Yay! Finally! Chapter 8 is done XD

That editing took forever!...Partly from me being lazy, yes, but it also just didn't really want to work for me.

Ok, so this chapter, I'm finally going to properly introduce my OC characters...I was worried about putting in OCs, but I rather like them so far...I hope everyone finds them ok to...

Certain parts of this were reeeeaally fun to write! Other parts...not so much...but what's new there? ^_^'

Ok, I hope you enjoy Chapter 8...cheesy title as it may have ;P

Disclaimer: I do not own Rise of the Guardians or any of its characters. However, the characters Karma, Luck and the nightmare cat belong to me, please no pinchy.

Chapter 8: Sweet & Sour

Pitch's steps echoed his irritation. The distance in which he'd been pacing back and forward was barely a few steps in each direction, but his movements were starting to wear into the ground.

The furious yellow eyes turned back to the break in the surface, where he could barely see any sunlight left.

A couple of nightmares stood close by, barely daring to make a sound; when their master was silent like this, it was plain foolishness to draw his attention for any reason.

A sound finally came to the rescue, drawing their attention to the surface, and Pitch's was quick to follow. It came again, a loud whinny, just before a large, black mass came flying into the cavern.

The nightmare flew overhead as it searched for a safe landing spot. It has to settle for an out hanging ledge, galloping to a stop as it landed hard.

The sand buzzing around its back flew away to reform the second nightmare, and revealed Jack in the process.

The boy's eyes opened blearily, slowly taking note that the ride was over. With a heave, he lifted himself up.

There were bits of snow upon his jacket and in his hair. After he'd blacked out, the nightmares had been forced to stop in a colder region, fearing his health might've been in real danger.

"You're late Jack…" Pitch shifted through the shadows to the creature's side, his voice almost lethal, "…what did I tell you before…"

But the nightmare king didn't get his words out; Jack suddenly jumped down from the nightmare, and raced past him, ignoring the angry command to stop.

"What happened…?" Pitch hissed to the lead nightmare, his eyes not moving from the corner Jack disappeared around.

The nightmare neighed and grunted quietly to its master, until Pitch's expression changed, at first to shocked fury, but then more to curiosity.

He glanced back in Jacks direction, raising an eyebrow slightly.

Jack stumbled around as he raced back through the cavern.

He'd barely been aware of anything on the trip back, except the knowledge that they'd stopped somewhere covered in snow. It had driven him from unconsciousness, but he still really only had enough energy to stay awake…barely enough to be running around like this.

It was making his head spin, and it didn't take long before he had to halt and lean over the edge to spill his guts out.

Even more drained now, he was grateful at least that his little cell was just around the corner. He stormed in, dropped his staff, and punched his pillow.

Ignoring the fact that he was using up his already dwindled energy, he kept hitting the make shift punching bag, until his arms gave up and he collapsed on the bed.

For stress release or as a comfort, it seemed like the pillow had become his best friend, as he now hugged it tightly, burying his face in it as tears wracked his body.

Why? Why did his one day of freedom have to be spoiled!?

Yes he'd wanted more than anything to see his friends, but under such circumstances? Bunny must've hated him enough already, but now…

"I'm sorry…I'm sorry…I'm sorry…" He whimpered into the pillow, curling up tightly.

So wrapped up in his emotions, he didn't notice as Pitch stepped out of the shadows.

The nightmare king stood over the boy, watching him intently.

At his feet was the nightmare cat. It was carrying the bloated satchel, which Pitch practically snatched up.

He pulled the draw string open, read to pour the contents over the boy, when Jack gave a particularly sharp whimper.

His eyes trailed over the boys shaking form, his ears catching every pained sound.

"I'm sor…I'm sorry…Bun…"

The winter spirit was somewhere between consciousness and sleep already; not out cold, but not exactly aware of his surroundings.

With a level of caution, Pitch lowered his hand to trail his fingers through the snow white hair, and then down the back of the boys neck.

His trembling…the trickle of fearful sweat…the cocktail of clashing emotions washing off him…

…the way it all heightened at the lightest touch from the nightmare king.

Oh…it was just too much!

"No…this is enough," He spoke as lightly as the pleased smile that spread over his face.

He placed the bag down, and sat on the edge of the bed. He let his fingers trail over Jacks arm, and felt the fear and rage soak straight into him, sending a pleasant shiver over the nightmare king.

Oh yes, this was more than enough!

