After Dark

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

"Wait, Matthew." Pitch's tone stopped him from waking Jack. He looked towards where the spirit of darkness was standing. He was very suspicious of him. The Canadian narrowed his eyes as Pitch spoke again. "I apologize for what the rabbit did."

Matthew wrinkled his nose. He didn't accept the apology. "You probably enjoyed his fear." He growled quietly. He kept his voice down, he didn't want to wake Jack.

"Hardly." The Nightmare King scoffed sounding offended. "You know better then anyone how important consent is to me."

"Then why didn't you stop him?" The Reaper hissed angrily. He knew his eyes were glowing and his wings were metallic.

"It wasn't my place to." Pitch said calmly. Matthew was about to speak again, but he stopped him. "I'm working with a rabbit and an ill tempered fire spirit. Both being spirits that I have fought multiple times in the past. It wasn't my place to,"

"Why are you even working with them?" The Canadian asked.

"Our wants aligned, for the most part." The spirit of darkness shrugged. "I want you gone, so does Bunny and Mishal." Matthew guessed the new name was the fire spirit. "The rabbit wants Frost, Mishal and I are indifferent. Mishal is just happy to have one less winter spirit around. And I'm happy that both of you will be out of the picture." Pitch smiled wickedly. "The Guardians wouldn't know what to do without you two. Especially if someone were to mention the rabbit had more than just a hand in it."

"The Guardians wouldn't just let you win." Matthew said. He thought about trapping and crushing the spirit of darkness right there. He knew it wouldn't do him any good and he needed to save his energy.

"I'm well aware." Pitch laughed. "They wouldn't exactly have their early warning system anymore." He hummed. "They'd be down a Guardian, maybe two, and you as well. It could be one versus four at the very worst. They had to have Frost to defeat me last time without your meddling. I doubt the rabbit would let him out to fight me. My best odds are three verses three. The remaining Guardians against Bunny, Mishal and I."

"That rabbit is still a Guardian." The Reaper pointed out. "He should still be doing what's best for the kids."

"But will he?" Pitch asked. Matthew was asking himself the same question. "Taking fun away from them isn't 'what's best.' He's got other motives besides the children."

The Canadian shook his head, but knew Pitch was right. The spirit of darkness did as well. He sat quietly just waiting for the King of Nightmares next move. He seemed to be doing the same. He shrugged and turned to leave.

"Wait!" Matthew called quietly. Pitch paused looking back at him. He raised an eyebrow. "Let Jack go. I don't care what happens to me, but let him go."

"I'm sorry." The Nightmare King said with a smile showing his sharp teeth. "I can't do that. Besides, there's a lot of fun for both of you on the horizon." Pitch turned and disappeared into the darkness.

The Canadian was left alone again. He sighed looking back down at Jack. He was still sleeping peacefully. He did feel bad for breaking his promise, but he thought it was necessary. He wished he could have convinced Pitch to let him go. The Nightmare King's feelings towards him were all over the place. He wanted him dead one minute and apologizing the next. He wondered if he could use that as an advantage, but doubted it. He could pick the cuff's lock of he had a tool, but Jack would still be stuck. He wasn't going to leave him behind.

Matthew thought about the wind. He wondered if it could get one of the other Guardians attention. It had taken the wind a while to get his now, that he thought about it. He didn't think North would notice. The Russian was busy preparing for Christmas and rarely went outside. Tooth and Sandy were easier to get a hold of, Sandy more so. Tooth would be able to fly quickly to get help if she found them. Sandy would be more difficult. He was slower. The Reaper wasn't sure if Sandy would be able to help without the other Guardians. It would be difficult for him to really help since his sand burned the Canadian.

The Reaper thought he'd need one of the three to give him an opportunity to escape. It seemed like all the natural shadows were completely stopped from forming. Pitch must have put a blocker on the whole cave. The only shadow he'd noticed was the one the spirit of darkness created. He wondered if a kick from Bunny could break the bars. It would be pretty easy to anger him, but his kick would have to be well aimed. He wasn't sure if he's leg would have healed by now. Mishal, the fire spirit would also be easy to anger. He knew the man could create fire and burn things, but had no idea if he could melt metal.

Matthew shifted slightly. He was still sore from the fight. His wing ached. It had been along time since he'd had a broken wing. He carefully tried to move it. He knew it wasn't a good idea before he did it, but still did. It hurt and he wasn't able to extend it far. There was no way he'd be able to fly.

The Canadian's eyebrows furrowed looking down at Jack. He was still sleeping peacefully. He wondered where his staff was. The winter spirit said it was gone. Matthew guessed Pitch had it. If he ever brought it in site, the Reaper would be able to grab it with his magic. If he got it to Jack, he could fully use his powers.

Matthew knew without the Guardian's staff there was little chance they'd both get out unharmed. He wouldn't leave without Jack and knew Jack wouldn't leave without him.

"Birdie?" The winter spirit's voice got his attention. He looked down and smiled. He was just waking up and rubbed his eyes with a yawn. He looked adorable. "You're actually here. I thought it was a dream."

"No." Matthew smiled gently. He squeezed his hand and the Guardian smiled sleepily back. "I'm here." He hummed. He knew Jack got emotional when he didn't get enough sleep. He hoped he felt a bit better now. "I love you."

The winter spirit looked a bit surprised. "I love you too." He smiled nervously.

"How is your leg?" Matthew asked as Jack sat up.

"Fine, I guess. It aches kinda. I think it's healed like this." The Guardian shrugged looking down at it. "How's your wing?"

"Alright. It's sore, but not too bad if I don't move it." The Reaper shrugged. He shouldn't have shrugged since it hurt.

"Is the bone aligned?" Jack asked stretching his neck to see. Matthew turned for him to get a better look.

"I doubt it." The Reaper mumbled. The pair were quiet for a moment before the winter spirit spoke.

"How are we going to get out of here?" Jack asked looking up at him.

"I don't know." Matthew admitted. They were quiet again. "Do you know who has your staff? Where is it?"

AN: All my projects are submitted, exams are over and I'm dying.