Title: Dance at Dawn [So Weird]
Title: Dance at Dawn
Word Count: 11,840
Challenge: smallfandombang
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action-Adventure, Supernatural
Characters/Pairings: Jack/Aurora(OFC), cast
Summary: The Philips family is taking part in an all night Winter Solstice Celebration, Dance at Dawn, but things get weird for Jack when he meets a someone that thinks she’s in danger, and she maybe right.
Author's Notes: Mixing Mythology. I hope you enjoy the story.
Sun Rise minus 15 hours 44 minutes
“Come on Mom, you have to let us go to the dance. How many times are we going to be at a real solstice celebration? And one that’s meant for families?” Fi Phillips negotiated with her mother.
“Look Fiona, you know I don’t mind you going to these things normally; but this one starts at dawn,” Molly told Fi as she looked up from tuning her guitar.
“And that’s after everything else that starts when the sun sets,” Irene Bell added as she stood next to Molly and glared at her son who was standing next to Fi looking hopeful.
“Which you all need to be here for and they lock the doors so that means we’d be on our own all night,” Fi pointed out to both parents.
“She’s right; but here, not only would you all be here, but half the town is going to be locked in here, I mean dude, how many adults is that?” Clu added to the argument with a smile.
“That’s a good point Irene,” Molly conceded as she looked at her manager.
“What does Jack think about spending the night in here?” Irene asked ending the short lived look of victory on both Fi’s and Clu’s face.
“Jack’s not staying on the bus alone and Ned can’t keep an eye on you two in here and him out there,” Molly told her daughter.
“But Jack never wants to do anything that’s even a little supernatural,” Fi complained to the mothers.
“And when was the last time he wanted to go to a dance?” Clu added as he completely lost his smile.
“Well, you all have to be in one place so, if all three you of you want to be at the dance you can be here, other wise it’s the hotel and bus with Ned. That sound like a good deal Irene?” Molly offered, looking at Irene who was smiling.
“Yes it does, tell Jack to let us know before 4, that’s when they want a final head count of the kids that are going to be here,” Irene said ending the discussion, “Now Molly they want to run a full sounds check in twenty are you and the guys going to be ready?”
Fi and Clu ignored the response as they walked away from the stage and toward the doors out of the ballroom.
“How are we going to get Jack to agree to stay in here?” Clu asked looking at Fi. “He’s my best bud but he has a major problem with anything even connected with the weird or unexplained.”
“Yeah this isn’t going to be easy but we’ve got to try, how many times does an opportunity like this happen?” Fi said again as she grinned at the idea, “we’ll find a way.” She added as they left the Great Lodge Event center were the celebration was taking place.
“I hope so, it sounds like so much fun, and it’s not like anything is really going to happen,” Clu said as they went in search of Jack.
Sun Rise minus 15 hours 34 minutes
“You will not stop the coming of dawn, the light will always return,” A young woman said defiantly as she stood over a large crevice, her hair, glowing in brilliant shades of red and orange, flowed in a breeze as did her dress colored the purest white.
Her challenge was met by an unnatural growl as a twisted misshapen beast stepped closer to its side of the opening; the beast flapped its large leathery wings and hissed a cloud of noxious air at the woman, trying to take flight only to be stopped by a large metal chain around one of its back legs.
“The long night will end, and light will return,” The woman said again as she stared down the beast.
This time the beast didn’t growl but roared as it leaped into the air, thrusting upward with it’s legs as it beat it’s wings. Once more the chain stopped it but the beast didn’t stop. With another roar and another beat of its wings it pushed itself higher.
And with a loud snap a single link gave breaking the chain and freeing the beast.
The women’s gasp was almost drowned out by the flapping of wings but her actions were not as she raised her hands which filled with light that she sent at the beast throwing it back from it’s dive at her, “My knight will protect me and dawn will return!” She yelled out while the beast breathed out a cloud of total darkness at her forcing her to vanish in a burst of light before the spot she had been was engulfed by the blackness.
Sun Rise minus 15 hours 23 minutes
“Hey Jack, want some help with that?” Fi offered as she bounced up behind Jack with Clu right behind her.
“You want to help?” Jack asked as he looked down at the bucket of quickly cooling water and sponge he was using to clean the tour bus.
“Yeah dude, hand the extra sponge over,” Clu added with a grin as he grabbed a sponge from the extra cleaning supplies piled near by.
“Okay what do you to want?” Jack asked as he folded his arms and glared at his sister and best friend.
“What makes you think we want anything,” Fi asked over innocently as she took the wet sponge from Jack’s hands and started wiping the mud from around the base of the bus.
“Can’t we just want to help a bro out?” Clu also asked as he smiled over his shoulder at Jack smiling.
“When was the last time either of you offered to help clean the bus,” Jack asked them, “when was the last time any of us volunteered to do the other’s chores?” he added taking turns glaring at them.
“Okay fine,” Fi said giving up the illusion, “we want to be at the dance but mom said we all have to be there or we have to stay out here with Ned.”
“And I love my dad and all but being in there would be so much more fun, right?” Clu said.
“You mean the winter solstice thing. Why do I think it’s not the dance you really want to see,” Jack said to his sister.
“Okay so maybe not but it’s still got to be more fun then staying out here,” Fi argued with her brother.
“Maybe. But do you know what’s even more fun?” Jack asked stepping closer to his sister, “not having to wash the bus.”
“So we wash the bus and-“
“For a month,” Jack added.
“Come on Jack that’s blackmail,” Fi cried out as she glared back at her brother.
“Yeah dude really a month?”
“A month and I tell Mom I’m in, or I can just stay in the bus and read, it’s what I’d be doing either way,” Jack threatened.
“Fine, a month, but you have to go tell them right now, it’s getting dark already and I don’t want to miss this just because you didn’t make it in time,” Fi countered as she frowned at the bus.
“Oh don’t worry. I don’t plan on missing anything that gets me out of cleaning the bus,” Jack said with a smile as he dried off his hands before heading down the street toward the Great Lodge Event Center.
Sun Rise minus 15 hours 14 minutes
“It shouldn’t be getting dark yet,” Mr. Samson, the Mayor of the town, said as he looked at the retreating sun.
“Well it’s not completely dark yet and the band is ready so we can start at any time Mr. Samson,” Irene said as she stood next to him.
“No, no, starting early is not the problem,” the Mayor said back, “the National Weather Service said sunset isn’t for another 15 minutes but clearly they’re off and if the time for sun set is off then sun rise maybe too and we simply have too many things planned for sun rise to not know the exact time.”
