Disclaimer: not mine

Snippets from the Black Cat world since there are a lot of time skips in there. I never actually said how long Jack was with Pitch before they went to the Pole, I'm going to say it was at least a week or two. Pitch was a little distracted by his new Pet so wasn't as focused on work as he otherwise would have been. These are in chronological order and fit in the gaps of the story.

Fixed the oops in the last chapter where Jack was thinking he'd never left the lair before when earlier in the chapter Pitch had been planning to take him out the very next night.

Snippets

He snarled, baring his fangs as the Nightmare rose up on its hind legs, hooves flashing. He ducked easily, raking claws down its flank, angering it. There was no thought in his head, the fight driven solely by instinct – to survive, win, and please his Master. He leapt up on its back, claws sinking deep into a body made of black sand before his fangs were in its throat, the horse bucking, trying to throw him off before it dissolved. He landed on all fours, tail lashing the air as he searched for any other threats, growling and snarling low in his throat.

He relaxed as his Master moved up behind him, hands at his throat so he tipped his head back to give better access. He felt something resting against the skin, tight, but not enough to make it hard to breath, a little heavy too but nothing annoying. A finger slipped under it, pulling his head back further and he whined, shifting to keep his balance.

"Every pet needs a collar," Master murmured, a hand moving up to stroke a pointed ear and Jack began purring. Master chuckled and then let go, Jack stumbling slightly. Then Master's hands were on his hips, caressing the skin, and he slumped back against him, Master's robes coarse against his skin but he didn't care, rubbing his body against him, earning another chuckle. "You are far too tempting in just a collar and it wouldn't do for others to see what is mine." As his hands ran over Jack's hips and lower, shadows slid over the skin, solidifying into a pair of tight black pants. "Better."

Jack said nothing, just purring and arching his body into his Master, animal instinct still very much in control.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Pitch watched Jack explore the lair, often on all fours, with all the curiosity of a cat. His training was progressing well, with never a hint of his old memories or personality appearing. He'd always heard cats were hard to train but not Jack, he was very eager. He was very easily overtaken by the animalistic mindset, but he thought that would change with time as more memories were made and knowledge gained, he was barely two days old after all.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tooth collapsed on the couch, accepting a mug of hot cocoa without a word for the sugar content, they all needed the pick me up. The Workshop was even busier than normal, trying to get things ready for an attempt at Christmas in July for the Southern Hemisphere to perk up their power levels but she didn't think they'd make it that long.

It had been hard enough collecting the teeth when there had been five of them but now there were only three of them. Bunny was losing power at an almost visible rate and it didn't make sense. One ruined Easter should not have destroyed the belief in him as much as it had.

She couldn't help it as her mind strayed to their missing and youngest member, Jack was one of them, Oath or no Oath. Pitch had had him for almost a week now, even if they found him, would anything of the Jack they'd been coming to know be left? Would he be insane…or worse? Death would be kinder than Pitch's normal use for captured enemies. Though all they had seen was Nightmares, did he no longer have the ability to create anything else?

Baby Tooth was taking his capture very hard, blaming herself. But what could she have done? She was far too small to have restrained Jack and he'd been barely aware of her at all at the time. She was just glad she had escaped and not been taken as well.

She'd never thought they would be facing something like this, fighting Pitch was one thing but this wasn't really a fight. He'd struck in ways they'd never seen coming and now they were fading away. They needed help or something. She glanced at the window, but Manny remained silent.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jack stared at the sleeping child, head tilted to one side, sniffing the air. Master's fingers ran through his hair and he purred. He knew what Master wanted; he was unsure how to do it though. He reached out, running claws across the child's forehead, not hard enough to cut. A tiny trail of black frost formed, sinking in, and the child whimpered fearfully. Jack inhaled, able to smell it, leaning closer to take in the scent of fear.

"Good job pet," Master praised, and he smiled, happy to have pleased him.

They left the room, moving on to the next child, and with every victim Jack got better and quicker at twisting dreams into nightmares, the scent of fear was intoxicating.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Watching Jack bring nightmares to children was the icing on the cake. There was no hesitation, nothing, he was eager to work it out, obviously enjoying the scent of fear. What a pity he hadn't paid any real attention to him before, he could have taken him centuries ago. He could have had a willing Jack on his side if he had found him then, when he was lost and all alone. Then again, he liked Jack this way, utterly obedient and so eager to please.

The Guardians would soon be nothing more than a distant memory and the world would be his, a second Dark Age. A world of darkness and fear and he was looking forward to it so much.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Aster gasped, leaning against the table, able to feel his magic draining away. It shouldn't be happening so fast! He needed to conserve what he had so he reached for what he had left, shifting his shape, shrinking down.

"Bunny!" North called in alarm and then he was being scooped up and carried to the couch as he continued to shrink.

He vaguely heard Tooth gasp in shock and then something soft was settled over him as darkness claimed him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

North and Tooth sat on the couch, watching Aster sleep. He was so small! She could barely hover let alone fly; they could no longer collect teeth so the belief in her was fading faster every day. How much longer did they have?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jack ripped into the meat with sharp fangs, claws ripping the body apart hungrily to get to the soft innards, blood smearing across his lips and chin as he ate. He didn't know what it was, didn't care, it tasted good and he was hungry, that was all that mattered. He dropped the mess of bones and fur to the ground when he'd eaten everything of it he could and then returned to his Master's side.

