This is a Black Christmas fic I wanted to write a long time ago. I wanted to practice writing this pairing before the Pitchmas week but...
I apologize that this was short and sort of a background chapter, but I felt better if I establish history.
Nicholas St. North was a connoisseur of the finer things in life. He could taste a sip of wine and tell you the year and how rich the flavor was. He could look at jewels and artifacts and tell you if it was priceless or useless junk.
It was a skill that Nicholas had picked up as the Bandit King during his younger years. It was a skill that continued to serve him to this day as the Guardian of Wonder.
Nicholas St. North was a teenage orphan before he was adopted by a Russian bandit. Borya was what he called himself, and he began to teach Nicolas all that he knew to survive. How to hunt, how to fight (sword and fist), how to cheat, how to survive. Nicholas took these lessons to heart, and like a fish in water, he mastered them.
As he grew from a lanky teenager to a handsome young man, Nicholas joined his father figure on his adventures across Europe. It was during these journeys that they came across other men who were also seeking adventure. Quickly the band of two became a band of many. Together, they pillaged treasure, drank the best wine, and spent the night in the arms of beautiful women (or men).
When Nicholas reached the tender age of perhaps eighteen, he lost Borya in an ambush against rival bandits. After giving his mentor a proper burial, Nicolas accepted the title of Bandit King. With that, he and his crew began again, pillaging and having adventures. It went like this for about seven years.
In his eighth year as the Bandit King, Nicholas heard of a shaman in Western Asia who possessed a powerful artifact. Many tried to retrieve the treasure either by trying to complete the tasks given by the shaman, or by force. But all have failed. But when Nicholas heard of such an artifact, he decided to give it a try. He met the shaman and completed all three tasks, making him the first man to succeed. The shaman gave Nicholas the artifact, a medallion, only to warn him that there was a terrible curse.
Of course Nicholas St. North ignored it.
Because of his hasty actions, North began to succumb to the amulet's powers. It was during a small get together at a bar, that a person walked through Nicholas as if he wasn't there. It was such a small thing, but it snapped the Bandit King out of his comfort zone and he rushed back to the shaman. Confronting the small man, Nicholas claimed that he was tricked and demanded that the shaman cure him. Only for said shaman to deny his request, saying that it was not possible. It was now tethered to Nicholas' soul, and he would never be rid of the enchantment.
Nicholas did not accept this and left. He managed to round up him men and with them, traveled for ten years across the world looking for an enchantment, a spell, anything to destroy the artifact. His men stayed by his side for a time, but after a few years, many began to leave their wayward family to seek their own fortunes. Some did stay loyal to the Bandit King, but sacrificed their lives in the aftermath of their choice.
With his hair showing his first grays and his heart heavy, Nicholas returned to the shaman, alone and tired.
The shaman (whose name was Nergüi as Nicholas learned) taught the former Bandit King a different way of life, one filled with magic. Nergüi showed Nicholas different skills of rune-crafting, spell casting, and enchantments. They also traveled the world, where Nicholas learned the value of serving mankind. Especially children. He watched as many children suffered, their lives lacking any form of happiness or joy.
With the help of the shaman, Nicholas began crafting toys and infusing them with runes and spelled for happiness and peace. He would leave the dolls and toy soldiers for the children of every village that he visited, and with Nergüi's help, found a place for himself in the world.
Until time, once again, took another family member.
Nergüi had become ill during their journey, and when they had finally found a place to stop, Nicholas knew that his friend – a brother in all but blood – was dying. As the shaman spent his last days in their pitched tent, he made the Ex-Bandit King promise to continue doing good work for the world and the children, and to never, ever use his new found magic for selfish or evil intent.
Nicholas made that vow, and with it, Nergüi closed his eyes and passed away.
After burring his dear friend, the now white haired ex-bandit traveled aimlessly for two more years, continuing to create toys for the children but feeling desperate for companionship.
