Small Smiles and Thunderstorms

River was still a little reluctant but did as they were told, drinking down the first vial of red liquid. “I forgot how bitter this stuff can be.” They had never needed them much in the past as they tended to stay on the safer side but there had been a handful of times they had gotten rather hurt.

AuRel nodded to the shade. He would make sure their spirit wouldn’t do anything else stupid today.

With the potion in their system they were sure they’d manage to feel better soon but right now their clothes were stuck to their back with drying blood and it really wasn’t the most comfortable of things. AuRel, feeling River’s discomfort, walked to the wardrobe and nudged it open to pull out random clothes. A simple pair of black sweatpants and a long sleve shirt that would be a tiny bit lose on River. They smiled at him a little and took the clothes. Their dragon knew them well.

“I think I’d like a bath before I actually settle in if that’s all good?” Really another part of them wished to not sleep. Nightmares still plagued them often and as more time had past their memories had come into focus. They could feel the pain from them leaking into the real world and would always wake with a start. The pain would linger from a few minutes to even an hour so really they avoided sleeping when at all possible.

Pitch couldn’t help his smirk at River’s reaction to the potion. He folded his hands behind his back and gave a small shrug. “I haven’t been able to find any additives that work with this formula… Though the weaker concoctions are a tad bit easier to get down.” 

He could have given River a lighter dosage, but he didn’t have those on hand currently. His battles with the Guardians had gotten more frequent since Joy’s creation, and he had yet to take her out into battle. She was still far too dangerous… He didn’t have proper control over her yet. 

At the mention of bathing, the shade only nodded and led the way back out into the hall. “The springs are still free for you to use, of course. Though I did have them renovated some. There should be oils and soaps inside out of the boulders and fresh towels in another. I had them hollowed out to use for storage.”  When they arrived at the springs, Pitch gestured to two large boulders at the south end of the bubbling water. “Those two there.”

Pitch gave River and their beast a final once-over, still in disbelief that the two had returned at all… He allowed himself a small smile. “It’s… good to see you home, my child.”

Though it fell as quickly as it came. The shade gestured with his head towards the direction of the main cavern. “If you have need of me, I’ll be tending to Joy… I don’t trust her to roam the lair alone now that you’ve returned. Enjoy your bath, River.” With that, Pitch turned and left them alone at the springs. 

Giving a small nod at the shade’s words their eyes followed him as he walked out of the large room. The spirit spent a good hour or so within the springs, letting the heat and the scent of the oils they’d added ease their pain and tight muscles. The entire time AuRel was curled up by the door of the large room. Though it might have looked like the dragon was sleeping he was still very aware of the room. After dealing with Joy he was not going to letting his guard down. His little spirit was far to important to him for him to allow such a create to hurt them again.

AuRel was pleased that the scent of fresh blood was no longer upon the storm spirit as they left the room. It was obvious River was heading off to go find Pitch again, much to AuRel displeasure. The creature would be near him and he did not want that thing near them. River ignored his huffing though so he just kept close to the little one’s side.

“Pitch?” River called into the caverns as they walked barefoot upon the cold stone, the clinking of their companion’s claws currently being the only other sound they could hear. They knew he was tending to Joy but where he would be to do that they were a little unsure.

The spirit stays hidden away. For how long they really can’t say. It’s all just a blur of pain and tears and nightmares. They used to be plagued by the fuzzy memories of their past but now they hear the cry of their friend as he was killed every time they end up nodding off. They wake up crying, calling out for him before realizing that the battle really had happened. They wished it really was nothing but a bad dream but the spirit knew better. The little scrap of armor that hung around their neck, hidden by their jacket, acting as a reminder of him. The dragon’s armor was one of the few things that proved the he was there at one point and though it was beaten from the battle they kept a shard of it. They had refused to let it go and had torn through their room until finding some string so they could awalys have it around their neck and near their heart. It was sad but it was all they had of him. People had pictures, collars, maybe even a thing like an imprint of the animal’s paw withing stone. River was not so lucky.

Fearlings try to make their way into the room fairly often though why they’re doing such a thing River couldn’t really be sure. No matter they chased them off, throwing something in the direction of the sand creatures and yelling. All they did was remind the spirit of the friend they had lost and the spirit they thought cared about them. Things were already difficult enough and they didn’t need the extra reminders.