"Tasty?"

"Yes Master, thank you," he purred, rubbing against his leg. A bowl of water was pushed towards him.

"Clean the blood off," Master ordered, and he washed his hands and face clean.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

They recognised the house immediately as the Sleigh approached, North landing in the street. Who did the light belong to, Sophie or her brother? What had Jack called him…Jamie? North carried him as they headed inside, maybe it would have been smarter for him to stay at the Pole, he would be nothing more than a liability in a fight as he was. But every time they split up something went very wrong. They entered the house and moved upstairs, hearing a voice from the boys room.

"Okay, look, you and I are obviously at what they call a crossroads. So, here's what's gonna happen: if- if it wasn't a dream, and if you are real, then you have to prove it. Like, right now." A glance inside showed Jamie sitting on his bed with a well-loved stuffed rabbit in front of him and Aster swallowed. "I believed in you for a long time, okay? Like, my whole life in fact. So you kind of owe me now. You don't have to do much - just a little sign so I know. Anything. Anything at all," the boy begged, and he leapt from North's arms, hopping across the room and up onto the bed.

He pushed the rabbit and it moved, the kids eyes widening slightly. Aster's smaller paws weren't so good at grabbing things, but he pulled the bunny across the bed, Jamie watching in awe.

"He is real!" the kid grinned and then his eyes went really wide and Aster froze as he realised the kid was looking at him. "Easter Bunny? What happened to you? You used to be huge, and cool, and now you're... cute."

That got a giggle from Tooth and Jamie looked towards his door.

"The Tooth Fairy….Santa! You came back. I knew it wasn't a dream!" Jamie bounced on his bed in excitement.

"Hello Jamie," Tooth greeted, moving to sit on the bed beside the excited boy.

He looked between them, excitement fading. "What's wrong?"

"Long story, a bad man is coming for you Jamie. We need to take you to safety," North offered.

"Me? but why?" Surprisingly he got off the bed even as he was asking, grabbing socks, shoes, and a coat.

"We will explain on the way. To the Sleigh!" North smirked as Jamie's eyes lit up at that. Everyone loved the Sleigh.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jack stared at Jamie; he was so confused. Everything hurt, he felt strange, but Pitch…he…he killed…he killed Sandy! Sandy…the only Spirit who had been nice to him, waving and smiling when they'd pass each other at night, who would clap when Jack ran his fingers through golden sand, forming dolphins. He shook his head, forcing himself to focus. He shifted around and then crawled out from under whatever they were hidden under. He saw Jamie following and held a clawed hand out, trying not to flinch from the sight. What had happened to him?

"Stay," he told the boy. "Safer here."

Jamie frowned but then nodded, slipping further under and out of sight and Jack nodded, looking up. Where was his staff? He couldn't call the wind…he crouched and then leapt up, grabbing on to things, working his way up silently. He could hear voices above, familiar….

"I wonder what stories you filled the boys head with? Do you think they'll be a comfort in his last moments?"

He knew that voice, it called to him, made him want to…no! That….that was him….Pitch….Master…

"Jack would never hurt him!"

That voice was familiar too but different as well. Whoever it was sounded so sure…believed in him! Who was it? What was wrong with him? Why couldn't he focus, remember? He snarled softly, climbing ever higher, until he was looking down at them all. He saw…Pitch…on the globe and below….he knew them…he did! They were important…Jamie had said they needed him…the Guardians needed him! Because he was Jack Frost, he was…

"Jack Frost wouldn't, but my Nightmare Jack? He's more beast than human now, completely obedient and loyal." There was a pause and then he spoke again, as if telling a secret. "And very enthusiastic in the bedroom."

He saw the looks of horror on their faces, the anger, and he knew what Mas…Pitch had said was bad. No, he wouldn't hurt Jamie! He wouldn't hurt them! He focused on the laughing Spirit, lips drawing back as he snarled and then he leapt, slamming into him at full speed, hearing glass shatter as they hurtled through it, felt them become weightless. He met Pitch's eyes, saw the look of shock and horror, even as he buried sharp claws into his chest before ripping free. They were falling….Jack looked down, unable to see the ground.

No! He couldn't…he had to protect them. He tried to reach for the Wind, but nothing happened, body twisting around in the air, scrabbling for any purchase and then he slammed into something and everything went black.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jamie wiped the tears away, glancing back at the broken window. Jack was gone…it was his fault; he'd begged him to help the Guardians fight Pitch. Jack was…Jack was dead…just like Dad… he looked up and gasped as the Nightmares moved in. "It's your fault!" he yelled at them and then lunged forward.

"Jamie!" Tooth yelled but he ignored her.

Jamie slammed his hands into the Nightmare and then jolted back, eyes wide, as black sand became golden, the horse exploding into a golden stream.

"Quickly! Gather them close!" North yelled and the Yeti moved in.

They forced the panicking beasts into a corner and Jamie began touching them, everyone watching in awe as the sand became golden. Streams of golden sand flew through the air, forming shapes and then spiralling into a cocoon. It burst apart and Tooth laughed as her wings began to move, taking to the air even as North straightened up. The sand faded a bit to reveal the Sandman.

"Sandy!" North cried, scooping him up to hug and spin around.