“Yeah the crowd may not mind starting ten minutes before they’re ready but they’re not going to want to wait around an extra ten minutes for the finale if it’s late,” Irene agreed with him.
“Or even worse the fireworks and everything else goes off on time and they can’t see it in the dark,” He fretted as he paced, “and they are normally so accurate about these things, I must go call them,” he finished before rushing off to his office.
“I’ll just have the band start early then,” Irene called after them before she turned to head for the stage and almost ran into Jack, “Oh Jack where did you come from?”
“The bus,” he answered as he looked toward where the mayor ran off, “he seems really worked up over the sunrise.”
“Yeah well, when you have fifty grand on fireworks and laser lights you don’t want them going off early,” Irene told him, “and did Fi and Clu find you?”
“Yeah about staying here for there solstice gig, yes they found me. Are they really spending that much on this thing?” Jack asked as he looked around at all the commotion going on.
“It’s a major tourist draw,” Irene said shrugging her shoulders. “Now I know Ned can’t keep on eye on you all night out there but try and stay out of trouble, I’m counting on you keeping my son and your sister from-“
“Whoa, wait,” Jack said cutting her off as she held up his hands, “I said it’s fine for us to stay in here,” he told her.
“What?” Irene said surprised as she just looked at her best friend’s son.
“I said I’m cool with us being in here for them,” Jack hesitated as he looked around for a sign, “‘Dance at Dawn’ so we’ll be here.”
“You said yes,” Irene said again, “I was sure you’d say no.”
“What are Fi and Clu having to do for the next two weeks?” Molly asked as she came up behind her son.
“What? I’m hurt mother. You wound me,” Jack said faking an arrow or knife to the heart. “Would I do something like that to my own flesh and blood?”
“Yes you would, so what was it?” Molly asked again, still smiling even as she crossed her arms.
“Fine okay so I did, but they said yes,” Jack said dropping any pretense.
“And what did they say yes to?” Irene asked.
“Nothing much, just cleaning the bus when it’s my turn,” Jack answered.
“They can clean it for two weeks that’s not that bad,” Irene said looking at Molly nodding her head.
“I agree, we’ll let the deal stand,” Molly said back.
“It’s not two weeks,” Jack said with a hesitant smile as he looked between the two mothers.
“How long was it?” Irene asked.
“A month,” Jack told them.
“Jack,” Molly warned.
“Remember they agreed to it,” Jack defended him against the two women.
“A month for a single night was a bit much Jack. You’re older, you should know better than to try something like that. It’s two week,” Molly told her son as she frowned at him.
“What but they-“ Jack started to complain until he was cut off.
“It could be no weeks. Now Molly you need to get to the stage,” Irene cut in as she looked at the Mayor rushing down the hall toward them.
“Go make sure the registration table get’s the three of you and we’ll talk later,” Molly threw over her shoulder as Irene led her toward the stage.
“I’ll look forward to that,” Jack said under his breath as he headed for the front desk.
Once there he slipped into the line filled with the handful of people that waited until the last minute to sign in. He was only a couple people from the front, and still the last one in line, when he was bowled over and crashed to the floor, only just keeping his face from finding out what real hard wood oak felt like up close.
“Oh I’m so sorry; I should have been looking where I was going. I was just in a rush which I know is no excuse.”
“It’s okay, I’m fine I thi-" Jack started to say as he turned himself around so he could stand back up but he stopped when he saw who had knocked him over.
She was standing in the last ray of the sun which seems to make her deep red hair glow. It also seemed to almost shine off of her dress which looked almost golden in the light but then faded to a soft white when the sun dipped below the horizon and out of view.
“Again I’m so sorry. Do you need help to stand up, can you stand?” she said again as she offered her hand to Jack looking worried.
“Yes, I’m fine,” Jack said again as he realized that the other people standing in the entrance hall were all looking at him with looks that ranged to amusement to concern. “No I can stand I’m good,” he added as he stood, taking her hand but no pulling on her as he rose.
“Thank Pilumnus, I’m glad. I am sorry about this,” she said again still holding Jack’s hand.
“No problem these things happen. But if you’re in a hurry you can sign in first, I’m signing up for three anyways and I wouldn’t want to make you wait,” Jack offered as he let got of her hand and gestured to his former place in the line.
“Sign up?” she asked looking around as if seeing the lodge for the first time.
“Yeah the town’s solstice celebration,” Jack said pointing to one of the posters on the wall. “It’s why you’re here isn’t it?”
“Yes, it must be,” the women said as she looked at the poster, “Dance at Dawn, yes that sounds right,” she added as she stepped up to the registration desk.
“You name please?” The man at the desk asked, sounding board.
“Aurora,” the women, Aurora, told him before casting a glance back at Jack.
“And your last name?” the man asked as he started looking through the list of names already registered.
“It’s just Aurora,” she said again.
“Look miss all the names are first and last….except for yours,” the man said confused, “how did that happen, I’m going to need your last-“
AROOOO
The man was cut off by a loud and booming howl that cut through the town, everyone seemed to look around trying to spot the dog or wolf that made the sound.
“What was that,” Jack asked no one particular as he looked around until he saw Aurora, her face drained of color until it was almost as white as her dress. “What’s wrong are you okay?” he asked as he stepped closer to her.
“I’m fine, I just need to go, yes I need to go,” she said as she rushed through the double doors leading farther into the building.
“Wait! I still need your last name,” The man behind the desk called after her as he rose to chase after her but stopped when he lost track of which way she went once past the doors. “That’s going to mess up my records.”
“She probably just doesn’t like dogs and that was a loud one,” Jack said as he rested his elbow against the desk.
“Maybe, well what’s your name,” he asked as he picked up his sheets again, but not before giving the double doors one last look.
“I’m Jack Phillips but I may not be on your list I’m with-" Jack started until he was cut off.
“The band, you're one of the three kids with them, are the other two around here too?” the man asked as he marked something on his sheet and looked around the room.
“Not yet they just needed to finish something first-" Jack said until he was cut off again.
“And we’re done Jack,” Fi said as she and Clu walked in and joined him at the registration desk.
“We rocked that bus, but did you hear that howl wasn’t it awesome?” Clu said as he bounced up next to Jack.
“Yeah we did, they’re Fi Phillips and Clu Bell,” Jack told the guy at the desk, “they must have some large dogs around here.
“What if it wasn’t an ordinary dog, it is the winter solstice and I’ve done some reading-" Fi started up with a glimmer in her eyes.
“Oh man I’m not even inside yet and she’s already started, a month so wasn’t long enough for this,” Jack complained as he rolled his eyes at his sister.
