Redbat132 asked for and co-wrote this story with me. :) Here you go, Amiga! Enjoy! :)

Rise Of The Guardians belongs to Dreamworks. Balan Wonderworld belongs to Square Enix. Lea, Nightlight, and Katherine belong to Redbat132. I own nothing. Songs mentioned in here belong to their respective owners.


Needed For The Happiness Of The World

It was a beautiful day in New York City. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and people were taking things easy as any New Yorkers could ever be.

Lea Thompson was at the park playing her acoustic guitar and breathing the fresh cool air. Her fingers strummed on the guitar strings to play 'Spring Day' by BTS. The day felt so relaxing to the blonde teen. Even her childhood friend, Nightlight, was swaying his head gently to Lea's musical performance.

"I can't wait for Easter to come, Nightlight. It's only a few months away and I already want to start helping Bunny with the eggs," Lea stated, still playing while watching two birds fly past her. "I just find it hard to believe how my crystal bracelet gave me the ability in becoming a Pooka, almost a year ago."

The little Guardian of Courage remembered that day very well. That was the year when Lea felt upset and reluctant in helping Bunny send off the eggs because of a mistake she made on a different Easter. Lea found a strange relic that not only made her pass out with a bright glow, but also turned her into a female Easter Bunny. Jack and Bunny were able to help her see that she shouldn't be ashamed of her flaws and never give up in bringing hope to others. That turned her back human.

However, it wasn't the end of that. When Lea once accidentally hurt Bunnymund's feelings and wished to make things right, her crystal bracelet granted her back her Pooka form she named Hope. This confused the blonde teen because she only thought that her bracelet gave her the ability to bring Nightlight to life, so long as she continued believing in the Guardians of Childhood. Even so, she used her Pooka form to find Bunny in making amends with him before returning human once more.

"Sometimes I wonder if my bracelet has any other tricks I have yet to discover," Lea admitted, nearly done with the song. "Maybe has a few surprises that can be beneficial to helping my friends and family. What do you think, Nightlight?"

The little wooden toy shrugged, as if telling her it was possible.

"Yeah, you're right. That can be a mystery to solve another day," Lea agreed.

"Ahem."

Looking up, Lea was surprised to see her best friend and storytelling guardian, Katherine, right in front of her. The blonde teen nearly jumped in startlement and strummed off key on her guitar from that.

"Kate! Hey! This is new," Lea responded, actually happy in seeing the Guardian of Imagination. "What brings you here to the park? Usually, I'm the one seeing you at the Golden Goose Bookstore."

Just then, she noted Katherine's face. The female guardian appeared distraught about something. Thinking her friend needs to talk, Lea scooted to the right side of the bench while moving her things for Katherine to sit next to her.

"Kate, please, sit down. What's the matter?" She questioned, watching Katherine take her seat.

The brunette guardian sighed; unsure how to explain her situation. "It's Jack and Bunnymund. They've been at each other's necks for a long while to a point where they don't want to be in same place together," she said.

"Oh…Ohhh," Lea cringed at the thought. Both she and Nightlight were aware of how those two guardians do not always get along, but if Katherine's face was anything to go by, this was very serious now. "That bad, huh?"

"I'm afraid it's worse than bad. And, being Jack's girlfriend, you can imagine how frustrating it is to be caught in the middle of the situation," the young woman groaned at the memory, placing both hands on her face. "I don't know what to do. I just don't know, and it makes me livid."

Lea understood that problem very well. Everyone had arguments on certain things that make people push each other away. Some resolve it eventually…but there are times where they don't. Lea knew Katherine felt worried about the friendship between the Guardian of Fun and Guardian of Hope. She was scared they might never talk to each other again nor work as a unit when something goes wrong.

"Come here, Kate," she set aside her guitar to hug her best friend for comfort. "I totally get it. We all have our own squabbles that eventually work out in the end somehow. Some are beyond our control. The only thing we can do is give them space. Have them think it over."

Nightlight climbed up Lea's back to be part of the hug; supporting his childhood friend by hugging around Katherine's neck.

"…Thank you, Lea," Katherine answered, her voice shaky, as if ready to cry. "I needed this…Talking to you makes me feel calmer."

