I think this story might end up being longer than its prequel. The last one was like 15 chapters. This could be anywhere from 16 to 20. We shall see, but things are about to get very complicated.

Disclaimer: William Joyce and Dreamworks own Rise of the Guardians. I don't.

Chapter 7

(Bunny POV)

With Sandy and Tooth in tow, and filled in to our best guess at Jack's whereabouts, the four of us flung the decrepit bed frame out of the way and jumped down the hole that led to Pitch's lair. Sandy had made pictures on the ride over, letting us know he'd seen Jack several hours ago and the winter spirit had asked about the nightmares that were still plagueing many night after night without respite. It made sense.

Jack went searching after Patrick, thinking he had caused the nightmares, only to find it was Pitch all along, who kidnapped him in order to keep him from talking. When I got my hands on the nightmare king, I was going to make him pay. Inflict pain he never knew existed.

We traveled the tunnels until they opened to what was obviously a home: living room; kitchen; hallway of bed and bathrooms. I held my boomerangs ready, listening to even the tiniest of noises, searching every room for the pale skin, snow-white hair and stunning blue eyes I'd fallen in love with, grasping frantically at the hope that he wasn't too badly hurt. Just as I reached the end of the hallway and the last of the rooms, finding absolutely nothing to suggest Jack was being held against his will.

"It's very rude to snoop around, you know." The eery, English voice said from behind, a bit of anger evident. I spun around, throwing my boomerangs, but Pitch disappeared, only to show up just outside the door. I caught my weapons and went after him, aware he was leading me into the living room, where I found the other three standing, prepared to fight. "Now would you mind telling me just what you think you're doing in my home?" He sneered, crossing his arms.

"We're here for Jack." Tooth declared fearlessly. "We demand you give him back." Pitch looked around the room, before turning back to us.

"And why, might I ask, do you seem under the impression I have him?" He wondered.

"Who else would take him? Besides, he started acting weird after he woke from a nightmare this morning. And ya know somethin' about that, don't ya?" I accused, smirking in triumph, before his laugh broke through the room. The four of us looked at each other.

"You're right, rabbit. I do know something about his nightmare, but I didn't create it, only feasted on the enormous amount of fear it construed within him." He explained with a smile. "Would you like to know what he's afraid of?" He tempted. I stopped, lowering my weapons, his offer appealing and his eyes, unfortunately, honest.

"Bunny..." Tooth said in warning.

"What...what is Jack afraid of?" I ignored her, addressing Pitch. He chuckled.

"That he's too childish-not mature enough for you-and you're going to leave him for someone else." He admitted, voice unbearably honest. He didn't need to lie at that moment because he knew the truth would hurt me-and it did. It hurt that he was so insecure and that he hadn't been comfortable enough to come to me with his insecurity. It hurt that I hadn't made him feel beloved enough that the thought of me ever wanting someone else would seem ridiculous to him, let alone fear-worthy. It hurt that I didn't make it abundantly clear how much he would always mean to me.

I fell to my knees, head down in shame.

"No. NO." I flung a nearby rock in anger. "The thought should have never crossed his mind." I shook my head.

"...But if Jack isn't here, where is he?" Tooth asked, voice wary.

"You don't think he's back at pole, do you?" North suggested. If Pitch didn't-and never-had him, then was it possible he was safe and had just gotten so absorbed in looking for Pat that he had stayed out a little too late?

"Maybe." Tooth said. "You should get in touch with Phil and ask him to see if Jack returned." She suggested. North nodded, walking off with a cellular device. "You!" She turned on Pitch, pointing an accusatory finger. "Are you behind those nightmares the mortals have been having of St. Patrick?" He rolled his eyes.

"Why do you automatically think of me whenever something is amiss?" He wondered. "No. I've only been living off the fear. Besides, if it were me, I'd spread nightmares of myself to help the fear and belief spread faster, not waste my little strength on promoting and/or framing someone else." He relayed in annoyance. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm sure you know where the exit is, as you trespassed through it." He waved us away, walking off to the kitchen. Again, his honesty was clear and unfaltering.

"Jack was right. Jack was one hundred percent right." I realized, looking to Tooth and Sandy, who each looked extremely nervous.

"You don't think, with the information Sandy gave him, he went looking for Pat and...found him, do you?" Tooth worried. I clenched my eyes shut tightly. The idea that Pat had him was so much more frightening. At least we knew where Pitch lived-where he always was. We couldn't say the same about Patrick, and had no idea where to even start. Jack could be anywhere...and in any condition.

"I really hope not." I answered, heading toward the exit with Tooth and Sandy behind me. Once we got back to the surface, North looked over at us with an apologetic expression and I knew Jack was truly in trouble.

"Phil says no one has seen Jack. He's not at pole, with Overlands, at his lake or held by Pitch." North recapped. "I fear Pat may be behind terrorizing and nightmares...and may have Jack."

Scary thrill that sends a chill up your spine? Good. Jack will be appearing again in the next chapter. Be prepared. What do you guys think of the story so far? Please tell me in a review :)

Also, out of curiosity, I'd like to know a little bit about my readers. Tell me if you're male or female, your first name, your age, where you're from (just a country name is fine, if that's all you're comfortable with) and any other little tidbits you want to share.

~I'mBelleGoose