Set a little before the movie. For those of you that don't know, Ayver can shift from his usually small, bunny frame to a larger, pooka-resembling (like Bunnymund) stature when he wants too, (albeit much smaller due to his age) though he is more used to his smaller form.

Though I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't have added that aspect to his character...Please say what you think in the review.

So please, again, review.

Please read to avoid confusion:

This chapter is set BEFORE the final chapter of 'The Spirit of the Thaw' so its mixed up a little. The two stories, 'The Spirit of the Thaw' and 'Tricks and Treats and Forget-Me-Nots' are set around/between the same times. It is rather confusing, but let me make it clear:

Chapters 1 and 2 of 'Spirit of the Thaw' are set Before 'Tricks and Treats..."

Chapter 3 of 'The Spirit of the Thaw' is set AFTER this chapter here, and is a post-trailer fic.

Okay?

Also, this chapter is set after 'The Shadow at the Side'

Basically just before the movie starts.

I've made this too confusing...

Late Springs and Trials to Come.

The underground cavern was empty at the moment. The fire was lit, warming the large room and protecting it from the chilly drafts that could evade through whenever the doors opened. The thick, polished roots supporting the ceiling were now decorated in colourful designs; Patterns of green ferns and leaves winding around the thick bases.

The table was set with cups, cutlery and sweet foods like cakes, cookies and buns. A teapot was set over the blazing fire nearby.

The globe sat on the pedestal, propped up on the other side of the room, was turning monotonously as the shadows, disturbed by the flickering light of the fire, waved about like trees in the wind.

One shadow remained still and collected, sharp features facing the side. The silhouette wandered quietly along the room, growing larger in size as they neared the fire.

A soft, worried sigh filled the air from beside the fireplace as the shadow turned and began pacing back and forth, clearly discomforted by something.

"They are all late. Now of all days..."

The Irish, slightly English toned voice trailed off as their thoughts took their mind on a rather bumpy ride. It was nearing Easter, five days to be exact; Though the snow was still thick on the ground in some places and the icicles remained hard and drip-less (something Anguish would have to have a serious word about with a certain Spring Bunny...) But that wasn't the height of his concern.

This was the day, five days prior to the day the hidden spirit had informed the not-so present bodies countless times as said day drew close in the month.

He expected as much from Hal of the Tricks, being the careless goodie-bringer he was, but for Ayver he was surprised. Though then again, he may be out spreading the thaw as he spoke (or in this case, thought...)

He sighed again, a little more irritably. This just wouldn't do-

SLAM.

A abrupt gust of wind entered the room as one of the doors swung open, pattern-caved frame colliding harshly with the wall beside it. The flames in the fireplace were shifted to the right, and the shadows creeping on the walls jumped as if they were just as alarmed as the spirit who'd been pacing not too long ago.

Ayver came tumbling inside, rolling almost like a ball into the main cavern before jumping hastily onto his two large feet. For some reason (one Anguish found very unusual) The Spring Spirit was currently in his larger, pooka-like form.

Ayver turned and shut the door quickly, finally cutting off the harsh wind from flying in. He released a large, heavy breath and leaned against the door, now hand-like paws planted on his chest. It was clear he'd been running all day and was now exhausted.

The rabbit recovered after a while, stretched his elongated arms into the air and yawning silently. His hood was still cast over his head and his cloak was covered in snow.

Finally, after a period of silence, Anguish remarked:

"I take it nothing's changed, then?"

Ayver jerked his cloak off none-to-kindly, looked very peeved. He stormed past the shadow and hung it on a hook nearby the fireplace in order to let it dry. Fingering the globe model around his neck, Ayver turned to face him. Or rather, look down at him.

It was strange, looking up at Ayver. Usually Anguish, when he was in the cavern and thus was in a welcome place, would step out of the shadows. But now wasn't the time for hospitality and relaxing; Work was to be done and he needed to leave soon (preferably if the others got here soon.)