“Did it really sound like a normal dog to you?” Fi asked as she set her hands on her hips just staring down Jack.
“Yes it did, because it was a normal dog.” Jack responded as he crossed his arms.
“I hate to get in the middle of this but is Fi short for Fiona?” the guy behind the desk asked as he looked at Fi.
“Yes but no one really calls me that,” Fi answered him before turning back to Jack who was looking at the guy and not her.
“Anything else?” he asked.
“No but if you see that woman tell her I need her last name would you?” he said before cleaning up his paper work.
“Yeah, I’ll do that,” Jack told him sarcastically.
“Woman what woman? You holding out on me man?” Clu asked as he elbowed Jack with a grin.
“Given I just met her less than five minutes ago,” Jack told Clu, “but you should have seen her,” Jack added letting out a sigh.
“Come on you can’t leave it like that, do tell,” Clu badgered his best friend.
“Maybe if we’re lucky we’ll see her inside,” Jack answered.
“What you mean she’s here and we’re standing around out here?” Clu said in shock as he started pulling Jack through the double doors and deeper into the lodge.
“Jack, Clu, what about the dog, or whatever it is,” Fi said as she followed them in as the staff started closing the door behind her to keep out the cold and the snow that had started to fall.
Sun Rise minus 10 hours 43 minutes
“Well Fi seems to be having a good time,” Molly said as she came up behind her son and clapped him on the shoulders.
“What,” Jack said with a jump as he turned from the buffet to Molly, “mom, are you trying to scare me? And of course Fi’s have a blast they’re having a trivial game with weird and supernatural questions. This is like her dream party the only thing missing is a ghost crashing it,” Jack told his mother before taking a bite of the turkey sandwich he had picked up.
“Jack just because it’s not real doesn’t mean you have to give your sister such a hard time about liking it. It’s her hobby not yours,” Molly told Jack as she picked up a ham sandwich for herself. “And you’re here so you might as well have some fun.”
“Yeah fun, I’m sure that will happen. And just what should I do that’s fun?”
“Well the guys and I are around to start another set, why don’t you find a girl and ask her to dance,” Molly suggested, “and don’t knock the band,” she added with a grin.
“Yeah because there’s just dozen’s of girls wanting to dance,” Jack said back as he gave the large ball room a quick look.
“Well there is that girl in the white dress; she looks like she could use a dance. And the music will be starting in two minutes so I’d hurry,” Molly said before heading back to the stage.
Jack just shook his head at his mother before looking for the girl she was talking about. And then Jack saw her, it was Aurora and she was sitting in one of the chairs around the edge of the dance floor looking out of place and lonely, “sometimes mom you do have good ideas.”
“May I have this dance,” Jack asked after he made his way across the room to stand before her and held out his hand.
“What?” Aurora said as she looked up as if just noticing him.
“Would you like to dance?” Jack said again smiling brighter as Aurora smiled at him.
“I am waiting for someone but I don’t see what the harm a single dance could do,” Aurora said as she look his hand and let him lead her to the dance floor.
“A boyfriend? Is he bigger then me? Should I be worried?” Jack asked as he stopped and took her other hand just as the music started.
“No not my boyfriend my protector, and I don’t know but likely and not of him but of it, yes,” Aurora answered as she looked around the dance floor.
“It?” Jack asked rising an eye brow as he started swaying to the slow song, thanking his mother in his head.
“Nothing,” Aurora said as she just started swaying with him in time to the music.
Jack just shrugged and focused on keeping time with the music.
“Dude you’ll never believe that happened- Oh sorry man I didn’t mean to interrupted anything,” Clu said when he interrupted them three songs later as Jack was trying to show Aurora how to do the electric slide.
“No it is fine; I should be going and try to find my protector. I had hoped he would have found me by now, it’s nearing the darkest hour,” Aurora said as she pulled away from Jack. “I do hope we see each other again Jack, thank you for asking me to dance.” She added before disappearing into the crowd.
“Clu you’d better have a good reason for coming over here or I’m going to kill you,” Jack threatened while he marched toward Clu who kept walking back until they were off the dance floor and Clu found himself falling backwards into a chair.
“Dude I’m sorry I didn’t see her and I wanted to tell you…” Clu stopped swallowing hard as he looked up at Jack.
“Tell me what, what’s so importation you scared away the one girl here I wanted to dance with,” Jack said menacingly as he glared at his best friend.
“Fi won the trivial game and got this really cool book about solstice legends,” Clu said as he scurried out of the chair and started running for the door out of the ball room.
Jack didn’t bother responding with anything more then a guttural growl as he chased after him.
Across the room Molly ended the song and took one of the water bottles Irene was passing out to the band and took a drink as she watched the two boys.
“So what do you think Clu did?” Irene asked with a smile as she watched them too.
“If it’s anything big we’ll find out, and if not,” Molly answered and just shrugged.
Irene just returned the shrug and added a nod as she held up a sheet of paper, “so these are the songs that have been requested.”
“Irene we’re not going to play an NSYNC song.”
Sun Rise minus 8 hours 10 minutes
“Are we really watching this?” Clu complained as he looked up from his cards to the big screen where the movie was being projected.
“No I’m fairly sure you’re playing cards, badly I might add,” Fi said as she looked up from her new book to where Clu, Jack and a couple of other kids were playing cards.
“And it’s your turn too,” Mike, one of the other kids, said as he looked at Clu, “So go already.”
“Alright already, sheesh, draw two,” Clu said as he dropped a red draw two card onto the pile of Uno cards.
“Gee, thanks buddy,” Jack said as he drew two cards, “and it’s not that bad, there are worse movies they could be playing,” He finished as he laid down a red four.
“They could also be playing better ones that’s all I’m saying,” Clu said as he watched Rod take his turn, “Like the Nightmare Before Christmas or they could even play the original and better How the Grinch Stole Christmas huh did they think of that? No they didn’t.”
“Is he always like this,” Mike asked Jack as he played his own card, skipping Clu.
“Only when he’s bored,” Jack answered playing another skip.
“Then someone find something for him to do, I don’t think I can stand another hour of this. You don’t have to be here you know, anyone over 12 has free range,” Rod told Clu pointedly.
“Fine I can tell when I’m not wanted. I’m going to get something to drink, here play through for me,” Clu said handing his cards to Fi as he headed for the refreshment table.
“What Clu, I’ve got my book,” Fi complained as she held the cards up to Clu back before turning to the table, “Guess I’m playing, so who’s turn is it?”
