Jackson thought it was very amusing. The Barkins' thought they could prank him. No one could beat the master. He smirked as he passed by their failed attempt at what looked like a pie launcher. They glared daggers at him when he, Flee, and Jamie laughed.

"Just you wait Overland! We will get you!"

"When we are done with you, you'll be a dead shepherd boy!"

"Just like your father!"

Jackson ignored their comments as he dragged Flee and Jamie with him. The two were five seconds away from pouncing on them. Jackson glanced at his sister. If looks could kill, the Berkin siblings would have died five times over from Flee's intense glare.

"Flee, let it go." Flee turned her glare to him.

"Let it go?" she growled softly. "How can I let it go? They just insulted Papa!" Tears shimmered in her eyes, not allowing them to fall.

Jackson frowned as he came to a stop. "Papa was a hero. Not only did he protect me, but some of the others as well. The other adults didn't do anything to help him. They were cowards. Be proud that Papa died a hero's death. Those guys are just jealous."

Flee faltered a bit before sighing. "You're right. I'm sorry. I just miss him."

Jackson smiled sadly, while Jamie placed a hand on Flee's shoulder. It had been hard since Papa's death. Jackson still had nightmares about that day, but it had gotten better over the past few months. Kozmotis had made sure he had less, though natural nightmares were something he had no control over.

Jackson gently ruffled his sister's hair. "Come on let's get you home. I believe we have a sleepover to get to." Flee smiled weakly at him before they continued walking.

"That right!" Jamie chirped. "You're supposed to be staying at your brother's home, right?"

"That's right!" Jackson replied. "Koz got a house at a different village not far from here." Well, that wasn't a lie. His brother lived underground and his entrance happened to be near the lake that he and Flee loved to skate at.

"That's so cool!" Jamie exclaimed. The trio came to a stop when the path divided into two. "See you guys tomorrow!" Jamie waved and ran down the left path.

"Bye Jamie!" Jackson and Flee yelled as they took their own path home.

The two walked in silence, which really annoyed Jackson. But what could he do? Flee was upset and nothing he said helped very much. He sighed as they spotted their home. Jackson smiled at Night as she materialized next to them.

"Master!"

"Hi Night. How's Koz?"

"He was offaly busy with the preparations of our arrival."

Flee looked at him as he raised an eyebrow. "Why am I getting the feeling that he thinks we are having a huge party or something?"

"I thought we were just sleeping over?" Flee asked as they entered the cottage.

"We are, but I guess Koz has other plans for us." Kozmotis could be a bit of a drama king. Jackson knew Koz felt bad for not being there for him, or for not finding him earlier...or maybe it's his big brother complex taking over. Jackson wasn't too sure, but it came down to the same thing: Kozmotis is overdoing it. Again.

"I wonder what he is planning," Flee mused silently, momentarily forgetting that hurtful comment about their papa.

Jackson shrugged. Knowing Koz, it's going to be awesome.

Jackson blinked. He couldn't be seeing that right. Was that a penguin? And snow? How did Koz managed to get snow in here?

Jackson stared at the black and white penguin. The penguin seemed to be at least four feet. This one must be the leader. The penguin stared back at him. It stood tall and didn't move. Its eyes stared down at him as if challenging him to do anything.

Jackson narrowed his eyes in turn. "I bet you are the leader of your colony." The penguin ruffled its wings as many of the female and baby penguins waddled around in Kozmotis's winter wonderland. Flee was excitedly watching them. She squeaked when three baby penguins waddled to her. She giggled when the three cuddled against her legs.

Jackson snicker at their cuteness and returned his attention to the glaring leader. "Well, it looks like it's just you and me my friend."

The penguin ruffled its wings again and squawked in response. Jackson watched as the leader penguin waddled closer and pecked his arm.

"Ow!" Jackson glared at the penguin. "What was that for?"

The penguin squawked and grabbed the bottom of Jackson's shirt. Jackson was shocked as the leader penguin began to pull towards the babies and females.

Jackson's voice echoed off the walls as he laughed. "Okay! Okay! I'm coming!" Jackson got up and followed the black and white penguin.

It had to be perfect. It had to! How could everything go so wrong?

