A/N: In response to The Utterly Fabulous Z: "The púca, pooka, phouka, phooka, phooca, puca or púka, is considered to be a bringer both of good and bad fortune. The creatures were said to be shape changers which could take the appearance of horses, goats and rabbits. They may also take a human form, which includes various animal features, such as ears or a tail." Therefore, I am still spelling phooka correctly.

Also, I apologize for not having updated in ages. It seems that life has been out to get me. ^^'

And a last note: this chapter does not actually start from Jack's perspective. It's up to you to figure out whose it is. /dies

Chapter Seven

I narrowed my eyes as I stared into the pool of water. Reflected on the still surface was the image of a young girl pacing in front of her family's graves, the soft glow of the full moon casting long shadows across the ground.

She glared up at the sky. "It's not fair! I don't want to be on my own!"

"You are never on your own."

She froze at the familiar voice, and then slowly turned around. No one was there. "Show yourself!"

The black-haired teen appeared before her, bronze eyes shining. "There's no need to be afraid, sister."

Confusion clouds Charlotte's features. "…Jack? But— How— I saw you die! And why do you look like…"

"The Nightmare King?" Jack Mors shook his head. "It's only while I take this form, or am forced to perform certain tasks. Besides, he isn't as bad as he seems. It's because of him that you're still alive." His sister's bewilderment grew as he continued babbling. "I'm just here to make sure you're doing alright right now. I know it's been tough, being on your own, but you're strong. Pitch is going to keep you safe, and he said he'll try to teach you how to stop nightmares. I think he's scared of me, but he saved my life—er, poor word choice, I know—when a Phooka attacked me."

"Oh, Jack!" Charlotte suddenly lurched towards him, intent on hugging the apparition of her brother, though he vanished from sight just as quickly.

"I'm sorry, 'Lotte, but you shouldn't touch me." The words came from off to the side. "I don't want to hurt you. Go, now, and do not return to this place. If you choose to stay, you'll throw everything away."

I hissed as the sight shattered. It would not do to have the two renegades so bent on protecting the girl. There was still time, however, to destroy any chances of the Heiress being born.

I sat next to the pond, half-watching as Pitch attempted to coach my sister in how to keep fear from affecting her, while Philip sullenly stared at the ground, still sore over losing against the Phooka.

"No, not like that." The Nightmare King's frustration was palpable. "I said stop."

She huffed. "Maybe if you actually told me what do you wanted me to do, I wouldn't be so terrible!"

"You need to clear your mind completely as soon as you realize fear is creeping up on you, or your mind will be too easily corrupted. You must silence yourself."

He continued on, but my attention was stolen completely when Philip spoke. "You look more attractive when you've got the blue eyes."

I was about to reply, though he interrupted me, flushed red. "I didn't mean to say that out loud. Please ignore me. I just—"

"Hey, Kelp."

He flinched, and looked up at me. "Yes?"

"You'd have a better chance if you smiled more often. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go create a blizzard in Antarctica, and then I need to exterminate the Phookas." I fled immediately after this, and, quite frankly, had no idea why I said anything.