“Yours,” Jack said laying down a reverse, “toward him,” he added pointing to Mike.
“Okay here you go,” she said laying down a number card, “so are you two locals or visiting like us?” she asked.
“Born and raised,” Mike answered for him and Rod, “so we’re here every years, the best part really is the dawn fireworks, if we wouldn’t over sleep we wouldn’t bother with the rest but-“
“Both times we tried that we slept in, missed the whole show, at least if you’re here someone will wake you up in time for them,” Rod cut in continuing for Mike.
“Yeah, and it’s more fun watching them in a group,” Mike added.
“Sleep how could you sleep with all this going on?” Jack asked as he looked around the room, between the movie, the yelling and just everything he didn’t see anyone sleeping.
“Around 1-2 it quiets down a lot, but they have some rooms set up upstairs with lots of cots and stuff if anyone wants to lay down, they aren’t the best but if you need a couple hours sleep,” Mike just shrugged.
“I may have to check them out later, they must be quiet at least,” Jack said looking around the room.
“It’s a party and all you want to do is sleep, what happened to you,” Fi said shaking her head.
“If it were a normal party I wouldn’t mind but it’s not,” Jack said pointing to the book by Fi’s side, “these were the first guys I found that didn’t want to talk about all the weird howling going on. Everyone has a theory about it.”
“So do we, want to hear it?” Rod said smirking at Jack who just slapped his cards down and glared at him.
“I do, I’m thinking a hell hound but I’m not sure,” Fi said excitedly as she looked between the two local guys.
“Hell hound, as if, it’s got to be a Yeti. Old man Thompson said he saw one last year,” Mike said looking over at Rod before looking back at Fi.
“A Yeti, someone saw a Yeti? Oh man that is so cool, is he here, can I talk to him,” Fi asked her cards forgotten.
“No he never comes to these anymore, too old,” Mike explained, “he’s like what 100 now.”
“Almost, but it’s not a Yeti, it’s got to be the Night Beast, it is the solstice,” Rod told Mike.
“Right I forgot about the Night Beast, you’re right it would fit better than a Yeti,” Mike agreed with Rod before turning to Rod.
“Night Beast, I think I read about that one,” FI said as started flipping through her book.
“It was a dog or a wolf, not some mystical beast. Those things aren’t real,” Jack said cutting into the conversation louder.
“Harsh man,” Rod said as he just looked at Jack.
“Ignore him, he’s always like that,” Fi just waved her hand at Jack before dropping the book over the cards opened to a page with images of a dog like beast with dark wings.
“Whatever, I’m going to find some normal people,” Jack said as he dropped his cards on the table and pushed off.
Sun Rise minus 7 hours 47 minutes
Jack just shook his head as he retreated from the ball room and its extra loud music. He wanted somewhere to just think and everywhere he went it was either too loud or too crowded or both, he thought as he weaved this way down the hall before heading toward the stairs hoping to find calm somewhere above.
The second floor was quieter but it was still an array of people scattered around so Jack just kept going until he reached the third floor.
The third floor was a single large space, a quarter of the space of the lower floors but without any walls, broken only by the wooden beams reaching from the floors to the ceilings every few yards.
But it was what was beyond the room that got his attraction. The floor was ringed by large windows that showed a balcony that circled the floor. And someone was on the balcony.
Jack shuddered at the blast of cold that hit him when he opened the door onto the balcony. He stopped after stepping out onto the wooden platform and took it all in.
In the distance the world was frosted white, the trees, the houses, even the streets beyond them were blanketed with white that reflected the stars and streetlights. And it was only getting whiter as small flakes slowly drifted down from the sky landing on everything, sending chills through Jack when they landed on his skin.
“How can you be out here in this,” Jack asked as he took another step closer to Aurora who was standing a few feet from the door, just gazing up at the dark sky.
“There isn’t a moon tonight, it is growing so dark,” Aurora said as she lowered her gaze to Jack. Jack tried not to notice that the closer to the Lodge, despite its many lights, the darker the landscape became.
“What’s wrong?” Jack asked as he stepped closer, reaching out stopping just short of holding her at the sorrowful look on her face before dropping his hand.
“It’s so dark,” Aurora whispered as she slowly leaned closer to Jack, almost pressing against him, close enough to feel the heat from one another but not truly touching, “and I’m so alone.”
“You’re not alone, there’s an entire town of people just down those stairs. And I’m right here,” Jack said as he brought his hand to her shoulder, “You’re not alone,” he repeated.
“Versus it I am. My knight, my protector, has forsaken me. The darkness reaches it zenith and I can not stand against it as I am,” she said as she closed her eyes and dropped her head to her chest.
“What is it your scared of, is the darkness like an ex or something, because if that’s what your worried about I’ll look out for you,” Jack told her with a smile as he bowed himself so he could look her in the face.
“That is very sweet but you do not know or understand what you are offering,” Aurora said as she looked away and off into the dark forest beyond the town.
“I have a sister, I know what it means to look out for someone, and right now, I want to protect you. Let me,” Jack offered again as he slowly turned her toward him, “tonight at least,” Jack asked her.
“Are you my Knight?” Aurora asked softly as she looked into Jack’s eye unsure, she opened her mouth to say more when a sound ripped through the air.
AROOOO
The beastly howl cut through the still of the night and it was followed by a loud crush and crashing sound as something came charging through the trees heading straight toward the Great Lodge.
“What is that,” Jack exclaimed as he watched trees start falling before the whole forest was lost in the cloud of snow being throw up from the shaking trees.
“It’s found me, we need to hide, we can’t face it,” Aurora cried as she rushed to the door grabbing Jack’s arm with her as she ran through it and toward the stairs dragging him.
“Aurora, what was that, you need to stop and just take a breath,” Jack told her once while planting his feet and forcing them to stop once they reached the landing between the third and second floors.
“We haven’t the time. The Night Beast, it knows I’m here we must hide; it can not understand and fears happiness, joy and festivity. It will not be able to sense me surrounded by all those down stairs. It may even give up,” Aurora said as she started pulling Jack down the stairs again.
“Is this some weird why of dealing with or getting over your ex-boyfriend, because I can understand that, but what was happening to those trees, someone was knocking them down,” Jack went on as he let her pull him down the stairs.
“The Night Beast as I said,” Aurora repeated as she stopped at the bottom of the stairs looking to the right then to the left, the hall to the right leading to the ball room, the one to the left heading to the movie room.
