Come undone, surrender is stronger
I don't need to be the hero tonight

~ FFH - Undone

Chapter 16 – Lies Under a Bed

"Petter-!" Sascha could only whisper as her eyes opened suddenly. "Psst…Petter!" She tried a little louder, instead soundly like a raspy whisper. Her eyes averted to the window to the warm light of the moon. It was full and radiant as ever, shinning bright against the dark sky. They were always taught by Ombric, should they have bad dreams or if ever doubted the village defences when the Guardians (or himself) were on one of their adventures; they should always look to the moon, and all their worries will travel to it, leaving them to sleep peacefully.

Sascha smiled as she looked up, feeling calm once more and snuggled deeper into her blankets. Opening an eye to the moon just to check it was still there she looked once more. The peace was broken, the worries returning as innocent eyes stared in horror as a black thick cloud started to drape over the beaming light. 'No,' she whimpered silently as the light shining through her window cleanly cut into darkness, like a show curtain slicing the view of the grand performers.

She curled into a ball in her bed. "I believe, I believe…" she started to chant supporting herself as the little patters and footsteps continued in the night.

Nightlight watched from the tallest stargazing tower. It acted like a large sundial over the village as it towered above the other houses (not high enough to match Big Root though, but close too it).

He sat on the edge of the astronomy structure, his right leg swinging casually back and forth whilst his left was curled into his chest supported by his hand,wrapping round holding. His other hand supporting his spear as he rested it over his shoulder.

He hadn't felt this feeling before. It was a hurt, a pain in his heart making his hold body ache in thought; whilst his head burned in worry. The young immortal couldn't describe it. Was it fear? Clenching his teeth shut holding back a curse he jumped up onto the railing. Pacing to and fro with ease on the thin surface deep in thought.

Whilst the young immortal boy was pondering over this feeling, more and more children of Santoff Claussen started to stir in their sleep.

"Fog! Fog!" the youngest sibling called to her older brother who groaned in response as he turned over in his bed.

The little girl reached over to her bed-side table and grabbed one of Fog's toy cars quickly throwing it to his bed and striking him on the head.

"Ow! What's up!?" he whined as he sat up in his bed, rubbing were the wooden toy hit. The girl didn't respond, still sitting up in her bed and pointing down below her.

"There's something under the bed?" Fog asked to which his sister violently nodded her head. Fog sighed, pushing his covers off and heading towards her. She whimpered at his actions, too afraid to find out what was underneath.

"How many times do I have to tell you? We're safe here there's no need…" Fog explained to his distraught sister as he tucked her back into bed, pulling the covers over her as she laid down again.

"B-but-!" She whimpered again. Fog could see the tears in her eyes as she pleaded. The big brother sighed again, "Do you want me to check?" He asked as he stooped to her level encouragingly.

She stopped snivelling for a second in thought before hesitantly nodding her head. "Yes… no! It might be-" She couldn't make her mind up as Fog lowered to the floor she crawled out of her covers to watch. Her eyes quickly looked to the moon, seeing the black clouds start to block it she whimpered again.

"Look you heard Ombric," Fog reminded her as he lifted the covers covering the space underneath "there's nothing to- ahh!" The little girl's eyes widened as she watched her brother roll underneath.

"Fog! FOG!" She screamed, as she backed away from the space, trying to pack into the furthest corner against the wall. "F-Fog!?" she called out to no reply. Then after a while she heard a burst of what sounded like someone trying to keep a laugh by holding their breath? Picking up the courage she bent forward over the bed and looked underneath hearing the sound of… laughter?

"You should have seen your face!" Fog continued to tease as he rolled on his back, hugging his chest as he laughed so hard.

"That wasn't funny!" his sister sobbed, in a huff scrambled back onto her bed as he started to calm himself.

How could he think it was fear! Nightlight kept snarling to himself in denial, but he knew it was worse than fear. Horror? No, that didn't seem to fit it. Nightlight struggled trying to name this feeling not noticing the moon being choked behind the cloud.

Nightlight then stopped, his eyebrows crossing in thought. When he had helped Jack - stop seeing the nightmares- when he helped open his eyes, he felt the same pull when he sealed Pitch?

Fog cooed in his final laugh gasping deeply before heading back out. "Sorry, I couldn't resi-" The sentence never finished with his words, just a loud thump in the dark.

