The world is in chaos and Pitch Black caused this. He found a way to finally carry out his evil intent and he found evil ways to do it. No one knew he would go this far; everyone thought he would be stopped and brought to justice but sooner or later every tall, mighty tower fell just like dominoes. There is hurt, pain and some love thrown into the huge mixing bowl of the destroyed city of Burgess. To tell this story, we have to go back to the very beginning, not when Jack Frost entered into Guardianship on that beautiful morning, the beginning of an austere journey, but many years after.

Jamie and Sophie grew up; Jamie now lives in an apartment, paying off the rent working in a warehouse, lifting boxes. Sophie stayed to what she believed in; the past, for she didn't want to grow up. She is in college to get a degree in nursing, or so her parents think. She really lives with Bunny, working as his secretary. She organizes paint brushes, ordering more from Hallow, she arranges her work just as she arranges her belongings in Bunny's room within his castle; lovingly. All of the Guardians within The Guardianship are well and vibrant with life, enjoying every second and the world seems to glow with a new age of stableness. This is where we start.

Jack Frost

Being a Guardian is what he owed to the moon, or Leader Lunar, the head of this program. He made sure the children of this world were safe. He knew his duty as he was soaring through the air on a cold autumn day. Children who believed looked up at him with joy on their faces and their parents brushed it off as kids just being kids when they couldn't understand what they were seeing. Jack smiled and waved back at them, sending chilly rushes of wind towards them in a friendly greeting; they laughed back. He didn't stop to play though for he was going to Jamie's apartment in the east part of Burgess. Finding an open window near the top of the building, he flew in and traveled to find Jamie's room. When he got there on the 3rd floor he waited until all the people were gone in the hallway; it would look weird if they heard knocking and no one was there.

Jamie opened the door and let Jack in quickly before he closed the door. The young adult hoped nobody saw that he opened the door and let nobody in. Turning, he gave Jack a quick hug with a pat on the back and led him to the back where his living room was. As they walked through each room Jack took in the decorating and arrangement. The front room was the bedroom; the mattress wasn't aligned with the box spring by about half a foot and the blankets were just thrown around. They looked like waves of a blue ocean and the winter spirit didn't want to know what was under that haphazardly tossed comforter.

In the kitchen, plates and silverware filled the sink and a box of cereal was left out on the counter. Across from this room was the bathroom that had towels on the floor but everything else was nice and polished, not a bottle out of place. The boy only needed shampoo, conditioner and soap. Not much to handle. The final room was the living area and Jamie turned and offered him a seat with a smile. The white haired boy sat down in a tough beat up chair and observed the tiny room. Mismatched furniture surrounded the little ancient TV that was on a table against the wall. The walls themselves were chipping at the corners and the indigo paint seemed dull. It was a pretty average low down apartment. He turned his attention to his friend.

"So Jack, what brings you here?"

"Oh I just thought I'd drop by to see my first believer, you know?" Jamie chuckled.

"Want a drink?" the brunette boy suggested.

"Sure, I'll just have water."

Jamie came back with a water bottle and a Gatorade. Jack leaned forward and he took a swig of his water.

"So how's your job? Don't you get paid this week?"

It took Jamie a second to respond, "It's going good, I mean, how well can lifting boxes everyday go, huh?" Jamie laughed. "I just hope I get paid well tomorrow since I worked overtime last week. I think I'll just be able to make it with the rent this time. Last month I cut it close since I bought that Halloween costume, but it was worth it. Hallow's Halloween party was the best," he drank his Gatorade. Jack nodded in agreement, remembering that day. It was amazing; it reminded him he had a family now. Everyone was there, even the Headless Horseman who guards her grounds came up to drink. For so long he was lonely, and now he didn't have to be alone anymore.

"I'm glad you came to that party, Jamie, I was worried you wouldn't. I know life may be hard now but it's worth it when you have so many that love you. It'll get better. Promise." Jack raised his water in a toast and Jamie did the same.

"To Family!" they both said in unison.

Raquel

Deep in the middle of Burgess settled a rehab center. It goes by the name of 'Mindful Ambitions' and people go here for psychological help. Alcoholics, sex-addicts, child-molesters, they were all directed here because of recommendation. It was a helpful and effective community.

