A/N: Hey guys! quick update here, not planning on talking long. I apologize for the lack of updates, everyone now knows how lazy of a writer I am. I've been losing inspiration and almost gave up writing for a little while there. But! I'll keep my nose to the grindstone for now. Anyways if you like the story please comment, favorite, or follow so I know how I'm doing. And of course if you have any comments or concerns about my writing or anything of the sort please feel free to express them, criticism is how we grow after all! Now, please enjoy.
Thunder clapped ominously as lightning tore from the storm gray skies far above. The rain poured down in sheets, soaking all those who were unfortunate enough to be caught outdoors. Standing alone in the torrential downpour was a lone figure, his head cast up towards the rumbling clouds. A smile crossed his face as the stinging droplets struck his flesh, he was free.
"C'mon guys, get moving! Mother wants us ready to move tonight," Bunnymund barked at the large crowd of Yeti's that were milling about below him. The large Pooka was excited, every hair stood on end as surveyed the scene around him. Mother Earth had returned to them, now they would definitely win this war.
"You sure do look happy," Jack Frost grunted as he cleared the final stair that led to the platform his companion was standing on.
"With good reason, we're going to get North and Sandy tonight," the Pooka declared thumping his chest victoriously.
"What are we waiting on then?," The winter spirit questioned clenching his fist tightly.
"Jack, we think it's best that you stay here," Tooth announced as she gracefully landed beside the pale teen.
"What? Why?" Jack questioned whirling around to stare at the fairy in disbelief. Tooth bit her lip and diverted her eyes from the teen's wounded gaze.
"We don't think you're ready to fight, with you being injured and all," Bunnymund replied gesturing to the black marks covering his companion's exposed forearm. Jack's features darkened and he pulled the sleeve of his blue hoodie down to cover the marks that snaked across his pale skin.
"I'm fine," he hissed, his voice desperate and filled with emotion. In response Bunnymund merely shook his head, it was clear he wasn't going to listen to the teen.
"Tooth, you have to let me come," Jack protested grabbing the woman's hand desperately.
"I can't Jack, I want you to be safe," Toothiana replied biting back her tears, it killed her to see the young man look so hurt. Jack let his hand drop back to his side in disbelief, not even Tooth would listen to him.
"We'll come back with Sandy and North, I promise," Bunnymund grunted before leaping off the platform into a small crowd of Yeti's.
"I'm so sorry Jack," Tooth whispered spreading her wings to take flight leaving Jack standing on the platform by himself. At first the winter spirit was confused as he watched the last of Yeti's lumber out of the large room.
"I-I'm not strong enough to protect anyone," Jack whispered, staring down at his clenched fists. Tears stung at his cheeks as his emotions ran rampant, he felt betrayed.
"They do it for your own good," the silken voice of Mother Nature cooed as the redhead placed a delicate hand on the winter spirit's shoulder. A warmth seeped from her touch, sinking deep into Jack's pale skin warming his frigid body.
"But I need to help them, what if they can't beat Pitch?" Jack protested, stepping away from his companion's warmth. Mother's features darkened and she withdrew her hand with a sigh.
"Sadly Pitch is no longer the enemy we find ourselves pitted against. He was consumed by his own darkness, thus setting my revival into play. I was returned to this world because the balance of light and dark has been all but broken. But, I fear that even I won't be able to tip the scales of this war," the redhead whispered, her usually cheery demeanor slipping.
"Then that's all the more reason for me to be out there!" Jack persisted, motioning to the massive wooden doors that his companion's had departed from.
"I can't stop you, I'm merely just a guide," Mother Nature sighed sadly before turning and drifting through the doorway she had just entered.
Rain poured down from the storm gray skies as thunder boomed ominously. Somewhere far below the clouds a pair of shadowy creatures darted through a forest, their red eyes glowing in the night. Lighting flashed bathing their prey in it's brilliant light as they stalked even closer.
"Go away!" A man yelled throwing a rock into the darkness in a desperate attempt to fend off his attackers. Fear caught in his throat as one of the creatures darted forward, it's midnight black skin glinting in the moon's barely visible light. Instinctively the man covered his face as the beast lunged forward, its fanged maw stretched wide.
Suddenly a stunning white light erupted from the darkness ripping away the creature's flesh. The monster's tortured cries tore out through the night as it slowly melted into sand. Confusion spread across the man's features as he examined his body that was now bathed in a warm light.
A hissing noise brought the man back to reality as the remaining creature stalked about just outside the glow that his body put off. It was clear the Hellcat was reluctant to attack after what happened to it's companion. Finally the beast huffed loudly and turned to bound off into the darkness leaving the man alone