The wind picked up, dirt and leaves kicked around Jack's ankles. His heart was still pounding, the blood roaring in his ears. His palms were sweaty and his hands shook, his breathing came in short gasps.

"I would never join you!" he yelled out to the wind, Pitch had yet to show himself.

But what if the lives of your friends depended on it? His voice crooned in Jack's ear, provoking him, threatening to send him off the edge.

Just then, the wind died down, the shadows seemed to relent, and scattered in the clearing laid multiple objects that Jack could barely make out among small dunes of black dreamsand.

Go on, I know you're curious to see what I have brought for you

Hesitantly, Jack made his way towards the clearing, wary of any traps Pitch may have in store. He could run away, but Pitch was offering him a sneak peek into what his plan may be, and Jack couldn't pass up an opportunity like this.

Sitting atop scattered dreamsand laid four distinct objects: a tooth, a yo-yo, an egg, and a sack of golden sand. These were all fundamental aspects of the Guardians. With them, and the right combination of power-

I could destroy them. All of them. Right now and there would be nothing you could do to stop me.

Tears stung his eyes, and a lump formed in his throat, but he would not show weakness. He stood tall, shoulders back and chin up, but his heart sank. Pitch may have won this time.

"What do you want from me?" He hoped Pitch couldn't hear the quaver in his voice.

I want you to do whatever I say, and in return, I'll let them live.

What choice did he have? He could hardly defend himself without his staff, there was no way he could get to the others to warn them before Pitch could get there and destroy everything.

Silent tears rolled down Jack's cheeks as he accepted defeat. "Fine," he whispered into the wind, but he knew Pitch could hear it.

Good, and I think you'll be needing this

A cloud of dreamsand blew across the ground, revealing his staff among the other Guardian artifacts. His hands closed over the familiar curved wood, sending tingling through his arms, sensing its immense power. Such power now at Pitch's disposal.

"What do you want me to do?"

hope you enjoyed the second chapter! the next one may be up as early as tomorrow or as late as next weekend, stay tuned!

also, for those of you following Winter's Fate, the update for that one should be up sometime tomorrow, and if you havent read it i suggest checking it out.

thanks for all the awesome comments, keep reviewing!