A girl who is 22 years old got kicked out of her house and shunned from her family. Her family lives in Kentucky and they sent her as far away on a plane as they could possibly afford. They wanted to get rid of her, plain and simple and the smell of liquor rose off of her like she bathed in it. She's an alcoholic and depressed at the fact that she can't control her life and everything around her is crumbling. The solution, in her mind, is to keep drinking and to forget her lack of control on the downward spiral of her future. It started a couple years before when she first picked up her drink from a guy in a bar who bought her rounds. He was a nice enough man; tall, slender, pale-skin, and in a way odd, but that didn't matter for he was the only person who was nice to her. She lifted her shot as a 'thank you' and downed the drink. It tasted absolutely delicious and he had offered her more.

Flashback

"Would you like another round, my dear?" Tall and slender asked. The girl was relieved he offered because it tasted divine. "Yes please!" She answered with a smile. With that, the man called over the bartender who got them their shots when he asked. She took the tiny glass and held it to her lips, she drank it all.

"Well I see you like the 'Apocalypse Now.' A popular shot that contains tequila, dry vermouth and Irish Cream Liqueur. Very attractive," he smiled approvingly as he stared just a bit longer than usual. She blushed before she realized why it tasted so good.

"Oh I know why it tastes good! It has tequila and I love tequila," she explained while staring right back. The affects of the alcohol were building her confidence, it also made her a bit tipsy and she didn't realize the slight change in taste. Either way the night went on and their laughs grew as they slowly got to know each other. She came to like this new guy named Night and when their evening was over they agreed to meet again.

End Flashback

They met a lot more after that one date, it began to turn into something a little more than just getting to know each other. They became friends and that began to develop further. They always met at bars because it was a common favorite between them both and on some nights they battled to see who could drink the most without getting wasted. It usually ended at Night's house in a frenzy of arousal.

Raquel's behavior, however, didn't go unnoticed and her parents found out about her boyfriend and her drinking problem. They forbid her from coming back and she never did. Instead she got help at a rehab center just down the street from her run-down apartment. Night followed her and helped her with her rent and their relationship grew.

As time went on she discovered that Night was the head of a company and he was wealthy. They talked about his job and what was new when he came home from work. Raquel didn't work since her record of rehabilitation swayed employers away. She was blessed to have him help her and she stayed with him because of love and stability. Perhaps stability in a few different reasons. She believes she has no control and she is desperate. Memories of her family and her life before plaque her mind and the reality of what her life is now seems too far-fetched. She loves the fact that she's with Night but it still feels like a dream, and she can't even drink to relax her mind. She wasn't allowed because not drinking would help her to get better. Part of her psychological help includes trying to get her to believe in the hope of getting better.

Then her life was altered a bit. Night took her out to dinner after she got out of rehab that day. A fancy restaurant that smelled of Axe cologne and the perfume from the elegantly dressed women. The pair was seated at a table near the window and the waiter took their order and brought out a bottle of red wine at the request of Night. They made small chit-chat about mundane topics and eventually their food arrived. Raquel ordered a filet mignon and Night; chicken parmesan. Their conversation started out normal but then it moved on to other things. Night began to look nervous, unsure of how to start. He put down his glass of wine after taking a sip, he sighed noticeably to get her attention. She looked up and said, 'What's wrong?'

"I've been keeping something from you," he looked away from her and she held her breath. What could he possibly be holding from her? She began to feel afraid, her life was going out of order again. Her fork of steak froze in front of her open mouth.

He struggled to begin. "My name…isn't really..Night..," he looked uncomfortable.

"Oh…it's not?" she was caught off guard, expecting something else. Yet, this little bit of news did surprise her. She put down her fork and waited for his answer. Her blue diamond earrings swung as she turned her head in question.

"No. It's actually…Pitch..," he said while physically backing away looking ashamed. She stared at him for a second, sounding the name in her head.

"Oh. Why didn't you tell me? Why were you hiding it?"

"Because it is rather embarrassing.."

"Oh no it's not! Is that really why you never told me?"

