I am back with a timelier update! My first class of the year was cancelled so I thought what better time to dive right into chapter nine! To be honest I had hoped to be finished before school started (so sorry about that last wait btw) but no matter. Better late than never right?

I do not own Rise of the Guardians

Chapter Nine: Truce

"Alright, I'll help you." Zephyr's eyes widened from his spot high in the rafters, and with the stealth from centuries of sneaking into children's rooms to collect teeth the fae snuck out of the room and flew back to where Neron and Sophie were waiting.

The male pooka spoke first, "Well? What happened in there? You were gone fer a while mate." Quickly the frost fae summarized the meeting, including the grim scenes he saw play out above their family's heads in dreamsand.

The twins both had expressions of grief. "I-I never knew that Pitch ever had a family," Sophie murmured.

"You aren't the only one. Your dad is a full scale blizzard of pissed off right now by the way. So I'd avoid him for a good few hours at least if I were you."

"Da's temper's gonna be the death of 'im," Sophie muttered exasperated. "He does realize this is our best and only option right?" The boys shrugged. "Zephyr did the others make any plans yet?"

He shook his head, "No I left to fill you two in right after I heard Pitch say he'd help us."

"Then I think the best thing we can do is come up with some sort of plan and present it to the others, ya know, ta show our matureness. Obviously we won't say we listened in on everythin, but that if Pitch agreed to help we'd-"

"You do know eavesdropping can put you on naughty list da?" North's voice said right behind the three. Zephyr let out a less than manly yelp, Neron jumped over a foot in the air in surprise, and Sophie spun around with a startled shout of "Bloody buggering fuck!"

"Sophie!" Nat exclaimed at her daughter's language, her expression not pleased at all.

From behind the others the human hybrid heard a quiet chuckle. She caught sight of Pitch with them, a hint of amusement in his eyes, and a blush dusted her cheeks. "Sorry Mum, but crikey North you can't just sneak up on us like that!"

The older Guardian laughed a bit, "I am Santa Claus, it is my job. Besides, did Zephyr not just do some sneaking too?"

The fae lowered his head in shame, his parents' disapproving gaze heating his cheeks. "Not cool bud." Jack said before walking out of the room.

"That conversation may not have been for your ears," Tooth scolded all three of them. "Especially something so private and personal."

Pitch spoke up, much to the others' surprise. "Do not be too hard on them Toothiana. I am not offended that they know about my past. Besides, it isn't like I haven't done my fair share of spying on you people." The Guardians looked at him, "Oh don't look so shocked, for moon's sake I am the boogeyman after all. Sneaking in the shadows is practically the definition of my job."

There was a bit of an awkward pause then, but before anyone could really comment Zephyr asked, "Where did Dad go?"

Sandy made a picture of a pooka above his head. "Your father's going to try to calm Bunny down," Tooth translated. "Hopefully they'll be joining us soon."

"But until then, let us grab some food!" North said happily, "I know I was not only one to skip breakfast. So come! We can strategize over lunch!"

~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~

Bunnymund breathed deeply, focusing on clearing his mind of all thoughts. He was a pooka, a master of battle as well as mediation. Using all the skills he knew he remained still, releasing all his negative emotions, until he was empty. Just as he was reaching a sense of tranquility the door to his room opened, and a burst of cold entered with it.

"Go. Away. Frostbite." The command was ignored of course and his ears easily picked up the sound of bare feet hitting the floor, stopping when they were directly in front of him. Bunny still refused to open his eyes though and instead took another deep breath.

Jack set his staff aside and sat in front of his friend, "Relax kangaroo, just keeping you company while you cool down." To Bunny's surprise it actually got quiet again, so he continued his meditation. He was starting to relax again when he heard a sigh. Ignoring the sound he focused on his breathing. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in- another sigh. This one also had the sound of a body shifting. Once again it was ignored, but of course it only took a few more seconds before Jack exploded, "Ok this is so boring!"

Bunny finally opened his eyes and snapped angrily, "No one's askin' ya ta stick around Frost! Go join the others!"

The young winter spirit didn't leave though, instead he just got up and started walking around. Swinging his staff behind his shoulders he asked, "You know you can't just hide in here forever right Bunny?"

"Oi I ain't hidin' ya show pony. I'm tryin' not ta go back and beat that monster to a bloody pulp. And you are not helping!" The pooka stood up then, walked over to the bed and punched a pillow. The helpless object bent in half at the force but thankfully didn't break open and explode feathers everywhere.