Ayver was small; Only the size of an eight-year old child. This made perfect sense as he himself was only eight, but the resemblance to a human stopped after you counted the build. The pooka-like creature fiddled with his hands, trying to warm them up.

It was clear that he was waiting for Anguish to say something. The spirit tilted his head. Hadn't he heard him? Then again he looked too angry to notice...

"So nothings progressed? The snow is still on the ground?"

Ayver blinked, eyes darting around anxiously before bobbing his head. He looked as if he'd done something wrong.

"I see. Jack Frost is giving Spring a hard time?"

Another nod. Anguish sighed, and from Ayver's point of view, the shadow on the ground lifted its hand to its forehead as the sigh ended.

"Oh dear. But, that is a matter for another time. Once the others return-"

Yet again a bitter wind came rushing in when the door opened, this time the one opposite the way Ayver had entered. The small pooka-like child rubbed his elbows in response as the shadow on the ground turned, and you did no need to see his face to be able to tell he wasn't pleased.

"Hal, where have you been?" He sounded only a little miffed. The grinning bringer of treats half-strode half-pranced into the room, very tall staff swung over his shoulders.

"Hallow to ya too, buddy." He replied, grinning widely down at the shadow, who's hands were now placed on its hips in an not-so impressed manner. His grin faltered.

"Aw, C'mon, bro. You can't be that mad at me." He allowed another smile to appear, albeit a fainter one, hoping to lighten the mood. Ayver shook his head, large flopping ears bouncing from side to side.

Hal either didn't notice him or didn't care. Anguish sighed yet again, deciding to let it drop.

"Aright. Once Ducky returns we'll start this meeting. Obviously I wouldn't have called all of you back unless I was concerned about something."

"Oh?" Hal tilted his head, placing his staff on the ground and positioning it so it would stand up straight. Then, bending his legs, he leaped like a frog onto the curling tip, balancing two times his own height above. Then, he crouched down, once again resembling a toad.

"Whatisit?" He inquired, smile looking notably forced. He was trying to keep the mood light, but even Ayver, being a young child, had guessed that they were now down to business.

Anguish did not answer, but waited.

Then, the door opened for the third and final time. It opened for only a moment as the individual entering was noticeably small. Then, it closed behind them with a loud 'clunk'

The tiny figure was small and winged, sporting dark blue feathers around their body and attired in a simply black dress, a colour matching that of their head feathers.

The little fairy-like creature whipped over to the fire and, in a flash of navy-blue dust, morphed into a larger, wingless-size.

Ducky hopped around, beaming brightly as she clasped her small, dainty hands together.

"I'm here!" He announced, standing up on her small ankles as she did so. Ayver waved over to her with a small, greeting smile. Hal wiggled his fingers from perch on his staff, grinning.

"Hal-low."

"Alright." Anguish said again, taking on a firm tone in his soft, steady voice. "Now that all are present, I would like to inform you of...rather foreboding turn of events."

Their smiles vanished, and the silent Ayver exchanged a worried look with Hal. Ducky lowered herself back onto the base of her feet, smile also faltering.

"I visited The Guardian of Belief not too long ago to make sure he was alright." Anguish began. Hal tilted his head from above.

"He's alright, isn't he? I mean, he's um...a Guardian. They're always okay."

Anguish's shadow shook its head from below. "He's fine. But..."

At that word, all three other parties present leaned forward with uncertainty, worried looks. Even Hal.

"...Death approached me again. And this time he told me that The Nightmare King was up to something very bad. Something more formidable, dangerous and more malicious than ever before. I think what ever he is planning could affect the future of the world itself...for the worst."

Ducky was silent and her gaze was averted, placed steadily on he fires beside her. Her face was unreadable, small features creased in a frown. Ayver rubbed his arm fretfully, large brow eyes glancing between the shadow and Hal.

