A/N: I said I 'might'. Might is the key word xD Why am I even arguing? Okay, I just want to post this early, that's all. So yeah..

Disclaimer: I do not own Rise of the Guardians

The guardians were again at a loss of words. Why did Jack go out of his way to claim things that was not going to help in the least?

Chapter 8

"He apologized and told me it was his fault he let it happen." he shook his head.

"He seriously believed his at fault! What an idiot!" he snarled.

The guardians was surprised by his proclaims and outburst.

"So I told him I intended to kill mortals 'cause it's true! I really did! And he just told me he won't let me harm anyone." he sighed.

"He never threatened me, never told me I'm crazy or evil. Never lash out to me. When I did another mistake, he would always stop them. Then be out for a month and came back as great as ever. I often asked him what happened even though I know already 'cause you know I always want to know his bad side. But he would always flash me a big smile and told me he just talked to another immortal!"

These revelations are quite hard to take all in. They haven't process what he said but all knew that it's a product of Jack's isolation.

Sandy could feel himself growing weaker and so was Tooth.

Sometimes he wished children held stronger beliefs than this.

He stopped hovering and landed on the icy floor. He didn't want anyone telling him it's time for him to go if the old man's not finished. He saw Tooth doing the same thing.

The old man sighed and face palmed.

"Just then I realized, the other reason he's doing these things is for attention. I know you think that I cured Jack but no.. Jack cured me. Unfortunately, I can't do the same for him. He got over his suicide nature by himself. I wished I knew sooner and I wished I could help him but" he bit his lips

"I took him in for only 50 years and I can't be with him any longer. Jack only accepted me as his guardian 2 years ago. I know I thought he wouldn't. I never even thought we can be like this because of everything I did." he showed them his sincere, sad eyes.

"I love my son, I love Jack. Please take care of him guardians" he pleaded and slowly disappeared.

Still digesting the info, Sandy tapped Tooth's shoulder and motioned them to go and do their jobs. North slowly made his way to the sleigh. Everyone was in it except Bunny. North called him.

"Nah.. Ah'll stick around" he said without enthusiasm.

They wouldn't let him if he wasn't wearing a suit. And somehow they knew Bunny feels guilty more than any of them. So they left him, demanding he informs them if ever Jack came back and promising that they'll come back tomorrow.

It was starting to get so cold here after Jack left.

Bunny shook his head. Trust the boy to consider other well-being.

It wasn't because Jack's different like all the cliché stories about isolated persons. This was far more difficult than anything else.

"Why didn't you just take me instead?" asked Jack looking up the sky.

Maybe he doesn't want me to be there...

Well that's quite right but maybe .., just maybe, he could spare dad and just I don't know ceased my existence?

Yeah, that would be nice.

"The only person that told me that he liked to be my dad and took me in just taken away just like that?"

I didn't mean to blame you or anyone.

"I'm sorry. I supposed I should be thanking you for letting me stay, huh?"

Did you even know a thing about me? I rather die than live like this again.

Jack rubbed his eyes. He screamed at the top of his lungs. He really wanna tell everything, scream everything that's in his head but he just can't. Even in isolation, he can't blame anyone or complain. Besides, he was sure that if he were in His shoes he would do what He just did. Who would want a stupid kid with them anyway?

He cried and cried unleashing all his powers in the mountain. He felt sorry for the mountain that's feeling his wrath. I need to stop soon.

I smirked.

Yeah, I lost it. It's like I didn't even care for the old man. Why?

It hurt so much more than any other things in the past yet he wasn't out of control.

Is it possible he doesn't love the old man that much?

He blinked only noticing the absence of tears in his eyes.

What?

Ho-how can I not cry? I- I, the old man treated me like his own son! Why can't I mourn more than this? This sucks!

He sat down and hugged his legs. He buried his face to his knees.

"Your tear socks are empty, Jack. They've been six hours ago." a voice told him.

"Pitch, aren't you cold here?" Jack asked without moving.

"What comes together best than cold and dark?" Pitch stated smirking.

Jack didn't retort or move an inch. Pitch sat down beside him.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"Wow the big bad boogeyman wants to comfort a little spirit. Isn't that just sweet?" a voice of a girl was heard.

Pitch growled. "Is that a way to talk to your dad comforting your son?"

Mother Nature just chuckled and looked at her son. She frowned.

"Sweetie.." she knelt down and hugged him tight.

Jack didn't respond.

He whispered incoherently.

"Shhh.. Honey what did you just say?" MN whispered softly.

Jack stiffened.

"Stay away from me... Please, I don't wanna hurt you"

MN looked at Jack surprised.

"Jack.." MN caught Jack's chin and rise it up so that he was looking at her eyes.

"That was long time ago. You didn't know" MN reasoned.

"Ho-how would you know that?!" Jack snapped and slapped her hand. "I almost killed you! How can you say that it wasn't my intention?! That I feigned ignorance to lower your guard and kill you, huh?! How naive can one be?!" he blurted. Pitch went to MN's side and put himself between the two.

"You didn't intend to kill me, Jack. You know that" MN stated calmly and smoothly.

"The whole 'Pitch is back' fiasco thing was because of that! I endangered not only immortals but mortals as well!" he flew ten feet away from them.

MN and Pitch held sad expressions. Here he goes again blaming himself for everything, Pitch thought.

"You do realize it was me who endangered them" Pitch pointed out.

"If it wasn't for me, nightmares couldn't have taken over you." Jack retorted.

There's no winning with this boy. Pitch shook his head. He looked at his daughter in shame.

"Jack, I forgive you. It's time you forgive yourself" MN pleaded him.

"She's right, boy. Stop hurting yourself" Pitch begged him.

I can't. Jack sadly thought. His inner turmoil only made his surrounding much colder.

"It's not your fault the old man died" Pitch whispered.

It's not? Something about the way Pitch said that made Jack angrier.

"You don't understand anything! It IS my Fault!" Jack screamed.

MN glared daggers at his father. She knew he didn't imply anything and she was sure he's oblivious by their law but he should really be careful of what he says. She knew he was reading Jack's fear that's why he knew what to say. The thing is even though he's good now, he's still not good at controlling his tongue.

"The more I gain control of my powers the more he loses his! How is that not my FAULT?!" Jack grabbed his head like it's aching so much.

The two shivered from the extreme cold.

"Jack, please! Stop this!" MN stuttered.

Her pleas were unheard when Jack stepped away from them and fell into the ocean.

The two gasped.

It's been one day since Jack stormed off. Bunny waited for Jack and the others to come back. He was sure the other guardians will be there any moment now. He was surprisingly calm waiting for them and Jack. His belief in Jack was renewed since he stayed at his home. He believes Jack wouldn't hurt himself. He's stronger than that. Waiting there at his home cleared his mind and he was sure of his next moves after the guardians arrived.

He believes Jack's strong but that doesn't mean he didn't need anyone. Bunny's not even sure why he's not that worried like he was supposed to be. Maybe I really didn't need to worry. He thought. Long story short, he gained and is full of hope in giving Jack what he deserved. He was already tingling with excitement about the things he and Jack would do to make Jack laugh.

A/N: Thank you for reading. :) Please review. I really don't know what else to say.