Jamie watched and then looked at the window. He could bring Sandy back and he was glad but…Jack…

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Sandy was surprised to be at the Pole, with Jamie and the other Guardians. No…he looked around in confusion, where was their newest member and why was Aster tiny? He flashed up a snowflake and question mark and was shocked when Tooth tried to smother a sob, Jamie turning away, eyes red. His eyes widened as he looked to North and Aster, seeing the grief there.

"Tooth," North motioned and she nodded, leading Jamie away.

"Jack…Jack's dead Sandy," Aster whispered, and Sandy shook his head. "He died to save us from Pitch, took him with him." He tried to hop up onto the couch and North lifted him up. "Pitch captured Jack the night after we…lost you. He had Jack's tooth box and used it to draw Jack to him. Sandy…he brought Jack here when he came but…it wasn't Jack anymore. He didn't recognise us, he was like an animal, Pitch called him his pet."

"Pitch set him on Jamie, they went over the edge while we were dealing with the Nightmares," North shook his head.

Sandy glanced back at where Tooth had led Jamie away, the Yeti plying the boy with hot chocolate. He looked dusty but unharmed. Oh Jack…but if Pitch had done that to Jack, how could he have killed him? He asked them and North looked at Jamie.

"It was Jamie, his belief in Jack broke through to him. He moved too fast; we saw nothing. One second Pitch was gloating, the next gone out the window. There is nothing but the cliff and Jack did not have his staff," North explained. "Jamie brought you back too, he touched the nightmares and they turned to your sand."

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Aster looked down at himself, relieved that after three days of having Sandy back, he was able to return to his normal size. There was a lot to do, to clean up, and it'd likely take a year or two for belief in them to return to normal. The first step they would be taking today since he was back to normal size, they were going to Pitch's lair to retrieve the Tooth boxes there and hopefully the kidnapped fairies.

Several Yeti armed themselves and then North used a globe to take them to where Baby Tooth had lost Jack. The little fairy had been rather despondent since being told of Jack's fate, so Tooth was keeping her close and not making her to work. With Pitch dead, the hole to his lair had reopened and they cautiously dropped into the tunnel, ready for anything. His death had not necessarily destroyed all of his Nightmares after all.

Usually, Aster preferred being underground, loved tunnels, but his first look at Pitch's lair made him shiver, looking around with a boomerang in hand. How much of his memory had Jack regained in those last minutes? Had he died only knowing this place as his home? Where had Jack lived for all those centuries? Did he have a home, or did he just go where the Wind took him? He'd misjudged the younger Spirit so badly and now he could never apologise for that.

They entered the massive main room and saw the gleam of piles of Tooth boxes littered on the ground. There was a smaller, metallic, version of the globe in the centre of the room and above…the sound of thousands of wings filled the air as the fairies realised help had come. Tooth, Baby Tooth, and Sandy took to the air to get the cages open. He moved on, looking around, wanting to make sure there was nothing that would sneak up behind them.

He opened a door and froze at the sight of a large bed, rumpled bedding….the scent of Pitch, Jack's altered scent, the smell of…he forced himself to move away, not wanting to see or smell any more from that room. He felt sick, trying not to think of the horrors Jack had suffered without understanding that he was suffering. He found another room and shoved the door open, he still had to check. He nearly sneezed as black sand drifted through the air. There was a small black bed in the room and nothing else. The scents in the room were older but here, Jack's real scent lingered, the scent of his terror….this…this was where Pitch had… he left the room and headed down the halls, seeing Yeti doing the same, checking for any nasty surprises.

Once sure they were safe, they began working to move the Tooth boxes back to the Tooth Palace, Sandy running sand over them all to ensure none of Pitch's was in them. Aster said nothing about what he'd found, they didn't need to know just what Pitch had done to Jack, it was bad enough the man had told them.

,,,,,,,,,,,

Tooth knelt beside the empty space around the Guardian symbol. They'd had to rearrange it, to balance out five tiles rather than four. They hadn't even needed to discuss it, Jack had died a Guardian, he had been one of them. The Yeti approached, the elves gathered around, candles burning. The fifth tile was carefully set into place, completing the design. She heard Baby Tooth crying, her sisters around her, felt her own tears slip free and then Aster was holding her hand, North's arm over her shoulders even as Sandy took her other hand.

The elves began moving, their bells ringing for Jack like they had for Sandy so recently. Except there would be no miracle comeback for the cheerful Winter Spirit, he was gone for good.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

North sat beside the bed where Jack lay, only the movement of his chest as he breathed proving he still lived. His hand was limp around his staff, but it was still covered in a mix of ice and shadow. His wounds had begun healing at least but what of his mind? He hated having to have guards on the infirmary but until he woke, they couldn't trust him, even when he did wake, if he remembered, how could they ever be one hundred percent sure if he was free of what Pitch had done to him? Were the changes to his body permanent?

Had they saved his life only to have to end it themselves one day? He liked Jack, he felt bad about him being on the Naughty List for so long and never investigating. He slowly reached out and brushed messy black hair back from the too still face, feeling the chill of his body though, perhaps, not as cold as it had been before. His powers had changed with his transformation but how much?

"Come back to us Jack," he murmured, patting a limp hand before leaving the room.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Baby Tooth sat on the spare pillow, watching Jack sleep. She'd been so happy when he'd stumbled into the main room, even though he'd been so obviously exhausted. He'd known her both times she'd seen him awake and that had to be good! She'd seen the way everyone except her Mother had watched him carefully and it hurt. Jack would never hurt anyone. She watched as he began to shift, moving restlessly in his sleep, and she reached out to touch his cheek, calling softly to him, trying to comfort him.

