Ailouros Tails book 4: The Return

Chapter 9~ The Guardians

Chronos cursed from the sidelines as the rangers stepped from their hiding spots wrapped in their grey-green cloaks. He stepped further into the shadows as Dumbledore san McGonagall appeared. "The girl has to go. She links to many already. Perhaps once I have her, Pitch will be able to use his magic to turn her to our side." He murmured to himself as he watched the battle with the dementors cursing as they began to flee from the Phoenix Patronus. During the chaos, Halt picked up Ailouros and left with Will, the girl's brother right behind. The ranger Gilan followed after ensuing a threat before vanishing into his surroundings just as he had appeared.

Chronos turned to go then stopped to listen to those remaining in the clearings argument.

"She is in no condition to be left out here after an attack like that." McGonagall growled glaring at Umbridge, "If you hadn't attacked one of MY students I would trust you little toad!"

Dumbledore placed his hand on her shoulder calmly. "She trusts them. If she trusts them they can keep her safe for a while as we figure out what needs to happen next. She may be safer with them for now anyway." He turned to those from the ministry. "Don't you EVER touch one of my students again. Especially Ailouros. If you do i'll be the one who comes after you. Now, let's go have some tea before the storm breaks."

***

Amaterasu and Nico paced Dumbledore's office glancing anxiously at the room where the headmaster, McGonagall, and Snape had entered. "How long are they going to keep us waiting?" Am snapped angrily. "If they don't hurry I'm going to go in there and start burning things until I get Allycat back. I'll start with that daddies boy who put her in danger, to begin with!"

Nico suddenly paused, palling, "Amaterasu... what if someone planned this to get Ailouros on her own?" His voice shook as he spoke.

"Who would dare do that!? And why?" She growled worry and doubt in her eyes.

"I-I can think of one person who would..." Nico stammered.

"Who" Amaterasu demanded.

"My brother... Pitch..." Nico whispered.

"Pitch? Some baseball player?" Amaterasu asked, clearly confused.

"No... he is more commonly known as the boogeyman. He controls nightmares and wants to take out the Guardians." Nico was hesitant as if unsure what he should say about it.

"What would he want with Allycat?" Amaterasu's eyes were stormy.

"She is a powerful fighter... and a link..." Nico whispered.

"A link? To what?" She growled.

"Too many people and times... Rangers Demigods, Cats, Bastet, Sekhmet... And possibly more." Nico said softly.

"So what?" Am demanded.

"If he can turn her dark... How many people would lose hope or stop fighting so they wouldn't hurt her? I just can't figure out how he would be able to do this without the guardians noticing." Nico said pacing again.

"Who are these 'guardians' you keep speaking of?" Amaterasu asked, her irritation overflowing.

Nico glanced around and sighed. "I'll show you... I shouldn't, but I will. Who do you want to meet first? North, Bunnymund, Jack, Tooth, or Sandman?"

"What sort of names are those?" Amaterasu asked in confusion.

"Just pick one," Nico demanded.

"Fine, we'll go with North? Seriously what name is that?" Amaterasu asked exasperated.

Nico took her hand and shadow traveled to a crowded room full of yetis and little elves.

"You're joking. Nico Di Angelo where in Tartarus are we?" She asked looking around.