Dead || Jack Frost

Thirteen

Newley painted and ready for the world, the eggs began to march out towards the tunnels and towards the surface. The guardians all gathered with proud smiles to watch. All of them happy with a job well done. Sophie had appeared to have tired herself out. She was curled up in Bunny's arms snoring. Tooth cooed softly. "Aww look at her".

"Poor little anklebiter", Bunny chuckled. "She's all tuckered out". Dia smiled softly and brushed some of her hair behind her ear.

"I love her", Tooth sighed. "I think it's time to get her home". Above her shoulder, baby tooth squeaked in agreement. Bunny smoothly passed Sophie to her arms, careful not to wake her.

Jack stood up. "Why don't I take her?"

"Jack", tooth protested. "No, pitch is out there".

"He's no match for this", Jack gestured to his staff.

"Which is why we need you here with us", Bunny replied.

"Trust me", Jack grinned. "I'll be as quick as a bunny".

"But we need someone to watch the eggs", North protested.

"I'll do that", Dia volunteered. "The dark underground doesn't scare me. You guys go an prepare things on the surface. Jack can take Sophie home. I'll escort the eggs with the yetis". He shrugged with a smile. "It shouldn't be that hard. The tunnels are still bunny's territory right? I'll be fine". Dia skipped after the eggs before anyone could protest.

Tooth glanced between him and Jack worriedly but gently handed Sophie over into Jack's waiting arms. "Okay. But be safe you two". Jack grinned at her but Tooth's worried expression didn't fade. Dia watched as Jack flew away. He waved at the blue figure, Jack sending him a parting smile. Once the boy had flown out one of the skylights to the world beyond, Dia began following the eggs.

"Meet you in the surface Dia!" North called. "Alert us if anything happens".

"See you in a bit", Dia called back just as he stepped into the tunnel. Almost immediately shadow began to swallow him. He wandered through the grass, eggs all around his feet. Flowers growing down from the ceiling glowed with a warm light. They illuminated the tunnel enough for Dia to walk comfortably. All was quiet apart from the slight scuttling of the Egg's tiny feet. Still, despite the calm atmosphere, something was pricking on the hairs on Dia's back. Nervously, he untied two of his scarves from his waist and clutched them in his fist.

Turning round, he could no longer see the entrance to the Warren. The tunnels magical. Several steps could be several countries. Sighing loudly in the silence, Dia continued forwards. Every so often a group of eggs would split off down a side tunnel to their surface location. Dia maintained his straight path as best he could. It was after what seemed like an hour of walking, that he felt a shiver down his spine.

Dia whirled round. Nothing. The tunnel behind him was dark, a circle of black. It was the startling realisation that the flowers were no longer glowing, that made him go on the alert. He tightened his hold on the scarves, willing them to burst into flames. As soon as fire blazed up, the flowers around him also went out. Dia was left standing in a circle of light. Darkness a thick black wall.

Normally darkness was a friend. Dia was a lantern and the dark never scared him. But this wasn't the comforting darkness of the land of the dead, or the breezy darkness of the outside. This black was thick and cloying. Suffocating and dry. Empty and cold. He didn't like it. Not one bit. This felt like a tomb. He had been in a few over the years and he didn't like it.

"Dia de los muertos", a cackling voice called.

"Pitch!" Dia yelled. "I know this is you! Come out you slimy fuck!" His voice echoed distantly. Words bouncing back mockingly. Dia gritted his teeth. He refused to be scared of this guy. He was not going to give him what he wants.