Work Text:
Nobody knows what happened to him nor do they know where he went, all they know is that he is gone and he is not coming back.
Before Nightlight had made his choice to leave the Guardians, Katherine and the man in the moon, he said goodbye to each and every one of them.
=====================================================================
North
Nightlight admired North as a tall one. He was brave, creative, funny and Nightlight would even say jolly. Nightlight knew that he would miss North and the feeling of cheerfulness he brought with him. But as much as it hurt to say goodbye, Nightlight had made up his mind; it was time to live out his dream.
The goodbye was short lived but it was still happy and more so about a new start than saying goodbye to one another. North had wished the boy good luck on his journey and gave him a strong pat on the back instead of a hug. ‘If only it would be this easy with everyone else’ Nightlight thought. Nightlight asked North to keep an eye on Katherine and to keep her safe, North of course, had agreed. They both loved Katherine. Nightlight had also told North about his recently created nickname he had given to the Man in the Moon, Manny. North had laughed, one of his full, loud laughs. Nightlight stored the memory of the laugh in his mind, knowing that was the last time he would ever hear it.
Sandman
The Sandman was next or what they all called him, Sandy. Nightlight and Sandy were very similar in many ways, both never talking, and both working with dreams. They never needed to speak or question one another because their thoughts were almost always the same.
Just like all other interactions between the two, no words needed to be spoken. Sandy knew the reason for Nightlight's sudden need to leave and he had a pretty good idea of where he was headed. Sandy knew what Nightlight would say to him if he were willing to break the silence between them. He would say something like, ‘thanks for the dream’ and ‘don't tell them where I'm going.’ But instead of saying anything Nightlight remained silent, a sad small smile on his face.
This was Sandy’s secret to keep now, he knew that and he would keep it for however long is needed. He doesn't know if or when Nightlight will ever return, he doesn't even know if it's a possibility after Nightlight accomplishes his goal. But until then Sandy will protect his secret with all of the others.
Sandy embraced Nightlight into a silent hug, expressing all of his unspoken words and promises through the tightness in which he was holding Nightlight in. Nightlight could feel that Sandy would keep his secrets for him and he was beyond thankful for the promise.
Nightlight slowly pulled away from the tight embrace and while doing so, poured the rest of his dream powers into Sandy.
“Take good care of them Sandy, hopefully one day they'll come in handy.” Nightlight chuckled lightly at his own rhyme. Sandy was astonished when Nightlight had pulled away enough to see what had become of the once celestial boy. The new power coursing through his veins and the sight he was faced with surprised him more than he knew anything could.
In front of him Nightlight was no longer glowing nor was there a glow surrounding him but was instead pale, and the once shimmering white hair had turned to a dark brown. When Nightlight had spoken to him his voice had lost the smooth and dark tones of a celestial being and had been replaced with the squeaky tones of a teenager. Nightlight was human! Nightlight had given his powers along with his immortal life to Sandy.
The once strong and brave celestial child was now a thin, weak teenage boy in armour.
Sandy laughed at the new but old boy and friend standing in front of him. His first laugh, but he just couldn’t help himself. Nightlight had lost his glow, sure, but he was glowing. Glowing with the look of a dream finally coming true.
Nightlight laughed with him, looking into one of the moon ponds to see his reflection. He was amazed by how human he looked, but he loved the new look. However, Nightlight had a feeling he was going to have to ditch the armour.
Nightlight waved and said his final goodbye to the Sandman and went on his way to the next person. Sandy watched the boy leave, noting how he was walking on the moon now, instead of flying to his next destination. A smile creeped up the dreamer's face.
Toothiana
Nightlight didn't know Toothiana all that well, but he said goodbye to her all the same. There were no words to be exchanged between the boy and fairy so instead they settled on a nod. A sign of respect for one another
Toothiana even though she nodded, had other plans. She jumped forward and grabbed Nightlight by the wrist, twisting it so that he would be forced closer, and grabbed the tweezers from somewhere between her feathers. Carefully she pulled out one of Nightlight's teeth and then stepped back as if she hadn't just done something crazy. To say the least, Nightlight was dumbfounded.
“Sorry,” Toothiana half-shouted as she realized the rudeness of her actions. She tried to explain her purpose, “but I just had to get one of your teeth before you left.” Nightlight continued to stare at her but no longer in shock, just really really confused. “Why?” he asked, his face changing to skepticism. “Because Nightlight,”she started like it was an obvious answer, “all teeth hold memories of the person they once belonged to, and yours,” she waved a pouch that the tooth had been quickly stored into in front of him and then pointing at him with her left wing finished, “holds some of the most important memories that a person can have.” Nightlight seemed to understand at that point because he pulled Toothiana in a hug.
“Your right, Tooth.” he whispered into her ear, “Take care of them for me, they might come in handy someday.” Toothiana wrapped her arms around Nightlight at the new nickname she would be sure stuck forevermore. It was then Tooth realized that the glow from Nightlight was no longer there, and the white hair that should be resting on her shoulder was brown.
