Wow, I am so so so sorry for the hiatus. I never thought it would be that long. But between writers block and school, ugh! Plus it's fall and all my shows are back (Vampire Diaries, Once Upon a Time, Bones, etc.) So yeah, I deserve any hate. One quick thing I forgot to mention at the end of last chapter, the foot stomp thing. Rabbits and bunnies actually do that to warn their young of danger, or to show they are really pissed.

A big thanks to Air Wolf 450 for the kind PM! As for your little idea…well you're not too far off on what happens ;D

Ok onto the story! I still don't own anything! Damnit!

Chapter 11: Your Fault

Neron growled under his breath, his paws clenching and unclenching into fists as he paced. The Warren was calm, beautiful, quiet, just like any other day! And for once his usually level headed sister was giving into her anger, cursing enough to make North blush, and scowling as she poured her rage onto a training dummy. It was clear neither sibling wanted to be there. All sentries and egglets stayed far away from the pookas, not wanting to be subject to their frustrations. The young buck tried to calm down, really he did! But his father's voice kept echoing in his head. "And don't you think of doin somethin' stupid." The more the words repeated the angrier Neron became, until finally his silent fuming boiled over. "This is fuckin' ridiculous," he directed to his sister. "We should be out there with them, dustin' nightmares left an' right."

Taking a calming breath Sophie stepped back from the abused training tool. "As much as I agree with you there's nothin' we can do. We have our orders, no matta' how unfair they are. At least the reasons are sound."

"I bet they just came up with that crap on the spot."

Sophie sighed, "Neron ya know that's not like our parents, 'specially not Mum…She actually believes in us, or at least I thought she did." She added with a huff.

Neron saw how disappointed his twin really looked, and couldn't stop himself from giving her a comforting hug. She accepted it without a word, wrapping her arms around him. When they broke apart a new determination shone in Neron's eyes, one that made Sophie nervous. She watched him walk over to his weapons, her eyes widening when she saw him strapping on his bandolier. "Wha-what are ya doing?"

Flashing a tight smirk her way he replied, "What's it look like?"

"You-You're not seriously goin' are ya?!" Sophie sputtered. Her voice grew more frantic when he didn't reply. "Aster Neron Bunnymund you are not!"

"An' why not Soph?!" He retorted, "Jus' a second ago you were huffin' just as much as I was."

She stared in exasperation, "Well that's bloody different from actually leaving the Warren, from disobeying our direct orders! And what about what Da' said? In case it wasn't obvious brother this is very, very stupid!"

Neron finished adjusting his wrist guards and turned to his sister, "It's only stupid if we get in the way. Mum's told us before she knows we could handle ourselves, and I'm sure Da' knows it too…deep down." Sophie bounded after him to the family armory, watching as he grabbed a few egg bombs. "I'm not gonna force ya ta come with me Soph, it's yer choice. But I am gonna go to the palace, get Zephyr, and find our family. They could be in danger right now, overpowered by the nightmares! The sentries can guard the Warren jus' fine, an' the fairies have taken extra precautions. Now, I'll only ask once, will you come with me?"

Sophie stared at her brother for what felt like forever, indecision clear in her emerald eyes. Finally she drew in a deep breath, walked further into the armory, and grabbed one of her bandoliers as well as her best bolos. "Well I guess someone will be needin' to keep an eye on you boys." Neron broke out into a grin and without further hesitation he tapped his foot. The twins then dove into the tunnel and began the race to their first destination…the tooth palace.

~~~~~~~The Tooth Palace~20 Minutes Later~~~~~

Zephyr sat on the balcony in his room, high above the bustling mini fairies that looked so much like his mother, the one he was currently so angry at. The wind tried to play with his hair, ease his few ruffled feathers, but for once the fae was not joyed by the gentle caress, it instead reminded him of his father, who apparently didn't think his son could fight by his side. But suddenly a sound broke the quiet, and flying to a defensive stance Zephyr was ready just in time to see a pair of silvery ears with black tips appear from a hole in the floor. Soon a familiar hybrid and her pooka brother leapt into the room. The winter fae spent a minute taking in their appearances, the weapons, their armor, the expressions of pure unwavering determination. And slowly a smile of pure mischief, one identical to his father's, spread across the youth's face as he finally spoke. "…Well it's about time."