"Yeah. I know," Lea then started thinking of when she last felt blue but was cheered up. She sat up straighter as an idea came to her. "Actually, Kate, I think I know someone else who can help get Jack and Bunny back as friends."

That interested the Storyteller by pulling out of Lea's hug and looking at her. "Who?" She asked hopefully.

Lea smiled, looking at Nightlight, whom was grinning back because he knew who his friend was thinking. Although not saying anything, the blonde teen responded by bringing out her new tear-drop pendant necklace that was hidden underneath her light purple jacket she was wearing right now. The very same necklace she was given to by a different guardian from another world.

Katherine's eyes grew wide when piecing out the silent message.

"Lea, you truly are a special friend. I knew talking to you would help me figure out the answer," she stated, finally smiling and hugging her back. "Thank you so very much."

"Hey, don't thank me just yet. I want to help get Jack and Bunny back as brotherly pals, too. Those polar-opposites need all the support they can get," Lea responded, finishing her hug.

"Are you sure you can handle them? They never even met him before and I'm still learning about his world," the young woman pointed out. "Last thing I want is for you to get hurt."

"Relax, Kate. I faced danger multiple times," the blonde teen assured. "Besides, I know hardships as much as friendships with guardians. I'm willing to help fix them in any way I can."

Nightlight nodded his head at that responses, standing up with self-confidence to say he was in to help, too.

"Very well, then," Katherine stood up before holding Lea's hand to assist in getting up, too, and grinned. "As the guardian we'll be seeing again would say, 'the show must go on'."

With the two girls, plus Nightlight, making their way back to the Ganderly in preparing their plan, neither of them noticed Lea's tear-drop pendant glowing in slight rhythm like a heartbeat.


Moments later, now at the Ganderly, Katherine was waiting for the two guardians to show up. Nightlight was sitting on Katherine's shoulder with Lea nowhere to be seen. She also held on to a white sparkly book in her hands.

It was only a second for Jack Frost to show up in a snowy flash and land quickly, before running up to the Guardian of Imagination.

"Kathy! I came as fast as I could!" Jack exclaimed, bringing out a letter. "I got your message about a child emergency! How can I help?"

"Oi! What are YOU doing here?!" Shouted an Australian voice.

Turning around, Jack saw Bunnymund coming out of a hole that disappeared on his arrival. And he seemed as mad as Jack when seeing Bunny.

"What does it look like, Easter Bummer? I was called by my girl involving a serious mission requiring my help," Jack explained harshly, placing his staff on his holster and folded his arms.

"You weren't the only one Katherine called, Frostnip. I came because she mentioned this involved Lea," Bunnymund argued back, walking down, and bumping Jack's left arm very hard when passing by. "This better be good, Sheila. I do not have time dealing with another minute with this snow-show pony."

"Yes, it is a child emergency and, yes, Lea is involved. However, although you two may not like it, but this will require both of you on this mission," Katherine responded, keeping calm yet serious.

"WHAT?!" Bunny asked in shock. "Sheila, you can't be serious."

Jack looked at his girlfriend. "Please tell me you are joking, Kathy," he said.

"I understand you guys are still at a rough turning point, but let me remind you that we cannot ignore the need of children who are down to a point of losing their belief in all things good," Katherine said firmly. "And, before any of you ask, neither of you can bail out because Man in Moon specifically chose you two for the job."

Bunny sighed. "Perfect," he groused.

Jack sighed too, knowing there was no arguing when Manny made up his mind. "Okay," he said softly.

"Nightlight will be joining you on this mission, in order to find Lea along the way, as well," Katherine stated, watching the little toy standing up and jumping from her shoulder to Bunnymund's. "After all, the two of them do share a bond that shines bright when close."

"That is true," Bunnymund shrugged, despite not looking forward to this assignment.

Katherine opened the book and the door opened. "Good luck," she said.

Jack gave her a kiss on the cheek. "We'll find Lea," he said with a nod, though he was hoping he would find Lea first.

The two guardians went through the door and the Guardian of Imagination smiled a little before taking a deep breath. "I really hope Balan can get those two to be friends again," she said softly.