“Nightlight!?” Tooth pulled back as soon as she came to a conclusion. “Your hair is brown!” Nightlight looked at her confused and then a small smile spread across his lips, a smile of pure joy. “Oh yeah, I gave away my dreamsand powers.” Tooth was stunned, he did what? But then it occurred to her, he was saying goodbye, they had just fought Pitch for the last time, and Nightlight no longer had his dream powers; Nightlight was leaving them permanently, this wasn't going to be a few year thing like she had thought.
“Oh” Tooth said quietly, “Do you have a name in mind then, I doubt Nightlight is a normal human thing.”
Nightlight froze at the comment, even though Tooth had meant it as a joke it reminded Nightlight of the one name he had heard in his dreams, Jack. Tooth didn't know what Nightlight was thinking about until he responded to her with an even larger smile. “Yeah,” he said, “I think I do.”
Tooth smiled at him, a knowing motherly smile that showed she understood that this was his secret. “Goodbye, Nightlight.”
“Goodbye Tooth, make sure to remember me.” Tooth chuckled quietly to herself as Nightlight strolled away, how could she even dream of forgetting him?
E. Aster Bunnymund
Much like with Tooth, Nightlight didn't know or talk to Bunnymund much. But strangely enough, Bunnymund was waiting for him with a small box in his hands. “There um, for the road. I know we didn't know each other that much but ya have a deep connection with all the folks here so this is for you.”
Nightlight looked down at the box outstretched towards him. “Thanks Bunnymund. I'll enjoy these.” Nightlight smiled at the large rabbit in front of him. “But maybe in the future it would be better to put them in a basket, ya know. That way everyone can see the beautiful gift you're giving.”
Bunnymund pondered Nightlight's reasoning and the idea of giving gifts like this again, it sounded pretty good to him. “I'll keep that in mind. So about your physical appearance…” “Yeah apparently it's a big deal to turn human around here. Even though I'm not actually human yet.” Bunnymund was confused now, the boy was human but he wasn’t. “What do ya mean by that/” “Well if i were human I wouldn't be able to be on the moon, silly. But it will wear off soon so I have to say goodbye to all the others before it does.” Of course, that made sense to Bunnymund. The rabbit nodded at the boy knowing that this was their goodbye. There was nothing left to say and Nightlight had others to get to.
Katherine
This was perhaps the hardest goodbye Nightlight ever had to say. It wasn't much of a goodbye, more of a I hope I'll see you again even though they both knew that won't happen.
Katherine was waiting for him when he showed up at her bedroom door. The one where he had given her flowers and confessed how much he loved her. She didn't even question his new looks. All she did was pull him into a tight embrace and closed the door behind them. “I don't want you to go.” She mumbled into Nightlight's shoulder. “I know,” He responded, “but I have to, for me.”
“You don't do things for yourself normally” Katherine said while pulling away from the embrace just enough to look him in the eye. “ I know, but that's why I have to go.” He touched their foreheads together and whispered. “I didn't choose any part of my life, Kat. The only part I chose was you. And I hate more than anything that to get the life I need I have to leave you behind.”
Katherine started crying then. She knew how bad Nightlight didn't want this life, he had told her before but now that he was actually leaving. She wanted to be selfish. Wanted to prevent him from going anywhere. But she knew better than that. This was Nightlight's story. And she was no longer a part of it. He was beginning a new chapter, maybe even a new book.
“I know there's no stopping you from leaving, and I wouldn't want to stop you,” she quickly reassured by placing her hand on his cheek and lifting his face to meet hers again when Nightlight looked down, “but can I ask that you spend a final hour with me, just cuddling on the bed like we always do?”
“That…”Nightlight said with another one of those sad but genuine smiles, “I can grant you.”
=====================================================================
Nearly forty minutes later Katherine and Nightlight were still laying side by side, their fingers intertwined when Katherines soft voice broke the silence. “Can I ask you something?” “Of course.” Nightlight responded immediately, looking up at her from where his head laid on her shoulder. “What do you want your name to be, when you're fully human?” Nightlight had told her about the day's events and all the goodbyes that took place between him and their friends but he wasn't expecting to hear this question.
“I'll tell you,” He said, deciding that he wanted one person to know his new name. “But you have to promise me something first.”
“Yes, what is it?” Katherine looked into Nightlights eyes, what could he want her to promise. “Don't tell anyone my new name. I’m trying to leave this life behind but I need you to know just don't tell any of the others, and don't try to come find me.” Katherine was speechless, she didn't want to go finding him after he left. She knew it was better not to, but she found it strange he didn't want the others to know his new name. But then again, would the others go looking for him in a new time of need? Probably.
“Yes I promise, no one will know and I won't come searching for you.” Katherine felt Nightlight's body relax as he let out a deep breath. “Okay so do you remember the first day we kissed?” “Yes of course” How could she forget that day? “Do you remember when I asked you about the name Jackson?” ‘Oh. my. God. He had chosen a name that long ago!” “I do now! Is that what you're going to go by, Jackson?” Nightlight looked at her closer and was glad to see that even though she was surprised, she was smiling and clearly liked his voice. “Well not exactly, I think I'll go by Jack but Jackson will be my real name.” “That's wonderful, Jack,” Katherine tried out. It sounded strange calling Nightlight Jack but the look on his face told her that what she did was the right thing.
