Summary of Chapter Twenty Four: North and Tooth got some new info that has them seemingly worried. They're now waiting for Manny to return and assess their information. Jack, Bunny and Alkira have arrived at the North Pole and are making their way to the Workshop. A big ol' family reunion is in store.

Chapter Twenty Five

Not even five minutes had passed since North and Tooth had sent off a moonbeam beacon to attract the Man in the Moon and already Manny's pale moonlight was piercing through the opening in Santoff Claussen's workshop's ceiling. The room was silent at first while the two Guardians allowed their employer and friend time to examine the test results.

'This is as I feared…' Manny spoke silently to North and Tooth. 'We must begin a search immediately.'

Tooth shuttered and wiped a tear from her eye.

'And I feel as if I shouldn't have to say this, but I will; this takes precedence over everything. Even Christmas, North.' Manny told his oldest Guardian with solemnness.

'Yes, of course. Understood.' North said with professionalism despite his true feelings and fears. Without Christmas the children would stop believing in him and he would cease to exist… But he knew that this problem needed all the Guardians.

Tooth covertly glanced to her companion with astonishment; she could tell North was tremendously hurt by Manny's command. The Guardian of Wonder wasn't one for pride but he was Manny's first Guardian and that made him feel special and important. To be told that he would need to take back seat to someone who wasn't even technically a Guardian had to be a slap in the face.

'Tooth, you must rally your fairies and set them out to search for Saros. Leave no stone unturned.'

'I'll send Baby Tooth back to the Palace now, Manny.' She said as she turned and nodded to the eavesdropping aid who swiftly flew off toward the Palace.

'And you?' North asked the Man in the Moon curiously.

'I will go to Pitch.'

North's eyes widened and Tooth gasped as her hands flew to cover her mouth.

'Manny you can't!' The Guardian of Memories shouted. 'He can't be trusted!'

Manny ignored Tooth's pleas and began to drift away from the North Pole. 'Go now, we must find Saros before the New Year.'

As they entered the workshop of Santoff Claussen Alkira jumped down from Jack's hoodie and ran off toward the nearest fireplace. Bunnymund laughed as the shivering bunny hopped and slid across the hardwood floors.

Jack couldn't help but smile as well; though he was still a bit shaken up and reserved – especially in Bunny's presence.

Bunny turned to face the winter spirit. 'Jack, are you alright? You 'aven't said more than a few words the entire time we getting' 'ere?'

Jack swallowed hard, 'Yeah, I'm fine… Tired.'

'Didn't sleep well?'

Bunny knew all too well Jack didn't get much sleep last night. He felt his cheeks growing hot. He was blushing. 'Not really.' The pale teen looked away, trying to hide his embarrassment.

'Sorry, Frostbite.' Bunny frowned unsure of what else he could say or do whilst feeling the bit of hostility eradiating from the boy beside him. 'I-' He started as a band of North's elves approached the two and began pulling Bunny's fur and Jack's pant legs and gesturing for them to follow them to the second floor.

Bunnymund sighed and called over to the reclining little rabbit, 'C'mon Alkira.'

The three followed the elves up the staircase to the command center or Santoff Claussen and saw Tooth and North standing in Manny's fading light. Both were visibly upset.

As the last of the moon's pale light left the workshop, Bunnymund tugged at Jack's hoodie for the boy to follow.

'What's goin' on 'ere?' Bunnymund questioned the two other Guardians who jumped at the sound of his unexpected voice.

'Oh Bunny!' Tooth shouted as she quickly zoomed through the air to Jack and Bunnymund. 'It's terrible! It's absolutely awful! And Manny is doing something so stupid and he is being rude to North and, and, and… And it's just the worst thing that could happen right now! And-'

North cut her off, 'We have work to do, friends.'

Jack fumbled through his mind trying to block out his previous thoughts of Bunny and Alkira and the drama that he seems to cause whenever he's left to his own devices and focus on what Tooth apparently thought was so bad. 'What is even going on?' He said in irritation.

Toothiana frowned, 'Haven't you heard a thing I've said?'

'I think that might be the problem, Tooth.' Bunny placed a paw on her shoulder and smiled jokingly.

'Manny says that Saros is missing and fears Pitch may be responsible.' North said with a stern expression. 'He is going to confront the Nightmare King.'

'And he's forcing North to forget about Christmas until Saros is found!' Tooth shouted, clearly unable to contain her frustration over that detail any longer.

Bunny and Jack were both speechless.

'It's not bad as Tooth makes it.' North said. 'We all focus on finding Saros and we'll have time to take care of things before Christmas… Manny knows what he's doing.' North said softly and slowly as if to convince himself.

Jack's face scrunched. He knew what it was like to not be believed in and wouldn't wish it on anyone – not even Pitch and especially not North.

'What's the plan, mates?' Bunnymund questioned.

North gestured for an elf and as it approached he instructed it to summon Sandy. 'We must find Saros. It is only priority.'

Bunny nodded.

'Who is Saros? And what about Alkira? He's lost his accent.' Jack said echoing Alkira's own concerns.

The Tooth Fairy's eyes grew wide, 'You don't know Saros?! How could we have not introduced you to him? He was the first person Manny ever made immortal!'

'Wait, what? I thought North was the first person?'

The Guardian of Wonder shook his head, 'I was first Guardian. Saros was first Immortal.'

'So, this Saros isn't a Guardian, then?' Jack was still very confused.

Just then a snow globe portal sprang open beside the group and Sandy and the elves popped out from it. The Guardian of Dreams floated above the elves writhing on the floor and formed a question mark out of sand over his head.

'I'll explain the Saros story ta Jack and Alkira, you two get Sandy up ta speed.' Bunny instructed to North and Tooth as they nodded.

'C'mon, blokes.' Bunny said as he guided them away from the command center.

'Can we sit by the fire?!' Alkira shouted in excitement.

'I had planned on it!' Bunny shouted with a laugh.

Jack felt sick at the idea of being with Bunny beside a fireplace… Even if Alkira was there, especially if Alkira was there…?

Notes: I am so sorry for the lack of Jackie Boo and Bunny Dear :( I didn't have the time and then when I did I didn't have good ideas for it, but I am trying to push on!

-Let me know what you think of this so far via reviews/personal messages!

-If you have suspicious of anything doing ruin it for the other readers, please ;)

-You'll have to wait until next update to find out about Saros and (maybe?) Manny's interview with Pitch D:

-I've never written for Pitch so if you have suggests, they will be welcome!

-Also, as a final note, 91Silver specifically but anyone in general, if you want to use my original characters feel free :) Just please let me know via personal message and maybe give original interpretation credit to me? Lol, I just made that up :P

-Also, 91Silver, your latest review is what motivated me to write this chapter so, thank you.