“Ex and a really bad break up it is then, look if you want to get lost in the crowed so he can’t see you, the dance is the best bet, everyone’s standing and moving around,” Jack told her as he started leaning her toward the ball room.
part two
Word Count: 11,840
Challenge: smallfandombang
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action-Adventure, Supernatural
Characters/Pairings: Jack/Aurora(OFC), cast
Summary: The Philips family is taking part in an all night Winter Solstice Celebration, Dance at Dawn, but things get weird for Jack when he meets a someone that thinks she’s in danger, and she maybe right.
Author's Notes: Mixing Mythology. I hope you enjoy the story.
Sun Rise minus 15 hours 44 minutes
“Come on Mom, you have to let us go to the dance. How many times are we going to be at a real solstice celebration? And one that’s meant for families?” Fi Phillips negotiated with her mother.
“Look Fiona, you know I don’t mind you going to these things normally; but this one starts at dawn,” Molly told Fi as she looked up from tuning her guitar.
“And that’s after everything else that starts when the sun sets,” Irene Bell added as she stood next to Molly and glared at her son who was standing next to Fi looking hopeful.
“Which you all need to be here for and they lock the doors so that means we’d be on our own all night,” Fi pointed out to both parents.
“She’s right; but here, not only would you all be here, but half the town is going to be locked in here, I mean dude, how many adults is that?” Clu added to the argument with a smile.
“That’s a good point Irene,” Molly conceded as she looked at her manager.
“What does Jack think about spending the night in here?” Irene asked ending the short lived look of victory on both Fi’s and Clu’s face.
“Jack’s not staying on the bus alone and Ned can’t keep an eye on you two in here and him out there,” Molly told her daughter.
“But Jack never wants to do anything that’s even a little supernatural,” Fi complained to the mothers.
“And when was the last time he wanted to go to a dance?” Clu added as he completely lost his smile.
“Well, you all have to be in one place so, if all three you of you want to be at the dance you can be here, other wise it’s the hotel and bus with Ned. That sound like a good deal Irene?” Molly offered, looking at Irene who was smiling.
“Yes it does, tell Jack to let us know before 4, that’s when they want a final head count of the kids that are going to be here,” Irene said ending the discussion, “Now Molly they want to run a full sounds check in twenty are you and the guys going to be ready?”
Fi and Clu ignored the response as they walked away from the stage and toward the doors out of the ballroom.
“How are we going to get Jack to agree to stay in here?” Clu asked looking at Fi. “He’s my best bud but he has a major problem with anything even connected with the weird or unexplained.”
“Yeah this isn’t going to be easy but we’ve got to try, how many times does an opportunity like this happen?” Fi said again as she grinned at the idea, “we’ll find a way.” She added as they left the Great Lodge Event center were the celebration was taking place.
“I hope so, it sounds like so much fun, and it’s not like anything is really going to happen,” Clu said as they went in search of Jack.
Sun Rise minus 15 hours 34 minutes
“You will not stop the coming of dawn, the light will always return,” A young woman said defiantly as she stood over a large crevice, her hair, glowing in brilliant shades of red and orange, flowed in a breeze as did her dress colored the purest white.
Her challenge was met by an unnatural growl as a twisted misshapen beast stepped closer to its side of the opening; the beast flapped its large leathery wings and hissed a cloud of noxious air at the woman, trying to take flight only to be stopped by a large metal chain around one of its back legs.
“The long night will end, and light will return,” The woman said again as she stared down the beast.
This time the beast didn’t growl but roared as it leaped into the air, thrusting upward with it’s legs as it beat it’s wings. Once more the chain stopped it but the beast didn’t stop. With another roar and another beat of its wings it pushed itself higher.
And with a loud snap a single link gave breaking the chain and freeing the beast.
The women’s gasp was almost drowned out by the flapping of wings but her actions were not as she raised her hands which filled with light that she sent at the beast throwing it back from it’s dive at her, “My knight will protect me and dawn will return!” She yelled out while the beast breathed out a cloud of total darkness at her forcing her to vanish in a burst of light before the spot she had been was engulfed by the blackness.
Sun Rise minus 15 hours 23 minutes
“Hey Jack, want some help with that?” Fi offered as she bounced up behind Jack with Clu right behind her.
“You want to help?” Jack asked as he looked down at the bucket of quickly cooling water and sponge he was using to clean the tour bus.
“Yeah dude, hand the extra sponge over,” Clu added with a grin as he grabbed a sponge from the extra cleaning supplies piled near by.
“Okay what do you to want?” Jack asked as he folded his arms and glared at his sister and best friend.
“What makes you think we want anything,” Fi asked over innocently as she took the wet sponge from Jack’s hands and started wiping the mud from around the base of the bus.
“Can’t we just want to help a bro out?” Clu also asked as he smiled over his shoulder at Jack smiling.
“When was the last time either of you offered to help clean the bus,” Jack asked them, “when was the last time any of us volunteered to do the other’s chores?” he added taking turns glaring at them.
“Okay fine,” Fi said giving up the illusion, “we want to be at the dance but mom said we all have to be there or we have to stay out here with Ned.”
“And I love my dad and all but being in there would be so much more fun, right?” Clu said.
“You mean the winter solstice thing. Why do I think it’s not the dance you really want to see,” Jack said to his sister.
“Okay so maybe not but it’s still got to be more fun then staying out here,” Fi argued with her brother.
“Maybe. But do you know what’s even more fun?” Jack asked stepping closer to his sister, “not having to wash the bus.”
“So we wash the bus and-“
“For a month,” Jack added.
“Come on Jack that’s blackmail,” Fi cried out as she glared back at her brother.
“Yeah dude really a month?”
“A month and I tell Mom I’m in, or I can just stay in the bus and read, it’s what I’d be doing either way,” Jack threatened.
“Fine, a month, but you have to go tell them right now, it’s getting dark already and I don’t want to miss this just because you didn’t make it in time,” Fi countered as she frowned at the bus.
“Oh don’t worry. I don’t plan on missing anything that gets me out of cleaning the bus,” Jack said with a smile as he dried off his hands before heading down the street toward the Great Lodge Event Center.
Sun Rise minus 15 hours 14 minutes
“It shouldn’t be getting dark yet,” Mr. Samson, the Mayor of the town, said as he looked at the retreating sun.
“Well it’s not completely dark yet and the band is ready so we can start at any time Mr. Samson,” Irene said as she stood next to him.
“No, no, starting early is not the problem,” the Mayor said back, “the National Weather Service said sunset isn’t for another 15 minutes but clearly they’re off and if the time for sun set is off then sun rise maybe too and we simply have too many things planned for sun rise to not know the exact time.”