Pitch pulled at his hair as his Nightmares bought piles and piles of snow. Snow! Why would they think he wanted snow? He had specifically told them to find something fun for the children's playroom he was creating. How on earth could snow be anything signifying fun?

He had poured hours into books and research. Hours! He read some of the old texts that he had from their home world. He had read through multiple books from different countries that humans wrote on what children deem fun.

Hours of research. Hours of planning! Hours! All ruined by a bunch of penguins and snow! He must be the worst brother ever!

Pitch sighed, hitting his head against the rocky wall. This day was supposed to be perfect. How will Jackson and Flee react to this? How could I failed so miserably?

Pitch slammed his head against the wall again. How could this have happened? He wanted it to be perfect. He had made sure every detail was perfect. He sighed again and stared at the dark hallway.

His lair was usually dark and creepy. He was the Nightmare King after all. He normally didn't do bright and colorful, but he wanted to make his brother feel at home. He sighed as he wondered where Jackson and Flee were. Hopefully they weren't here yet. Maybe he could fix everything before they get here. Although he would have to get rid of the colony of Emperor Penguins first.

Pitch straightened and stomped down the hall. His nightmares neighed as they brought more and more snow. Pitch gritted his teeth and stomped faster. He had to stop this. Pitch entered the room that he had wanted to make into a fun, game room for his children. Yes, he said his. Jackson and Flee were his. Not the Guardians, his!

Pitch froze where he stood as he spotted Jackson and Flee playing with the baby penguins in what looked like a miniature version of Antarctica.

"What is going on here?" he asked as a few of those walking terrors waddled near a huge pile of snow. He felt his eye twitch slightly at the scene in front of him. Flee was building a snowman. Night and her siblings were dropping snow around. And Jackson, oh dear, was making a snow angel with three baby penguins sitting on top of him.

Jackson lifted his head to stare at him. Jackson cheeks were slightly rosy from being in the snow without proper clothing. He noticed that Jackson seemed to be shivering slightly, but what baffled him more was the huge smile on his face.

"Hey Koz! When did you have a winter wonderland down here?" Jackson asked as he sat up.

"I don't." Pitch frowned and crossed his arms over his chest. "My Nightmares thought having snow and penguins here was what I meant when I said to bring something that is fun." Pitch sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "I'm sorry. I wanted to make your first sleepover with me special," Pitch finished with a sigh.

"What you talking about Koz?" Pitch blinked for a minute before glancing at his brother. Jackson's brows were furrowed and his lips were position into a small frown. He tilted his head as Pitch stared at him in confusion.

"I wasn't planning this." He gestured to the snow infested room. "And them." He glared at the black and white terrors. "I wasn't planning on having them here." Pitch sighed as the penguin cocked their heads at him. "I wanted for you to have fun here." He lowered his eyes, feeling like a complete total failure. He couldn't even get this right.

"But Koz," Jackson's confused voice rose up. "This is fun." Pitch glanced back at him suddenly. His eyes were wide as he took in Jackson's small smile.

"Really?"

"Yup!" Flee added. "I've never seen a penguin up close before!"

Jackson nodded as he sat up. Jackson smiled softly as he added, "It doesn't matter where we go or what we do, Koz. I'm fine as long as I'm spending time with you."

"Same with me," Flee said with her own sweet smile. "We are family after all."

Pitch stiffened for a moment before he too smiled at the two wonderful children. He felt a warm feeling in his chest that always seemed to come while he's with his brother. No, not just his brother. His family. His wonderful, wonderful family.

After all the months he spent with his brother, he felt content. Once again he found himself not caring about the war. Not caring that his daughter was always working or that the god forsaken moon had some plan to free the Guardians. No at the very moment he didn't care about what was happening outside. All he cared about was to the children that loved him for him. His family. His believers.

Pitch dabbed at his eyes and slowly allowed his anger and hatred towards the Guardians die down a peg or two. He smiled at the two children, smiling fondly at them. "How would you two like a tour of my home?"

The two children smiled at each other and jumped to their feet. Excitement radiating all over their faces.

Yes, as long as he had these children in his life, rather he won the war or not, he knew he would be alright.

