The Darkness Within

Chapter Eleven

Pitch laughed with pure amusement as the Guardians struggled to stand on their own two feet. They were on their knees, helpless and weak.

"You Guardians really outdid yourselves this time." He laughed. "Unable to reach out to anyone to help you. Not even your precious little believers. And especially not Jack Frost. Why, he's probably getting maimed by your new addition as we speak."

Tooth gasped, covering her mouth.

"Ro..." The other Guardians looked at each other with fear in their eyes. This made Pitch grin.

"Ro?" He scoffed, shaking his head. "Do you really think that she told you the truth about herself?" They looked at each other puzzled now.

"Whadda ya mean by that?" Bunny asked, frowning at the King of Nightmares.

"Ro is not her real name. Her real name is Rapunzel. With hair so long, it could choke you. With powers so dark, she could kill you. Oh yes. Rapunzel. Lost princess of Corona. Does that ring any bells?"

"Lost princess...?" Realization soon struck North as he was finally able to wrap his head around her identity. Everything was so clear to him now. Except for the reason why she had lied to everyone. "Chosen by the sun to rid the vorld of darkness..." If only he had known. Maybe she would've been safe with them.

"But... How is that possible?" Tooth asked. Bunny nodded his head, arching an eyebrow.

"Yeah, mate. 'ow is a bringer of death supposed ta rid the worlda darkness?"

"Well it's simple, Peter Cottontail." The Guardians knew that taunting and sarcastic voice from anywhere. Their eyes lit up as they saw Jack sitting on the edge of a billboard, smiling at them. "You just turn that bringer of death, into a bringer of life."

"What? How is this possible?" Pitch's eyes widened with disbelief. But they soon showed a glare of disgust.

"How is it possible?" The winter spirit asked, chuckling. "Well I'll show you. Hit it, Punzie!" Whirling around, Pitch saw Rapunzel with a smirk across her lips. Closing her eyes, she sang.

"Flower gleam and glow.
Let the power shine.
Make the clock reverse;
Bring back what once was mine."

As her hair sparked to life. Nightmare horses whinnied with fright before exploding into golden sand. And from that golden sand, were amazing and unbelievable creatures.

"Heal what has been hurt.
Change the fate's design.
Save what has been lost.
Bring back what once was mine;
What once was mine."

The Guardians felt their strength return, and they jumped to their feet, cheering with glee. But Pitch however, was dumbstruck. How could a silly little song rid him of his entire army? With a looking of burning hate, he disappeared into the shadows. By then, Jack had flown to Rapunzel's side, smiling happily. He pulled her into a hug, refusing to let go.

"Good job, sunshine." Looking at her golden locks of hair, he realized he could finally call her that. "Good job." He said once more. Rapunzel grinned, returning his embrace. But from the shadows, Pitch crept up behind Jack with a large scythe in hand. Fortunately, the princess was able to catch sight of him and pushed Jack behind her just as he was swung. Lashing her hair out like a whip, it had caught onto the weapon, and she tossed it over her shoulder. It hit the ground, splattering into golden sand. With her second lash, she caught onto Pitch's arm and tossed him onto the street. He landed with a harsh thud. The Guardians walked towards him, forming a circle around him. Rapunzel joined them, kneeling before their powerless enemy. She observed him carefully as he looked at her with fear. Finally, she spoke.

"Looks like the King of Nightmares is a king no more."

"What are you going to do with me?" He asked.

"Something we all should've done a long time ago." She looked at Sandman and smiled. "We're going to show you the light." Using a finger, she touched his forehead, which started to turn into golden dust. "Because I've learned that once you've embraced it, it can become something beautiful."

"No... No, no, not the light! Anything but the light! No!" His entire body had turned into golden dust before popping; spreading throughout the air as it went to join the rest of the dreams. He was no longer a bringer of nightmares, but a bringer of dreams. Cheering once more, the Guardians picked Rapunzel up, tossing her in the air, only to have Jack catch her safe in his arms. She stared at his crystal blue eyes for a moment too long before being set down.

"Vell! Now that this mess is over, are you ready to take oath, your highness?" Rapunzel chuckled as he took out a large book with a golden "G" on it, nodding her head.

"Vill you, Rapunzel of Corona, vow to protect the children of the vorld? To vatch over them? To guard them with your life? Their hopes, their wishes, and their dreams? Because they are all that ve have, all that ve are, and all ve vill ever be?" Looking at Jack, she saw him nod, giving her a look of approval. She smiled. Turning back to North, she nodded.

"I will."

"Then you are now, and forevermore! A Guardian." Jack Frost, Toothiana, Bunnymund, and the Sandman cheered, praising the girl. And from that moment on, everything was perfect. Everything was just how it was supposed to be.