Brightest {A RotG Fanfic}

Chapter 18 - The Hidden Haven

    Clara skidded on her rump along the stone floor as she exited the tunnel, stopping just a second after Jack. She had a wide smile plastered on her face. 

    Both males landed on their feet. Bunnymund hopped out onto the ground instead of lifting off like Jack did. 

    Clara witnessed him wince, and the big grey Pooka brought up a hand to his middle. 

    "Wait, Bunny, this is the Warren," Jack told him when he saw him come out. He helped Clara up on her feet. 

    "I know," he answered. "We have to stop here because this is quickest way to the nearest doorway to Nature's Sanctuary." 

    As soon as the grey Pooka spoke, three giant egg-shaped statues emerged from the greens. They were armless and covered with moss; Clara assumed their legs were probably the only things that were flexible about them. Their faces were carved into the expression of seriousness. When she looked closer, she can see two other faces that these eggs can show if they rotated their head around. 

    "Where are the chicks?" Clara asked. 

    The Guardian of Fun laughed so hard, he levitated and rolled in mid-air. The statues didn't react as much. 

    Bunny looked at her with his wide eyes. One of them twitched. "Did you just ask... what I think you just asked?" 

    Clara grinned. 

    The Pooka spluttered. "That's rubbish! Who told you that?" 

    Clara turned away with her hands clasped behind her back. She heard Jack chuckle. "No one did. Just an assumption since I watched an old film where you have baby chicks as helpers." 

    Clara heard Bunny make a choking noise. 

    She took in the scenery. The place was predominantly green, yet she can see every flower of every colour around them. She heard the sounds of running water nearby, like a river. The high ceiling of the oasis was made of dirt, yet it glowed like the sun. The place smelled like a confectionary, the scent of chocolate teased her senses. 

    Magic again, Clara thought to herself with a grin.  

    "So basically, we're looking for a door." Clara said. 

    "Sort of like that," Bunny replied. 

    "What does it look like?" 

    Bunny scratched his ear with his foot. "An oak tree." 

    "How many oaks are here? Let alone underground?" Clara wondered out loud. 

    "There's just one. In fact, Clara, if you look a bit to your right..." 

    Clara looked at Bunny, and then to the gigantic tree right in the middle of the underground meadow. She glimpsed Jack circling around it in the air. It stood as tall as two Pitch Blacks by height.  

    The grass under them crunched as she and Bunnymund went closer to it. The oak's roots were as thick as Clara was wide. The tree smelled like nuts. The Winter Spirit landed right next to them under the canopy. 

    "I suppose there's no doorknob. How are we supposed to go in?" Clara asked. 

    "Like this," Jack replied, touching the nearest root. 

    Clara watched his palm glow like his snowflakes. She gasped as she watched; the enormous trunk swayed and twisted in response to the Guardian's touch. They heard the earth crackle and rumble beneath their feet. Bunnymund pulled Clara back just as Jack jumped off from the oak.