*Summary of Chapter Twenty: The Jack and Bunny and Jack and Alkira relationships have all entered into new stages (more or less): Jack and Bunny haven't expressed any feelings toward one another verbally but there is clearly something there, some spark; Jack and Alkira have entered into a more trusting/talky relationship, perhaps we'll see a real/more advanced form of friendship bud out of that one moment? One can only hope.

Chapter Twenty One

Just as the elves were finishing lighting the lanterns of Nicholas St. North's workshop, where he had fallen asleep the night before, a group of yetis burst through the doors with a disturbing cacophony of low yelps and grumbling shouts. The sudden entrance of the eight or nine feet tall snow-beasts startled the elves, who proceeded to drop their tiny torches into North's white mane.

The large Guardian jumped up from his desk, sending his chair through the window just behind him. Flailing his arms across the back of his now-lit hair he shouted a series of Russian profanities. 'Can't a man sleep in own workshop without fear for beard and hair?!' He exclaimed in annoyance while the yetis continued to gain his audience – ignoring the elves threats and shaking fists.

Once the room's chaos had mostly subsided North turned to his yeti wakeup call. 'What is it you want?!' He shouted with hands thrown over his head.

The servants of the north all began wailing in anxious agitation once more; some simply waving their arms, some pointing out to the main workshop.

The giant man sighed and stepped out to the workshop, pushing past his yetis. His jaw fell slightly followed by a furrowed brow. 'Why was I not called earlier?' He asked rhetorically, his tone thick with frustration.

'Manny!' North called out as he stepped into the Man in the Moons line of sight. 'It has been long time my friend! Tell me, what brings you to Santoff Claussen?!' He boomed.

'I'm afraid I only bring unsettling news this time, North…' The mysterious voice that only North could hear called out.

'Is there any other kind you know?' North joked with a light shake of his big belly.

Ignoring the jeer, Manny replied. 'I've lost track of Saros and I fear Pitch's involvement.'

'Pitch is deposed, Manny. You know this?'

'You cannot expect him to stay down, North. You know better.'

The Guardian of Wonder frowned at his own childishness. 'Right as always…' He mumbled.

'My instruments have picked up minor fluctuations and I need you to double check them immediately. We need to locate the epicenter for I believe that is where we will find Saros.' The voice paused as North stroked his beard and nodded thoughtfully. 'We'll need to have one of the other old Guardians do the same.'

'I will send messenger elf to Tooth Palace right away.' North nodded as he quickly turned to the group of elves kicking at the yetis feet a few meters away from Manny's beam of light. 'You three! Take message to Tooth.' He ordered as he snapped his fingers and a piece of parchment from his office flew out to the trio.

'North.' Manny called to get his friends attention once more. 'This is of the utmost importance…'

'Of course, Manny.' The old Russian said with a salute as the beam of light faded away, the morning mood slipping away beyond the horizon.

Notes: Who could Saros be?

-I'm so sorry for the long delay and extra sorry for making wait for such a short chapter :(

-I will try my very best to get another chapter out tomorrow evening!

-Feel free to leave reviews and such.