Unlike the last few weeks, the workshop was anything but peaceful. The usually efficient Yetis found themselves frequently colliding or arguing with each other, tripping over elves, or just plain unsatisfied with their own work.

Being so backed up didn't fall entirely upon their shoulders. The pole required everyone to be in sync with each other to get everything done and ready, and when even one part was out of place…say, their "main gear" for instance…things had a habit of falling out of place bit by bit.

North had barely left his private work room the last few days, and when he did, it was in some rage filled fit that echoed throughout the hallways, sent elves running, and made the yetis keep their heads down.

There'd been no word from the other guardians since the argument with Bunnymund, who was completely out of reach thanks to some promptly placed seals that stopped even the snow globes from allowing entrance to the warren.

North had tried to get the stubborn Pooka out of his mind so he could focus on his own work, but stressing about his friends was costing him his creativity, and no ice sculpture would come out how he wanted.

"Aii…" He groaned, tossing yet another failed design over his shoulder, and resting his face on his fist.

He heard the ice shatter against the wall, and contemplated ignoring the knock upon the door that followed.

"WHAT!?" He bellowed, barely turning.

A yeti stumbled in, almost slipping on the ice littered floor.

"What, what? I am working!" Norths patience hadn't been holding well lately…

The yeti quickly rambled out its message, though somehow clearly enough that it caught Norths attention.

"What…?" He repeated, this time more urgent than angry.

The Yeti repeated at a calm pace this time, and North allowed him just long enough to finish, before he was on his feet, and quickly strode out of the room.

The yeti caught up to guide him through the workshop, until they reached a quiet, sitting area.

North had to resist rubbing his eyes. He almost couldn't believe it, but after a moment, composed himself enough to dismiss his worker.

Without question, the yeti left his boss alone with their visitor. North approached the large open window, where Bunnymund leant against the wooden side, staring out like he was contemplating jumping for it.

As North came up to stand beside him, he gave a quick glance to acknowledge the other guardians presence, but otherwise he seemed hesitant to act.

North didn't press; he could see what he'd known would eventually show itself…

…Bunnymunds humility.

"The man in the moon…he put too much faith in me…" Aster finally sighed.

North's eyebrows bent, but before he could say anything, he noticed a long roll of parchment in the pookas paw.

"You pointed out that I helped design this planet, and so I should know it best. I told you that I don't know every last inch of it, and the truth is that I don't…"

He suddenly turned to the guardian of wonder.

"But I suppose perhaps, I underestimated my memory too much…"

He handed over the parchment, which North silently unrolled. He scanned over it quickly, before looking back to his fellow guardian.

Asters ears lowered, but when his gaze tried to follow, he forced it up.

"When I said I didn't know where Jack was, I didn't…" He stopped for a second, a visible swallow of his pride showed him correcting his own words, "…I didn't, ENTIRELY lie. The place we saw looked…somewhat familiar, but I honestly couldn't have told ya where it was, not even when you dragged me back here for answers."

He gave himself a quick break to glance away and breathe, before looking back.

"I didn't…want…to think about it, but anytime I did, it rang some bell in my brain louder and louder."

North looked back to the parchment, but seeing the hope rising in his eyes, Bunny quickly continued.

"I don't know for sure if that's it. I went through all the places I thought it could be, and this seemed the best bet."

The guardian of wonder took note of how red Bunnymunds eyes were. How long had he spent staring over maps to find this?

"Do you believe it is the right one?" He asked calm but serious.

Bunnymund stood straighter, his ears finding enough strength to stand up halfway.

"I'm more certain of it than anywhere else."

"Then that is good enough," North rolled the map back up.

He moved closer and gripped Bunnymunds shoulder until the Pookan looked up at him. Words weren't needed between the old friends; Understanding and forgiveness passed between them without any aid.

"Let us go!" North cheered, patting Aster just a bit hard on the shoulder, and turned towards the inside.

"Wait," Aster spoke as he rubbed his shoulder, "Get the others here first. I gotta talk to Sandy as well."

"We pick them up on the way…" North began, but frowned as he looked back to his friend.

Bunnymund looked exhausted, and with a good possibility that Pitch might be waiting for them…

"…I will call them," He replied, "Go and rest my friend."

"Huh?" Bunny's expression was like he hadn't thought his weariness so obvious, "…I'm good mate."

" E. Aster Bunnymund," North spoke more firmly, "Go and rest, two hours, so you will be ready when I throw your cotton tail in sleigh!"

Aster looked ready to groan at the thought of the guardian's beloved contraption, but a frown from North made him swallow it.

