Author's Note: Dun dun duuun. Sorry, I had to. But it's coming up! This chapter starts off with a more in-depth look at the meeting and we finally get to see something from August and Jasper's point of views. Plus we also get to learn a little more about August's past.

Now.. reviews!

Crossover Junkie, I did forget about the self defense lessons.. I'm sure Jack and Lillian will be wishing they had them, but after things settle down Pitch will be forcing them to have them. Or else! And yes, poor Pitch is definitely at his breaking point.

A guest suggested that Pitch rush into Mother Nature's palace, which I'm sure will happen at some point.. But I'm not going to make things easy on him. I'm thinking that if you're not a Seasonal, you probably don't know exactly where it's located..

The Skeleton Girl guessed that Mother Nature wants to discuss Pitch. Whatever gave you that idea? :P

Cupcake was teasing Jack about accidentally teleporting himself along to the Meeting. Yes, Jack. That was very silly of you.

Brenne is getting tortured by the SUSPENSE, but I'm sad to say this chapter doesn't help alleviate it..

And now.. on with the story!

Chapter Fourty: Nature's Wrath

A few hours before Jack and Lillian had arrived at the Seasonal Meeting, the rest of the minor Summer and Fall spirits and sprites had finished gathering. The Summer seasonals looked brilliant in their golden or red outfits, while the Fall seasonals wore a variety of colors, such as reddish orange, yellow, brown or even a darker green. The minor seasonals were following the lead of the main ones by mingling together and talking.

Jasper and August, who had arrived not long after the final minor seasonals, were standing in a room near the throne room, waiting for Mother Nature to call them in. They were usually the first of the Seasonals to arrive.

August smirked at Jasper.

"I told you Frost would be late again," he said smugly to the Fall Seasonal.

Jasper looked annoyed at the mere mention of Jack's name.

"Did you know he froze all my leaves one year before I had finished painting them?" he complained.

August frowned, looking annoyed too.

"Not to mention that blizzard he caused in Summer, shortly after becoming the Winter Spirit. The humans thought it was the end of the world!"

Jack Frost had clearly gotten on a lot of the spirits' bad sides. Going hundreds of years of being ignored by the many spirits out there, Jack had taken to playing pranks and generally being as annoying as possible, just so he could get any attention at all.

Some of the so-called "pranks" he had pulled weren't intentional though, since he had no one to show him how to use his powers, he had to figure things out for himself. That was one reason he was so eager to show Lillian how to control hers. He didn't want her accidentally causing trouble as he had done, hundreds of years ago.

Jasper nodded, remembering the incident from so long ago.

"He must be pretty powerful though, to counteract the temperatures like that. Remember the previous Spirit of Winter couldn't do such a thing."

August looked sour at the mention of the previous Spirit of Winter.

"Mistral?* He was powerful in his own right, and while he couldn't create blizzards when Summer was in full reign, he certainly didn't know when Winter was to end. Mother Nature had to speak to him time and time again.."

Jasper nodded, remembering the former Winter Spirit.

"He always started too early too. Sometimes it felt like I'd barely finished painting my leaves when the first snowfall would hit. At least Frost doesn't start too early. Besides, Mother Nature hardly ever scolds Jack."

August sighed.

"Nor that baby Spring Spirit. You think she'd at least learn not to spread spring flowers out of season!"

Jasper rolled his eyes.

"You should have seen the two of them last Fall in Burgess. Spring flowers everywhere. They even have Salem wrapped around their finger!"

August, in full gossip mode now nodded in agreement, not realizing that Lucian was eavesdropping nearby. Nor did he notice the smirk Lucian had and the way his eyes lit up at the juicy tidbits he was learning about the Winter and Spring spirits.

"I still wonder what happened to Leif. I didn't realize that he'd disappeared until that baby Spirit started running around."

Jasper shrugged, looking uneasy.

"A lot of spirits seem to be vanishing lately. Nearly half of my Fall spirits are gone and I see a good many of yours have gone missing too."

August nodded with a sigh.

"It means more work for us. Have you noticed not one of Leif's spirits have shown themselves? I wonder if they've disappeared too, or if they refuse to obey a little girl."

The two continued gossiping until Jack and Lillian finally arrived.