They gave up, they left their room and were aimlessly roaming the halls. They almost wished they really would become lost within the cave system. Let them be free of this constant sadness that clung tight to their heart. Even when they ended up in front of Pitch’s chamber they felt nothing but pain. Their heart aches and their stomach twists unhappily and it doesn’t get any better when their blue gaze lands upon Pitch. Even though they were at his chamber they really hadn’t been expecting to see the tall spirit. 

What little comfort they still felt deep down around the shade quickly slid away as their dull eyes landed upon what Pitch seemed to be so proud of. Black shimmering sand. AuRel’s sand. They would have though their tears would have dried out long ago but seeing that sand brought on a whole new wave of pure pain. Tears stung their eyes and they brought a hand up to their mouth to keep from sobbing. How could he do this. It was just so wrong.

They shook their head as they slowly backed away from the shade. They felt as if they could throw up just at the sight of this. How was showing them this suppose to do anything other than cause them more misery.

No… Why was River running away? No, my child. Please. Don’t run from me. Don’t cry! I don’t show you to hurt you, but to build hope! Look at how far I’ve come! Look at the progress I’m making. You’ll have your precious AuRel soon enough. Soon. I promise. I’ll get every piece of sand I can find. Every piece, River. I promise you…

This is taking too bloody long. I can be patient, but I don’t expect River to be! They’re getting worse every day. They look so tired. Gods, why hadn’t he just simply saved the creature when he had the opportunity?? If he had acted sooner, he could have given River their beast back! Why was he such a fool? Storing what was left of AuRel, the shade employed his Nightmares to assist him. If they all could find parts of the beast this would go by much faster! Pitch threw himself into the work, digging around that blasted forest for what felt like lifetimes, but in actuality had only been a few days… and yet all they had to show for it was enough sand to make what was less than a quarter of the beast…  Pitch couldn’t wait any longer. River needed AuRel! Turning on his Nightmares, Pitch destroyed the creatures and hoarded as much sand as he could to rebuild AuRel. He wouldn’t be the same, but perhaps he would be enough so! Gods, anything was better than not having the damn beast… A head. A wing… A tail! Yes, this was perfect! Why hadn’t he thought of this months ago??? 

Dark eyes ringed with circles from lack of rest and power widened at the form that rested before them. “AuRel....” Their voice was broken, rough from yelling at the top of their lungs between the large lengths of silence that filled their days. Visibly shaking they started walking forward of their own accord, eyes fixed upon the Nightmare until they were right up in front of him again. Flicking their gaze back to Pitch they raised a slightly unsteady hand, reaching out carefully to place their hand upon his snout. Slowly the dragon’s eye open and fix themselves upon River and the spirit can’t help it as they let out a sob and lunge forward, wrapping their arms tightly around the neck of the friend they thought they had lost.

“He keeps becoming more distance…” A dismissive huff was all they got in return. “I’m serious… I haven’t talked with him in ages and when I see him he doesn’t seem right. This thing with the guardians is getting worse and I’m worried he’s gonna get really hurt… I mean more than he already has. I know he’s come back from fights… You can just feel it in the air and when I see him during those times he’s beaten and bloody… I hate it…” The beast curled around them in a comforting gesture, sandy scales and wings hiding them from the world. ‘It will be fine. He’s asked us to come with him today and it will give you ample time to talk with him. I still don’t like him but he means a great deal to you and I don’t want to see you lose him.’ They reached out and placed their hand upon his neck…

Screaming. Tears blurred their vision and the sobs rake through their body, making them even more aware of the wounds that covered them. They had been in his arms, grabbed from the sky by the dragon to keep the large icicle from going straight through them. Instead it planted itself into AuRel’s back, causing him to let out a cry of agony before he was gone. The stability and solidity was gone and they fell from the sky, voice crying for AuRel as they grabbed despretly at the sand. He couldnt be gone. That couldn’t be it. He’d be back, right? Pitch would see what happened and he would help! AuRel was still there. He just needed some help! Right..?