“Yeah the crowd may not mind starting ten minutes before they’re ready but they’re not going to want to wait around an extra ten minutes for the finale if it’s late,” Irene agreed with him.
“Or even worse the fireworks and everything else goes off on time and they can’t see it in the dark,” He fretted as he paced, “and they are normally so accurate about these things, I must go call them,” he finished before rushing off to his office.
“I’ll just have the band start early then,” Irene called after them before she turned to head for the stage and almost ran into Jack, “Oh Jack where did you come from?”
“The bus,” he answered as he looked toward where the mayor ran off, “he seems really worked up over the sunrise.”
“Yeah well, when you have fifty grand on fireworks and laser lights you don’t want them going off early,” Irene told him, “and did Fi and Clu find you?”
“Yeah about staying here for there solstice gig, yes they found me. Are they really spending that much on this thing?” Jack asked as he looked around at all the commotion going on.
“It’s a major tourist draw,” Irene said shrugging her shoulders. “Now I know Ned can’t keep on eye on you all night out there but try and stay out of trouble, I’m counting on you keeping my son and your sister from-“
“Whoa, wait,” Jack said cutting her off as she held up his hands, “I said it’s fine for us to stay in here,” he told her.
“What?” Irene said surprised as she just looked at her best friend’s son.
“I said I’m cool with us being in here for them,” Jack hesitated as he looked around for a sign, “‘Dance at Dawn’ so we’ll be here.”
“You said yes,” Irene said again, “I was sure you’d say no.”
“What are Fi and Clu having to do for the next two weeks?” Molly asked as she came up behind her son.
“What? I’m hurt mother. You wound me,” Jack said faking an arrow or knife to the heart. “Would I do something like that to my own flesh and blood?”
“Yes you would, so what was it?” Molly asked again, still smiling even as she crossed her arms.
“Fine okay so I did, but they said yes,” Jack said dropping any pretense.
“And what did they say yes to?” Irene asked.
“Nothing much, just cleaning the bus when it’s my turn,” Jack answered.
“They can clean it for two weeks that’s not that bad,” Irene said looking at Molly nodding her head.
“I agree, we’ll let the deal stand,” Molly said back.
“It’s not two weeks,” Jack said with a hesitant smile as he looked between the two mothers.
“How long was it?” Irene asked.
“A month,” Jack told them.
“Jack,” Molly warned.
“Remember they agreed to it,” Jack defended him against the two women.
“A month for a single night was a bit much Jack. You’re older, you should know better than to try something like that. It’s two week,” Molly told her son as she frowned at him.
“What but they-“ Jack started to complain until he was cut off.
“It could be no weeks. Now Molly you need to get to the stage,” Irene cut in as she looked at the Mayor rushing down the hall toward them.
“Go make sure the registration table get’s the three of you and we’ll talk later,” Molly threw over her shoulder as Irene led her toward the stage.
“I’ll look forward to that,” Jack said under his breath as he headed for the front desk.
Once there he slipped into the line filled with the handful of people that waited until the last minute to sign in. He was only a couple people from the front, and still the last one in line, when he was bowled over and crashed to the floor, only just keeping his face from finding out what real hard wood oak felt like up close.
“Oh I’m so sorry; I should have been looking where I was going. I was just in a rush which I know is no excuse.”
“It’s okay, I’m fine I thi-" Jack started to say as he turned himself around so he could stand back up but he stopped when he saw who had knocked him over.
She was standing in the last ray of the sun which seems to make her deep red hair glow. It also seemed to almost shine off of her dress which looked almost golden in the light but then faded to a soft white when the sun dipped below the horizon and out of view.
“Again I’m so sorry. Do you need help to stand up, can you stand?” she said again as she offered her hand to Jack looking worried.
“Yes, I’m fine,” Jack said again as he realized that the other people standing in the entrance hall were all looking at him with looks that ranged to amusement to concern. “No I can stand I’m good,” he added as he stood, taking her hand but no pulling on her as he rose.
“Thank Pilumnus, I’m glad. I am sorry about this,” she said again still holding Jack’s hand.
“No problem these things happen. But if you’re in a hurry you can sign in first, I’m signing up for three anyways and I wouldn’t want to make you wait,” Jack offered as he let got of her hand and gestured to his former place in the line.
“Sign up?” she asked looking around as if seeing the lodge for the first time.
“Yeah the town’s solstice celebration,” Jack said pointing to one of the posters on the wall. “It’s why you’re here isn’t it?”
“Yes, it must be,” the women said as she looked at the poster, “Dance at Dawn, yes that sounds right,” she added as she stepped up to the registration desk.
“You name please?” The man at the desk asked, sounding board.
“Aurora,” the women, Aurora, told him before casting a glance back at Jack.
“And your last name?” the man asked as he started looking through the list of names already registered.
“It’s just Aurora,” she said again.
“Look miss all the names are first and last….except for yours,” the man said confused, “how did that happen, I’m going to need your last-“
AROOOO
The man was cut off by a loud and booming howl that cut through the town, everyone seemed to look around trying to spot the dog or wolf that made the sound.
“What was that,” Jack asked no one particular as he looked around until he saw Aurora, her face drained of color until it was almost as white as her dress. “What’s wrong are you okay?” he asked as he stepped closer to her.
“I’m fine, I just need to go, yes I need to go,” she said as she rushed through the double doors leading farther into the building.
“Wait! I still need your last name,” The man behind the desk called after her as he rose to chase after her but stopped when he lost track of which way she went once past the doors. “That’s going to mess up my records.”
“She probably just doesn’t like dogs and that was a loud one,” Jack said as he rested his elbow against the desk.
“Maybe, well what’s your name,” he asked as he picked up his sheets again, but not before giving the double doors one last look.
“I’m Jack Phillips but I may not be on your list I’m with-" Jack started until he was cut off.
“The band, you're one of the three kids with them, are the other two around here too?” the man asked as he marked something on his sheet and looked around the room.
“Not yet they just needed to finish something first-" Jack said until he was cut off again.
“And we’re done Jack,” Fi said as she and Clu walked in and joined him at the registration desk.
“We rocked that bus, but did you hear that howl wasn’t it awesome?” Clu said as he bounced up next to Jack.
“Yeah we did, they’re Fi Phillips and Clu Bell,” Jack told the guy at the desk, “they must have some large dogs around here.
“What if it wasn’t an ordinary dog, it is the winter solstice and I’ve done some reading-" Fi started up with a glimmer in her eyes.
“Oh man I’m not even inside yet and she’s already started, a month so wasn’t long enough for this,” Jack complained as he rolled his eyes at his sister.