Jack stared at the rabbit before speaking, "You asked why we're so ok with him being here." Bunny lifted his gaze from the pillow to look at him. "I don't know the others' reason, but mine is simple. He's a lot like me."

"No!" Bunny practically shouted. He grabbed the boy's shoulders. "Don't you dare say that Jack, you are nothing like him! Yer good, and kind and ya may be a bugger sometimes but yer heart is always in the right place!"

Jack smiled at the kind words, "Well I appreciate that cottontail. But think about it, what did Pitch and I have in common for so long?" When Bunny didn't answer he continued, "We were both alone." Two ears pressed down against his skull in guilt but Jack didn't stop. "The way I see it, that first time I fought Pitch, all he really wanted was to be believed in. I mean come on he actually told us that to our faces! Sure he went about it terribly, and back then I hated him for what he did to Sandy, but after some time I realized he and I were in the same boat. For three hundred years that was all I had wanted. To be seen, to be heard, to have someone, anyone-" He paused, taking a breath. "And when he took Nat, what was the reason? To have someone beside him, a companion. I tried my fair share of everything to get someone's attention," he released a dry chuckle, "Random freezes, snowfalls in hot places, even causing a certain blizzard in 1968." Bunny's head snapped in his direction, "What you think that was just for fun?" Jack wore a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "Sometimes I still think I'm gonna wake up by my pond, and that all this was a dream."

Bunny wanted to hug the eternal teen. Sometimes he forgot what he had gone through in the beginning. It was hard to remember since he always seemed so happy. "Anyways," Jack said, "Over the years I couldn't help but think, 'What if that night I came out of the lake like him. What if instead of ice I controlled nightmare sand? Would you guys have still taken me into your group?' Pitch was given a crap hand of cards Bunny. That's not his fault. Now I'm not saying that excuses everything he's done but…I get where he's coming from. I can relate. To be honest I'm surprised he lasted this long without anyone, now knowing about his past…it's amazing he didn't…you know."

Bunny did know, and while he hated to admit it, he and Pitch had something in common. They both lost everything they'd ever held dear. He looked back at Jack and thought about what he said. What if Jack had become a nightmare instead. Jack, the goofball he saw as a brother and trusted with his life, would he have accepted him if things had been different. Feeling his shoulders slump he knew the answer. He would have kicked the boy's rear to kingdom come and back again. With a sigh he pulled him by the shoulder for a quick hug. "Damn mate," he muttered, "Can't let a guy be mad huh? Just gotta go and put reason inta my head."

Jack chuckled genuinely and returned the embrace, "Well yeah. You're already a sourpuss all the time, don't need you being any worse." Bunny rolled his eyes and cuffed him gently on the back of his head. "So, you think you can be in the same room as Pitch? Or do you need another few minutes?"

Heaving a sigh Bunny ran a paw over his ears, "I guess I probably should…"

Jack got behind the pooka and started pushing him toward the door, "Oh come on! I think everyone's in the dining room already eating lunch. And I'm starving! So let's go!"

