Spring Time Highs and Low

Chapter 5: 24 Carrot Magic

The realization quickly hit you and sent your ears back, "What..?" 

"Yes! Man in Moon selected you to be newest guardian!" North explained from behind you gesturing up to the moon that hung in the sky the faint soft glow trailing down.

"I..." You stammered stepping back a little, "I can't I am ah... under contract an'-an' I won't hav' the time.." 

"Nonsense! We'll all have our responsibility and we're here to help!" It was Tooth that fluttered up to you with a smile, "But the children need us."

"Well I hav' a ah non compete- so sorry-" you gestured up to the moon, "So sorry I'm gonna hav' tah decline.." Attempting to walk backwards and away once again but a small hand patting against your thigh glancing down at the Sandman who looked up at you a little confused a small sun made out of sand then a question mark followed.

"Ya see.. um Madam Summer is... pretty strict 'bout meh gettin' spring rolled out on time.." You rubbed the back of your head, "Can't hav' any distractions ya know? Now I'ma already gettin' behind.."

Attempting yet again to back towards the elevator you bumped into Bunny, he didn't say anything just offered calm look. Oh how you would love to agree to be a guardian and get to know probably one of the last male of your kind better, but you literally couldn't. You'd rather not get roped up in something and accidentally forget your springtime duties and break your contract and lose literally everything you have left.

Stepping around Bunny you chuckled awkwardly, "So I'll be headed out..." 

"Now c'mon you're really gonna let some old bat tell you what to do?" It was the frost sprite that chimed in, "what's she gonna do anyways? Ground you?"

"It'd be much worse than that... she'd probably make meh one of 'er.. of 'er little guard dog spirit thangs..." you shook your head and huffed, "I'm sure that you wouldn't want tah make Sir Winter mad eitha! I'm sure he'd be mad I'd ya didn't.. do what he contracted ya to do-"

"I've never met Winter. He seems like a buzz kill anyways, both of the seasons do to be honest." Jack said with a casual shrug placing his hands in his pockets

You blinked dumbfounded you were always under the assumption that Jack Frost was similar to you, contracted being tasked with helping smooth season changes and Jack had a more lax contract, not that he didn't work with Sir Winter at all!

North spoke before you could scramble together even a lick of a thought, "(y/n), Man in Moon selected you for a reason, and you can not deny it!"

"Well I am!" You huffed fur ruffling with irritation, they have eat up enough of your time for this ridiculousness, "and if it'll help ya put a sock innit you could jus' take this issue straight to Madam Summer herself!" You had already spun around on your feet and headed for the dreaded elevator, "otherwise just leave meh be!"

Though to stopped in your tracks hearing the large Russian man's reply, "Ha Ha! Great idea! We shall go talk to Summer and work this all out!"

Closing your eyes you shuddered at thr thought of speaking with Madam Summer about something this stupid. It would be a waste of her time to bring a dog's breakfast of people like this to her doorstep.

"Nah ya really-" Turning around to try and stop this it already was too late the mans mind was set and he was already planning with the others and laughing away.

Frowning you rubbed your temples a little already stressed about how this meeting would go. You could picture it now, the unamaused look across Summers face, how she would probably send to out to run the dogs. Oh you could already feel their burning breath on your back-

"Hey, ya gonna be good?" You glanced at Bunnymund who finally spoke up

Shaking your head a little you glanced back over at North, "he's a few sandwiches short of a picnic ain't he?"

Bunny chuckled at this stroking the back of his hand on your bicep, a friendly gesture, "Eh, a little, but ya get used to it."

You laughed looking back to the other Pooka smiling faintly, it was relaxing being around another of your kind, someone who could both read and understand you. It has been a long time since someone has been able to do that. Twitching your nose a little you took a deep breath attempting to relax more.

"Madam Summer... blimey I... I can only imagine how she's gonna react." You said shaking your head a little, the laugh that bubbled in your chest was that of nervousness rather than anything actually fun

"Well..." Bunny tilted his head a little, "Ya'll have us there Sheila. If that means anythin'."

Studying his calm face meant he was serious, and oddly enough you found yourself trusting his words, maybe you were just blinded by the fact you haven't been this close to another Pooka for far too long. Or maybe you were just crazy.

"I would sure hope so, ya bloke." The laugh that broke through your throat, while still filled with nervousness was more relaxed and relieved.

Bunny simply gave you a smile his face soft. Gently he nudged your side with the back of his hand encouraging you to head over to the rest of the group. Taking a step you hesitated earning another gentle nudge. You didn't need more encouragement than that as you stepped up beside Sandy who greeted you with a smile and a wave.

You waved a little back at him before joining the discussion about entering Madam Summers estate. Your nerves were still on high alert but they were gonna go through with it whether you wanted it or not it seemed.

Glancing up at the moon who still poked through the opening in the ceiling you squinted a little. You have heard many things about the Man in the Moon, but this was the first time he had ever interfered with your business.

So why now?

Questions for later you supposed.

At least you would shove them down for now as you lead the odd team along the path towards the hidden estate of Madam Summer. Your fur felt dry from the heat that hung in the air, it was mostly to disway wayward traveller's from entering her home. The heat would only get worse the closer you got, you glanced over your shoulder a little worried about Jack, unsure how he'd hold up in such conditions.

He seemed... like he wanted to die. But he wasn't so that was better than nothing.

Unlocking the impossibly large gates and pushing them open for your group you couldn't help but remember the first time you had ever squeezed through the bars.

The first time you ever followed the path of warm stones and climbed up the dazzling white stairs. To standing before the large double doors that would open up to Madam Summers home.

Your gaze lingered on the sun insignia emblazoned upon the doors, the same one on your forehead. Glancing at Bunny for moment he seemed to draw the same conclusion and look at you with concern.

Heaving a sign you lifted a hand to knock on the doors. She probably already knew you were here, but you steeled yourself and gathered up the might to be the most polite brown-noseiest suck up ever.

You couldn't believe you were doing this.

Welp. No turning back now.

Knocking you were practically shaking.

Please let this go smoothly.

For your poor heart.