Jack whimpered, head thrashing, breaths coming in panicked pants, and the door opened, the Yeti on guard looking in, concerned. He suddenly screamed, thrashing wildly, and the room filled. Blue eyes snapped open and he snarled, scrambling away, falling and crawling to the corner where he crouched, snarling and hissing.

She didn't hesitate, taking off to fly between him and the wary Yeti, seeing Bunny and Sandy in the hall. He was just scared from a nightmare! She called out softly to him, watching his eyes dart around, not seeing the infirmary but something else. When Bunny moved forward she glared at him, arms crossed and he backed off again, good. She just kept talking to Jack, keeping in his line of sight, and ever so slowly his gaze began lingering on her, his breathing beginning to slow. Finally, his eyes focused, and he fell silent, blinking dazedly at her.

"Baby…Tooth?" he rasped, pressing tight into the corner and she nodded, moving slowly closer. His gaze wandered towards the Yeti, breathing beginning to speed up again and she called out louder, getting his attention off them.

Obviously realising they were making things worse, the Yeti thankfully left the room, leaving only Sandy who could maybe help.

Jack gradually relaxed, slumping in the corner and she flew up to him, pressing to his cheek, stroking cold skin, trying to comfort him. Ever so slowly he lifted his hand to gently stroke her feathers, being very careful of his claws. "S…ss...orry," he stammered out, trembling. She hushed him, moving to where she could gently pet his hair. He slumped down further, whining softly, obviously distressed still.

Sandy carefully moved closer, reaching out to gently pet Jack's hand and he stiffened, watching the Sandman with wide eyes. She watched him carefully and he smiled at her even as he kept gently petting Jack's hand, the younger Spirit slowly relaxing again. He began slowly forming images and Jack blinked, watching them curiously.

"I…I don't…" Jack stuttered slightly but it was obvious he didn't understand what the Sandman was saying, flinching back as if expecting to be struck or something.

Sandy took his hands and gently tugged, Jack tensing, before letting himself be pulled to his feet and led back to the bed. Sandy got him under the covers and she quickly landed on Jack's pillow, gently petting his cheek. Gradually, Jack relaxed, and she smiled at the sound of a soft purr coming from his throat as his eyelids drooped. Was it normal for him to sleep so much? He'd been very badly hurt though so maybe it was.

It was obvious he was fighting to not fall asleep and a small stream of golden sand weaved around him, not touching, just offering. Jack jerked, watching it warily, glancing at Sandy and then her. She was quick to promise that she'd stay with him, that no one was going to hurt him. Golden sand meant happy dreams; did he remember? He hesitantly looked back at Sandy who smiled softly. Jack curled up, clearly torn, but then he nodded, and Sandy let the stream slowly move closer until the sand settled over his face. Jack yawned, whined, but his eyes fell shut, body going limp in sleep. She darted in to hug Sandy who patted her feathers.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Aster glanced in at Jack, finding him asleep again. It was worrying how much he was sleeping since it meant he wasn't eating much either. He needed food so he was just going to have to wake him. He didn't want to startle him though, the kid was understandably jumpy, waking ready to fight. So far, no one had been harmed, Jack included, but it was worrying.

They were going to move him into a guestroom soon, his body was basically healed from his injuries so there was no reason to keep him in the infirmary. They would be moving him to an internal room though, one with no windows. Until they were positive that he was alright, they couldn't risk him taking off.

He set the tray with soup and fresh bread down, moving to turn the light up a bit to try and wake him. "Hey Jackie, time to wake up. You need to eat mate."

Baby Tooth watched him and then went to gently pet Jack's hair, she was the only one who could touch him and never cause a negative reaction. Slowly, he began to stir, sleepy blue eyes fluttering open.

"Hey there," Aster murmured, and Jack jerked slightly. "Easy mate, you're safe," he promised, staying still as Jack focused on him, recognition seeping in.

"Bunny?" he rubbed at his eyes.

"Time for breakfast Frostbite," he motioned to the tray and Jack hesitated but then pushed himself up, leaning against the pillows. "Part of why you're so tired is you're not eatin' enough. Ya body has used a lot of energy to heal and you need to restore that," he chided gently.

Jack just stared down at the blankets, claws catching slightly in the material. "Not hungry," he whispered. At least his voice was losing the rasp and he was managing mostly complete sentences now.

"What's wrong?" he asked, and Jack shrugged listlessly, hugging his knees to his chest. "Fros…Jack," he slowly reached out to lay a paw on top of Jack's knee, feeling him tense but he didn't hiss or pull away. "Please eat. Don't let Pitch win. He's dead, he can't hurt ya ever again." He picked up the mug and held it under Jack's nose, hoping the scent would help entice him to eat. Scent was a big part of his own life and he figured it was the same for Jack now, he'd seen him sniffing the air the few times he'd seen him awake. Thankfully, it worked, and he held the mug steady for him since the kid was still weak.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"What do we do?" Tooth asked, wringing her hands in agitation.