Jasper snorted when he saw that Jack was wearing light blue pajamas that had snowmen and snowflakes all over them.

They saw that Lillian was looking around excitedly but nervously. They had no time for chatting with the late arrivals however, since Mother Nature chose that moment to begin her Meeting.

When all of them had gathered into the throne room, Mother Nature greeted her Seasonals. Only the main Seasonals and Mother Nature were gathered in the throne room now.

"August, how has Summer been?" Mother Nature asked the eldest Seasonal Spirit first.

Jack blinked in surprise. Usually Mother Nature went in order of the seasons. Was she slighting Lillian, or waiting since Lillian would need more instructions?

August flashed Mother Nature a grin that would have Tooth swooning. His teeth were absolutely perfect, just as his tan was. He brushed his golden curls back and flexed his muscles a bit, looking every inch like a greek sun god.

Jasper looked amused as he knew that the outfit August originally wore was nothing like that. It wasn't until August had learned a little about mythology, that he had started dressing like some ancient god. Before that, August wore typical clothing: a button up shirt and pants, with a cloak and boots. It was somewhat similar to Jack's settler clothing, but much older.

"Fine, fine." August said dismissively. "Lucian has been particularly helpful in spreading Summer when I'm busy."

Mother Nature looked amused as she knew very well that August being 'busy' meant perfecting his tan or working on his surfing technique. Ever since surfing had started becoming popular, August was never very far from the ocean or waves.

It wasn't an issue, since the Seasonals with spirits and sprites were able to take a less hands-on approach and only had to supervise, while their minions did all the hard work.

Mother Nature could remember when she had chosen the young man to be her Summer Seasonal. He had blonde hair much as he did now, and was tan not from laying about in the sun, but from hard work. He loved summer and was often outside, working in the fields.

August would rather die than admit that he'd been a farmer in his previous life, and had taken to the life of a Seasonal, using every bit of power at his disposal and others' preconceptions about what a Summer Spirit should be, to get as far away from his previous life as possible.

Mother Nature adored August, but sometimes she was filled with sadness at how different he was now, compared to how he had been when he first became a Summer Spirit. August had been very hardworking, taking on much of the duties of Summer himself. Now.. not so much.

Shaking these thoughts from her mind, Mother Nature turned to Jasper.

"Jasper, what about you? How is Fall?"

Jack glanced at Lillian, and figured that Mother Nature was going to have her go last.

Jasper's eyes lit up since he was glad to have his turn before that baby Spring Spirit could jabber away, hogging the time with Mother Nature.

Jasper was nowhere near as conceited as August, and he was generally a very friendly spirit, but was definitely a workaholic. Jack had naturally gotten on Jasper's bad side, by freezing his precious leaves before he had a chance to paint them, therefore causing his poor sprites so much more work.

Unlike August, Jasper was a hard worker and liked to do things himself. He usually left things like the temperature of the season to his spirits and sprites and took on the painting of the leaves himself.

Since this last Fall had gone exceptionally well, Jasper had no problem describing in minute detail how the painting of his leaves had gone. He had even painted a few leaves early, as he usually did, to try and get the humans' attention to the poor, sick trees.

It was as he was describing the particular way he had colored the leaves of a burning bush, trying to make it seem as if it was actually on fire, that Lillian's patience had snapped.

"August started Summer early in Burgess!" she said in what Jasper thought was an unnecessarily accusing tone of voice. He was also annoyed that he hadn't yet finished his report on Fall.

August looked outraged at the accusation. It was extremely rude to make unfounded accusations, and an accusation against August was also an accusation against his Summer Sprites, whom he knew would never spread Summer early, no matter how much they loved their job.

"Excuse me," he snapped at Lillian, using his most superior tone of voice, "But I've been in California and my Summer Sprites have been busy elsewhere."

"But it's over eighty degrees there!" Lillian exclaimed as Jasper and August exchanged exasperated looks. Really?

Sensing an impending argument, Mother Nature hastily interrupted.

"This imbalance is troublesome," she said not even entertaining the thought that August was causing trouble, "I have noticed that many Seasons are not acting as they should. The temperature should naturally flow with the corresponding Season, with minimal maintenance from your Sprites needed."