"It sounds stupid, I didn't want you to laugh at it," Night, who is now Pitch, explained while stabbing a piece of chicken and chewing it bitterly.

"I wouldn't laugh! I love it! Don't feel bad, I actually like it better than Night, it sounds more believable," at that he looked up at her, swallowed, and smiled shyly. She smiled back and it was a beautiful sight of acceptance. In that moment of letting that new information sink in she continued to eat her steak. She stabbed at a new piece and chewed. What was coming next she didn't expect either.

"Raquel, I'm beyond exhilarated that you think my name is believable. Just as I believe that there is nothing wrong with you. I feel that there is no need for you to continue to go to rehab," he said the last part in a low voice. He threw a curve ball at her. What a turn it took from a name to her status. She choked on her steak, the stubborn piece lodged in the back of her throat as she fought to either keep it down or to hack it up. Either of those two options she would be perfectly fine with. Pitch shot up and hurried over to her and slapped the back of her shoulders. She spat it out on her plate and sucked in fresh air, her lungs greedy as she heaved.

She didn't know what to say, she didn't even know if she could say anything. She just stared and continued to let oxygen into her lungs. Other couples at other tables looked at her with eyes of concern and some with annoyance. They also watched Pitch walk back to his side of the table, taking in the sight of his wealth. His suit was custom made with sharp edges and black as evil. He waited patiently and quietly for her to find words.

When she finally did she said, "You really think so?"

"Yes I do, 100 percent. Raquel, you are perfectly fine. Your mindset is exquisite. Yes you may have worries of no order or control, which I think are ridiculous because you are a remarkable woman with complete control, but everyone has worries. It is perfectly normal. I really believe you should stop going."

She was touched. She sat there and thought for awhile. If a guy of Pitch's status and expertise thought so then it must be true. He was the boss of a huge company of Psychology himself so he new what he was talking about. But even if she stopped going she couldn't get a job easily. She brought up job hunting and how she wouldn't have a chance.

He responded, 'I'll hire you," he took in her shocked expression. "I'll gladly give you the position of lead Psychologist of Deteni Orsid. Alongside me, as I forever hope you will be," he made a big show of pulling out a little black velvet box. Raquel gasped and others looked on at the scene. He opened it and inside was the most beautiful, and expensive, 2.4 carat engagement ring. The diamond glittered under the dim lights. It seemed to glow with its own soft radiance and it reflected in her blue eyes.

"Oh Night. Oh! I mean Pitch…," tears welled in her eyes.

"Raquel, will you marry me?"

"YES!" she squealed and held out her left hand. He placed the reflective ring on her ring finger -the finger with the vein that connected straight to her heart. People around them clapped and cheered for the new happy couple.

It was an amazing feeling, truly remarkable. Here she thought it was just going to be another regular dinner with the man she loved. Now she would never have to go back to that dreadful place, 'Mindful Ambitions,' ever again. She would have a good paying job and be married to the love of her life. It was such a mind-numbingly extraordinary feeling.

"Hey sweetie?" she asked.

"Yes, my fiancée?" he asked her with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. She giggled and held the other unused wine glass in her tiny hand.

"Can you pour me some wine?"

He filled it up to the very top.

Jack Frost

Jack stayed at Jamie's place for a long time and just talked, caught up with him. They hugged again and Jack left, flying in the dark. He brought more gusts of wind and just a small dash of flurries that stuck to the ground like powder. He brought snow to a few other towns and enjoyed every second of it. It was November after all. After awhile he grew tired and the longing for his girlfriend settled in. Toothiana, Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies. She was such a sight for sore eyes. Or maybe her appearance of bright blues, greens, and yellows would blind someone. Either way he missed her and wanted to get back to her.

He flew into her palace and a swarm of fairies fluttered around him; begging for attention. He laughed to himself and shook his head expectantly. He winked at them and they all but fainted. He then made his way into the main tower of the Tooth Palace where the queen was directing more fairies. Fairies, fairies, fairies! They were everywhere! Myriads of blurs shot in every direction lightning fast.