They'd all thought Jack was doing okay but now…the nightmares were getting worse and he was shutting down. It was almost impossible to get him to eat and he hadn't spoken in days. He just lay in his bed and stared at the wall; he was retreating from the world. She didn't blame him, not after everything he'd been through, but it broke her heart to watch. Even Baby Tooth was struggling to get him to respond to her now, but she was the only one who could get more of a response than a mumbled request to go away.

"If he does not begin to eat regularly soon he will become ill," North warned.

"Think this is somethin' Pitch did to make sure Jack'd die without him?" Aster asked and they all shifted uncomfortably, knowing it was possible.

"There has to be something we can do. We can't just watch him fade away after how hard he fought to survive," she pushed. Why had she never reached out to him before? Her girls would swoon over his teeth from a distance, had spoken of him to her, why hadn't she made the effort to meet him? She could have taken a few hours here and there to see him, to let him know someone saw him, that he wasn't alone. Instead, she'd allowed her duty to totally consume her.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jack sat on the bed, resting against the headboard, Baby Tooth at his side. Jamie had come to see him, had touched him and not been afraid. He could sense it; the others fear, but was it of him or…for him? Maybe he didn't disgust them?

There were gaps in his memory, not just of his mortal life but the whole thing. He figured he was lucky to remember everything after just giving up the way he had. He'd let Pitch get to him, let the fear turn to anger, to despair, until letting go and forgetting had seemed like the best thing to do. How could he have done that?

How could they not be disgusted by him when he was disgusted with himself? He didn't need a mirror to know he looked like a Nightmare, some twisted human-feline hybrid. Jack honestly didn't understand how Jamie and Baby Tooth could touch him. Could he live with what he had become…did he want to? There'd been times in his centuries alone when he'd considered it, but it'd always seemed like the cowards way out and he'd enjoyed playing with the kids, even if they couldn't see him.

He had believers now, even if Jamie was the only one he'd met. Finding out he'd put stories about him out on the internet, how he'd convinced his friends to believe in the Guardians, it was touching and scary at the same time. Would they want to see him? He…he didn't think he could make the happy snow anymore. He couldn't make them laugh anymore so why would they want him around? Maybe giving them snow days would be good enough? He didn't know if he could cause Nightmare frost still and he didn't want to know, he never wanted to do that again!

He glanced over at Baby Tooth and she smiled at him, asking if he was okay. He didn't know how he was able to understand her, but he was very thankful he could. He held his hand out and she hopped on, letting him bring her to his chest, hugging her close, and slowly he began to purr for her, making her smile and laugh.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tooth flew into the Workshop and landed, going to the area where they tended to congregate when there. She froze, eyes wide, as she spotted a head of black hair over the back of the couch. She had been by in a few days and no one had contacted her to say something had changed… she took a deep breath and walked over, finding Jack curled into the corner of the couch, Baby Tooth sitting on the table in front of him, drinking a tiny cup of tea, a mug of hot chocolate next to her and a plate that held cookies missing bites from a human size mouth and a fairy one. She saw Jack stiffen and knew he was aware of her presence.

"Hello Jack," she greeted, moving to where he could see her, smiling at him. He looked…better?

He looked up and to her joy, his lips twitched in a small smile. "Hi," he whispered.

"Oh Sweet Tooth," she reached out to him, utterly relieved to hear him speak, that he was reacting to her presence.

He looked at her hands, hesitating, but she didn't pull back, waiting for him to make the next move. He'd either pull away or come to her but it would be his choice. He lifted his hand, hesitating, searching her face but she just smile gently, even as she realised he was taking in her scent. She wasn't afraid of him, he hadn't been violent, except when startled awake, especially from a nightmare. He was wide awake here and there was no one crowding him. Her smile widened as his fingers brushed hers.

"Come here Jack," she whispered, and he sat up, leaning forward. She wrapped her arms around him, one hand rubbing his back, the other running through his hair. She felt him slowly relax against her and then he was rubbing his cheek against her shoulder. She smiled as she heard the sound of him purring, his arms around her waist to avoid her wings. "We're all here for you Jack," she promised, feeling cold tears soak through her feathers.

"N…North said it…it wasn't my fault," he whispered, clinging to her now.

"Jack, he had your Tooth box, your memories. You couldn't have ignored that call, no matter what was happening. Nothing that happened is your fault." She turned her head to press a soft kiss to the side of his head, feeling him relax further. "No one blames you; I promise."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Aster ran into the bedroom, hearing Jack scream in terror. He was thrashing in bed, tears falling from closed eyes, Baby Tooth hovering nearby, calling out to him, trying to wake him. The temperature in the room was plummeting, and he swore as he saw the shadows shifting. He bounded to the bed and took a breath, he had to wake Jack, even if it meant startling him. "Jack! Wake up!" he reached for his shoulder, shaking him and blue eyes snapped open, Jack snarling, fangs bared, lunging and Aster threw himself backwards…..too slow!

He felt the sharp, stinging pain in his side as Jack lunged after him. He twisted around and up, managing to go over the lunging Jack. He landed and reached out, wrapping his arms around Jack to trap his arms to his chest.

"Jack it's okay, you're safe. Calm down Frostbite, I'm not going to hurt you," he spoke softly in Jack's ear, holding him as he continued to fight. He moved backwards to fall back onto the bed, curling his body around Jack's, nuzzling the back of his neck. Jack wasn't conscious, that much was obvious, he was reacting instinctively, so Aster needed to calm those instincts down before they had Nightmares breaching the protections.