Right. River left their room for the first time in a week and they set out to find Pitch. They knew he was here, They could tell by the whispers of the lurking fearlings. Now all they had to do was find him. In the week since the battle Pitch hadn’t sought them out and when River tried to reach out to him for support they were pushed away. He was focusing on other things. He just had to make that stronger or practice this more and he could beat them. They eventually found him and blocked the doorway. They knew it wouldn’t do much as Pitch could simply leave by way of the shadows but it made them feel better. Standing their ground they opened their mouth…

Yelling. He wasn’t listening. None of their words seemed to be getting through to him and they were desperate. Tears were running down their face and they cried out with their eyes held tightly shut. “You’ve fought until your face was bloody, your ribs cracked, and your soul broken! So focused on yourself and beating the guardians that you didn’t notice that I almost died! That AuRel lost his life protecting me! What else are you going to give to them!? What will it take for you to snap out of this!?” Their head hurt and their chest felt constricted. They couldn’t say anything else through their sobs and gave up, turning away from the shade that they had considered their father and stalked back to their room. The one they shared with AuRel for so many years. It felt empty now but they had nowhere else to go.

@kingofnxghtmares

He didn’t mean for things to turn out this way.

Pitch had been trying for weeks and then months. Trying to beat those damnable Guardians into submission. Trying to win. Trying to survive. But this was all he seemed to get, every single damn time! Over and over, nothing but bloody faces and broken bones, torn flesh, missing teeth. It was starting to get pathetic… He needed help. He needed River. Yes, this would be a family effort! 

The shade had been so focussed on the battle at hand, he hadn’t even noticed the fall of that beast he made for River… What was its name? Rural? Arant? The child’s cries jabbed that painful reminder… AuRel… What did it matter? The creature was a Nightmare and an unruly one at that. River would forget him soon enough. Perhaps he could even create a new beast for them? Something far more loyal to the Boogeyman. Yes, that would work nicely.

Nothing was working. River didn’t seem to be responding to any of his attempts at starting over. This wasn’t bloody working! He needed the beast, he needed his sand! Where was it? Could he find them all? He had to… He had to…

They were yelling now. They seemed so broken. So defeated. River, please. I’m trying. Please, it’s not what you think. I’m not fighting them anymore, I promise you. No, please… Don’t walk away.

River, please… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for the beast to die. I understand how much you cared for it. I understand now! I’m sorry! Please… Let me fix this. Let me help! Look at how much sand I’ve gathered thus far? Can you see? Do you see just how hard I’m trying? It isn’t my fault. Please. I swear to all the gods above that I am not to blame! It was the Guardians! It was Frost! He harmed your pet! Not I! Please, River… Please forgive me.

Forgive me…

Fearlings try to make their way into the room fairly often though why they’re doing such a thing River couldn’t really be sure. No matter they chased them off, throwing something in the direction of the sand creatures and yelling. All they did was remind the spirit of the friend they had lost and the spirit they thought cared about them. Things were already difficult enough and they didn’t need the extra reminders.

They gave up, they left their room and were aimlessly roaming the halls. They almost wished they really would become lost within the cave system. Let them be free of this constant sadness that clung tight to their heart. Even when they ended up in front of Pitch’s chamber they felt nothing but pain. Their heart aches and their stomach twists unhappily and it doesn’t get any better when their blue gaze lands upon Pitch. Even though they were at his chamber they really hadn’t been expecting to see the tall spirit. 

What little comfort they still felt deep down around the shade quickly slid away as their dull eyes landed upon what Pitch seemed to be so proud of. Black shimmering sand. AuRel’s sand. They would have though their tears would have dried out long ago but seeing that sand brought on a whole new wave of pure pain. Tears stung their eyes and they brought a hand up to their mouth to keep from sobbing. How could he do this. It was just so wrong.

NORTH: WAIT WHAT

BUNNY: SEE THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT I SAID

NORTH: BUNNY! *SLAP*

BUNNY: *SLAP*

NORTH: *TRIES TO KICK BUNNY’S LEG*

BUNNY: *TUNNEL* *APPEARS .005 SECONDS LATER* 

NORTH: *ANGRY GROWL*

TOOTH: DAMMIT NOT AGAIN

SANDY: *EATS POPCORN*

JACK: *FREEZES THE FLOOR* *LAUGHS HIS ASS OFF*

MIM: GUYS!

-“You’re going to save them and for what? They don’t appreciate you!”

-“You spill your blood for this city/village and for what? So they can never know the name of the man/woman who saved their miserable lives?”