"Philadelphia, PA!, Marlton, New Jersey! Houston, Texas! Oh! Watch out for severe thunderstorms!" she spat out locations and warnings. She was a very busy and exciting woman! Then she halted. She held a canine that a fairy gave her. "Ohhh..I hope that didn't hurt too much when the dentist took it out…" She handed it back to the sad fairy who flew it to the storage tower. "Belhaven, North Carolina! Harrington, Delaware! Aliceville, Ala-!" She was cut off when Jack grabbed her shoulders and spun her around. She gasped softly as she was pressed up against him and smiled when she registered his face. She took in everything; his smell, the heat of his breath, the way his hair went down into his eyes. She couldn't take it anymore; the fairy kissed him and he kissed back with equal passion.

Jack pulled back to look into her purple eyes. "I missed you," he said simply.

She chuckled. "I missed you too," they kissed again and it became more intense. The arousal spiked and the passion was evident. It went on for a good short time. Then, all of a sudden, Tooth stopped but she was reluctant and regretted it. She felt more calls, more children with teeth under their fluffy, white pillows. She sighed, "Jack..I.."

Jack's face fell, disappointed. They never got any further than he wanted to. He didn't want to take advantage of her, and if she said she couldn't, he took it as a man and stopped. And it wasn't that she didn't want to go any farther, she just couldn't. Oh how they couldn't wait to have just one night dedicated to each other! He let go of her and stepped back while she rubbed her arm awkwardly. They stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do when Jack spoke first, "Well, I'm going to go to bed.."

She looked up with sorrowful eyes. "Yeah.."

"I love you," he kissed her cheek and flew off to their room. Tooth hovered there for a minute before she bitterly went back to ordering her fairies. They too seemed unhappy.

The snow sprite closed the door behind him and walked over to the low bed with Asian-styled decor. The imprints of cherry blossoms stitched into the cloth moved as he pulled back the sheets, getting ready for bed. He fluffed up his pillow and thought about knocking out a tooth of his own to put under it. Maybe that would attract Toothiana upstairs and into his arms. He smiled to himself at his little fantasy but then grimaced that it was too unlikely. He turned over to face the empty spot next to him. It was always empty. He turned back over with a huff. It was unfair!

He tossed and turned all night. The sheets were too warm, the pillow wasn't soft enough, he took off his shirt and then became too cold and put the sheets back on. It was almost like a vicious cycle of discomfort. At last he fell asleep late into the night.

The Tooth Palace was busy. Although there were millions of fairies working, a certain figure snuck through without being noticed. He waited for just the right moment. He turned into a shadow and flew across the marble and stone of the structures, right up into the bedroom-the only one in the queendom.

Shooting through the window and under the bed, the shadow transformed into slick features and blackness with shots of ashen color. Pitch rotated and evaluated Jack's sleeping form. He looked into his dreams and saw the hurt and longing. The Nightmare King knew as well as Jack that Tooth couldn't stop her work. Jack needed a reality check.

Putting his hand in front of him, he summoned dark dream sand. He sprinkled the speckles over Jack's head and soon the snow bringer was squinting his eyes in his sleep, invaded by bad dreams.

Pitch didn't even smile. He flew off and away from the Tooth Palace. He would be back tomorrow.

Jack had terrible dreams. He dreamed that Tooth walked out on him. Then it switched and the dream beheld that he actually walked out on her. They both broke up and went separate ways, their romance cut in half. The reasoning behind the break up was no affection or at least not enough. A feeling of intense loneliness filled Jack's soul and it didn't feel right but it felt possible. Possible enough that it was real. He woke with a yell and scanned the room. He was breathing heavy and he was covered in sweat, good thing his shirt was off. He lay back down and tried to relax. He thought about Tooth.

'Was that really real? NO, it was just a dream.. Yet, it felt so possible..,' he thought to himself quietly in the dark and shivered. He prayed it would never become reality, he loved her too much for that to happen to them. He wouldn't let it happen! He would make sure that thought never saw the light of day! And with that, our friend turns back over with fierce determination and pulls the covers back over his bare skin. He fell back asleep as the early morning light filled the room and fell on the furniture in a soft, easy-on-the-eyes caress.