"Bunny?" North called from the doorway.

"I've got him, turn the lights down a little." Maybe not the safest thing to do but he needed Jack to calm down before he hurt himself. Kid was strong now that he was eating and moving around again, and it was hard to hold him but if he lost his grip who knew what Jack would do.

The lights dimmed and Jack hissed towards the door. Aster felt his tail slamming into his leg as he fought to get free. Then Tooth was in front of them, cupping Jack's face in her hands. "Shh Jack, it's okay," she whispered. "Come back Sweet Tooth. You're safe, no one is going to hurt you."

He yowled, trying to thrash in Aster's grip but he refused to let go, no matter how heartbreaking the sound was. "Come on Jackie, wake up," Aster urged, nuzzling again. It was odd to do, it had been so long since he'd been around other more animalistic Spirits, even if he wasn't fully like them either, what with being an alien after all. They did share some instincts though and he was trying to sooth Jack's, to let him know he was safe and cared for. Jack was a Guardian…he had become a friend and was on the way to being family.

Finally, he felt Jack beginning to slow in his struggles, mewling and whimpering as Tooth continued to speak softly to him, Baby Tooth moving closer now she wasn't at risk of being knocked from the air. Aster could feel blood in his fur, but it wasn't gushing blood or anything.

Jack went limp, panting for air. Tooth gently cupped his face in her hands and Aster carefully loosened his hold, but he remained still.

"Jack? Can you hear me?" Tooth asked gently and he shuddered, whining softly. "Shh, it's okay, you're okay." She moved one hand to run through messy hair, trying to sooth him.

Aster carefully let go and moved back, not wanting to crowd him or make him feel trapped now that he was calm. He winced and pressed against his side, seeing the red on his fur. Best not to let the kid see that, the last thing they needed was for him to retreat again out of fear of hurting them.

Jack was obviously exhausted, and they soon had him resettled in bed, using some of the sand Sandy had stockpiled for Jack's use when he wasn't there to help.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"Jack!" Jamie called and Jack looked up from where he'd been watching the snow outside. He dropped down from the ledge, easily landing, and then Jamie was wrapped around him, hugging him, and he carefully hugged back. "Look! I lost another tooth," Jamie stuck his tongue through the hole and Jack nodded, smiling at him.

"Put it under your pillow?" he asked, and Jamie nodded, leaning against him as Jack walked to the couch.

"Yep, Tooth gave me a coin when she picked me up. Sophie's with Bunny, he took her to the Warren, hopefully she won't bring all the eggs home."

It was nice to just sit and listen to Jamie chatter. He'd never once detected any fear from Jamie when he visited, not even the one time Jack had been startled and growled. Jamie never asked anything of him, never expected anything, just like Baby Tooth. They settled on the couch and Jamie happily told him all about how school was going.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jack stared down at his staff, obviously nervous, but Sandy stood calmly across the room from him. It had been almost eight months since Pitch's death and Jack had been obviously avoiding using his magic. It reacted to his nightmares, there'd been a few blizzards in the first months, but it was the reaction of the shadows that needed to be investigated. They needed to know what Jack could do now and help him regain control.

When Jack looked up, Sandy grinned at him and nodded, urging him to try something. He was already sure Jack could sense fear, either via scent or magic which made sense if he was meant to be a more intelligent breed of Nightmare. Which meant Jack could cause nightmares himself, thankfully not something he had done even instinctively since Pitch's death.

Jack shifted his grip on his staff and closed his eyes, the temperature dropping. The wind rushed in through the open window and then Jack was hovering above the floor. Sandy clapped, flashing thumbs up and Jack smiled in relief, the Wind still answered him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tooth landed on the balcony and walked over to sit beside Jack who was watching the snow fall. He shifted slightly, pressing into her side and she smiled, petting his hair, hearing him purr was always something to look forward to. He was healing a little more every time she saw him. She was glad to find him outside for the first time since they'd found him half dead in the snow.

It felt wrong for him to always be indoors when he had been such a free spirit, going wherever the wind took him. It had taken over six months for him to be able to handle enough light to be near the windows, and she knew it had taken that long for Aster to feel comfortable with letting him near them anyway. As much as it had hurt, they'd needed someone to remain suspicious of him, to remain rational, because if Jack had been truly corrupted by Pitch then he could have done a lot of damage if they had all trusted him from the start.

"How're you doing Jack?" She asked as he rubbed his cheek against her shoulder.

"Okay," he answered, and she bit back a sigh, he was always okay when asked.

He had refused all efforts to get him to leave the Pole and they all knew why. He was scared to face the world and he knew if something happened, the Yeti could help restrain him. Her fairies would be all but helpless as would Aster's googies, though he did have his Sentinels. They all knew his biggest fear was that he would hurt a child. How long would it take for him to accept that they all trusted him and his control? Sandy had worked with him on learning his powers, Aster had worked on what little combat training Jack would accept and now she would make him work with her. He had to get passed this or he would never be able to fully heal.

She took his hand and stood, tugging him to his feet. "Come on," she smiled and began to hover.