~~~~~New Zealand~~~~

The battle began quickly, the power the Guardians exuded drew a horde of nightmares straight to them. But the six knew their task and on a silent cue they dove into the fray, keeping the hellish sands at bay at first while Pitch would take a few on from the element of surprise. When they eventually sensed their former master the creatures became fiercer, but it did not deter the rightful nightmare king. The others, though still fighting, held their breath as Pitch got his hand on the first beast. The nightmare shrieked and screamed ungodly sounds as it tried to resist, and Pitch's expression was one of complete concentration and determination. After a minute or so though the sand exploded, swirling around the once general until it reformed itself into the stable nightmare the Guardians remembered, a loyal steed waiting for its master to mount. And Pitch himself looked better as well, a fire coming back into his eyes. It was a look they all feared they would never see again, the will to fight. And fight he did. Focusing on his task Pitch moved more confidently across the battlefield, quickly going to the next target.

"It worked!" North exclaimed over the fighting.

Jack replied, albeit sarcastically. "One down, only ten thousand to go!"

"Just keep up the distractions!" Pitch shouted as he brought two more under his control, "I can only take one or two at a time!"

"You want distractions? Well you've got 'em!" A male voice shouted from the trees. The other Legends looked towards the direction in confusion, quickly melting to disbelief when they saw the children burst from the trees. Not missing a beat they joined the fight, Zephyr shooting his ice while in the air, Sophie and Neron using all their years of training to fend off the creatures that confronted them. But the others had no time to be impressed, as they had their own fights to worry about.

"What the bloody hell are ya doing here?!" Bunnymund barely managed to growl. A boiling rage unlike any other filled the eldest pooka, and he was releasing it on every nightmare that came in his path.

Neron dusted one of the rouges and in a quick leap landed beside his father, taking on one of the two the other was currently dealing with. "Proving ta ya we're ready for this!" He went on as he fought, "We couldn't jus' sit at home and wait, no clue whether or not you were alright!" Jack and Tooth wanted to add their own says, but both were too distracted with their rouges.

With a final slice of his boomerang Bunny's nightmare dissolved, giving him a chance to face his son. "Well we're fine, get out of here the lot of ya!"

The young buck unleashed a bomb and dusted the rouge in front of him, turning to his father. "We're here already and if it ain't clear we're actually helping!" He grew more frustrated as he spoke, his full attention going towards the argument. The same could be said for Bunny, and all the others could do was glance out of the corners of their eye occasionally, too busy keeping the horde distracted for Pitch. But the heightened emotions were affecting the rouges, and the others found them growing more bold, more fierce, and each one was taking longer than the last for Pitch to get them under his influence.

"Why are ya being so damn stubborn this is dangerous!"

"Like it isn't for you or the rest!?" Neron retorted. "Why are ya still so against this?"

"This is Guardian business Neron!"

The arguments went on, and Sophie noticed along with the others how riled up their enemy was becoming. "Guys?" She called out, but the female pooka went unanswered. A knot of unease began to form in her stomach and just as she destroyed her third nightmare she saw it. Another rogue galloping at full speed past all the others…heading straight for her father and brother. Sophie didn't even think, she raced as fast as she could on all fours, her heart pounding in her chest as she did. Digging her feet into the ground she launched herself into the air. And with a scream of "Look out!" Sophie just managed to shove the two bucks out of the way, who could only watch in horror as the doe took the full collision with the nightmare. Her body flew back from the impact and slammed against a tree, limp and unmoving from when she fell to the ground.

"SOPHIE!" Nat screamed in terror. Abandoning her fight she raced toward her daughter, as did Zephyr and Sandy. His mate's scream snapped Aster out of his shock and he scrambled to Sophie, Neron doing the same. But when they reached Nat, who was already cradling the doe's head, her furious eyes snapped to them and she snarled, "Get back!" Both were shocked at her rage but did as they were told, even if it killed them inside to do so. Fear for Sophie tainted the air quickly, and soon the rouges grew into a frenzy. With only Jack, Tooth and North fighting soon more began to get to Pitch, and his cries of pain echoed as the sands began to overwhelm him. The battle was going south far too quickly, but Nat's sole focus was her child. "We have to get her out of here!"

"We all must get out of here!" North replied, "Everyone retreat! Back to the sleigh!" He called out orders while he rushed over, scooping the pooka he considered a grandchild into his arms. "Jack, help Pitch! Nat, Sandy! Cover us!" Even with the sandman's golden sands and Nat's rays of summer light, they barely managed to fend off the worst and clear a path. Jack went to Pitch's aid, supporting the boogeyman as he walked. Even in his fatigue the dark Legend shot his hand out and a wave of onyx sand was formed, helping push back the last of the stubborn rogues. It was crowded but everyone managed to get into the sleigh, and the group escaped into the night.