"Alright…thanks mate," He sighed, and moved past.

However, he found his body paused before he got far…

…should he tell him? He didn't want to, and he wasn't entirely sure it was a good idea…but…

"…I saw him."

North raised an eyebrow, thinking the words over, but not catching on.

"Who?"

"The frostbite…wherever he's been hiding, he decided to come out for a while…"

Two large hands grabbed him by the arms, and pulled him around.

"When and where was this!?" North's face was right in front of his.

"Two days ago…" Bunny spat out from surprise, "…well, the evening before yesterday…in Burgess. He was at the lake."

"Did you try to stop him!?"

Bunnymund suddenly grunted, his face scrunching up as the grip on his arms sent a jolt through his shoulder.

North took note of his discomfort, and released him.

"I tried mate!" Bunny pushed his arms away, "I tried to go speak to him, but then a group of nightmares swarmed in out of nowhere, and when they saw me, they actually…defended him."

The two guardians shared the confused expression.

"He definitely wasn't happy to see them, but he…he seemed afraid of me. He refused to answer me, but he also wouldn't fight back like the nightmares were. He just took off with them, and when I tried to follow, he even used his powers to stop me…I mean, he didn't hurt me, just blinded me to their getaway."

North stroked his beard a little, but even he seemed unsure about their friend's behaviour.

Rather wishing he hadn't said anything, Bunny turned to go, when North suddenly took his arm.

"Bunny, is your shoulder STILL bad?"

Bunnymund wasn't quick enough to cover up his reaction.

"I think it is time we…" North began.

"Not gonna happen mate…" Bunnymund warned, pulling his arm away.

"Are we going to argue over this again?" North groaned.

"No, because as I said, it's not gonna happen!"

"After all this time, your shoulder is still injured. I think there is more than some bruise to it."

"It took a bloody good whack when I got it, it's not that surprising."

"Bunny…"

It's fine. You're not looking at it."

"Why not?"

"Because you're just looking for some excuse to shave my fur!" Bunnymund accused, "I'm gonna lay down."

He hopped away, leaving North in a rather hilarious state of disbelief.

"THAT is what you are worried about!?"

What a terrible sleep. Jack's head ached and felt almost too heavy to lift. It was the last thing to raise as he sat up, his stomach churning at the movement.

Weird…he didn't remember having any nightmares, only a constant sense of dread…

…a very malevolent dread, that had crept all over his skin.

He sighed heavily, wrapping his arms around his stomach.

"Home sweet home…" He mumbled, glancing around the room;

Dull, lifeless, and just too damn warm!

Already he missed the fresh air, but after what happened, it wasn't likely he'd ever get to go out again.

'Maybe it was a mistake…'

Maybe he should never have gone out; that taste of freedom just somehow made things feel worse than they were.

He drew a short breath when he felt the presence of another, and expected to see the nightmare king as he looked up.

However, the one who stepped out into view was his own height...a tad shorter actually…and hardly posed as some intimidating figure.

"Hey…" He felt a glad smile cross his face as the young girl moved closer to him.

Her short, dark blue hair hung gently around her face, whilst her unique coloured eyes…usually so void of emotion…were soft and almost excited.

"Thanks for the lunches lately," Jack nodded to the tray in her hands, "It's starting to feel like I actually have something in my stomach."

The way he patted his stomach earned a light chuckle from the girl, but her look turned apologetic as she placed the tray on the bench.

"Oh but of course, we're ordering off the Pitch menu today…" Jack frowned as he saw the small bowl of soup, a bread roll and a glass of water.

He quickly reprimanded himself though as he saw guilt building on her face. He offered a grateful smile to her as she sat beside him.

"Oh don't worry, it's a good thing. The stomach's not in an agreeable mood right now. I'd hate to throw up one of your meals."

Her smile returned, and he could even see a laugh in her eyes.

They really were different; Dark blue like her hair, but with a shimmering gold around the pupils. He wouldn't call himself obsessed or anything silly, but he did love looking at them.

She glanced around the room silently, before reaching into her jacket and pulling out a comic book and a chocolate bar.

"Ha!" Jack was surprised as he was handed them, " A complimentary side dish from your menu…"

He grinned at her, and she chuckled again, tilting her head.

The smile on Jacks own face disappeared instantly.

"Karma?"

She realised her mistake, and turned her face away, but Jack didn't allow it. He took her shoulders and brushed her hair aside.

