Chapter Two: E. Aster Bunnymund
Bunny shivered violently as he jumped out of a tunnel outside the Pole. "Can't feel mah feet!" He protested to the frigid air before bounding off towards the building where a roaring fire was calling his name.
When he reached the Pole, however, another situation awaited him. As he bounded into the building, he realized that if anything, it was even colder in the Pole. Mortified, he looked around, searching for any signs of life. There were none, and even his sensitive ears could find no sound save his own breathing. He went to take a step and skidded across the floor.
He looked closer, and realized that the Pole was entirely frozen over. Without a moment's hesitation he bounded and skidded his way towards North's office. When he kicked in the door, he saw that the office had been trashed but spared the frost treatment.
His mind was whirling, but one recent memory floated to the surface. Jack nodded. "Yup. And most likely mad at me for something I did."
His mind settled to a halt, replaced by a bubbling hot feeling that he remembered well. He was furious. Without another thought he stomped, accessing his tunnels.
He took a moment to relish the startled looks on the Avengers faces when he popped out of a tunnel in the middle of the room in front of them. His vision then tunneled slightly when he saw Jack peer at him confusedly.
Bunny pounced forwards before Jack could react, catching the collar of his hoodie and using it to slam him backwards and pin him to the ground.
"Bunny! What the heck!" Jack protested, attempting to break free.
"The Pole!" Bunny snapped. "Frozen over! Everyone gone! What did ya do, and what were ya thinkin'?"
Jack went limp, eyes wide. "The Pole...what? No! Wait...you think I did that?" He inquired in a hurt tone. Something seemed to light in his eyes. "Whoa, whoa! Everyone's gone? What about North? And Phil? Where are they? And Tooth! And Sandy! Are they alright?"
Bunny relaxed, releasing Jack. He could tell that Jack was obviously not the culprit. But who else would be capable of freezing over the Pole?
He sighed. "I dunno, mate. I dunno."
Jack bounded to his feet, not showing any sign that he had just been Judo tossed to the ground. "Then we go find out!" He insisted.
"Wait." The word cut through the air, though it had been spoken quietly. Bunny turned to see a man fiddling with glasses looking at him. "We can help you, I think." He then offered a small smile. "Bruce Banner, by the way."
Bunny straightened up. "And why do ya think ya can do that?"
"Ice isn't limited to your friend Jack. An old enemy, Loki, he's an Frost Giant. I personally have not seen him actually create ice, but it stands to reason that it would be possible. From what I've heard, if they just touch you it causes extreme frostbite."
Jack looked up at Bunny. "Seems legit." He said. "And I happen to have conveniently acquired a snow globe through perhaps not entirely honest means. Shall we?"
Bunny rolled his eyes. "One a these days North is gonna catch ya." He scolded. "But let's go." He then nodded at the Avengers. "And yes, ya can come too."
"That's assuming that Loki is the culprit." Bruce reminded them.
"If it's a reasonable possibility, it's one that I'll consider." Bunny replied.
Jack grinned, shook the snow globe, muttered, "Tooth Palace", and threw it against the wall. When the portal appeared, Bunny made sure the Avengers all got through before leaping through himself.
When the portal closed behind him, he looked up to see Tooth fluttering down. "What's going on?" She demanded, looking at the Avengers. "What are they doing here?"
"The Pole's been attacked." Bunny explained. "Frozen over. We have reason to believe that it wasn't Jack, but a fella called Loki. These blokes here have experience dealing with 'im."
Tooth landed softly, her eyes moistening. "And..."
Bunny shrugged. "Dunno, there was nobody there."
Her hands flew to her mouth. "Oh no. What are we going to do?"
Jack shrugged. "Well, it's gotta be night somewhere. I can go fly around and look for Sandy."
Tooth and Bunny looked at each other, remembering what had happened one fateful Easter when Jack had gone off on his own. Then Bunny heaved a sigh. "Alright, go, but don't go chasin' after a mysterious sheila callin' yer name this time, deal?"
Jack wrinkled his nose. "No worries there." Without another word, he flew off.
Bruce cleared his throat softly. "While that clarified very little, I take it that you're one of these guys? From all appearances, I'd say you're the Tooth Fairy."
Tooth smiled, her spirits obviously restored as she fluttered back up to hover closer to eye level. "Yes, that's me. Please, follow me inside." She invited. The Avengers exchanged looks, shrugged, and followed her into one of the towers. She looked back, and Bunny shook his head. Her mouth opened slightly as she realised what he was planning, but he opened a tunnel and jumped in before she could say anything.
Back at the Pole, he was glad to see that this time he had managed to land inside the Pole even though the temperature offered no reward. He ran to North's office and inhaled deeply, picking up a slight scent of cookies. Elves. Not what he wanted. He then noticed that North's swords were still in place, though one was skewed. Bingo.
He caught North's scent first, then secured the swords in the leather strap he carried his boomerangs in. North would appreciate having them once he was found.
Bunny hunched over and began following the faint trail. It would take a long time, that he was sure, and so he wasn't willing to wait while North was in trouble.
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Yeah, had nothing else to do so I cranked out another chapter. And, I will tell you now, will you see Bunny anytime soon? NOPE. Why? I suck at writing things correctly for his character. I seem to vibe better with the ones who can't stay out of trouble. No clue why.
And I apologize right now for cheesy chapter titles, I am unbelievably tired right now.