More lights flickered to a very dull yellow. Many of the light went out completely, while others border between belief and disbelief. The children were losing their belief in them and there was nothing they could do about it.

He had felt the effects of the lights since they were trapped at the North Pole. Many were not dreaming, many were not believing. It was heartbreaking to say the least. Let he could feel the nightmares that Pitch spreads.

Out of all the Guardians, Sanderson was the only one who didn't hate Pitch, the only one who understood the Maker of Nightmares. Sanderson, as a fellow dream wielder, know of the delicate balance between the sands. Dreamsand was just as important as Nightmare sand and vice versa.

Sanderson sighed as he stared at the dim lights. He and the Guardians had been fighting Pitch for centuries. To be completely honest, Sanderson hated fighting. He and Pitch were similar in a way. Not only were they able to wield and understand the sand, but Sanderson knew first hand just how dangerous the sand could be. Non-sand wielders would not understand the amount of focus and control it takes one to not be controlled by the sand.

Sanderson knew Pitch was not at fault for his rampage during the Dark Ages. Pitch was not in control at the time. Pitch had destroyed galaxies, killed many people and friends. Pitch had so much blood on his hands. But he was no different.

When Manny asked him to be a Guardian he was angry at Pitch. He had destroyed his ship, attacked him, and made him crash into Earth. He had vowed to protect the children with his dreams and to stop Pitch from spreading his evil nightmares. If only he knew what he knew today.

Sanderson would forever blame himself for misjudging a fellow sand wielder. He should have known that Pitch was not in control at the time. And yet he had attacked Pitch when he finally took control. He had listened to Manny when he told them of allies and followers of Pitch. He didn't realize that those people were the survivors of Pitch's home world.

Sanderson knew he had blood on his golden hands. He could still hear their screams and anger as he and the other Guardians destroyed them when they disagreed with Manny and this war. He had killed innocent people. People who wanted nothing to do with this war. Yet he had taken their lives. Lives he swore to protect.

He closed his eyes and his shoulders slumped slightly. We deserve it, he thought. Pitch has every right to be angry with us. Sanderson sighed as he felt weaker from another light going out. He opened his eyes and stared at the black dots around the colonies in the north. More children from Burgess do not believe.

Sanderson sighed and turned towards his fellow Guardians. Toothiana, Aster, and Nicholas were around the table discussing ways to get in contact with Manny. He floated to the table and sat in his seat. He listened in silence as Nicholas and Aster argued.

"What you mean we can't get in contact with MiM? Have you even tried?" Aster asked, the 6 or 7 foot Pooka tapped his foot in impatience.

"What I mean, Bunny," Nicholas said wary. It was obvious that Aster was getting on the jolly man's nervous. It was actually a shock that Nicholas looked tired and not, well, jolly. "The snowstorms are blocking Man in Moon's moonbeams. It can not get through."

Then again they have been trap at the pole for several weeks. They had tried figuring what was preventing them from using their power to escape, but no such luck. And the lack of belief was not helping them other. And on top of that...Sanderson was positive that everyone was on edge. Nicholas was not his usual jolly self. Then again, he hadn't been happy and full of life or wonder for someone who was supposed to be Father Christmas.

Aster was usually grumpy and rude. However, he seemed more so and has been getting worse since he healed up. Sanderson noticed that Aster was snapping and yelling more at Nicholas. Not even their 'Easter vs Christmas' was getting any better.

Toothiana was probably in the same condition as he was. Toothiana had her fairies to collect the teeth, but they were pretty much lost without her direction. Toothiana wasn't fairing to good, like him. The fairy seemed less chatty and violent, which was scary since she was a warrior with plenty of yelling and punching to go around. Sanderson noticed that Toothiana's colorful wings were starting to lose its colors.

This is bad. At this rate we will have no magic left.

Sanderson felt a growing fear filled him. Without the children's belief they would certainly lose power and then disappear.

"And what about finding what's keeping us bloody here?" Aster yelled in frustration.

Sanderson sighed. There they go again. I hope we get out of here soon.

The light flickered on and off like a candle. It was offaly interesting. He wasn't sure why a globe was in this big open room or why it had lights on it for that matter. He blinked as a light went out.

Did the light die or something? Maybe Koz needs to change it.

