Omg, I realize it's been months since I last updated. You have no idea how bad I feel for leaving you guys hanging. There's a longer note at the end of the chapter. However this chapter is done and ready! As I wrote the chapter things happened and well, the ending ended up completely different than what I had originally planned, but I like how it ended. Now I present you the 20th chapter!

Oh, and if the format's all weird it's because I had to use something other than Word. Mine stopped working so I had to use something else. Hopefully the format will be the same but just in case I'll apologize.

Disclaimer: Still don't own ROTG.

The air that surrounded Pitch was so thick that he was sure that a knife could cut through it. Waiting for the Guardians to appear was making him even more nervous. What would they do when they found out about Jamie? He couldn't get rid of the desperation he was feeling. He could feel it getting worse to the point where it was starting to suffocate him.

It was starting to take his breath away leaving him to feel cold. He was used to the cold. After all he was Jack Frost. His season was winter, his powers had to do with the cold, but this cold was different. It was one that left him feeling so helpless, lost, and terrified.

The cold had never bothered him in fact it was the opposite, he loved the cold. He still loved the cold but now he wanted nothing more than to get rid of the coldness. Now he was afraid of it. The coldness only seemed to bring him pain, loneliness, rejection, and hatred.

He was tired of it. He was even willing to give up his powers, anything to not be in pain anymore. To not be so afraid.

A strong breeze from the wind made him snap out of his thoughts. His mouth twitched up slightly at the wind's attempt to cheer him up. The wind hadn't forgotten him. Even after all the years the wind recognized him, and embraced him without hesitation. When he had been on the sleigh he had felt the wind for the first time after such a long time.

The wind ruffled through his hair in a comforting way. It was tugging at him in an almost urgent way. It felt like the wind was trying to get him away from Pitch. He lowered his eyes trying to ignore the wind. He knew what the wind was trying to do but there wasn't anything he could do. If he moved he risked setting Pitch off.

He could practically feel Pitch's anger. It was rolling off of him with such an intensity that it seemed to suffocate him. He was practically trembling, shaking like a leaf, in Pitch's hold. The arm that was around his neck kept loosening, and tightening. It felt like Pitch was refraining himself from strangling him. His hands that were tightly bound in front him shook.

Pitch's mouth was suddenly near his ear. "When they get here you're going to stay quiet. Don't make a single sound, and don't even think about moving, or escaping. If you even try what you just did back there you won't be the one paying the consequences. It'll be your little friend that's on the ground right now that'll suffer the consequences."

He stiffened. "And I don't think that you want that on your conscious. Now the only thing that you're going to do is stand there nice and quiet."

At that moment the wind sensed Pitch's threatening voice, and blew fiercely making Pitch stumble. Muttering a curse Pitch grabbed him roughly pulling him closer.

"If you don't stop the wind right now I'm going to make sure that Jamie doesn't get a single night without nightmares." Pitch growled.

Flinching he nodded. He raised his hands as much as he could trying to soothe the wind. "Wind, p-please s-s-s-stop-p. I k-know you're trying to help m-me."

For a moment he feared that the wind wasn't going to listen to him but to his relief it slowly died down. Just before it died down completely the wind seemed to wrap around him in an embrace that brought him a moment of peace but then it was gone leaving him feeling more lonely than before.

With the wind gone he was truly alone with Pitch. There was no escaping. He had risked it all with Jamie, and he had failed. His attempt had only resulted in Jamie getting hurt. The only thing left for him now was pain, and suffering. He tried to push away the images that were popping into his mind about what his punishment would be. He had gotten caught by the Guardians, made two believers, and then tried to escape.

"They're approaching." Pitch chuckled. "Time for the show to begin."

Sand crawled its way up to his mouth but he put no resistance as it wrapped itself around his mouth tightly. As sand made its way down to his leg and into his cast his eyes widened. A muffled whimper escaped from the sand as he watched the sand disappear into the cast.

"I almost forgot. One more thing." Pitch snapped his fingers letting go of his neck in the process.

His eyes widened in horror as he remembered what had happened the last he had snapped his fingers. He clamped his eyes shut as sand started wrapping around his neck. Seconds later the shape of a collar formed.