-“How many times are you going to bleed for them?”

-“Aren’t you tired yet? Haven’t you had enough?”

-“Despair, misery, and chaos. It’s like air to me. But to watch them suffer is much more entertaining.”

-“Look at their miserable lives and tell me what you see. They’re just begging for you to end them.”

-“You’re conflicted I can see it. You don’t want to be the hero but you’re not evil enough to be the villain. So what are you?”

-“You can’t be nothing because you have to be something.”

-“You can’t be nobody you have to be somebody. They need you. Help them.”

-“You’ve shed enough blood. It’s time to stop. You’ve avenged their deaths enough.”

-“You’ve fought until your face was bloody, your ribs cracked, and your soul broken. How much more can you give to them!”

-“You won’t be satisfied until your dead.”

-“This city/village has torn you apart. They don’t deserve anymore saving.”

-“You’d give your soul to them? They won’t ever be satisfied until you’re dead.”

-“You give and you give and give when is it your turn to take?”

-“You’ll burn this city/village to the ground. Murder its people. And then will you be satisfied?”

-“I can’t watch you tear yourself apart anymore for these people.”

-“You’re cruel.”

-“You’ve been caught. There’s nothing more you can do so why are you still fighting?”

-“It’s over. It was a long war filled with countless bodies and bloodshed. So stop…it’s over.”

-“I know you. You aren’t this terrible person people see you as and made you become. There’s still some light within you. I see it…”

-“What has the world done to you to make you feel this broken that you feel the need to hurt other people?”

-“You hurt others because they hurt you.”

-“I can see the torment within you. I can especially tell by the way you mangle the bodies of your enemies.”

-“You don’t owe people anything else.”

-“You’re like the sun and moon. You can either be the light that guides peoples lives to a better world. Or you can be the moon and darken their world. Or- you can be an eclipse and be a little bit of both good and evil.”

-“What do YOU want to become?”

-“You’re the only one who can give others hope.”

-“If it wasn’t for you we’d all be dead.”

-“The histories will never know who really saved us because he/she didn’t want to be known as a hero.”

-“Don’t die for our selfish selves.”

-“You brought this upon yourself.”

-“You can either save lives or take them. So which is it? Who will you become?”

-“You say you’d burn the city/village to the ground. But what happens when you’re standing on a pile of ash and smoke with no subjects to rule?”

-“Your mentor molded you to be a monster.”

-“Your mentor molded you to be a beckon of hope for others.”

-“They will never bow to you.”

-“You’re nothing but a usurper from a foreign place to us. We will never call you King/Queen.”

-“You hide behind a mask all the time and I don’t mean the one upon your face.”

-“Of all the things to have happened to you are you still capable of love?”

-“You were born a villain but you will die a hero.”

-“You were born a hero but will die a villain.”

-“You’ve changed since we first met. You’re becoming something I don’t recognize anymore.”

-“You’re no longer a man. You’re a beast.”

-“Greatness was thrust upon you but you decided not to take it. Why?”

-“We don’t choose these roles they just happen.”

-“I won’t watch you die.”

-“What are you fighting for?”

-“Fates can be changed there’s still time.”

-“Your fate isn’t set in stone.”

-“There’s pain in my chest every time I see you in anguish.”

-“You never meant anything to them. So you turned into the thing they feared the most to leave an impression upon them.”

-“I wish you could see your worth.”

-“Your life is not worth the weight of gold they will pay you for helping them.”

-“I won’t watch you become someone I don’t recognize.”

-“I can’t even say who are you becoming because I don’t even know what you are anymore.

-“When they write of your history they will say it began on this day.”

He nodded at River. “Drink one now, and rest. It will tire you. Then the other if the wound has not yet healed.” Pitch turned towards AuRel. “I trust you will make sure River these directions?”

AuRel nodded to the shade. He would make sure their spirit wouldn't do anything else stupid today.

With the potion in their system they were sure they'd manage to feel better soon but right now their clothes were stuck to their back with drying blood and it really wasn't the most comfortable of things. AuRel, feeling River's discomfort, walked to the wardrobe and nudged it open to pull out random clothes. A simple pair of black sweatpants and a long sleve shirt that would be a tiny bit lose on River. They smiled at him a little and took the clothes. Their dragon knew them well.

Genderbents and OCs welcome.