His sister assumed he had bumped his head climbing out from underneath. As much as she felt he deserved it, his silence still felt unnerving.

She curled up tighter, "I'm not falling for that one again." She sighed, content on leaving him down there. That was till she heard the noise again that had woken her in the first place. The plea, grown so hoarse, so longing and desperate it had lost all forms of hope as no one received its call.

"F-Fog?" She called as the groaning grew louder, worst now, on top she could her another plea, turning into that same groan of her nightmares. Plucking what little courage she had left she called her brothers name as she bent over the bed once more.

The first thing she saw was him, lying awkwardly on his side with his eyes shut. Forcibly asleep as clinging onto it dragging his body into darkness was-

The scream burned his ears. Jack bolted upright in his bed his eyes turning to the window. His brief gaze caught nothing unusual, but as another scream sounded from another location he knew everything was far from the usual.

Not caring for his current condition Jack reached for his staff, placed the end to the floor and used it to support himself as he hobbled to the door.

'Dammit I'm going to slow!' Jack cursed as he wasn't anywhere near the door after 5 steps. He bit his lip as he tried to take a larger stride but his leg buckled underneath him and he crashed to the floor.

He pushed himself up and looked to the door as it suddenly barged open. In all honesty Jack was surprised to see Nightlight behind it – the boy didn't look that strong-

"I'm fine! Just get the children!" Jack yelled (cutting off his own thoughts) at the young immortal as he rushed to his side, trying to put him back into his bed. "I'll be fine -just help them!" Jack yelled louder as Nightlight had continued to pull Jack onto his knees.

Nightlight looked to Jack, his mouth gaping open as he turned to the window, then back to Jack before hearing another scream and turning to the window again. He looked so torn.

"JUST GO!" Jack yelled at him. Without hesitation but a bite in his lip of regret, Nightlight charged out the window to the nearest cry.

Jack watched as Nightlight charmed through the window. Wincing he reached for his staff and positioned next to his weakest leg, breathing forcibly heavy and quickly to get his heart pumping he pulled himself onto his feet. In his rush he judged too soon and collapsed back to the floor.

The frost sprite grit his teeth in aggravation and punched the ground cursing. "Dammit!" He was useless, the only thing he could do was wait for Pitch to find him as the shrieks grew louder and louder. Jack couldn't do anything.

"Katherine! Katherine! HELP!" Sascha screamed seeing the girl's auburn locks come into view as she raced up the stairs. Katherine running with all her might fell onto her knees as she grabbed her dear friend. Pulling her into her arms she tried but something was pulling back and was clearly stronger.

Katherine still holding onto little Sascha fell forwards onto her chest. "Please! Don't let go!" Sascha's little frightened voice begged as Katherine scrambled onto her knees pulling harder.

"Sascha! KATHERINE HELP!" Katherine looked to the right as she watch Petter being pulled off his bed into the darkness beneath, glowing eyes menacingly shining from behind him.

Katherine could only watch as the fear clustered on his face, his hands reaching out for the two of them. Katherine tried to reach for him, stretching out a hand but her grip on Sascha was slipping so she grabbed latched onto her tighter.

"Kick it Sascha! Kick it with all you can!" Katherine encouraged as her arms wrapped round the little girls chest, pulling her closer. Whilst Sascha tried to squirm out of the creatures grip Katherine watched as another started to climb out from underneath, and latch onto Katherine, resting on her shoulder bag.

"K-Katherine, I'm slipping!"

"I'm not letting you go!" Katherine screamed back as she tried to pull harder leaning back. Another mysterious arm grew from underneath and pushed Katherine's locked arms up, releasing her grip on Sascha, giving one final scream as she was dragged beneath.

Sashca in her last attempt gripped onto Katherine's bag until the braid strap holding it round her shoulders snapped sinking with her though the darkness.

"No!" Katherine cried as the force was broken sending herself backwards. She quickly scrambled onto her feet, diving under the bed to find something. Anything!

She screamed as there was a sudden grab on her ankle pulling her out from underneath.

Katherine struggled and kicked at the hand holding her ankle, at least she would of if he hadn't blocked it. "Nightlight?!" She stared at him confused seeing it was him that pulled her out. He wasted no time, releasing her ankle he crouched down and started to check on her. "I'm fine, they're taking the children!"