"Can't have Sandy trying the same thing, and if he does I have a way of making sure he can't take you again." Pitch purred. "And maybe I'll keep it for a while until you learn your lesson."

He took a shaky breath trying not to hyperventilate. The weight of the collar, and the way it hugged his neck made him feel like he was suffocating. He knew he was just imagining it but it felt like the collar seemed to be getting tighter, and tighter. He took another deep breath through his nose in an attempt to calm himself.

He managed to get his breathing to slow down but the more he waited the more anxious he got. Minutes passed by until he heard the sound of feet stepping on snow. His eyes flickered up as he scanned the area. Near the edge of the forest he could see the outlines of the Guardians. His breath caught in his throat as the silhouettes seemed to get clearer.

As he stared at them it finally dawned on him that these were the final moments he was going to be outside. After this he would go back with Pitch, and everything would be the same again. Nothing would change. It would be like nothing had ever happened.

He wasn't prepared to face the wrath of Pitch. He never truly was but he didn't have a choice. He never had a choice but just thinking about how close he had been to being free made him want to cry. He should have never gotten his hopes up so high. He had thought that he was done doing that.

He had allowed himself to have hope, and that was his worst mistake.

After his last attempt at escaping he hadn't allowed himself to have hope again. He had actually managed to get outside. He had actually believed that he had escaped.

Jack had managed to feel the wind, see the outside world after such a long time. He had stared around in wonder, and amazement before snapping out of his daze. The trees had blurred around him as he ran until he could no longer breathe. His legs had wobbled, and threatened to drop him. Leaning against a rock he tried to catch his breath.

Being out in the cold had made him feel alive again, and even if it had only been for a couple minutes he had felt what it was like to be free again. He had felt what it was like not to feel the overwhelming darkness suffocate him. Hope had bubbled up as nothing attacked him.

A deep feeling of sadness formed as he remembered how PItch had suddenly appeared in front of him. Nothing had compared to how crushed, and terrified he had felt at that moment. At that instance he had realized that he would never be able to escape Pitch. Not matter how far he ran or where he hid Pitch would always find him.

There was no escaping him.

He lowered his head letting his bangs hide his eyes. He wouldn't be able to stand the look of disappointment, disgust, and hatred that would be present in their eyes once they found out what had happened. What he had let Pitch do. He scrunched his eyes as the footsteps got louder, and louder until he could hear voices.

"Pitch!" North's voice rang through the air.

A hand curled around his hair before jerking his head backwards. His eyes opened as tears sprung in them as his hair was pulled. Blinking rapidly to get rid of the tears he cleared his vision. Standing only a couple of feet away from him were the Guardians. Standing behind them were the yetis, and the eggs he had seen in Bunny's lair.

"Jack!" North was looking him over. His eyes were full of horror as he scanned him over.

Swallowing thickly he looked away from his face. Instead he shyly looked them over. North had multiple scratches, and bruises around his body. His eyes flickered over to Sandy who looked tired but had no visible injuries. Next to him was Bunny who looked worse than the other two. He was also covered in bruises, and holding his injured arm close to his body. His mouth was covered, and smeared in blood. The more he stared at him the more aware he was of how he was keeping weight off of one foot.

Bunny was looking him over too. He scanned him from his feet up until he saw his neck. Bunny's eyes narrowed dangerously before snapping his eyes up to Pitch.

"What is that around his neck?!" Bunny's voice was low, and dangerous. There was a slight slur to his words but he still managed to make them come out sharp.

Pitch let out a soft cackle making him flinch. "Somebody got hit a little too hard on the head. Why don't we let Jack answer that one."

The gag around his mouth disappeared. His eyes widened in horror as everybody's eyes landed on him. After a couple of seconds of silence Pitch sighed.

"We're waiting." His head was shoved forward harshly. He opened his mouth only to close it. However Pitch's growl made him answer quickly.

"I-It's a-a c-collar." He stammered. Immediately he tried to lower his head in shame but Pitch grabbed his hair forcing his head up.

"Pitch, what did you do?" North's voice was strained.