"This is the Globe Room," Kozmotis said as he gestured to the large open, and mostly empty, room.

"Wow," Flee said as she eyed the room. "It so big."

"And dark," Jackson said as he continue to observe the flickering lights. He tilted his head as he looked at the lights in the northern half of the globe. Why did Koz put those bright lights away from the others. "Koz these lights just went out. I think you have to change them."

Kozmotis looked at the him and walked towards him. Kozmotis looked over his shoulder and grimaced.

"Jackson, do you know what these light are?"

Jackson raised a brow as Flee came to look at the globe as well. "Umm...not really. You didn't put them there?"

Jackson blinked as a light flickered and then went out. "The light went out!" Flee pointed out.

"No, I didn't," Kozmotis said slowly and pointed to the two brightest lights that Jackson was observing. "These two are your lights."

Jackson's eyes widen in surprise. "Our lights?" Flee blinked in surprise as well, looking just as shocked.

"What you mean, Kozmotis," Flee asked.

"Every human child that believes in the Guardians are a light on the globe. And these two are yours." Pitch pointed to the two brightest lights on the globe. He smiled. "And you two have the strongest belief."

"Wow!" Flee exclaimed in excitement. Her eyes lit up as she looked at their lights on the globe. Jackson stared at the lights too, but with a frown on his features. He eyed the lights with suspicion.

Do we really believe in the Guardians? he wondered. They are treating Koz like a monster. They believe that he is evil. How can I still believe in them this strongly. Jackson shifted his eyes to the ground. Not noticing one of the two lights dimming a bit. The Easter Kangaroo tried to hurt us. He tried to kill us. The Guardians might really attack us if they find out that Koz is my older brother. He bit his lower lip. How can I believe in people who just wants to hurt my family?

"Jackson?" Jackson was startled out of his thoughts when Kozmotis placed a grey hand on his shoulder. Jackson felt strong hands move him around so his back was facing the globe. Kozmotis was kneeling down on one knee in front of him. Golden-silver eyes stared into his in concern. His lips were pressed into a thin line as both of his hands rested on Jackson's shoulders.

Jackson stared into his brother's eyes. He wasn't sure what Kozmotis was worried about. Was it something he said? Or was Kozmotis just naturally worried like he usually was? He couldn't figure it out. Night gently nuzzled him as Kozmotis opened his mouth to speak.

"Jackson, don't worry about the Guardians," Kozmotis said firmly. His slender thumb briefly caressed his cheek. "They. Will not. Harm. You." Kozmotis spoke each word strongly and with conviction. "I will protect you." He paused and smiled over his shoulder. "The both of you." Jackson swore he saw Kozmotis's eyes soften to a soft yellow mixed with a shiny silver. "I will not let anything happen to you two. You two mean the world to me."

Jackson was a very independent boy. He was stubborn and headstrong. Everyone looked up to him. That was why he put up a cheerful persona for his friends and family. He wouldn't dare show them that he was sad, that he had doubts of his own. But at this very moment, he felt like a frightened little kid. He felt the need to cry and be enveloped in a calming hug from someone who would protect him and drive the fears and doubts away. He wanted, surprisingly, to not be responsible for everything, to allow his more childish desires to be let loose.

Jackson closed his eyes as Kozmotis pulled him into a hug. Jackson didn't stop the tears that stung his eyes, nor could he stop the small tremors that encased his body. Jackson clung to his brother as he let out the pent up fears and doubts that he had held in for years.

Pitch had always admired his two brightest lights. He hated that they strongly believed in his enemies, but he didn't let it bother him. However, he was greatly concerned when Jackson's light dimmed. He quickly looked at him before he was hit with his younger brother's fears.

Pitch sighed at the intoxicating fears. Usually he would savor the fears. It's usually delicious and empowering. But this was his little brother, his family, and because of this he found himself feeling sick with worry. He had the strong urge to rid these fears from his brother, and that's surprising considering who he was.

The Guardians, Pitch thought darkly. Even when they are not here they are hurting my family!