Earlier at Balan's theater...

Lea knocked on the door and it was soon opened by the very person she was looking for. "Lea!" Balan said with a smile, holding the door open and gesturing for her to come inside. "What a pleasant surprise!"

She smiled, his large grin too infectious to ignore as she stepped inside. "Hi, Balan," she said as he closed the door and then turned and held his arms open. Smiling still, she hugged him, feeling him hug her in return.

"I hope you don't mind my asking, but were you able to smooth things over with your father?" He asked gently.

She nodded. "Yeah," she said. "Thanks for helping me with that."

He smiled. "I didn't do much except remind you that you're special," he said, winking at her and making her chuckle. "Now then, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

Lea's face fell a little and she took a deep breath. "Katherine and I were hoping you could help us," she said. "Or rather, two people that we know."

Balan looked concerned. "How can I help?" He asked.

The young girl sighed. "Jack and Bunnymund have always been rivals," she said. "Sometimes they can't seem to stand each other, but they've usually been able to work together, but now...I think there's a large chasm between them and it's got me and Kate worried, especially her."

The tall being looked thoughtful. "The Guardian of Fun feels the Guardian of Hope is too serious and the Guardian of Hope feels the Guardian of Fun doesn't take things seriously?" He asked.

"That's one way to put it," Lea said. "But...from what Kate said, they can't even stand each other in the same room anymore." She sighed. "If this can't be resolved...I don't want to think about what could happen."

Balan pulled Lea into a hug, rubbing her back, knowing what she was thinking. "Would you like me to convince the two to set aside their differences?" He asked.

She gave him a hopeful look. "Could you, Balan?" She asked hopefully. "Please?"

He smiled, gently brushing the back of his fingers of his right hand over her left cheek comfortingly. "Yes, my dear," he said. "And don't worry. I think I know exactly how to help those two become friends again."

Just then, he tilted his head to the side and smiled. "I believe they have just arrived," he continued.

"Oh, good. Katherine got them to come," Lea said. "I better go find a place to hide."

He nodded and watched as she headed away while he waited patiently for the two guardians to arrive where he was.


Back with Jack and Bunny, things weren't going too well. "Look, Cottontail, I can find Lea quickly," the frosty guardian said. "We're best friends."

"I'm friends with her too, Snowflake," Bunny said firmly. "I'll find her faster than you."

As the two kept arguing, Nightlight sighed and jumped down lightly from Bunny's shoulder, moving away from the two and hoping that this plan would work. He entered a room and spotted the tall entertainer and waved with a smile. Seeing him, Balan smiled and picked him up. "Don't worry, my friend," he said, gently patting the toy's back with one finger. "Why don't you go find Lea? She's hiding somewhere."

The toy perked up and quickly went to find his friend, finding her in a dressing room and she grinned, picking him up. "Good work," she said. "It's up to Balan now." She looked nervous. "I hope he can help them."

"Have faith, my dear," came Balan's voice as he popped up in front of her, surprising her. "And I actually was wondering something. I'm going to do a show to help those two out and I was wondering...perhaps you'd like to be part of the show?"

She perked up. "Really?" She asked before looking away. "But...I'm not really good at performing in front of people."

"It'll just be for two of my friends," he reassured her. "They're children like you who believe in magic."

She thought about it. "Well...if it's for two kids, then okay," she said. "I can handle that."

Balan grinned and snapped his fingers, a lovely blue and purple costume appearing and the girl gasped as it was very pretty before she gave it some thought. "Hmm," she said before closing her eyes and touching her bracelet. She at once transformed and opened her eyes.

The maestro's eyes widened in surprise before he chuckled. "As I said before, you are full of surprises, my dear," he said, handing her the costume. "I'll let you know when it's time."

She nodded and he vanished. As Nightlight stood guard outside the door, Lea quickly put on the costume, smiling at the end result. A few Tims came in and chirped happily, making her smile. "I think I might be doing part of an act," she said. "I'm going to need some help."

The Tims chirped happily in agreement and she smiled, eagerly awaiting for the right time.


Meanwhile...