"I think the question isn't what I did." Pitch's words made him freeze. "Everything's not just about Jack."

Bunny looked at Pitch with a confused expression. "What do you mean everything's not about Jack?"

Bunny's question made him swallow nervously. Pitch would tell them what had happened. What he had let Pitch do. They would no longer act nice to him. They would want him to suffer, to pay for what he had allowed Pitch to do.

"Aren't we a little curious?" Pitch's tone was slick. "Why don't we let Jack answer that one too?"

He stopped breathing for a second his breath catching in his throat as the Guardians focused their attention on him.

"Isn't it rude to ignore somebody?" There was a hint of amusement in Pitch's tone as his hand reached for his cheeks. Pitch's fingers dug into his cheeks making him wince. "Answer the question."

"I-I couldn't pr-protect Jamie." Each word was forced out of his mouth. Every word tore at him. "He-he got hu-hurt b-because of me. It's m-my fault."

The Guardians expressions slowly turned into one of horror at his words. Instinctively he tried to lower his head again but Pitch's hand tightened around his chin keeping it in place.

"Pitch you wouldn't dare." North's voice was full of shock as he looked straight at Pitch. North's eyes flickered down to him suddenly catching him by surprise. He looked away immediately but the quick glance he had gotten of North made him look back. His eyes weren't full of hate, disgust, or disappointment. No, instead they full of concern and sadness.

"Wouldn't what? Hurt a child?" Pitch mocked him. "It seems like it might be too late for that. A couple of decades too late if I may add."

The Guardians all seemed to wince at the last part. Bunny's eyes found his and to his surprise they softened. The look in his eyes brought him some comfort.

"I would be more concerned about the child who actually has an opportunity to continue living, and maybe even do something useful in the future." Pitch's tone was smooth as he spoke. "Jack, well I don't see him doing anything useful in the future."

Bunny glared at Pitch as he ruffled his hair violently before letting go of it. "Both of them are important."

North nodded in agreement, but Jack's eyes were on the yeti that had walked up to him. Not looking away from Pitch North leaned over and murmured something to the yeti. The yeti grumbled something back before turning around and motioning to another yeti. He watched as the yetis made their way to Jamie's house. A lump formed in his throat as he imagined the yetis finding Jamie's motionless body on the ground.

Pitch ignored the yetis and instead focused his attention on Bunny. "So you're telling me that if you had to choose between Jack, and Jamie you wouldn't know who to pick? I would think that the decision would be so easy. Why choose a child that has no chance?"

Pitch leaned his head down so his mouth was directly by his ear. He practically purred the words into his ear making him squirm. "It's not like anybody would miss him. In fact nobody would even notice if he disappeared. It would be like the first he went missing. Nobody noticed he went missing. In fact everybody was happy. Isn't that right Bunny? But that's not the point here. Nobody would care that he'd be gone."

The words stung. Pitch knew exactly what to say. Knew exactly how to hurt him, how to make him bleed. He knew that nobody had cared when he had gone missing but hearing it still hurt. He blinked rapidly as his eyes started stinging. As he tried to get the tears out of his eyes he realized that North was looking at him. His face was full of remorse.

"That's not true. This time there would be people that care. He wouldn't be alone he'd have us." North's words made him take a sharp breath.

He was only messing with him. There was no way that he could mean that. There just couldn't be any way that somebody would care for him. It wasn't true. At the end it would be a lie. It always was. It always was a lie a trick that ended with him being hurt. He would always be alone, and that was something that would never change.

Pitch pulled him closer snapping him out of his thoughts. His eyes widened, and he tensed as one of Pitch's hands went to his hair and ruffled it softly in an almost affectionate way.

"You're wrong there North. Jack was never alone. He had me. He always had me." Pitch's tone was soft.

He froze as Pitch's words registered in his mind. Pitch had always been there but that was because he was forced to be there with him. His eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. He expected Pitch's anger understood it, but this sudden kindness? It left his mind spinning. How was he supposed to react to it?

Bunny's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Don't you even try to manipulate him into thinking that you were by his side. We both know that's not the truth. You're only trying to twist his mind into thinking that he should be your side."