Then one night, while Nicholas sat by the fire, pondering his thoughts while smoking a pipe, a beam of moonlight shone down on him and a voice called his name. Nicholas was confused, but looked at the sky where he saw the full moon. There, a cheerful face looked down upon him. He introduced himself as the Man in the Moon, and he had chosen Nicholas St. North as a Guardian of Children.
At first Nicholas was in disbelief, but after talking to Manny (as he asked to be called), Nicholas accepted and took the Guardian's Oath, becoming the Guardian of Wonder. From there, Nicholas continued traveling the world, spreading happiness and joy through his creations. He even decided to make a base of operation at the North Pole (it was the first place he and _ had traveled to together, and it held a special place in his heart). While preparing his workshop, he met the Yetis and the Elves who were under the control of an evil sorcerer. After defeating the cruel man, the creatures became indebted to him, wanting to work with Nicholas. And from there, the workshop began to grow.
During that time, Manny continued talking to Nicholas, making plans and introducing other spirits that he had chosen to become Guardians. The Guardian of Wonder met with the lovely Tooth Fairy Toothiana, the Guardian of Memories. The mute yet wise and gentle Sandman, Guardian of Dreams. And last but not least, the Easter Bunny, E. Aster Bunnymund, the Guardian of Hope.
Then Manny asked Nicolas to invite one more spirit to their growing family: Pitch Black.
Instantly, the other three Guardians' hackles rose up. Pitch Black the infamous Nightmare King and Boogeyman was someone they did not believe belonged with them. Aster especially put his foot down on the topic. But North was willing to give everyone a chance, even the elusive Boogeyman. So he sent Phil the Yeti to find and deliver the missive to the Nightmare King.
On the day of their first meeting, Nicholas had invited his fellow Guardians to meet Pitch. Only Sandy and Tooth appeared, and only to make sure the Boogeyman would not try anything. Bunny didn't want to be around such a fiend, and refused to show. When Pitch Black arrived, Nicholas was about to introduce himself, but stopped.
For Nicolas St. North had become smitten with the Nightmare King Pitch Black at first sight.
The Nightmare King was such a magnificent creature. Beautiful in his own right, truly a king. With legs that ran for miles, a slender and sultry body of pale skin, and a voice so soothing, so hypnotic...
Nicholas of course finally introduced himself to Pitch and began to discuss what the Guardians stood for and what Manny wanted from them. However, the conversation took a turn for the worst. Whether it was because of Pitch's inability to work with people or because Nicolas himself was too forward is up to speculation. The meeting ended on a sour note, and Pitch left feeling angry and insulted.
From then on, Pitch Black became the Guardian's enemy.
And it broke Nicholas' heart.
As the decades passed by, the longing remained in Nicholas' mind. He could not forget the feelings that were attached to the shade. The Guardians continued to battle the Nightmare King and each time, Nicholas' heart and soul break a little more.
If only he could just show Pitch that they could be together. They didn't have to be enemies. Oh, Nicolas knew the importance of Fear, for several times it had played a part in his past life. The ex-bandit was willing to do anything to get Pitch to see that he belonged with Nicholas.
Anything...
Everything was prepared. The plans were in place. The Workshop was set up. In just a few short days, Pitch Black would be here...permanently. The Yetis and Elves were loyal to him, so they would not tell the other Guardians. The others would not understand.
The Guardian of Wonder was standing by as the figure behind him prepared to leave.
"Remember, I don't want him dead. That defeats purpose of all this." He said.
The other nodded, "But you want him injured and weak enough, right?
Nicolas stroked his beard, "Yes. Do this correctly and I will let you have your nights back. Do you understand?"
Once again, the other nodded his horned head, "Then I will take my leave. I'll signal you when I see the Boogeyman." With that, the speaker disappeared in a burst of flame and smoke, leaving the Guardian alone.
Nicolas smirked and turned to look at the sky where there was no moon. Manny wouldn't understand. Wouldn't understand that this was something that would benefit both him and Pitch.
Besides, Nicolas St. North had been a good boy for many years. He deserved a present too...