“I'm so glad you like it. I was kind of nervous about how the name would sound cause the only time I ever heard it was in a dream but it actually sounds really good and I'm so excited, Kat.” He rambled, slowing down just slightly at the end. It warmed Katherines heart to see how happy her boyfriend was about starting his next adventure. But it also broke it. She hoped he would never stop rambling when he was feeling his emotions deeply.
These were her last minutes with him and she still wasn't ready to say goodbye yet.
Removing her arms from around Nightlight she sat up on the bed. Nightlight followed suit. Unlike their first kiss, when their lips met in the middle they knew what they were doing. They had practice from the times they had kissed over the last few weeks and this kiss felt the same as all the others but so much different. Every press of their lips was a ‘goodbye’ or a ‘I love you’ every emotion and feeling that they couldn't speak of was put into the soft but passionate kiss they shared.
When they finally broke apart after a few minutes, they just sat there with their forehead pressed together and hands on each other's waist. This was their last moment together and Katherine had to say something. “Thank you for being a part in my story, Nightlight and Jack” Nightlight looked her deep in the eyes then, the look he used to watch dreams, the one that held his love. “Thank you for being a part of mine, Katherine.”
No more words were said after that, a goodbye seemed like too much to put onto the hearts of the young lovers. So instead they held each other close for a moment longer before Nightlight had one last person to see.
The Man in the Moon
Manny knew what was coming. He knew it would come sooner or later. Nightlight was not like the other Night Lights before him. He wasn't just a star, he was also human. And just like other humans Nightlights time has come where he has to leave.
Manny was devastated if he was being honest. Nightlight was his protector. The reason he was alive and Pitch had been defeated. He didn't want to say goodbye to him because Nightlight was his favorite. Nightlight was his most favorite person and he’s not ready to see the boy go. But he knew it was time. So before the large doors opened in his observation room he had prepared a special surprise for his protector.
=====================================================================
The doors to the observation room spread out before him. He was saying goodbye to the last person on his list and then, he would start on his journey.
“Nightlight” Nightlight jumped slightly at the use of his name. Odd as it was he had grown accustomed to Jack in the short time that Katherine called him that. “I know that you would prefer I call you something else. So come sit. Tell me what you wish to say.” Manny didnt like being this formal but he needed to for the moment, he could get emotional later.
“Okay” Nightlight walked around the observation room until he reached the chair that Manny had instructed him to sit on. “Go on then, tell me what you wish to be called. I will know sooner or later. That's right, Nightlight had forgotten that Manny would still be able to watch him from above. “So you'll be watching me then, '' Nightlight asked, crossing his arms. “Yes I will, I just want to keep an eye on you. Returning a favor you could say.” Nightlight couldn't argue with that. “Alright then, my name is Jack.” “Ah, a wonderful decision” “Thanks…” Nightlight didn't know how to do this. For most of the time he has known Manny, he was a baby and Jack didn't speak.
“Of course, so this is your goodbye then right. Where do you think you'll head?” Jack thought for a second before realizing he already knew. “I think I'd like to try the new British colonies. Get a complete fresh start.” Manny liked this plan. According to E. ASter Bunnymund the new colonies would have an exciting future. “That sounds love;y. I don't know how to tell you how sad I am at your departure but we both know it anyway.” Jack nodded along. “But Jack, I did have something for you.” that grabbed Jack's attention what could the man in the moon possibly want to give him. Many pulled out a large wooden staff from under the table and set it into Jack's open palms. “It's a magical staff forged from an ancient willow tree. It will be your guide, friend, and protector while you are human.” Jack opened his mouth to say something when Manny cut him off. “Yes, I am aware that you are hoping to have no use for magic or powers anymore Jack, which is why it will only be magical if you tell it to be so. Otherwise, it is just a normal shepherd's staff.”
Jack was dumbstruck. This was an extraordinary gift. He gripped onto it tight, familiarizing himself with the way the wood feels in his grip. “Thank you, Manny. I promise to treasure this gift and use it as needed.” “I know Jack you will Jack.” Manny said standing up, Jack doing the same. “Now go on, it is time for you to start your journey.” Jack nodded up at the man who was once a baby he protected and a s he turned around to leave for his trip to the British colonies, he heard Manny whisper, “Goodbye old friend” as the doors shut behind him.
=====================================================================
Nobody has seen Nightlight since that day but nobody forgets him or what he did. And every Christmas they all get together to celebrate him and the battle that they won (not Jesus like the rest of the world thinks, they haven't even met the guy). Katherine remembers her last days with Nightlight and she always reminds herself of the name he chose, hoping that maybe one day she would hear it again. But of course, nobody has seen him since. When you're human you die after a time. And much time has passed since then so they all assume that he is long dead.
But none forget. And if one time North almost calls Jack Frost Nightlight because of the way he looks without thinking, everyone chooses to ignore it. The two boys look alike, sure, but Nightlight was someone they would never see again and someone Jack obviously was not.