The ride was silent and tense, except for whenever Neron or Bunny tried to approach Sophie. When they did Nat would release a low threatening growl from the back of her throat, a more feral side of her bubbling beneath the surface. Thankfully they got to the workshop in record time and soon Sophie was taken by the best yetis, the others closely following. Halfway to the infirmary however Nat opened the double doors to one of the many sitting rooms in Santoff Clausen, and from her glare it was clear Bunny and Neron were to get inside. After some unwilling hesitation they did as she wanted, once they were in Nat gave an iron command of, "Stay here." The next moment the doors were closed and she was gone, her quick footsteps clear in both sets of ears. And as badly as each pooka wanted to escape the room to go to their fallen family, they knew they would suffer the unhindered wrath of the Guardian of courage. So doing the best to ignore one another, they began the most difficult wait of their lives.

~~~~~Half an Hour Later~~~~

Everyone waited outside, minus Nat, who refused to leave Sophie's side. Pitch was checked over as well during this time and aside from a few scrapes and bruises he was fine, the strength the rouges took already returning. Finally a yeti stepped out and spoke to North, who translated for the rest of the group. "Sophie has severe concussion and is still unconscious. Natalie has asked we do not visit yet." The somber mood worsened but understanding nods were given, Zephyr wearing a more pained expression on his face as he stared longingly at the closed infirmary doors. North went on, "Pitch will be joining us soon, but the rest of us need to meet and try to figure our next move." Slowly everyone left the hall and headed for the lounge by the globe room.

~~~~The Infirmary~~~~

Nat stood at Sophie's bedside, a fierce turmoil brewing in her mind as she watched the pooka breathe. After the yetis left she heard footsteps walking her way, stopping when they were right next to her.

"So, this is your daughter," Pitch's murmur broke the quiet, the topic surprisingly casual.

Not moving her gaze from Sophie Nat replied, "Yes, yes it is."

"I suppose congratulations are in order. Although when exactly…?

A hint of a smile cracked briefly through, "I had the twins about 70 after you…" Nat cleared her throat awkwardly but Pitch just nodded. She changed the topic, "It was right around meeting an old friend of yours," she added with a wry smile. "A certain goddess by the name of Eris?"

The boogeyman visibly cringed, "You know I did wonder for a moment about that after learning how long I was gone. And you actually beat her?"

Nat finally glanced his way, "Barely. It was a group effort, not just the Guardians but all the Legends too. Though to be honest I wasn't much help, I was too busy being in labor."

A black eyebrow rose in amusement. "You don't say? And Frost's child, did the queen have as…exciting of an experience as you?"

Nat rolled her eyes, "Tooth had a safe, quiet birth in the comfort of her own palace. I guess I was just 'lucky'." She heard Pitch chuckle, "But seriously though, Eris? How on earth did you let yourself…you know? I mean come on she's borderline nuts!"

Pitch looked away before replying quietly, a frown tugging at his lip. "Even I craved some sort of companionship in my centuries of isolation. It wasn't like people cared anyway. So I took what I could get, even if it was with someone as deranged as Eris."

Guilt gnawed at Nat and she finally turned her full attention to the boogeyman. "Pitch," she began, "I can't speak on behalf of any of the others, you have your own history with each of them. But I can speak for myself, I understand why you did what you did to me all those years ago. You didn't really need a nightmare queen, you just didn't want to be alone anymore. And," she paused to take a breath, "I want you to know that I forgive you. And I want to apologize for taking away so many centuries of your existence. I give you my word that I will never do that to you again. I meant what I said before, fear is needed in the world. And you don't deserve to live the rest of eternity hated."

Pitch stared at the eternal teen dumbstruck. After a minute he blinked a couple times and cleared his throat, speaking sincerely. "You cannot begin to comprehend how much your words mean to me Natalie Animus. I know I do not deserve your forgiveness, but I graciously take it. And I accept your apology." Nat gave a genuine smile to the nightmare king and said quietly.

"Your family would have been proud of you tonight."

She watched Pitch take a sharp breath at the words, his fingers going to the locket that lay under his shirt, and give a small smile of his own. "And what about your family?" He asked, "Any idea what to do with the two you put into time out?"

Nat's entire being seemed to deflate and her gaze returned once more to Sophie's unconscious form. "I have no idea," she groaned helplessly. "Never in my existence have I felt like this before Pitch, angry doesn't even scratch the surface. I'm boiling from the inside out with this all- consuming fury, and it's at two of the people I love most. But now if I even think of them…" She trailed off, unsure what to say. Taking a steady breath she tried to reign in her emotions.