He shook his head, clutching his staff. "I can't…"

"Yes you can Jack. You can't stay grounded forever," she soothed. "I'll be right at your side; I won't let anything happen to you." They could stay low, she'd caught him after he had frozen Pitch's sand, she could support him back down if needed. He stared up at her, torn, but then slowly the Wind picked up, his feet leaving the balcony. She smiled and kept a grip on his hand, coaxing him into flying with her.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

North smiled as he watched Jack with Phil, the Yeti carefully working with him on carving something. Ever since his first trip back to his lake, having Manny visibly accept him, Jack had truly begun to flourish. He wasn't the same as he had been before, he never would be, but he was truly healing. Hearing him laugh for the first time all those months ago had been an utter relief. A Jack Frost who did not laugh just did not feel right.

The next step was planned, Jack would be meeting Jamie's friends. Jamie had told them the stories, and Tooth had revealed herself to them, hoping that when Jack came they would be able to see him and would accept him. Apparently the girls had cried for him, that was a good thing, right? Girls cried.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jack cautiously stepped onto the grass, looking around. The memories of that Easter were the hardest to recall, Tooth said because they were tied up with the trauma. Still, he'd remembered how warm and green the Warren was. Part of him was worried about hurting something but no frost formed under his bare feet. Aster smirked at him, waving him on, and Jack took a deep breath, following him. He froze as the googies descended on him, watching with wide eyes as they ran about his feet, hearing Aster chuckle at the sight. Eventually they moved off and he sat near the lack, Aster thrusting a paintbrush into his hand. He could do this, it was like decorating with frost, just using paint instead.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tooth smiled at her visitor, pouring the tea as Jack settled on a cushion. She enjoyed his visits, even when he was silent. He still had times when interaction was difficult, but it was just part of who he was now. There was nothing wrong about sitting quietly together. She found herself looking forward to every visit, to missing him when he wasn't there. It was silly, he couldn't live at her Palace, he had his own duties and the place was too warm for him to stay in all of the time.

She'd been fascinated with Jack from that first meeting…and not just for his teeth.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He landed on the rooftop, looking out at the city. He gripped his staff and tipped his head back, letting the Wind ruffle his hair. It was time to get to work! He grinned and took off into the air, spinning and dipping between buildings, frost forming in his wake. It was the first winter without one of the others at his side and while he was nervous it was also freeing. They trusted him! He just had to remember to trust himself too. Baby Tooth laughed, flying with him, resting in his hood when she got tired. She had been his constant companion since he woke in the infirmary and he didn't know where he'd be without her never wavering faith in him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"Keep up Bunny!" Jack called, laughing, as he flew by.

Aster smirked and picked up speed. "Ya don't wanna race a rabbit mate!" he called like he had that night when they'd collected teeth together. It had been seven years since Pitch's defeat and for fun they had decided to once again make collecting teeth for the night a race, at least this time they'd brought coins to leave the ankle biters.

Tooth was flittering around, enjoying the time together and being in the field. She was better about getting out and collecting herself, delegating to her fairies. She'd had to in the early days to be there for Jack. They had all gotten better with their time management and stress thanks to Jack. to be there for him, they'd had to work things out. Now, he would spend time helping them all with their duties, though they'd all made sure to tell him that he didn't owe them anything.

Jack spent the most time with Tooth and they were all wondering what would happen there but none of them would say anything. They didn't want to scare Jack off and make Tooth mad.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

North held the book, smiling as the elves played the music, the Yeti standing by without the flaming torches this time. That had not been the best of ideas perhaps considering Jack's powers. They were doing it the right way this time, no sacks, portals, or arguments.

Jack stepped into the room with Phil at his side. Wide blue eyes took everything in, his tail flicking in excitement and nerves. He walked lightly on the balls of his feet; head held high. The greyish skin and black hair had lost its ability to make North do a double take years ago, it was all just a part of Jack now.

Jack stopped, standing over the Guardian symbol on the floor and North nodded, chuckling when the fairies swooned, and Jack flushed slightly.

"Are you ready now, Jack? To make it official," he asked gently, and Jack nodded. "Then is time you take Oath: Will you, Jack Frost, vow to watch over the children of the world? To guard them with your life - their hopes, their wishes, and their dreams, for they are all that we have, all that we are, and all that we will ever be," North closed the book, seeing Jack take in a nervous breath, looking at them all before the boy nodded.

"I will."

"Then, congratulations, Jack Frost - for you are now, and forevermore, a Guardian!" the Workshop erupted in cheers and he picked Jack up, grinning at him. "Klassno!" He kissed each of Jack's cheeks, then set him back down, Jack not flinching at all.

"That's my boy!" Aster called, grinning and laughing, such a different reaction to the first time they had tried the ceremony.

The eggnog was quickly flowing as they celebrated Jack's taking the oath and a decade since Pitch was defeated.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jack kissed her gently, not entirely sure what he was doing. She loved him! He didn't know why but to have his feelings returned was more than he ever could have hoped for. He'd never kissed someone before, he'd seen people kiss, had been quick to leave when they began doing more, but it felt really nice. He was careful of where he touched her, not wanting to hurt her with his claws.

Physically, they were very different, but he was willing to learn. He liked kissing so he would be fine with only kissing forever if that was all she ever wanted to try. He'd been scared that he'd ruin everything, had been unable to just say it, instead trying to show her with the nuzzling kneading, he was just glad she'd understood.