Nightlight pulled a puzzled look to her as he checked her over once more. "I don't know I couldn't see their faces, but their eyes. Their eyes where golden! Just like the Fearlings and Pirates! Help the others, I'll take care of Jack!" She called after him as he hopped into the air and out the window again.

Katherine wasted no time and started to run down the stairs. 'Where were the Guardians!? She knew they wouldn't abandon them like this but - Where were they?!'

Jack couldn't just wait for Pitch to find him, staff in hand he crawled on his chest and stomach to the door. He winced every time he brought his injured leg to his chest, gritting his teeth he tried to ignore it as he continued out the door.

Jack now on the spiral landing reached for the railing in front of him of the main spiral staircase in Big Root. Once he gripped it, he pulled himself up leaning on it. Closing his eyes and catching his breath as his head hung low he noticed, and was surprised at how cold it was. Focusing his eyes he found himself in the-

I don't understand.

The imposter asked from behind Jack as he twirled his staff and sat upon the hooked end as Jack did.

Why are you trying to run?

This made Jack angry. He gripped both hands on his staff charging an attack and span around sending it at the fraud. Watching what he was doing as Jack had send it he could make out a smirk on his face.

"I'm not running!" Jack yelled with it, sending an ice blast into the wall of Big Root. "What's going on?" his eyes rolled wider confused as he wondered out loud. His strength still hadn't returned to him, he knew he shouldn't have sent that attack as he fell back onto the railing, catching his breath and balance again. He could have sworn he was in-

Oh I'd be panicking if I were you...

Jack heard his voice taunting in him in his head.

Just a bit of advice that is.

Nightlight leaped through the next window, his eyes darting round the room to find nothing but empty beds.

Cursing he headed out again to the next. Rushing faster he reached for Fog's younger sibling as she was taken too. Seeing Fog was already gone he continued searching.

His blood was boiling. Nightlight's speed picked up as his anger grew. He knew it was anger, and he knew he'd never forgive him for this.

Katherine jumped between parents, the majority running out of their homes in tears at their missing youngsters whilst others tried to hold onto Katherine, in fear she too could be taken.

"It's too dangerous child!" One warned her as his big arms held her tight. She struggled, trying to squirm free as she begged that Jack needed her help.

"Get off me! JACK!" Katherine screamed as the adults took Katherine back inside.

Still looking to the ground Jack, tired and exhausted tried to stand up again. "What are you?" He glanced over his left shoulder being the last place the thing tricked his ear. The copy only laughed hushing him silent.

Oh, you don't need to worry about me… much.

Jack shuddered as the fake started to cackle again. It felt like he had run his bony finger across Jack's back teasing him. Jack spun around, leaning on his staff for support as he was once more in the white, cold, nothingness again.

"So answer me. If I don't need to worry about you the least you can give me is your name." Jack challenged to which the copy smiled cheekily accepting his challenge.

Haaaa, you didn't say please.

This was just one big game to it.

Nightlight entered the last room of the children's family. The Williams. Tall William continued to pull on the youngest, the middle child nowhere to be seen.

Nightlight didn't hesitate jumping to Tall Williams side as he pulled with him, to get help William the Absolute Youngest out of its grip. They were succeeding, slowly and slowly William started to emerge from beneath his bed, but Nightlight could see the Fearling, or Dream Pirate, whatever was latched onto him wasn't giving up that easily.

As they pulled further William emerged with what looked like black sand still attached to him, but it was darker and thicker. More menacing for sure.

"Come on Will!" his elder brother yelled as the youngest struggled. Nightlight reached for the youngest's waist to pull him that way with a better grip. They were winning again as they pulled harder but then the youngest started to scream again.

Nightlight continued to pull, but watched as the glowing eyes grew closer to the edge of the darkness below, vines and hands grew out of the darkness around the eyes and started to reach for all of them.

He couldn't explain it but his left arm around the waist of William started to burn. Both Williams screamed too feeling the harsh heat on their skin. Nightlight watched as the black sand started to grow up William and on top them. Despite their efforts they were being pulled underneath.

"I'm not afraid of you." Jack shook his head reassuring himself as he hobbled forward trying to find were the fraud had got to in the white space.

Oh! Good, more fun for me then…

Jack again turned round following the sound of its voice. As he was turning he felt a small push on the side of the fake and the ground seemed to disperse beneath him.

Blinking his eyes Jack was in Big Root and falling down the stairs. He twisted his body, trying to control his speed and maneuver himself, avoiding his neck and bad leg where he could.

