Though he was not a man to be intimated easily, North couldn't help but feel more than a little tense as he observed the trio that awaited them in Bunny's den.

The fact that Pitch Black had somehow managed to gain enough strength to escape his recent exile was bad enough.

But the fact that he was sitting there without his usual degree of slimy confidence, combined with Bunny showing none of his usual bravado, that was more worrisome.

Which could only mean that the third figure, a thin figure dressed in a dark hooded robe, was the cause for the emergency.

Reaching for one of his cutlasses, North's hand was instantly halted as the voice of the being spoke.

"As I have already told your fellow Guardian, I am in no mood to deal with any of your violent impulses. So the next time you, or any of your…companions choose to act aggressively, I will have no issue causing your limbs to rot off. Do I make myself clear"?

Narrowing his eyes at this threat, the bearded man opened his mouth to retort, only to have Bunnymund interrupt him.

"Best do as they say North. Trust me, this is one being we have no chance of beating".

Unsure if he should be more shocked at the defeated tone of the usually competitive rabbit, or the Boogeyman's nod of agreement, North's eyes gained a slightly fearful sheen to them as the youngest member of the group spoke out.

"Yeah? Forgive me if I don't really believe that Bunny. We stood up to Pitch when most of you were all but powerless. And look how well that turned out".

Smiling proudly at Jack's fighting spirit, North's expression quickly morphed into one of concern as Pitch came to the defense of the Guardian of Hope.

"That's because my powers are similar to you and the rest of the Guardian's Jack. The more the children believe in my existence, or at least experience fear, the stronger I get. The fewer that believe the weaker I get. However I assure you, this…being requires no belief in order to fuel their powers. And if it wasn't for that sole believer you managed to preserve, I suspect your compatriots would have had this meeting a lot sooner. Or do you not know who this is"?

Frowning as he tried to decipher Pitch's little riddle, the bearded man's expression became one of wide eyed shock as Bunnymund gave them the answer.

"This is Death mates. And believe me, if it comes to a fight, there's no way we can win".

Taking an involuntary step back from the now identified being, a move that was copied by the rest of the Guardians, North felt the pain in his belly increase as Death addressed the group.

"Correct. Now do sit down. We have a lot to discuss this day, and considering that my schedule is less flexible than that of the tooth collector, I would appreciate it if we started sooner rather than later".

Shakily nodding his head with the threatening suggestion, North felt as if he was having a heart attack as Jack dared to question the robed figure.

"Hang on. You mean that if you're delayed here, people have a longer chance to remain alive? I don't see that as a bad thing".

Holding his breath as Death turned it's covered head to stare at the defiant looking Guardian, North had to admit that the answer was one that he had not expected.

"You're entire statement is wrong Jack Frost. Even while I am conversing with you, those whose life have been fated to come to an end, not just humans, are under my care. And for many, my actions are a relief from your current circumstances. Or do you think prolonging the suffering of an eviscerated solider in Iraq, or a child suffering from the final stages of leukemia is a good thing? In fact, if I had not been as prompt in my duties after you fell through the ice, I sincerely doubt that your 'second life' would have possessed such a fun seeking outlook".

Sensing that Death was pleased with the chastised expression that had come over Jack's face, if only because the boy now accepted who they were dealing with, North did his best to keep his composure as Death turned his way.

"Now, lets discuss how your actions are less than beneficial for children shall we".

…..

Apologies for the long delay. Almost forgot that I had this story XD. But around holiday season, my memory always comes back lol.

Anyways, short chapter, but to the point. The Guardian's meeting death, etc. and a little bit taken back when Death describes death as a good thing.

Hopefully wont be too long before next chapter, but inspiration strikes when it does lol.

Merry Christmas.