They separated for air and he grinned at her again even as she gently stroked his hair. He curled back up on the cushions with his head in her lap.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

She laughed as they dipped and spun around each other, flying through the air alone. While his ability to travel through shadows was useful, she was very happy he could still fly with the Wind. It meant they could fly together. He could fly for longer since the Wind carried him, he could also fly faster for the same reason, but in some areas she had more manoeuvrability.

Seeing the wide grin, hearing him laugh, made it all so much better. He caught her around the waist, spinning around, and she kissed him before racing off, knowing he was right behind her.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Baby Tooth watched them fly, she was so happy! She'd been trying to push them together for years, but Jack had refused to speak with her Mother about his feelings for her, so sure she wouldn't care for him like that. It had been so frustrating!

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

North watched as Tooth curled into Jack's side on the couch, both sipping their drinks, and fought the urge to laugh in joy. Finally! He could understand Tooth's reluctance, not wanting to push Jack, and it was obvious why Jack had remained silent so long, even though they had all spent years assuring him that his differences didn't matter.

He glanced at Aster who grinned and nodded. Sandy too looked very happy to see them so comfortable together. It was very good, they deserved to be happy.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jack hesitated in the doorway, looking around, and Tooth turned back to him. His eyes were too wide, tail twitching, and she felt sick at causing that kind of reaction, he was scared! And why wouldn't he be? His only experience with another's bedroom had been in Pitch's hands.

"Jack, Sweet Tooth," she called gently, moving back to his side and he looked away, obviously ashamed. "Shh," she cupped his cheek in a hand. "Nothing is going to happen unless you want it to," she promised, stroking soft, cool, skin. He slowly lent into her touch, but he wasn't purring. He slowly met her eyes, trembling slightly. "I would never try to make you do something you don't want to," she whispered, and he shuddered, leaning closer.

"S…ss…orry," he stuttered, and she winced, it had been so long since he'd done that.

"You have nothing to be sorry about," she told him firmly. After a year together, she'd thought it would be nice to spend the night together in her bed, just to sleep, she hadn't been expecting anything more. She'd thought Jack was ready for that kind of step, he'd become a lot more confident in touching her without seeking permission first, kissing her in greeting but obviously she'd been wrong.

Jack looked at her bed and then back to her before leaning in, rubbing his cheek against hers, nuzzling at her throat. "Just sleep?" he asked less shaky now and she nodded.

"Jack, it's okay," but he cut her off with a brief kiss.

He slipped his hand into hers and then took a step towards the bed. She let him lead, take as much time as he needed, and eventually they were curled up in the bed together.

"I'm so proud of you," she whispered, stroking his hair as he relaxed enough to fall asleep in her arms.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jack perched on a familiar fence, watching the children in the yard. it was strange to be watching as Jamie's daughter and her friends played in the snow. He missed Jamie, his very first believer who had never been afraid of him. He had more believers now, but none would ever replace the Burgess kids. Jamie must be twenty six? Twenty eight? Far too old to believe in them.

"Excuse me….are you Jack Frost?"

Jack looked down, startled, to find little Mary Bennett staring right up at him. "You know about me?" he asked in shock. She could see him!

"Uh huh, Daddy tells me stories. Will you play with us?"

He looked around to find the other kids staring at him and he swallowed but nodded. "Let's play!"

He didn't see the curtain twitch, Jamie watching him leap down to join the kids.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tooth woke to find Jack tossing and turning beside her, breathing in gasps and she reached out to gently touch his cheek. "Jack? It's alright, it's just a dream," she called softly. It wasn't the first time she'd had to wake him from a nightmare, and she doubted they'd ever fully stop, not when he literally had Nightmare sand running in his veins. They were far less frequent now days though and very rarely left him disorientated upon waking.

Blue eyes snapped open and then he was off the bed, pressed into the corner as he panted. His gaze darted around, and she stood from the bed, approaching slowly. She hated seeing him like this and she was pretty sure she knew what had set it off. Jack had attended one of North's infamous parties for the first time and she'd been able to hear the whispers, had seen Aster snarling at some Spirits. There'd been comments on Jack's sanity and lack thereof and also about his being the new Nightmare King, none of it true but enough to bring back old fears for Jack.

He blinked and shook his head, eyes clearing. "Tooth?"

"I'm here, it's alright."

She saw his eyes widen, looking her over for any sign of injury as he realised what had happened.

"You didn't hurt me," she promised, holding her hand out. "Come back to bed Jack."

"I hate this!" he rubbed his hands harshly through his hair and she moved in to gently grab his wrists.

"Nothing happened Jack," she told him, she hated it when he was so harsh on himself. He'd come so far from those early days. She gently pulled and he let her lead him back to the bed where she stayed up, soothing him back to sleep.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Jack stood before the window, the full moon shining down on him, the Workshop utterly full to capacity and then Tooth appeared and he forgot how to breath. Baby Tooth had to nudge him into taking a breath as Toothiana approached him. If this was a dream, he never wanted to wake up. He would never understand why she had chosen to stay by his side, but he would be forever grateful she had. He took her hands and under the light from Manny they said their vows to each other. After fifty years together they didn't really need vows to know how the other felt but it also felt nice for it to be official.

That night they went to bed together in the Tooth Palace and for the first time they did so with more than sleep or gentle kissing in mind. Jack knew he'd still have bad days, that other Spirits still wouldn't accept him because of what Pitch had done, but as long as he had the Guardians at his side, as long as she loved him, then he could handle it.

The end.