The Guardians were not going to succeed. They were not going to harm his family members ever again. Pitch allowed his protective instincts to take over. He told Jackson the truth. The Guardians would not harm him. As long as he was there to protect him - no, to protect the both of his children - he knew they would be safe. He knew the Guardians would not touch this family. Not again! Not ever again!

Pitch gently pulled Jackson into a hug. How long had he been holding all these fears in? Pitch thought with a frown as Jackson sobbed slightly into his shoulder. I don't like how he has to act like a grown up. Sure he acts like his usual prankster self, but he has to. He tries so hard to not show his doubts and fears. He tries so hard to bring smiles to others, yet he sacrifices his own.

Pitch glanced at Flee, who had a worried frown on her features. He could tell she wanted to comfort her brother, but wasn't sure if she should disturb them. Flee managed to catch his gaze. Brown eyes stared into golden-silver eyes before Pitch opened arm to her. Flee immediately rushed towards him and joined in on the group hug.

Pitch held both of his children and whispered comforting words. He told them of how they would be protected. He told them that they had nothing to fear. He told them that they didn't have to grow up, for he loved them for who they are. And there was nothing that would stop him from making sure they remained safe.

Nightmares were the worst thing imaginable. The monster had killed his parents. The monster had destroyed worlds and galaxies. He was a monster! He had to be!

But as he watched his Guardians fight the Monster of Fear he began to doubt his decision. He was still convinced that he was evil until they came upon the survivors. They had told of the Golden Age. The peace thanks to the hero. The hero had saved them and protected them for years. Until the Fearlings tricked his tired mind, using his family against him. They refused to fight Pitch Black. They respected him!

General Kozmotis Pitchiner, hero of the Golden Age. Victim of the very evils he swore to stop and destroy.

He moaned at his mistake. Pitch Black was not a monster. He was a victim to the Fearlings. The Fearlings were the monsters. And yet he, and many other, had put blame on him for his wicked deeds.

Manny had seen the shock and disgust on the Guardians' faces, mainly Bunnymund, North, and Toothiana. He had watched in horror as the Guardians attacked the survivors. They were innocent people and they were killed for refusing to fight the Nightmare King.

He had yelled and cried for those people. He had moned for they lives. He had prayed and yelled for Pitch Black's forgiveness. But no one could understand moonbeams. The Guardians could barely decipher them correctly.

Manny watched as Pitch spent his time near the two Overland children. Why? He didn't know. But he had the feeling that Pitch cared about the Overlands. Manny watched Pitch and saw how he protected the two children.

He saw everything and also saw something that he had hoped for for some time. Love and belief. Pitch loved the children. And the children loved him. Maybe the war could finally end on a bright note. But then Easter came.

Manny bang his head on the wall. The war will never end. Pitch will never forgive me. He will never show mercy now.

But worst of all, the Guardians had continued to plot their next move. They continued with their plans to destroy fear.

Fear can not be destroyed. Why did it take me so long to realize?

And then Mother Nature brought her wrath. Manny winced as the Guardians were trapped at the North Pole. Manny tried to send messages. To tell them to stop this war, that he had made a grave error. But his moonbeams could not go through.

He watched helplessly as the children lost their belief. He watched as the Guardians remained trapped for months. He watched as Pitch spread his nightmares and interacted with the two Overlands. He watched as the two played and smiled.

A smile crept on Manny's face as he realized why Pitch cared about the children. It all made sense. Why else would Pitch and Mother Nature put up the barrier? Why else would Mother Nature attack the Guardians? Why else would Pitch, the Nightmare King, spend his every waking moment with these children? Protecting them? Helping them? Supporting them?

They are his believers! Manny shook his head at that. No, it wasn't just that. It wasn't just because they believed in him. It was something more. More than belief. Love. It was love. But not just any love. It was the type of love that reminded him of the Moonbots, the Moonmice, the Glowworms and his parents. Family. This is the rest of Pitch's family.

Family was a very powerful thing. Having a family was what keeps a person sane. A family was what makes sure you are protected and happy.

Families are indeed a powerful thing. If let untouched then the war could end with everyone happy. The war was only continuing to this level because of the damaged he had caused. But if the children get taken away or harmed? Manny feared that the worst would come if that ever happened. He prayed the Guardians get his message on time.

If not...he feared the worst is yet to come.