"How can we lose a living toy?!" Bunnymund exclaimed, looking around frantically for the small toy who was the only one that could indicate if Lea was nearby or not.

"Don't look at me. You were the one being full of yourself on how you got this under control." Jack argued, staying calm yet appeared somber in finding Nightlight. "He probably couldn't stand your bragging so much that he decided to bail."

"Oh, really? You want to start that again?" Bunny questioned, glaring at Jack. "You're one to talk, Mister 'All Play and No Work'. Always sending kids on sleigh joyrides that nearly gets them in an accident and risking our secret to unknown children who are almost adults. I get fun is your center, but you take things way too far."

Before Jack could say anything, two gasps were heard and they turned to see two children. the boy had dark blonde hair and blue eyes while the girl had silvery blonde hair and green eyes. "Who are you guys?" The boy asked curiously.

Both guardians were stunned as they could see these two were teenagers. "You...You can see us, mate?" Bunny asked in shock.

The two nodded before the girl looked at Jack. "Are you guys magical too?" She asked.

Jack smirked. "We sure are," he said.

Bunny rolled his eyes. "Oh, don't you start that," he grumbled.

"Hey! I was just answering honestly, Cottontail," the boy said with a glare.

Just then, small creatures began hopping around and Bunny's eyes widened. "What...are these?" He asked, having never seen creatures like them before.

The green-eyed girl giggled. "They're Tims," she said, picking one up.

"They live here with our friend," the boy said.

Jack was intrigued by this. "What are your names?" He asked.

"I'm Emma," the girl said as she cuddled a pink Tim.

"I'm Leo," the boy said. "What about you guys?"

"Jack Frost, the Guardian of Fun," the white-haired boy said. "And the grumpy kangaroo is Bunnymund, the Easter Bunny."

The two kids were stunned. "Whoa," Leo said. "Never thought the Easter Bunny would look so cool."

Bunny smirked at that, standing taller. "And tall," Emma said with a giggle. "Just like Balan."

The two guardians looked confused. "Who's Balan, Sheila?" Bunny asked.

"That would be me," came a new voice as laughter filled the room and someone spun rapidly around them before coming to a stop in a grand pose. "Welcome!"

Jack and Bunny both jumped in surprise, having never seen this guy before. The white-haired boy leaned close to Bunny. "You think he's got Lea trapped somewhere?" He asked in a whisper.

"Don't know," Bunny said. "He doesn't seem evil. Plus look at the kids."

Emma giggled as she hugged Balan, who returned the hug with a warm smile and Leo grinned, holding one fist out for a fist bump, which Balan gladly gave. "You're right," Jack said softly. "I doubt they'd go up to him if he was holding them hostage."

"They're genuinely happy," Bunny said with a nod of agreement. "But maybe he knows where Lea is."

Balan stood up with a smile and turned to the two. "Ah, you two are just in time for a spectacular performance!" He said. "Come, the show's about to start."

"Actually, we were hoping you had seen a young girl with brown hair," Jack said.

"Goes by the name of Lea," Bunny said.

Balan grinned. "Oh, yes, I know her," he said. "She's in the show."

Both guardians blinked before the tall being gestured they follow him and he turned to the kids. "Go grab your seats and enjoy the show," he said, playfully booping Emma's nose and ruffling Leo's hair, making the two laugh before they headed off and Balan let Bunny and Jack backstage. "Alright, it's showtime."

White Tims filled the stage and they had small colorful sprinkle marks on them that just made them look even cuter and like the marshmallow Peeps one would find in the stores for Easter. They were joined by pink, yellow, and blue Tims that had similar sprinkle marks on them as they hopped around, chirping and doing silly antics that made Leo and Emma laugh in amusement.

Balan smiled before looking at the two behind him. "Jack," he said. "Bunny. You two are friends. Surely this rivalry can be put to rest."

Both were quiet. "So you noticed there's tensions between us, eh?" Bunny asked after a moment.

"Yes, and it's worrisome," the tall being said, his face serious. "You two are guardians and despite being part of different seasons, you two can work together in perfect harmony. And this show is going to show you how."

"What do you mean?" Jack asked, intrigued.

Balan grinned. "You two are going to be part of the magical act," he said.