Everyone nodded with Mother Nature, except for Lillian who only looked confused at the mention of Sprites. What Sprites?

"We must find out what is causing this imbalance, as it will effect all the world. Keep an eye out for anything strange," Mother Nature instructed her Seasonals.

August sent Jasper a smug smile as Mother Nature turned to the brat. This ought to be good.

"Child of Spring," Mother Nature addressed Lillian. "I've noticed that every year, Spring is later and later, especially in Burgess."

Ohh, starting late! That was a surefire way of getting on Mother Nature's bad side. Mother Nature would let a few years slide, as she knew that the Spirit was getting used to its power, but after that...

August sent a smug look Lillian's way, not even bothering to hide his smirk of amusement. Serves the little brat right, he thought to himself. That's what she gets for accusing me! Better pay attention to your own season first. Heh heh.

"Your job is to ensure the balance of the Seasons," Mother Nature gently scolded. "It is imperative that you start Spring when it must. Your duty is to spread the warmth with your Season, to encourage the end of Winter and the start of new beginnings."

Jack looked a little apprehensive, but he couldn't help the affectionate shake of his head. Only Mother Nature could simultaneously scold a spirit and give them instructions on how to run their season.

Jasper noticed the look of shame on Lillian's face and almost felt sorry for her. It was only her first meeting and already she was being called to task. On the other hand, she had to realize that you couldn't throw around accusations carelessly. It was very strange however, if it was true that it was already so warm in Burgess.

"I must admit, I'm also concerned about the rumors of Seasonal Spirits disappearing. We have never found out what happened to the former Spirit of Spring and I notice that not one other Spring Spirit or Sprite has turned up for this Meeting. Please be very careful, my children." Mother Nature said as the meeting drew to a close.

While Mother Nature had been preoccupied with thoughts of her Seasonals, out of season weather and the strange disappearances of the spirits, she failed to realize that she didn't let Jack have his turn.

Jack was sort of used to such treatment by now, but he still felt hurt by Mother's slight. He knew she was busy, but she never ignored him before. He had been ignored by pretty much all the spirits at one point or another, but to be ignored by Mother Nature..

Hearing the dismissive tone in her voice, Jasper and August turned to leave, after the latter sent Lillian a glare.

Jasper noticed the glare and shook his head. Yet another enemy made..

As the two spirits left the throne room, they could hear Mother Nature's tone of voice and shivered. They had never heard her speak so coldly before and hoped to never hear her do so again.

"Lillian. Jack Frost. I want you to stay behind," Mother Nature told the two youngest of the Seasonal Spirits.

August and Jasper rushed into the waiting room to gather their respective spirits and sprites and hurry off to their own homes, and away from the suddenly cold Mother Nature.

If they knew what was going to happen, perhaps they (or at least Jasper) would have stayed to help. But neither of them gave another thought to Jack or Lillian as the thoughts of their own seasons entered their mind.

Jasper couldn't help but mourn the loss of his friend, Leif. He had secretly been hoping that Leif might turn up at some point, even as a minor Spring Spirit. But with that baby Spring Spirit showing up to the meeting and no spring spirits or sprites turning up, he knew now that his friend was gone forever.

Jasper knew that Mother Nature hadn't chosen the new Spring Spirit, and he knew she never would have chosen one that young. What had the Man in the Moon been thinking? With a sigh, he headed off to his own home, to retire and practice his painting until it was time for Fall.


Mother Nature looked coldly at both Jack and Lillian, who looked very nervous. What had they done now?

Before they could speak, Mother Nature addressed them.

"What is your relationship with Pitch Black?" she demanded.

Lillian's eyes widened at the question and she shot Jack a look. Pitch had always told them to never tell any other spirits about how they were living with him, but he never told them what to say if Mother Nature herself asked.

Jack, fully aware of this, fidgeted.

"Uh.. Why do you ask?" he asked, wincing a little at the dark look that passed on Mother Nature's face.

"Answer me," she said. "I've heard numerous rumors of your connections to him!"

Still feeling the effects of Mother Nature's scolding, Lillian decided that being honest couldn't hurt.

She would soon come to realize how very wrong she was.