"It is easy to be feel rage at the enemy," Pitch supplied, "I can only imagine it is a whole new level when the cause of your grief is due to those closest to you."

The Guardian beside him nodded, swiping a hand across her face to stop the tear that threatened to fall. "Exactly. I've never been in this situation before. Aster and I were always supposed to be on the same side. How on earth am I supposed to handle this?"

"…I am probably not the best person to ask, I do not exactly have the best track record in decision making." The comment got a hiccup of a laugh to escape, so the Legend continued. "But in all seriousness Nat, the decision is yours. This is your family, you are the one who must handle this."

"What would you do?"

The question gave Pitch pause, and he took a moment while he considered his answer. "I would think of the greater good, of the task at hand. But I would also consider your mate and son. Those two need to put this behind them, and frankly until they do I do not think it would be safe for them or anyone around them." Nat nodded, agreeing with his words. "But as I said, the final choice is yours. I will leave you be to allow you some time to deicide. I must join the others anyway as we prepare for a second attack."

Nat looked at him surprised, "So soon? You'd be willing to go through that again?"

A small smile graced the boogeyman's lips and he placed a cautious hand on her shoulder. "I told you I would help you defeat these rouges, and I shall. Those few nightmares have revived me more than enough for another go." To prove his point he raised his other hand, allowing some black sands to swirl around before letting it disappear. "And after the kindness you've shown me I will do all that I can to help you Guardians. It's time I started being a man my family would be proud of."

Nat grabbed the hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze before releasing it. "Thank you." Straightening herself she looked at her daughter once more before turning away, a steely resolve now locked on her face. "I will not need time to make a decision. But if you could find North for me I'd appreciate it…I need you to ask him for a favor."

~~~~~~~Bunny and Neron~~~~~~~

Time moved at a snail's pace, each passing moment letting the stone of guilt sink deeper down in each pooka's gut. Bunnymund hadn't stopped pacing, and for once Neron kept still, not moving from his chair since they were banished into the room. Worry for his twin gnawed at him, and all he wanted to do was rush out of the room and find out how his sister was. Bunny was no better, his ears pressed back, gaze constantly flicking toward the door. Footsteps echoed outside a few times and both bucks held their breath, hoping that they'd finally hear some news. But they would always pass, and both parties would release a dejected sigh. Finally after what truly felt like forever, steps were heard once more, and this time they stopped outside the room.

The doors swung open and they watched Natalie Animus stride gracefully into the room, a wave of calm following her as she entered. But the calm did not bring peace, rather it brought a sense of dread, like the calm before the storm. And something told them this storm would be a vicious tempest.

Nat's hard gaze landed on each individual before she finally spoke, her voice low and quiet. "My daughter is unconscious, suffering from a severe concussion, and it is your fault." The words shocked and hurt the males like a knife slashing through them.

Bunny tried to talk, "Natty-"

"Do not speak!" She commanded, "You two have lost that privilege…Sophie could have died tonight, do you realize that? If she had been hit just a bit harder, or landed a little differently, I could have lost her forever. My kit, my baby, would have been killed before my eyes. And it would have been because of the two people she loves more than anything. What am I supposed to do with that?" Her anger began to flare up again but she managed to keep the worst in check. "Neither of you will get to see her for the time being."

"What?!" Neron exclaimed.

At the same time Bunny shouted, "Natty ya can't do that ta us!"

"Can't I?" Nat challenged, her eyes narrowing. "What makes you think either of you even deserves to see her? When it's because of you she's hurt in the first place! And because of what?! A stupid fight that has gone on too damn long!" Crossing her arms she went on, "Back there you crossed the line, and not only did my daughter suffer because of it but you put the rest of our family in immediate danger! Because of your-" Nat looked at Neron, "irrational behavior, don't look at me like that I know the whole thing was your idea. Just be grateful the rogues didn't attack the Warren or the palace while you were off ignoring orders trying to play hero!" Her gaze turned to Bunny, "And your insufferable temper is just as much to blame for all this! Well I have had it. Until you finally put this to rest neither of you will be leaving this room."

"But the rogues!" Bunny interjected, his arms gesturing to the doors behind his mate "I have ta be out there! With the rest of ya!"

Nat's eyes grew cold when she replied, "You would only be a danger to us if you were." She watched him go still but she continued. "I would take away your Guardianship right now if I could." Her quiet confession had Bunny reeling back as if he'd been slapped. "How can you possibly be any help to the children of the world if you can't even protect your own daughter?" The pooka stared at his wife, eyes wide and full of pain but still Nat went on, needing to say all she felt. "I thought we'd overcome it all Aster, that nothing could come between us…But seeing Sophie on that bed, capable of slipping into a coma at any moment-" Her eyes watered but she refused to let the tears fall. "After all we've been through I don't ever think I could be capable of hating you, but this might be the closest thing to it."

Bunny let out an audible gasp, and Neron could only watch silently from the sidelines as the most heartbroken expression come across his father's face. "You're her father, you are never supposed to be the one who plays a part in her suffering. Out there Pitch of all people was more helpful! He kept the nightmares at bay while the rest of us went to Sophie, he was the one that helped get us to the sleigh safely! …He wasn't there to save his child when nightmares attacked, what was your excuse?!" Nat knew it was a low blow but she couldn't stop herself from saying the words. And while the look on Aster's face broke her on the inside, outside she kept her face devoid of emotion. Suddenly all the anger drained away, she had said her piece, it was time to meet with the others. Nat looked at her boys. Neron stared at her with such sadness and regret and Bunnymund's head was lowered, but she could clearly see the wet tracks making two dark trails down her mate's fur.

"…North has used his magic to seal the room. Once I leave it will activate, keeping you from leaving, from seeing Sophie, and will hold until you two have settled this once and for all or until we return, whichever comes first. A yeti will also be standing guard outside should either of you need anything." With that the Guardian turned around, her posture ramrod straight as she walked away.

Just as she reached the door she heard Aster's whisper, "Natty…" That one word sounded so broken, so pleading, and she could practically see him reaching one of his paws toward her. Her entire resolve almost crumbled right then and there, but instead of lunging toward her mate and burying herself in his comforting embrace like she so desperately wanted to, Nat kept her head held high and left the room. Only once the doors closed with a dull thud did she let her tears fall. A large but gentle hand touched her shoulder, and looking up she saw the yeti she did not notice earlier, holding a handkerchief out to her.

Nat gave a grateful smile and took the offering, and used it to wipe away any trace of her sorrows. Handing it back to him she whispered, "Thanks Phil." He nodded and resumed his position of guarding the door. Taking one last glance at the infirmary Nat headed toward the others.