Hitting the bottom Jack gasped as his body ached. He continued to rest there, not moving as he tried to catch his breath and calming his mind.

I think you are afraid Jack.

He heard from behind him again. The same imposter. His voice as harsh as icicles stabbing someone in the back. He couldn't help but wonder if he sounded like that, it was him after all.

Jack's body screamed at him to stop, the pain and ache weighing him down but Jack persisted. His eyes to the ground he heard footsteps echoing as it walked down the stairs.

Jack twisted his head to the side, looking up the imposter was there in front of him. Jack couldn't understand, he wasn't in the white space any more. They were in Big Root, real time? Right?

The imposters words stung in Jack's ears as he stood inches from him, his eyes locked on Jack's pathetic frame.

You're afraid, and what's worse is you know that there's nothing you can do about it.

Jack looked and stared fierecly into the clones eyes.

Oh? Maybe you do know how this will stop.

The other Jack laughed again.

The Youngest Williams eyes started to roll back. Nightlight tried shaking him as his arms had locked around him with his grip still tight with the ink locking them in place. He didn't respond. Nightlight could feel his spear warning him. Despite it's powerful glow he couldn't see it as the black sand consumed it too.

Now in this thick sand cloaked Tall William, groaning as his eyes closed. Nightlight wondered if they were sleeping and, if so, why wasn't he? The sand lowered them to the wooden floor of the room. Nightlight could feel William the Youngest slip out of his grip as the sand pushed Nightlight's grip off him. The sand then turned Nightlight to watch helplessly the darkness swallowed him up, taking deeper under the bed.

Nightlight struggled, squirming again craning his neck as the black sand crawled up his neck. His lips stuttered open, reaching for his last breaths before he too was consumed, pulled beneath. Nightlight remembered this feeling. Alone in the darkness, just like he was for all those years.

Suddenly Nightlight's spear glowed brighter than ever. So bright it forced its way out from behind the thick sand. Emerging from Nightlight\s figure it radiated brighter sending back the darkness as it scampered in fear to the shadows.

When the light dimmed only Nightlight and the spear remained, lying beneath William the Absolute Youngest's bed. Nightlight couldn't bring himself to climb out. He had them. Both Williams. They were safe - and yet he let them slip away.

Katherine saw her chance. The adults had sat her in a chair by the fire as each of the other households meet in the hall together. Once the door was cleared she ran for Big Root.

"Y-you're. You're not real." Jack winced his voice hoarse and torn.

Oh, I assure you I am.

Jack could tell the imposter was enjoying this, as he laughed squatting to Jack's level (or at least closer to it).

and the more you deny it the stronger I get,

Jack turned his body shaking as he looked to the stairs. The figure continued to walk down as he spoke.

His body shook as he pushed himself turning behind him he saw himself again with that dark grin across his face.

and the more you deny it the stronger I get.

"Jack!" It wasn't a moment later he felt her warm hands around his body. Katherine rolled him into her lap carefully moving his injured leg crimson in its bandages from being opened again.

She could feel Jack's body shaking - which in all honesty she was happy with, at least his body was reacting to something. She gently stroked his head, trying to calm him down. "It's okay, we're not going to let Pitch-"

"How many." Jack cut her off, Katherine twisted her head slightly, confused at what he was trying to say. A cool breeze sifted in as Nightlight entered the room. The young immortal stood by the door his usual straight posture slouched, and not at all his usual brave figure.

Jack swallowed hard. "How many did Pitch take?" the room was full of silence again. "How many did you save?" Jack's questions grew more and more desperate as he asked. Katherine didn't know how to answer, she turned to Nightlight looking to him for advice but he lowered his head.

Jack looked to the imposter, still there with that ridiculous grin. He guessed it was music to the little copy's ears.

You can end this Jack, remember that.

Was his final message as he vanished like a cloud of smoke, dispersing on the wind.

End Chapter 17

Stay tuned for 10/05 - The Forsaken Imperial

A.N. Sorry it took a while to come out, I really wanted to make sure I got this right.

So yes this Chapter I first thought of for this fanfiction, after reading that Pitch would steal children for... well, you know what happens :P

But is Pitch stealing them for that? Or does he have other things in mind? We shall see!

Hope you like this chappie :D Please review! Let me know what you think and thanks for all your support! :)

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU!

XD

Cloaki xx