Instead of responding Pitch draped his arm across his shoulder bringing him closer. He turned his head to look at Pitch before looking down quickly. Jack's eyes widened in surprise, and confusion. The wind sensed his growing discomfort, and tried to help him again.

Without warning the wind picked up fiercely howling, and lifting up snow that was on the ground. The Guardians raised their arms in an attempt to shield their faces from the wind. As he watched their reactions more panic formed. Pitch had already told him to calm the wind down.

Pitch squeezed his shoulder softly. "Go ahead and tell the wind to calm down."

There was no anger in Pitch's voice as he spoke. Wasn't he mad? He had already told him once to calm the wind down, and Pitch never liked to repeat himself. As Pitch tightened his hold on his shoulder he hesitantly opened his mouth to speak.

"W-wind, I'm o-okay. I-It's okay." He whispered.

As the wind died down Pitch spoke again. "You're stressing him out. The poor thing has been through a lot recently."

This time it was Sandy who reacted. His warm kind eyes flashed dangerously. Symbols, and signs appeared above his head disappearing as fast they appeared. He tilted his head slightly to the side in confusion. He didn't understand what the symbols meant but it was clear that he was furious. Pitch didn't seem to understand him either, and if he did he ignored him.

"Looks like somebody blew a fuse. As amusing as this is I say that this has been dragged on for too long. We have important things to do, and places to be. Jack just wanted to say goodbye to you guys." Pitch glanced down at him for a moment. "Now would be a good time to say something touching. After all this is the last time you'll see each other."

North took a step forward. "We're not going to let you take Jack, and harm him."

Pitch let out a chuckle. "It almost feels like you've said that before. Oh, wait. I remember now. You said the exact same thing so many times I've lost count. I do however remember that you've failed to keep your word every single time. I'm starting to think that you're not a very good guardian."

His words made North's eyes narrow dangerously, and for the first time Jack got a glimpse of a different North. He seemed to transform before his eyes. He no longer was the gentle loving santa that kids loved.

"Don't even go there Pitch." His voice was cold, and sharp. Even Bunny and Sandy looked slightly surprised.

"Hit a nerve didn't I?" There was a smug tone to his voice. "I wouldn't worry about that too much. After all when I destroy you pathetic Guardians there won't be any need for your false promises."

All three Guardians tensed at the threat. Bunny's arm snapped out to the side to stop North from moving towards Pitch. The anger in North's eyes was so intense, so familiar that he tried to take a step back but Pitch's arm tightened keeping him in place.

"Showing your true colors? I was wondering when you would show your true self but I'm afraid now's not the time." Pitch shook his head like he was disappointed. "Look at him. He's terrified of you. And to think that I'm the monster."

North's eyes turned to him immediately. Fear went through him as he made contact for a second before hastily lowering his eyes. After a couple of seconds went by and nothing happened he hesitantly looked up before flinching.

Looking right at him was North. There was no anger in his eyes. Instead there was sadness, regret, and even horror.

"Jack." The sound of his name made him flinch again. When North spoke again his voice was much more soft, and gentle. "Jack, I am not mad at you. Do not listen to anything Pitch is telling you. He is only trying to manipulate you."

Pitch let out a laugh. "So now I'm the one who's trying to manipulate him?"

Bunny glared at him. "Don't try to act all innocent now. We're not the one who tortured a child, and just hurt another! We're not the coward who's only weak enough to make somebody submit to them by hurting them."

The grip on his shoulder tightened. "If that's what you think then there's nothing left to discuss here. There's no need for you to understand."

Bunny's eyes widened in alarm. "Wait!"

The sand that had started to surround them stopped. All the Guardians had reacted at the same time. A look of panic was sketched on their faces.

"Wait? I thought you were done insulting me. Is there more you'd like to add?" Pitch took his arm off of his shoulder to spread them in front of him. When no one spoke right away he shrugged. "No? Well in that case there's no need for me to stay."

Bunny opened his mouth before closing. His green eyes flickered to him. Something passed through his eyes but it was gone before he could figure out what it was.