“Did it really sound like a normal dog to you?” Fi asked as she set her hands on her hips just staring down Jack.
“Yes it did, because it was a normal dog.” Jack responded as he crossed his arms.
“I hate to get in the middle of this but is Fi short for Fiona?” the guy behind the desk asked as he looked at Fi.
“Yes but no one really calls me that,” Fi answered him before turning back to Jack who was looking at the guy and not her.
“Anything else?” he asked.
“No but if you see that woman tell her I need her last name would you?” he said before cleaning up his paper work.
“Yeah, I’ll do that,” Jack told him sarcastically.
“Woman what woman? You holding out on me man?” Clu asked as he elbowed Jack with a grin.
“Given I just met her less than five minutes ago,” Jack told Clu, “but you should have seen her,” Jack added letting out a sigh.
“Come on you can’t leave it like that, do tell,” Clu badgered his best friend.
“Maybe if we’re lucky we’ll see her inside,” Jack answered.
“What you mean she’s here and we’re standing around out here?” Clu said in shock as he started pulling Jack through the double doors and deeper into the lodge.
“Jack, Clu, what about the dog, or whatever it is,” Fi said as she followed them in as the staff started closing the door behind her to keep out the cold and the snow that had started to fall.
Sun Rise minus 10 hours 43 minutes
“Well Fi seems to be having a good time,” Molly said as she came up behind her son and clapped him on the shoulders.
“What,” Jack said with a jump as he turned from the buffet to Molly, “mom, are you trying to scare me? And of course Fi’s have a blast they’re having a trivial game with weird and supernatural questions. This is like her dream party the only thing missing is a ghost crashing it,” Jack told his mother before taking a bite of the turkey sandwich he had picked up.
“Jack just because it’s not real doesn’t mean you have to give your sister such a hard time about liking it. It’s her hobby not yours,” Molly told Jack as she picked up a ham sandwich for herself. “And you’re here so you might as well have some fun.”
“Yeah fun, I’m sure that will happen. And just what should I do that’s fun?”
“Well the guys and I are around to start another set, why don’t you find a girl and ask her to dance,” Molly suggested, “and don’t knock the band,” she added with a grin.
“Yeah because there’s just dozen’s of girls wanting to dance,” Jack said back as he gave the large ball room a quick look.
“Well there is that girl in the white dress; she looks like she could use a dance. And the music will be starting in two minutes so I’d hurry,” Molly said before heading back to the stage.
Jack just shook his head at his mother before looking for the girl she was talking about. And then Jack saw her, it was Aurora and she was sitting in one of the chairs around the edge of the dance floor looking out of place and lonely, “sometimes mom you do have good ideas.”
“May I have this dance,” Jack asked after he made his way across the room to stand before her and held out his hand.
“What?” Aurora said as she looked up as if just noticing him.
“Would you like to dance?” Jack said again smiling brighter as Aurora smiled at him.
“I am waiting for someone but I don’t see what the harm a single dance could do,” Aurora said as she look his hand and let him lead her to the dance floor.
“A boyfriend? Is he bigger then me? Should I be worried?” Jack asked as he stopped and took her other hand just as the music started.
“No not my boyfriend my protector, and I don’t know but likely and not of him but of it, yes,” Aurora answered as she looked around the dance floor.
“It?” Jack asked rising an eye brow as he started swaying to the slow song, thanking his mother in his head.
“Nothing,” Aurora said as she just started swaying with him in time to the music.
Jack just shrugged and focused on keeping time with the music.
“Dude you’ll never believe that happened- Oh sorry man I didn’t mean to interrupted anything,” Clu said when he interrupted them three songs later as Jack was trying to show Aurora how to do the electric slide.
“No it is fine; I should be going and try to find my protector. I had hoped he would have found me by now, it’s nearing the darkest hour,” Aurora said as she pulled away from Jack. “I do hope we see each other again Jack, thank you for asking me to dance.” She added before disappearing into the crowd.
“Clu you’d better have a good reason for coming over here or I’m going to kill you,” Jack threatened while he marched toward Clu who kept walking back until they were off the dance floor and Clu found himself falling backwards into a chair.
“Dude I’m sorry I didn’t see her and I wanted to tell you…” Clu stopped swallowing hard as he looked up at Jack.
“Tell me what, what’s so importation you scared away the one girl here I wanted to dance with,” Jack said menacingly as he glared at his best friend.
“Fi won the trivial game and got this really cool book about solstice legends,” Clu said as he scurried out of the chair and started running for the door out of the ball room.
Jack didn’t bother responding with anything more then a guttural growl as he chased after him.
Across the room Molly ended the song and took one of the water bottles Irene was passing out to the band and took a drink as she watched the two boys.
“So what do you think Clu did?” Irene asked with a smile as she watched them too.
“If it’s anything big we’ll find out, and if not,” Molly answered and just shrugged.
Irene just returned the shrug and added a nod as she held up a sheet of paper, “so these are the songs that have been requested.”
“Irene we’re not going to play an NSYNC song.”
Sun Rise minus 8 hours 10 minutes
“Are we really watching this?” Clu complained as he looked up from his cards to the big screen where the movie was being projected.
“No I’m fairly sure you’re playing cards, badly I might add,” Fi said as she looked up from her new book to where Clu, Jack and a couple of other kids were playing cards.
“And it’s your turn too,” Mike, one of the other kids, said as he looked at Clu, “So go already.”
“Alright already, sheesh, draw two,” Clu said as he dropped a red draw two card onto the pile of Uno cards.
“Gee, thanks buddy,” Jack said as he drew two cards, “and it’s not that bad, there are worse movies they could be playing,” He finished as he laid down a red four.
“They could also be playing better ones that’s all I’m saying,” Clu said as he watched Rod take his turn, “Like the Nightmare Before Christmas or they could even play the original and better How the Grinch Stole Christmas huh did they think of that? No they didn’t.”
“Is he always like this,” Mike asked Jack as he played his own card, skipping Clu.
“Only when he’s bored,” Jack answered playing another skip.
“Then someone find something for him to do, I don’t think I can stand another hour of this. You don’t have to be here you know, anyone over 12 has free range,” Rod told Clu pointedly.
“Fine I can tell when I’m not wanted. I’m going to get something to drink, here play through for me,” Clu said handing his cards to Fi as he headed for the refreshment table.
“What Clu, I’ve got my book,” Fi complained as she held the cards up to Clu back before turning to the table, “Guess I’m playing, so who’s turn is it?”
“Yours,” Jack said laying down a reverse, “toward him,” he added pointing to Mike.