~~~~~The Main Lounge~~~~

The voices grew quiet when Nat entered the room, she looked drained, beaten, but she still stood tall. She turned to North, "Is your magic in place?"

The Russian nodded, "Yes malyutka, I finished while you were in there." He did not mention that he happened to overhear some of the words spoken while he worked, and Nat appreciated him for it.

Turning to the others she said, "I've benched Aster and Neron. I know I should have consulted the rest of you first but-"

Jack flew to his sister, "Say no more, we support you one hundred percent." He then wrapped his arms around her, and Nat let herself take the comfort for a moment before pulling away.

"I know our numbers are small now, but I want someone to guard Sophie. In her state it wouldn't take much for a nightmare to overcome her. I know there weren't any attacks here earlier but I just can't risk it. And I'm not letting Neron or Aster see her."

Without hesitating Zephyr spoke up, "I'll do it."

The others didn't hide their surprise, "Really Zephyr?" Tooth asked, "What about wanting to be in the fight?"

He replied solemnly, "It isn't about being where all the action is, it's about knowing where you're needed most." The fae turned his attention to Nat, "Let me protect her. I promise I won't let anything happen to your daughter."

Nat gave him a knowing half smile, "No, you won't will you." It wasn't a question. "Alright, thank you Zephyr."

He nodded and began making his way to the infirmary, but Jack stopped him on the way out. Putting a hand on his son's shoulder he said, "You're starting to think like a Guardian…I'm proud of you bud."

The comment made Zephyr smile, and after saying a quick, "Good luck," he was gone.

Sandy made a clock over his head. "Sanderson is right," Pitch said, "we are running out of time. This must end tonight. Are you ready?" The mood in the room grew heavy as the remaining Guardians looked to one another. Determination began to spread in their expressions and soon everyone had given some form of a yes. North's grip tightened on his sword, Toothiana began to lift herself into the air, a fresh wave of frost made its way across Jack's staff, golden whips erupted from Sandy's hands, and Nat gave a curt nod. "Then let's be off."

At Pitch's words the group made their way back to the sleigh. They had a battle to win.

Oh my god that wait was brutal I'm so sorry! Hopefully the extra length in this chapter will make up for any hate. Almost 5,000 words people! Haven't typed that much since New Life's New Years chapter! Phew! Anyway, let me know what you think and I promise to do my best not to ever do this to you again!