Pitch

I think it's safe to say I do not enjoy travelling by snow globe. I stumbled through the portal, almost falling to the floor. North caught me, thankfully, straightening me up.

"It's quite difficult the first few times," Frost told me, holding back his laughter, "You'll get used to it."

I felt my eyes widen at his words and glanced around at the Guardians. Were they accepting me? After all these years, after everything I'd done, they forgive me? I felt a warmth in my chest, which puzzled me. I ignored it, focusing on Toothiana's words.

"Keep your eyes open. The Monkey King will be expecting us." She said, looking rather panicked.

"It'll be okay," I told her, quietly as the others pulled up their weapons. She forced a small smile, but frowned as a loud screech echoed through the trees, sending a shiver of fear through my spine. "What was that?"

"That was him," Toothiana breathed, unevenly, "He knows we're here."

Another screech rang through, making her look around quickly. Toothiana shrieked back in response, surprising us. I glanced back at the Guardians, who looked just as confused as me. I frowned, as my gaze fell onto Frost who looked utterly exhausted and turned to him, "Are you alright?" I asked, curiously.

He nodded, weakly, brushing his snow-white hair out of his sweaty face, "Just peachy." He gasped, leaning against his staff. "It's just a little hot here."

I sighed, shrugging, slightly, "I'm afraid I cannot help you. My sand only causes more problems." I muttered, turning back to where Toothiana floated, frowning at me. "What is it?"

"Your sand never used to cause problems," She reminded me, looking annoyed. "It could probably-"

"I think we all know that it won't." I interrupted, disappointedly. "Let's just find your fairies and get out of here before Frost starts to melt."

I looked away, as hurt flashed in her violet eyes. She recovered herself quickly, nodding, "Right, come on. He's this way." She murmured, flying off.

"Well, I can tell you this," Frost leant against my arm, looking after Toothiana, "That is not the way to get her to like you."

I pushed him off, following after Toothiana, silently. I probably could have handled it better but I knew that my powers wouldn't help. They could only bring fear to children and evidently kill the Sandman, which I really should apologise for. Why would the Man on the Moon choose me? What good can I do? I've spent my whole life trying to scare innocent people and almost killed the one person I truly care about in the process. I'm useless.

"She probably already does," I heard North mutter to Frost, quietly. I halted, his words causing my mind to whirl.

I pried my eyes from Toothiana and frowned at North, who looked surprised at my sudden stop. "Don't say that, North." I snarled, feeling my fear build inside me.

His eyes widened, slightly, "You don't want her to like you?" He guessed, confused.

I felt myself look over at her, involuntarily. She floated a few feet away, glancing around, curiously. I shook my head, weakly. "No," I snapped, angrily.

"Really? Why not?" Bunnymund asked, nosily.

I glared at him, making him flinch away, slightly, "I do not have to explain myself to you people." I hissed, resorting to my usual attitude. Their faces fell, making me look away, regretfully. "Let's just find this ape and get back to our lives." I sighed, moving over to Toothiana as she beckoned for us to follow her.

"How much further is it?" I asked her, gently, "I don't think Frost can last much longer."

She slowed, glancing at me, then at Frost, "It's not much further. Jack, if you want you can head back to North's workshop. I didn't think it would be so hot here. If possible, it's hotter than it was last time I was here."

"I'll be alright, Tooth." Frost told her, despite leaning against North's arm, feebly.

"I'm sure a little flurry wouldn't hurt," I suggested, taking in Frost's unhealthy complexion.

Frost glanced at Toothiana, hopefully, as she considered it. She nodded, hesitantly, "Okay, but try not to freeze any trees. The Sisters will be furious."

I watched as Frost swept his hand over his head, creating a small cloud. The snow fell, slowly, melting before it hit the ground. His face brightened, as the cold surrounded him, relinquishing the heat. He smiled at me, gratefully, before nodding to Toothiana.

She nodded back, turning away and flying ahead of us. We pursued after her, faster, now that frost was stronger, following her into a large clearing, where a huge tree stood. I followed the Guardians' eyes and looked up, gaping at the oversized tree house.

"Well," I sighed, watching monkeys swing into the house, "I didn't expect this. I thought he'd just live in a tree, not a house."

"The Monkey King wants a castle," Toothiana pointed out, frowning at the chimps. "He's not alone. This won't be easy." She turned to us, uncertainly, "Stay behind me and keep your eyes open. These chimps aren't the most humble of animals."

"The sun's setting," Frost said, quickly, making us all look up.

"We have to hurry," Toothiana gasped, flicking out her wings, "I'll meet you guys up there." She told us, flying upwards before we could stop her.

I turned to the others, clicking my fingers, "Anyone need a lift?" I asked, as my nightmares formed beside me.

The Guardians glanced at each other, nervously, before staring at me and my nightmares. Frost smiled, eagerly, walking over to one and stroking its nose, "This could be fun..."