“Okay here you go,” she said laying down a number card, “so are you two locals or visiting like us?” she asked.
“Born and raised,” Mike answered for him and Rod, “so we’re here every years, the best part really is the dawn fireworks, if we wouldn’t over sleep we wouldn’t bother with the rest but-“
“Both times we tried that we slept in, missed the whole show, at least if you’re here someone will wake you up in time for them,” Rod cut in continuing for Mike.
“Yeah, and it’s more fun watching them in a group,” Mike added.
“Sleep how could you sleep with all this going on?” Jack asked as he looked around the room, between the movie, the yelling and just everything he didn’t see anyone sleeping.
“Around 1-2 it quiets down a lot, but they have some rooms set up upstairs with lots of cots and stuff if anyone wants to lay down, they aren’t the best but if you need a couple hours sleep,” Mike just shrugged.
“I may have to check them out later, they must be quiet at least,” Jack said looking around the room.
“It’s a party and all you want to do is sleep, what happened to you,” Fi said shaking her head.
“If it were a normal party I wouldn’t mind but it’s not,” Jack said pointing to the book by Fi’s side, “these were the first guys I found that didn’t want to talk about all the weird howling going on. Everyone has a theory about it.”
“So do we, want to hear it?” Rod said smirking at Jack who just slapped his cards down and glared at him.
“I do, I’m thinking a hell hound but I’m not sure,” Fi said excitedly as she looked between the two local guys.
“Hell hound, as if, it’s got to be a Yeti. Old man Thompson said he saw one last year,” Mike said looking over at Rod before looking back at Fi.
“A Yeti, someone saw a Yeti? Oh man that is so cool, is he here, can I talk to him,” Fi asked her cards forgotten.
“No he never comes to these anymore, too old,” Mike explained, “he’s like what 100 now.”
“Almost, but it’s not a Yeti, it’s got to be the Night Beast, it is the solstice,” Rod told Mike.
“Right I forgot about the Night Beast, you’re right it would fit better than a Yeti,” Mike agreed with Rod before turning to Rod.
“Night Beast, I think I read about that one,” FI said as started flipping through her book.
“It was a dog or a wolf, not some mystical beast. Those things aren’t real,” Jack said cutting into the conversation louder.
“Harsh man,” Rod said as he just looked at Jack.
“Ignore him, he’s always like that,” Fi just waved her hand at Jack before dropping the book over the cards opened to a page with images of a dog like beast with dark wings.
“Whatever, I’m going to find some normal people,” Jack said as he dropped his cards on the table and pushed off.
Sun Rise minus 7 hours 47 minutes
Jack just shook his head as he retreated from the ball room and its extra loud music. He wanted somewhere to just think and everywhere he went it was either too loud or too crowded or both, he thought as he weaved this way down the hall before heading toward the stairs hoping to find calm somewhere above.
The second floor was quieter but it was still an array of people scattered around so Jack just kept going until he reached the third floor.
The third floor was a single large space, a quarter of the space of the lower floors but without any walls, broken only by the wooden beams reaching from the floors to the ceilings every few yards.
But it was what was beyond the room that got his attraction. The floor was ringed by large windows that showed a balcony that circled the floor. And someone was on the balcony.
Jack shuddered at the blast of cold that hit him when he opened the door onto the balcony. He stopped after stepping out onto the wooden platform and took it all in.
In the distance the world was frosted white, the trees, the houses, even the streets beyond them were blanketed with white that reflected the stars and streetlights. And it was only getting whiter as small flakes slowly drifted down from the sky landing on everything, sending chills through Jack when they landed on his skin.
“How can you be out here in this,” Jack asked as he took another step closer to Aurora who was standing a few feet from the door, just gazing up at the dark sky.
“There isn’t a moon tonight, it is growing so dark,” Aurora said as she lowered her gaze to Jack. Jack tried not to notice that the closer to the Lodge, despite its many lights, the darker the landscape became.
“What’s wrong?” Jack asked as he stepped closer, reaching out stopping just short of holding her at the sorrowful look on her face before dropping his hand.
“It’s so dark,” Aurora whispered as she slowly leaned closer to Jack, almost pressing against him, close enough to feel the heat from one another but not truly touching, “and I’m so alone.”
“You’re not alone, there’s an entire town of people just down those stairs. And I’m right here,” Jack said as he brought his hand to her shoulder, “You’re not alone,” he repeated.
“Versus it I am. My knight, my protector, has forsaken me. The darkness reaches it zenith and I can not stand against it as I am,” she said as she closed her eyes and dropped her head to her chest.
“What is it your scared of, is the darkness like an ex or something, because if that’s what your worried about I’ll look out for you,” Jack told her with a smile as he bowed himself so he could look her in the face.
“That is very sweet but you do not know or understand what you are offering,” Aurora said as she looked away and off into the dark forest beyond the town.
“I have a sister, I know what it means to look out for someone, and right now, I want to protect you. Let me,” Jack offered again as he slowly turned her toward him, “tonight at least,” Jack asked her.
“Are you my Knight?” Aurora asked softly as she looked into Jack’s eye unsure, she opened her mouth to say more when a sound ripped through the air.
AROOOO
The beastly howl cut through the still of the night and it was followed by a loud crush and crashing sound as something came charging through the trees heading straight toward the Great Lodge.
“What is that,” Jack exclaimed as he watched trees start falling before the whole forest was lost in the cloud of snow being throw up from the shaking trees.
“It’s found me, we need to hide, we can’t face it,” Aurora cried as she rushed to the door grabbing Jack’s arm with her as she ran through it and toward the stairs dragging him.
“Aurora, what was that, you need to stop and just take a breath,” Jack told her once while planting his feet and forcing them to stop once they reached the landing between the third and second floors.
“We haven’t the time. The Night Beast, it knows I’m here we must hide; it can not understand and fears happiness, joy and festivity. It will not be able to sense me surrounded by all those down stairs. It may even give up,” Aurora said as she started pulling Jack down the stairs again.
“Is this some weird why of dealing with or getting over your ex-boyfriend, because I can understand that, but what was happening to those trees, someone was knocking them down,” Jack went on as he let her pull him down the stairs.
“The Night Beast as I said,” Aurora repeated as she stopped at the bottom of the stairs looking to the right then to the left, the hall to the right leading to the ball room, the one to the left heading to the movie room.
“Ex and a really bad break up it is then, look if you want to get lost in the crowed so he can’t see you, the dance is the best bet, everyone’s standing and moving around,” Jack told her as he started leaning her toward the ball room.
part two