The Guardian of Fun grinned. "Does it involve pulling Bunny out of a hat?" He asked.

The wise crack annoyed Bunny, who glared at Jack for that, but Balan gave a patient smile. "Even better," he said, looking at them. "First off, let's get you two ready for the show."

He snapped his fingers and to their surprises, their clothing changed to show man outfits with colors that complimented them. Pleased at that, Balan whispered to them what their parts would be and the two looked at him before looking at each other and nodding. "By the way, where's Lea?" Jack asked.

"She'll be along soon," Balan promised. "Come. It's almost time."

He jumped up and landed on part of the set, doing a split suddenly and the house set he was standing on split in two, creating a portal that Emma and Leo were swept into and they landed on their feet and gazed around in awe.

Snowflakes that were Easter colors floated around them and the Tims were hopping around in the colorful snow. Jack was working on this as he had never down snow like this while Bunny waited for the right time and Balan showed him some eggs that he could hide. "Okay, you're up," the maestro said.

Quickly, Bunny moved, hiding the eggs without being seen while three large rings suddenly appeared in the sky and there was a beautiful rabbit with golden fur standing in one of the rings wearing a costume that was blue and purple. Emma gasped in wonder and Leo's jaw dropped in amazement as the bunny looked at them with a smile. "Hello," she said pleasantly, recalling her lines that Balan encouraged her to say. "Can you find the hidden eggs? Look closely, the snow hides some of them well."

Emma grinned. "Come on, Leo!" She said happily, diving right into the hunt. He was right behind her before the girl giggled and flopped down in the colorful snow, making a snow bunny. Lea smiled as she saw this and some of the Tims came around her while one put an egg in her lap, which she held as they watched the kids.

Bunny watched as the kids hunted for the eggs, smiling as they found them and he had to admit, the colorful snow seemed to add something magical to it too. Lea did a few tricks with the rings in her Pooka form, Hope, smiling as she saw Emma and Leo helping each other to finding some eggs or even Leo giving Emma a boost to get an egg that was a little above her head on a tree branch. The snow swirled around them magically and to all their surprises, save for Balan, the eggs hatched into Tims. Lea gasped as the egg in her lap hatched into a purple-furred Tim that chirped up at her happily and she smiled, hugging it to her.

Balan then appeared and with a grand gesture, the colorful snow swirled around them all before flying up into the air and bursting like fireworks, small snow crystals raining down gently.

Emma and Leo clapped happily and Hope came out with Bunny and Jack, all three wearing the showman clothes that Balan had created for them. Jack and Bunny blinked in shock at seeing the Pooka. "Lea?" Bunny asked.

She giggled. "Hi, guys!" She said brightly.

Jack cocked his head to the side. "We thought you were in danger?" He asked.

She shook her head before transforming back to her human form. "Katherine came to me about how you two were having trouble seeing eye to eye," she said gently, making them both flinch and look guilty. "I asked Balan if he could help you guys see that you're both important and you can be friends despite being part of two different seasons."

Seeing they were looking at her, she gestured to Emma and Leo, who were kneeling down among the Tims that had hatched and both looked happy. "You guys made these kids happy," she said.

"You played a significant role too, Lea," Balan said with a smile.

Bunny looked away. "But...the performance was mostly Balan's magic," he said. "We...didn't do much."

"Yeah," Jack agreed softly.

"Are you kidding?" Lea asked in surprise. "Bunny, who hides Easter eggs better than you? And Jack, who can make snow flurries better than you?" She then turned to Emma and Leo, who were smiling. "What did you two think of the performance?"

"It was totally cool!" Leo said. "One of the best!"

"Yeah! Especially the snow and eggs!" Emma said, holding up a blue bird Tim in her hands and she smiled again.

Balan smiled too. "Did you both have fun?" He asked his friends. "Did you both feel your hope being restored?"

Both nodded happily and Jack looked at Balan. "You mean...they were feeling down earlier?" He asked.

Emma nodded to his question. "I had a rough day in school today," she admitted.

"Had to deal with a bully today," Leo said. "Emma and I came to Balan's theater to forget about our troubles and you guys made us feel better with that performance."