"B-but..." His tiny, young little voice mumbled in a hushed tone, "Can't the Guardians do something?"

"Yes. But we must play a part as well...Me and another especially. You must help us."

"Another? Anotha what?" Hal asked, scowling a little at the idea of no being involved as much as another. Anguish replied after a pause.

"Jack Frost."

Ayver's eyes widened considerably and he turned his head over to face Hal, who gave him and equally alarmed and bewildered look.

"Jack Frost?!" Hal exclaimed, hopping down from his place on the staff at last. He landed on the ground quickly, stumbling in his hast. "That white-haired guy who makes it snow? But...what does he have to do with all of this?"

"You don't wish to make his acquaintance?" Neither of the younger boys noticed this evaded giving the answer effectively.

Hal looked surprised and he shook his head. "Nah, its just...we don't really know 'im, do we. Well, 'cept Ayver."

Ayver nodded, offering an ambivalent shrug and matching smile. Anguish sighed yet again.

"I cannot say why." He said carefully before quickly moving on "But that isn't all. Death advised me to see for myself what The Nightmare King was planning."

Now all of them were looking over; Ducky included. She had stared into the fire as if her mind was on a the moon itself until now. Anguish chose not to question on her deep line of thought.

"I didn't see much, but I saw him create countless Nightmare Horses. He sent them out, and commented on having an army of them. He seemed very...confident. And very excited. Neither can be good for anyone on this Earth."

"Right-o, Aggs...but what do we do?"

Anguish was silent. His three friends gave each other doubtful looks as this period of intense thinking went on until finally the shadow spoke again.

"I believe it is time for us to make our acquaintance with one of them in particular. Tomorrow, though. I have...other arrangements."

Hal ignored the last part and leaned on his staff, features taking on a quizzical expression "Which one?"

"Joseph."

Hal smiled at that, and Ayver seemed relieved. True, the youngest of the Guardians would be easier to get along with as they were young themselves. Hal straightened up, looking less worried now.

"So is he part of the Big Four now?" He emphasized the 'Big Four' by gesturing with his hands. Ayver shrugged when Hal looked over at him before looking down at Anguish's shadow.

"...It would seem."

"Alriiiight-y then." Hal said in a sing-song voice, turning on his heel and sauntering a few steps, staff in hand, "Guess they's a Big Five now!"

Ayver shrugged again, still twiddling his fingers with a doubtful wide-eyed look about him. He was probably thinking over and having mixed feelings. Ducky was frowning steadily, expression still unreadable. But at the idea of meeting the aforementioned Guardian of Belief, she brightened up and beamed.

Anguish could still see the mirth in her sharp, golden eyes, though. He decided that he'd dwell on it later.

"Alright, everyone." He stated to get their attention again "I want you all to be prepared for tomorrow. I'll return then to give you further instructions."

"Where...are you going?" Ayver asked in a small, soft voice.

"I have business elsewhere. Death...wishes to see me again. Farewell, my friends."

The shadow slipped away from their sight, leaving the three uncertain and quite. Hal soon broke said silence.

"I think." He stated with a click of his tongue and a creased brow, staff gripped tightly, "That we're in something reaaally serious..."

Ayver nodded quietly. Soon after, he wandered over to the fireplace and retried his coat, raised a paw to clasp his globe pendant and shrunk into his little, more common form.

The tiny bunny then nodded towards Ducky and Hal in a sign of goodbye before hurrying back out of the door. It took a lot of effort to open it and shut it again, a task he struggled through with a hilarious looking scowl on his tiny face. Hal would point out later that he should have shrunk after he'd left the warren. It would save him time.

But, Hal mused as the once again tiny Ayver retreated from their view, it was too funny for him to point it out now...

I prefer Ayver when he's in his cute, little bunny form. XD

It suits his personality more. His bigger form was more of for combat (should the need arose) or tasks requiring a bigger, stronger size if necessary than a form he'd usually live most days in.

Please review!