A nasty mash of black and blue curled around her eye, and when he accidently grazed his finger over it, she flinched sharply.

A fire began to burn in Jacks stomach, and it showed on his face.

"He did this…didn't he?"

Karma shifted as if to argue, but Jack was already on his feet and grabbing his staff. He ignored his own pounding head as he made for the exit, but Karma jumped up and wrapped her arms around him from behind, holding him back.

"Let go! He can't be allowed to…!" Jack growled quietly.

But Karma slid her hand up to his shoulder, not touching where she knew it would hurt, just resting her fingers on the edge.

Jack was still fuming, but the reminder was enough to make him stop pulling. Loath it as he might, he couldn't do anything that wouldn't get them ALL in more trouble…

'Not yet I can't…'

He forced himself to breathe in as deeply as he could manage, before blowing out hard.

"…why did he do it? What for?" He whispered.

"For getting her butt caught!"

They turned swiftly to see a black cat sitting upon Jacks pillow. It meowed quietly, but then hissed.

Jack could only roll his eyes, but then glared at the cat as he moved back towards the bed.

"Wanna be a bit more specific?" He glowered at the feline.

"She went out to do her job, and got seen doing it. That dumbed down enough for ya frosty?"

Jack whipped his head around. Walking along the end of the bed was another black cat, rather different in appearance. For one thing, its eyes were green and gold, and when it looked back to the winter spirit, its mouth split into a snide grin at the confusion shown it.

"What? Get lost there somewhere?"

"Oh no, the opposite actually," Jacks casual sarcasm took over as he stood straight, "I thought that one looked way too cute to be you. Guess I was right."

The second cat snarled, and suddenly flipped off the edge of the bed. As it did so, its form changed and grew to that of a young boy, just smaller than Karma.

His hair instead was a straw blonde, and though green instead of blue, he had the same strange eyes. Well, at least the style was the same…but the harsh rejection that flared at Jack made them seem completely different.

"So, who's this?" Jack indicated to the first cat, although now he could perfectly see WHAT it was.

The boy held his arm out, and the nightmare cat ran over the bed, up his arm, and curled around his shoulders.

"A gift from Pitch," He grinned as he petted the cat, "he said I could hold onto it."

"Well at least he's getting more creative," Jack rolled his eyes again, "The horses were starting to get boring…"

The cat gave a low, unfriendly growl. Jack raised an eyebrow, before dismissing it.

"So how long was I out anyway?"

"Heh…since the night before yesterday. Poor Karma was starting to worry you'd gone into hibernation or something…" The boy mocked.

Karma hardly reacted, though her expression altered just enough to show she was calling false on what he'd said.

"Do I look like a bear? I don't hibernate, not even in the summer," Jack rolled his eyes.

Well…not really anyway. His sleeping habits worked the same as his eating habits, in that he could go for ages without rest, and then he'd sleep for days before he was ready to get back to it.

Still, the guardian of fun hardly enjoyed spending his time sleeping! The very longest he could remember sleeping for was just under two weeks one time, when he'd got caught in the summer heat. After he'd woken, he'd had so much energy that he'd literally been bouncing off the walls of the cave he'd sought refuge in.

'Not exactly my most dignified memory…'

"Yeah? Maybe you should get some more sleep…looks like you could use it," The boy taunted again.

Karma muttered something, but it was too quiet.

"I'm, perfectly, fine," Jack answered firmly, and no one missed the warning in his tone.

Not even the nightmare cat apparently, which hissed sharply again. Jack glared at the creation, before jumping forward and barking wildly like a dog. The cat snarled, swiping with its claws, and jumped back to the ground.

"Back off frosty!" The boy now stepped forward furiously.

"Could say the same to you, Blacky Jr.!" Jack glared right back at him.

He caught Karma flinch out the corner of his eye, but didn't show the guilt that bit him hard in the stomach.

Now it was the boy who hissed, his eyes changing to that of a cats.

"You think I'm a brown noser? Heh, well better that, than a Nightmare prince!"

"Luck!"

He turned at the hand that gripped his shoulder. Karma was now beside him, a firm glare in her eyes.

He seemed even more offended than he'd been at the nickname, and soon pulled away.

"Fine! I'll leave you two to your mushy time!" He growled, and stormed out of the room.

Karma's gaze followed him out, but then she looked back to Jack, who despite feeling horrified and furious at what he'd been called, now couldn't hide his guilt.

"Sorry…that was wrong of me…"

He wasn't so stubborn that he couldn't admit when he'd been the one to cross the line…Luck had just jumped over after him.

