North began to land over a seemingly empty Australian cove. The land barren, void of life. accompanied by hot air. Thor frowned slightly. Loki would never be anywhere quite this warm if he could avoid it. Would a tracker here do any good for someone who cares little for warm weather? Granted, Midgard didn't seem nearly as warm as Asgard and he could tolerate Asgard's sweltering heat, but he wanted Loki to be safe. Loki was his little brother. It was the older brother's job to keep the younger one safe. An odd twinge rippled through his chest. Cold yet pleasant.

"Lord North... Art thou sure this man will be able to track my brother?" Thor questioned. North let out a hearty laugh.

"Bunny is best tracker on Earth. He find your brother no problem."


"He sounds obnoxious," Loki smiled at Bunnymund. Bunnymund gave a small chuckle.

"He is. Don't know a good 'oliday if it hit 'im in his face. Ah mean, Easta' is much more important."

"Easter is a time for hope?"

"Got tha' right," Bunny nodded his head, "An wha' 'as he got? Bunch o trouble makin' elves too dumb ta do anythin' important."

"Sounds like Thor," Loki snorted.

"He a piece o work is he?"

"He's supposed to be king. What does he know about being king? He just runs around with his hammer all day fighting anyone he can! He doesn't know the first thing about running a kingdom. It wouldn't surprise me if the advisors run Asgard with him just adding laws whenever he pleases!"

"Sounds like North. Pity the yetis."

"ASTER!" yelled a voice across the meadow, with a thick Russian accent.

"Speak of the devil," Bunnymund quipped as he stood tall. Loki stood straight as well to see this "North" man. To his surprise he looked similar to All-father. He stood tall and strong, fearless. He was a burly man wearing red and black. Swords at his hip were duly noted as he seemed to be a warrior. His arms decorated with Midgardian words. His skin a rosy red almost as if he just stepped in from the cold. His face however garnered the most of Loki's attention.

He had a long white beard and a face that held hidden knowledge peaking Loki's curiosity. His eyes however were, for a lack of a better term, jolly. Like an infant's eyes gazing into the world outside the womb for the first time. They were a blue Loki had not seen before and yet seemed to pull at his heart. He imagined those eyes tainted with mischief. He hid a smile surprisingly pleased with the image.

"LOKI!" another voice cried out. Loki stiffened as he was tackled by his brother and pulled into a hug against his will. Bunnymund raised an eye ridge curiously.

"Bunny! Why you no tell me Thor Odinson's brother entered your warren."

"'A just met the Lil' ankle bitta. How's I supposed ta know you was lookin fer em ya gumby?"

"Bah. You need to tell me when deez things happen," North stated. Bunnymund glared at North in a similar fashion Loki was glaring at Thor.

"Art thee alright?" Thor asked giving Loki a once over. Loki swatted Thor's hands away from his person interrupting his check.

"Perfectly fine Thor. Now let's get back to Asgard before we end up in any more trouble."

"But we hath not been here long," Thor argued. Loki's eyes narrowed.

"Need I remind you we are not allowed to use the Bifrost alone?"

"When else would we explore this glorious place? Mother hath convinced All-father not to allow us to come here."

"Mother has her reasons," Loki hissed quick to defend their mother.


"Dear, the boys-"

"I know Frigga. Heimdall is opening the Bifrost to bring them home."

"That is wonderful news," she smiled at her husband. He nodded his head, a grave look on his face.

"We are lucky that they were able to find North. He knows how to open Earth's Bifrost Path."

"The Bifrost can open anywhere,". Frigga stated. Odin nodded.

"They would need to be in the right place at the right time yes. But North knows how to open one at the Northern most location."

"Surrounded by ice and snow?" Frigga asked slightly nervous.

"Indeed. He creates a magnificent display of colors mirroring the entrance of the Bifrost. It is endured with magic and Midgardian technology. In truth, he is a rival to the architects and enchantresses of Asgard with his design and magic."

The thunderous roar of boots stomping on stone made Frigga and Odin stand tall. It was time to discipline their children.


"A nightmare goes a long way," Pitch said softly garnering a small handful of midnight stained sand. Jack looked up from his blankets curiously.

"But too far..."

"And it breaks men. Remember Jack, there is nothing wrong with a little fear. People who fear nothing-"

"Are the people all fear as one," Jack finished with a sigh. Pitch gave a small smirk.

"Humanity. What ever happened to that little trickster who just plotted?"

"Sassy Sandman?" Jack smiled innocently. Pitch rolled his golden eyes.

"No more shooting stars for you," he reprimanded.

"But they last longer," Jack muttered quietly as a small dusting of nightmare sand was placed over his face putting him in a dreamless dream. Pitch stroked Jack's silver hair like any parent would. Or... Grandparent. He watched his sand take form only to frown in distaste. There were people attacking him. Ignoring him. Asgardians and Jotuns. There was no mistaking their forms. Little sand Jack was flying fast avoiding their violently grabbing hands.

His eyes narrowed seeing the two boys who once upon a time believed in Jack, both with their backs turned walking away. Jack couldn't catch up. Despair overcame sand Jack before he was swallowed by the nightmare sand. A soft sigh came from Jack as the dream changed, shifting from black to a soft gold coming from the core, bleeding to the nightmare sand remaining. The sand became three people hugging. Jack, Seraphina and... himself. A family.

Was listening to Genesis's Burning Rope for the last part. Listen to the lyrics carefully and you'll understand the influence. Maybe... Please review.