Seeing the kids smile made Lea smile and look at her two friends. "I'd say this is a good example of how the Guardian of Fun and Guardian of Hope can be in harmony and be friends," she said. "You guys bring out the best in each other and yoursevles. Fun brings out the hope in us and hope brings out the fun in us."

"She's got a point," Balan said, smiling.

"A very good one," Bunny agreed with a smile.

"Lea's rarely wrong," Jack said before looking at Bunny. "Maybe I was getting a bit full of myself," he said apologetically.

"You're not the only one, mate," the rabbit said with a nod. "Perhaps we can both be more open-minded from now on?"

Jack nodded and the two shook hands. Lea smiled as she saw this and hugged Balan, who chuckled and hugged her back. "Thanks, Balan," she said happily.

He chuckled again. "I didn't do too much, Lea," he said. "This all came from you and the Guardians. I just provided the magic to help out."

"Still, couldn't have done it without you and the kids," she said, seeing the purple Tim come up to them and the maestro picked it up with a smile.

Jack looked around and saw one Tim hopping up and looking hungry and it seemed to be gazing at some gems nearby. On a hunch, he pounced on some gems and kneeled down to the Tim, holding out a gem for it.

Bunny, seeing this, grew alarmed. "Jack, what are you doing?!" He exclaimed.

Lea turned and gasped in alarm at seeing what her friend was doing. "Jack, you'll choke the poor thing!" She cried out.

Before they could move, the Tim pounced on the gem and began chowing down on it, not choking at all, but eating it with ease. The shock on Bunny's and Lea's faces made Emma and Leo laugh. "Yeah, they surprised us too when they began eating the gems we collected in our travels," the boy said.

"It's almost like rock candy to them," Emma said.

"It is in a way," Balan said with a grin. "Each Tim eats the gems that are the same color as their fur."

"What about this one?" Lea asked, indicating to the one in his arms.

"This little one can eat red or blue gems, seeing as purple is a combination of the two colors," he said.

Bunny suddenly felt his hat moving and he looked at Jack, but saw the white-haired boy was feeding another Tim. Emma giggled. "I think something's hiding in your hat," she said.

The rabbit took off his hat and to everyone's surprise, a small yellow Tim was hiding in there, chirping cutely. The Guardian of Hope chuckled. "They certainly are adorable," he said, seeing the baby Tims come up to them.

Balan grinned hugely. "Baby Tims like to hide anywhere," he said. "And they're good ticklers."

"What?" Lea asked before suddenly feeling something slip into her outfit from her neck and she began laughing as the Tim began nuzzling her shoulder blades and its fur was very soft, which made it tickle like crazy.

Jack yelped as a few got into his outfit and began tickling his shoulder blades and underarms, making him laugh as he squirmed around and Bunny was in a pickle as a few Tims pounced on him and he was in stitches as they nuzzled his back and sides.

Emma and Leo both giggled as they were swarmed by the playful baby Tims as a few crawled up their pant legs from where the pants met their shoes and nuzzled their knees and lower legs, making them burst into laughter. Balan grinned before seeing some of the babies coming towards him and he chuckled before kneeling down, allowing them to find spots to slip into his clothes and he was soon laughing as his ribs, underarms, and knees were under attack.

After a bit, the baby Tims let them up and chirped happily as their 'victims' rested a moment to catch their breaths. Nightlight came out and he was smiling, which made Lea chuckle before she got up.

Katherine came in and she smiled at them all. "How did it go?" She asked.

Jack smirked and pulled her into a kiss, surprising her. "Sneaky," he said to her with a smile before his face fell a bit. "But I wish you had told me that the argument was bothering you."

"I didn't think you'd listen to me," she admitted.

"Of course I will," he said, holding her in a hug. "Still...Bunny and I did need this."

"Because they're both needed for the happiness of the world," Emma said.

"That's true," Leo said in agreement.

"Couldn't have said it better myself," Balan said with a nod.

Lea gently grasped the blue pendant of her necklace and smiled as Nightlight jumped to her shoulder, both happy that the squabble had been resolved thanks to their friends.


Please leave Redbat132 and myself a review, but no flames!

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