenile detention facility, a type who is not only tough but fair and genuinely cared about his wards and saw the good in them. Plus, this is inspired by the dA artist AbigalLarson, but he's in a loving and stable marriage with another Alpine pagan deity, Perchta. I think of then as the Swiss version of La Muerte and Xiabalba.