His bare feet were pounding against the ground, kicking up mists of snow drift. He was running as fast as he could but it wasn't enough. Without his staff Jack was powerless, but he would not give up now, not with so much at stake.

Pitch was close on his heels; he could hear his cackle, feel the bone-rattling chill that always accompanied the Bogeyman. He was getting closer, and Jack was running out of options.

Jack slid to a halt as he came to a dead end, a rock face blocking his path. He spun around to the darkness of the forest; the only sound was the crunch of snow beneath his feet and his own panting. Finally cornered, he crouched low, preparing to defend himself, even without his staff.

Come now, Jack. Let's not fight each other.

Jack spun around, desperately searching for the source of the voice, but no one was there.

We don't need to fight any longer.

The voice was in his head, its din was trying to coax Jack into a false sense of security, but he would have none of it.

"Where are you?!" he shouted into the darkness, panic rising in his throat although he refused to show weakness. "Why don't you come out to fight me instead of hiding?!" Jack knew this was an empty threat, and so must have Pitch. Without his staff Jack had no hope of defeating Pitch, but he certainly wouldn't go down without a fight, and surely the others would be here soon.

I have a better idea.

Pitch's voice reverberated inside Jack's head, and the feeling of Pitch having a hold on him made him nauseous.

Why don't we become partners?

"Ha!" such an idea made Jack laugh aloud. Him join forces with Pitch? Although he almost did before when he was so desperate to regain his memories, there was no way he would now, no matter how desperate he became.

"And what makes you think I would do that?" Jack shot back.

Because you have no choice.


and that's the end to chapter one! i know it was not a lot, but please bear with me, i promise it will get better!

reviews and feedback are always welcome, please, let me know what you think!

the next chapter should be up soon