"Let's trade. Jack for me." Bunny straightened up looking directly at Pitch.

He felt his mouth open in shock. His eyes widened as he looked at Bunny then Pitch. Was Bunny really willing to sacrifice himself for him?

For the first time in years Jack saw Pitch surprised. Just as quickly as it appeared it was gone. Pitch blinked as his expression went back to amusement. The corner of his mouth twitched up, and he grinned.

"Now that's something that I wasn't expecting." Pitch looked at him then Bunny again. "What an interesting turn of events."

The other two Guardians were looking at Bunny with startled looks. North leaned over and whispered something to Bunny. He shook his head and muttered something back to North. His voice sounded agitated. North looked at Bunny before saying something else but this time his expression looked somewhat defeated.

"We'll trade now. I'll give myself up and go with you. In exchange you'll give Jack to North, and Sandy" Bunny grabbed his boomerangs and held his arms up. "I'll go willing and everything if you give Jack over."

He stole a glance at Pitch. His face looked thoughtful as he observed Bunny. He frowned. Was Bunny really willing to hand himself over to Pitch so he could be with the other Guardians?

"It's really amusing to see how far you're willing to go for one thing." Pitch seemed to have made up his mind. "If I did agree would you really come along willingly, and not fight back?"

Bunny didn't hesitate to answer. "If it means that Jack will be safe then I would."

Once again he was left completely stunned. He didn't understand why Bunny was willing to go so far for him. There had to be another reason. Something that he was missing.

"Alright then. Let's trade."

Without thinking he snapped his head towards Pitch his mouth already forming words.

"W-What?" Almost immediately he shut his mouth hard enough that his teeth hit each other.

Pitch turned his head towards him. He tensed, and lowered his gaze. He had just talked out of place.

"It really seems like I'll have to teach you what the rules are again. I think I was too kind the first time." Pitch's words brought a fresh wave of fear to him. "But that'll have to wait."

He gave him one last glance before looking over at Bunny. "Like I said let's trade. I'll hand Jack over if you come with me."

"Let Jack come over here first, and take the sand off of him. Then I'll walk over." Bunny handed North his boomerangs.

Without any warning Pitch snapped his fingers making him jump violently. The collar around his neck slowly disappeared followed by the sand that was around his hands. His eyes flickered down to his leg waiting for the sand to disappear. When nothing happened he realized that Pitch had no intention of taking that sand away.

"Be a good boy and walk over there." Pitch ordered.

He took a small step forward stumbling slightly. When nothing happened he took another step forward, and another until he was directly in front of Bunny. He tried to look anywhere else but his eyes were drawn to Bunny's.

A soft smile formed on Bunny's face. "Don't worry mate. You'll be safe with them."

His eyes flickered toward the Guardians before looking back at Bunny. He was completely confused about what was going on. Bunny let out a small chuckle.

"If this will keep you safe then I'll do it. After all it's the least I can do for not having saved you that day." Bunny's eyes were full of regret as he spoke.

Before he could react Bunny was walking forward. As Bunny passed by him almost brushing against his shoulder he couldn't get rid of the urge to grab him and stop him. He didn't know what he was doing. He was going to get hurt. All because of him.

But he stayed still and did nothing as Bunny kept walking. As he stood there more guilt started to form. Bunny was going to pay for his actions just as Jamie had. His eyes burned as he turned around. Bunny was standing next to Pitch looking him directly in the face. Pitch simply grinned as he placed his hand on Bunny's shoulder. As sand started swirling around them Bunny glanced back.

"Take care of him."

With one final glance towards him Bunny turned his head away from them. With growing horror he watched as more sand started enveloping them. Before the sand completely cut them off he saw one final glance of bright green eyes against the black. Then they were gone in the same way that he had gone so many times.

Except that this time it wasn't him next to Pitch.

It was Bunny.

So that was it! Like I said I am so incredibly sorry about the loooong wait. I swear I didn't mean for so much time to pass. Things got in the way but I finished the chapter and hopefully the next one will be soon. I feel incredibly sorry about making you wait but I want to thank you for still staying with me despite the long wait. I appreciate all the support I got during this time. You guys are awesome!