"Pitch takes care of us," she said, giving Mother Nature the same explanation that she had given the Guardians, "he looks out for us. He used to be bad, but he's not bad anymore. The Man in the Moon fixed him!"

"He.. takes care of you." Mother Nature said, her voice going flat. "Like his children."

It wasn't a question, but Lillian nodded anyway.

"Yeah! He's the greatest dad," Lillian said with a smile at the thought. "Even if he does nag us a lot."

Jack glanced nervously at Lillian. Even though it was Mother Nature, he wasn't sure that Lillian should be revealing so much. Lillian just didn't realize how touchy spirits were about Pitch Black.

A rumble of thunder in the distance, followed by the crackle of lightning matched Mother Nature's rapidly deteriorating mood. She had done her duty to her Seasonals, and now it was time to set things straight.

"You are not Pitch's children!" she thundered suddenly.

Lillian looked taken aback at the outburst.

"Yes we are!" Lillian argued. "Pitch loves us! We might not be his real kids, but we're his adopted ones!"

The storm raged around Mother Nature's palace as the wind picked up. Jack could hear the Wind screaming at him to look out, but there was nothing he could do.

"I AM PITCH'S ONLY CHILD!" Mother Nature bellowed at a shocked Lillian and Jack. "I am his daughter!"

"We.. we thought you were dead!" Lillian exclaimed. Jack could instantly tell this was the wrong thing to say, as he saw Mother Nature's hands ball into fists.

She was the most powerful Seasonal Spirit of them all, the one that governed all the Seasonals. To have her ire against them.. it was bad.

Very bad.

"So he thinks he can replace me?!" Mother Nature's voice boomed out, followed by an explosion of thunder. "If he cares for you so much, then we'll see if he searches for you, as he never did for me!"

Before Jack or Lillian could protest, Mother Nature swooped down on them. In a swirl of leaves and petals, they were gone.


Pitch stared at the two letters on Jack's bed. His mind went blank at the sight of them, even though he knew perfectly well what they were and what day it was.

He had told them they would not be going. His mind started racing as his thoughts went into overdrive. Jack was still recovering from his cold! Lillian was only a child!

Mother - Emily Jane could be unpredictable! If she ever learned of Jack's and Lillian's connections with himself, who knew what could happen!

Then he shook his head, a smile of disbelief appearing.

No.. no. He was being silly.

Of course they weren't gone.

Jack had probably gotten bored and they went home for some reason or another.

With that thought in mind, Pitch walked into the nearest shadow and went back to his lair.

As he exited the shadow in the globe room and came face to face with a Nightmare, he had to admit that perhaps he was wrong.


*Mistral is the name of a cold wind in South France.

Author's Note: A quick note on Mistral. I know in most ROTG fanfictions I've read, there's either been Jokul Frosti (a more evilish Jack Frost before he becomes fun-loving Jack Frost) or Old Man Winter as the previous Spirit of Winter, but I wanted something different, so I named him Mistral. I'm also mostly chosing males to be Seasonal Spirits, just to annoy Lillian. Plus I figure female Spirits are more rare anyway.

I also figure that just because Mistral and Leif are no longer in the picture, doesn't mean that they won't stay out of the story entirely. I'm planning on eventually revealing what happened to poor Leif at some point in the future, so there is a reason his disappearance keeps popping up in the story.

As for Mother Nature's exploding.. Weeell.. Pitch IS a touchy subject for her and I'm sure that despite Pitch telling her before that he never stopped looking for her, that she wouldn't believe him. So her temper got the better of her and caused her to even go against her own Seasonals. She's not really a bad guy, just.. angry.

Do you guys think Pitch will come to Jack and Lillian's rescue? Do you think Pitch will be able to take on the Nightmares in the lair by himself? And do you think the Guardians will get involved?

I am sooo updating on Friday, since I can't let this cliffhanger lie.. Muwhaha.

I'm also curious if August and Jasper should get more involved in this. And do you think Pitch would go to the Guardians for help, or try and solve things himself?

As always, if you have any plot suggestions, feel free to let me know! And yes, Mother Nature didn't let Jack tell his report, but she was distracted. He'll probably get to tell her his report (maybe?) after everything settles down. Otherwise those next Seasonal Meetings are going to be awkwaaard.

Edit: Fixed a few typos.