The crease of firmness disappeared from Karmas face, and now she looked more concerned. Jack just gave her an awkward smile and nodded towards the entrance.

"I'm fine. Go after him…I threw the first punch, so I asked for it."

Karmas mouth twitched like on the verge of a weak smile; she knew he was right after all, but she still felt bad.

She ran out, leaving Jack to resume his place on his bed.

"One who keeps to herself, or her brother that always finds a reason to be ticked off…and yet they're the best company in this place. Great job chasing them off Frost!"

He groaned and rested his head against his knees. Oh what he wouldn't give to be in almost any other situation right now! Heck, he'd take another booming lecture from North, even like the one he'd received when he'd accidently broken Norths hand made snow cone machine, and gotten syrup all over the pole's kitchen.

Still, it was definitely nice having the occasional visit from someone besides nightmares and their creator.

The nightmare cat meowed quietly, running beside Luck, easily dodging his feet.

"Luck, stop."

He ignored the call, responding only when he felt a hand grab his arm.

"What is with you!?" He shouted around at Karma, "Every…single…time! You always take HIS side!"

"You know otherwise," Karma replied almost robotically.

That seemed to annoy Luck more, and he yanked his arm free.

"I KNOW that you're obsessed with Frosty, even if he doesn't. When exactly did that happen ha? Because I don't remember him being part of the package when we signed up to this!"

"Nor do I recall signing up to hear someone scream almost every night," Karma answered, turning away.

Luck stiffened sharply, the peak of his anger dropping…

"You know I didn't…" he began, before he grunted and shrugged it off, "…I…have to go check on the nightmares," He waved over his shoulder, and left Karma standing upon the narrow bridge of rock over the chasm.

When he got back to the Cliffside, his fists clenched, and he bit his lip, before looking back around.

"You're just lucky I was there to stop that damn rabbit from catching you! Be more careful next time will ya!?"

He ran off, face flushed. Karma tilted her head a bit, but her eyes turned sad, a mere whisper granted freedom from her lips…

"I've got your back to…little brother."

"Are you sure you're ok?"

"I'm fine."

"You really don't look…"

"Tooth, I'm in this bloody contraption again. This is as fine as I'm getting until we arrive."

Tooth gave a sorry smile, and patted Bunnymunds shoulder as North prepared the sleigh for take-off.

"So dramatic Bunny," The guardian of wonder laughed, "You should come for more rides…get the feel of flying."

"I like the feeling of my feet planted on solid ground mate," Bunny grumbled, "Let's get this over with."

Sandy chimed up, giving the others a moment to read his sand signs.

"I don't know if that thief has anything to do with Jack, but I don't think it can just be coincidence that they were stealing your sand, when Jack was hanging around the nightmares," Bunny replied.

"But, you said yourself that it didn't look like he actually wanted to be with the…" Tooth started.

"Ya know what I mean!"

"Alright! Hold onto stomach Bunny!"

The Pookan barely had time to grab hold of the side of the sleigh, before North gave a whip of the reigns, and the reindeers sprang into action.

The sleigh was hauled rapidly through the tunnel, earning a few cheers of excitement from Tooth and North, happy sounds from Sandy, and forced silence from Bunny. They finally exited the tunnel, and things relaxed slightly as they entered the air.

"Still ok Bunny?" Tooth asked warily.

"Perfect," Bunny slouched back in his seat, "But tell the driver to pull over, my stomach fell out of the sleigh."

A moment of surprise, and the others broke into laughter. Opening one eye, even the Pookan gave a dry smile at his own joke.

He just hoped it wouldn't be too long before they had their real joker back.

He pulled himself up to sit right as North swirled a snow globe around in his hand, gave it a simple direction, and threw it forward.

As the portal opened, Bunny recalled seeing Jack at the lake. The way he'd peered out from behind the nightmare guarding him, afraid to face the guardian, but not out of fear of his strength.

In those sapphire eyes, he now realised he'd seen exactly what he'd needed to see…

…longing, desperation, a plea from the winter spirit that couldn't be spoken, whatever it was, and why ever it remained silent.

The swirling portal of colour for once failed to deter the Pookan, his emerald gaze turning solid as they zoomed through the passage before them.

Done and dusted.

As always, sorry for any spelling and grammar mistakes.

Once again, not sure when the next chapter will be up...sorry for the long wait for this one, hope it was worth it.

Reviews are loved! Thanks for reading :D I'll update again asap!