changing future: book 1 through time

chapter 7.5 Black and Gold

Sandy had been spreading his dream sand over parts of Europe when suddenly a nightmare came out of nowhere, rushing past the stout golden man with such speed that he nearly fell off his cloud. 

Blinking once to gather himself, he watched the dark figure streak about in the sky, seeming to chase away a stray fearling. Intrigued, Sandy raced after it, only to be surprised upon seeing the man riding on the black sand horse. 

He watched as the Boogeyman reached out and caught the fearling, instantly turning it into Black sand before sighing, having not noticed the stout golden man who had followed after him. 

A tap on his shoulder caused the figure to jump slightly and whip around, eyes wide in surprise before instantly composing himself with a cough. “Sanderson- I- what are you doing here?” he managed to rush out, hopping off of his nightmare horse with the Sandman offering him a smile as he landed next to the shade on one of the cabin roofs in the small village. 

:Was just out on my rounds when you came streaking past me.: Sandy explained, shrugging. 

“Oh… did I? I must have missed you.” 

:You nearly knocked me off my cloud.: Sandy deadpanned, crossing his arms while tapping his foot silently. 

“Apologies then…” the two dreamweavers soon fell silent. Then Pitch rounded on Sandy with a tired and urgent expression. “Sanderson. We must talk.”

:About what?: 

“Fear. And Nightmares... Now, Sanderson, hear me out.” Pitch said, holding up his hands in a gesture for Sandy to wait and listen to him first. 

“It has been nagging at me since we’ve started our little truce…” the shade said. “It makes me wonder… why? Why did you willingly share your dream sand? You are the very opposite of what I do, fight tooth and nail to get rid of the nightmares… which I guess is understandable after all I've done to you…”

:Fear is necessary. Why do you think I allowed you to corrupt my dream sand the first time?: Sandy questioned, an eyebrow raised with a hint of amusement in his bright amber golden eyes. 

“Wait, what?” Pitch blinked then shook his head. “You let me corrupt your sand because it is necessary?”

Sandy nodded then gestured towards one of the houses where a little boy laid in bed, dreaming about playing with bear cubs. :Dreams are wonderful. But sometimes they are simply impossible. I allowed you to corrupt the dreams before, hoping it would bring an understanding to you. Unfortunately the fearling’s hold on you even then was strong.:

Slowly, the two dreamweavers entered the room of the sleeping child. :Fear can be used for the benefit of mortals when used properly.: he continued, gently swaying the dream sand above the boy to swirl around and head towards Pitch who moved back slightly, only to watch the golden stream of sand swirl about him. 

:Dreams are much the same. Some are wonderful, creative, enlightening, and can teach you many things. But like all things, there is a balance…: he signed, allowing for the Boogeyman to touch the dream and turn it into a nightmare that returned back to the sleeping child, making him squirm as the image of a much bigger bear formed and chased the boy. 

Pitch watched, his eyes wide in understanding. :Fear is a survival instinct that keeps a person alive, but fear in large quantities can hinder one’s ability to seek safety. That is the true reason I choose to fight. Not out of spite or anger, but to protect the balance.: Pitch nodded at this then promptly followed the shorter dreamweaver out of the room. 

:if there is ever a need, my sand will always have a portion available for you to use. Dreamweaving, even nightmares, allows us to bring consciousness to the sand we command and will allow you to survive even a deadly strike. All you need to do is dream.: Sandy had said, giving Pitch a small smirk as he rubbed at his back where he had been struck before, causing the shade to wince.

They didn't speak much after that, but instead accompanied each other in companionable silence as they both worked to preserve the balance. Sandy however did challenge Pitch to a race which he won thanks to the sudden  upbringing of the race that stunned Pitch just long enough. Pitch could not help the smile that graced his face that night. 

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I forgot about posting day yesterday fhfakjlga
I ask forgiveness via double update :D