"Never thought I'd see the day where I'd 'ave lunch with Pitch Black."

~~~~Minutes Later~~~~

The rest of the group was eating their food, casual conversation being thrown in between bites. It was still a little awkward, but Pitch remained quiet for the most part, unless when someone spoke directly to him. It was usually Nat trying to get him to engage with them but whenever she asked him something he would only give a short reply before lapsing into silence once more. Jack and Bunny entered the room and all activity stopped. The pooka's gaze went straight to the boogeyman, and no one missed how his body seemed to tense. With some effort Pitch rose from his seat, keeping a hand on the armrest for support. For a moment it seemed as if no one was breathing, just waiting to see how events would play out.

Rolling his shoulders back Bunny walked over to Pitch, whose face was a mask of no emotion. Finally he said quietly, "I don't think I could ever forgive you for what you've done ta me. But," Pitch's eyes widened slightly at the word, "if you really are going to help us, than I can put my own feelings aside for the greater good." He held out his paw, "Truce?"

Pitch stared incredulously at Bunny's paw, then back at his face. "I never expected you to forgive me in the first place. For what it's worth, though I'm sure it's little, I am truly sorry for the agony I caused you." He then grabbed the outstretched paw and shook it before releasing and sitting back down.

Bunny nodded once, "Don't think that I won't still keep my eye on you though." He then moved and sat down in the empty chair by Nat. She put a comforting hand on his leg and gave him a proud smile. He gave her a slight smile, glad to have his mate beside him. "So, do we 'ave a plan or does he just have ta go suck up nightmares or somethin?"

Pitch rolled his eyes, "I don't know how you ever came to conclusion that I am some sort of vacuum cleaner Bunnymund, but I can assure you that is not the case." Bunny narrowed his eyes at the sarcasm but wisely chose not to speak. "Honestly, this will be much more difficult than you all probably expected. Because even though the nightmares are struggling without my help, they will struggle and fight against me."

"I don't understand."

"Allow me to explain Natalie. For the most part, I had gained a great semblance of control over my nightmares, it was how I was able to form them into the creatures you are familiar with, and learn how to turn dreams into nightmares. But, fear is a wild thing, it does not wish to be controlled. It's why they have been attacking you rather than just rejoining with me. Your minds are easier to taint. With a new host, they would be strong again and also at the head of the ship. They would make the calls, and you would be all but helpless to do anything but obey."

Tooth looked thoughtful, "That…actually makes sense. So, what do we do?"

Pitch brought a hand to his chin, remaining quiet for a moment. "I do not believe I could take them all at once, they would overwhelm me. But maybe if I take on a few at a time…I could perhaps get them under my control that way."

"But they travel in large packs," Jack supplied. Pitch gave the teen a look, waiting for comprehension to dawn on him. "Ohh, we'd distract the others."

The dark Legend sighed, "Nothing gets by you does it Frost? But yes, that would be the plan."

North leaned back in his chair, "Seems very risky, but it is only plan we have. I'm in!" Others chimed in their agreements, but before the three youngest could voice their desire to participate Pitch spoke again.

"Before we do anything, I will need to gain my strengths. And not to be rude but…" The boogeyman looked genuinely uncomfortable, "Guardian fear works the quickest." Another awkward pause fell over the table.

Bunny spoke up, clearly unhappy. "Ya just fed from Natty this morning!"

Pitch's gaze went to the table, "I know, but I did not take much. Plus it's not as if one meal will replenish centuries' worth of starvation. If you'd prefer I probably have enough strength to find a village and-"

"No," Jack interrupted, standing up from his seat. "We don't have time the rogues are getting bolder by the day, it's starting to affect the believers. And like you said, our fear will power boost you the most. Take mine." Jack was surprisingly stoic while he spoke, and Zephyr, along with most of the others, couldn't help but feel some sense of pride at how responsible the Guardian was acting. It wasn't often he changed from his fun and carefree demeanor. But now the sense of duty was clear on his face.

"Jack," Tooth murmured hesitantly, putting a dainty hand on his arm. The winter spirit turned and looked down at his wife, giving her a soft reassuring smile before kissing her briefly on the lips.

The boogeyman cleared his throat. "Frost," he said, "Are you certain you want to do this? You and I both know your fears better than anyone here, as well as the trauma that entwines with them. Do you really want to relive that?"

For the first time the responsible adult façade broke and Jack ran a nervous hand through his hair. "It's been over six hundred years Pitch," he answered quietly. "I've gotten over the worst of it. I can handle a walk down memory lane. If anything the fear should be even more potent and helpful to you."

The ex-general nodded. "Very well," he turned to the others, "We will leave after the sun goes down. It will give Jack time to recover a bit as well as you all time to prepare and find where the creatures are."

"But won't that make the nightmares stronger?" North asked worriedly, "We did not exactly have a good run in with them last time we went at night."

Pitch replied, "Yes they will be stronger at night, but so will I. I still won't be at my best so I'll need every advantage I have." The Russian nodded, his words made sense. The other Legend rose shakily, pausing to close his eyes and control his still present weakness. "Come Jack, let's move to somewhere more private."

Jack rolled his shoulders and steeled his expression, hiding the nervousness he felt. Quietly the others began to leave the room, going to their homes to prepare for the inevitable battle. He waited until Tooth and Zephyr left, each giving the winter spirit a hug as they departed, before following Pitch. Just before he left the room he turned around, his eyes going to the only remaining Legend left. "North," he said quietly to his father figure, "Will you come with me? I-I'm gonna want to see a familiar face when I wake up."

North's eyes widened slightly at the boy's quiet request but did not hesitate to walk toward the teen, his own heart breaking at the innocence in those dark blue eyes. He was honored to be asked to be present for such a vulnerable moment for the child. "Of course my boy," North answered with a gentle smile. Putting a large arm reassuringly around frail shoulders he began guiding him to where Pitch was waiting in the hall, guilt shining in his own gold eyes. "There's nowhere else I'd wish to be."

So I figured I'd toss in some Papa North and Jack fluff there at the end, haven't seen that in a while. Probably will be there at the beginning of next chapter also, if I decide to show Jack's nightmare (thinking I probably will). Anywho, leave a review!