Hello Hello~! Bet you all thought that this story was dead huh? Not to fear, though I go on hiatus a lot, I don't forget my precious stories. Here is the first chapter, and though it's short, it's for getting things in order. The next one will probably be shortish as well, but after that, things will be my normal, 1,000 page long standards xDD

Also, please ignore my failure to edit this. I was tired and lazy xDDDD (~ has no excuse) I'll probably do some editing of this before I updated the next chapter . . .

Enjoy, and love the Rise of the Guardians fandom! :D

The Aria of Allegory

Chapter 1: The Beginning of Bad Things to Come

Jack Frost would be the first one to admit that he hated working hard, especially when there was little fun to be had during said work. But sometimes he'd make an exception when he was particularly bored and lonely. And when E. Astor Bunnymund was giving him the look. That was exactly what he was experiencing right this moment.

"Alright Frostbite, it's time for you to pay your dues." The jade eyes surrounded by furrowing gray fur were flashing in warning at the Winter spirit, letting him know his refusal was not an option. The silver haired boy merely chuckled at the six foot one martial artist and shrugged his shoulders.

"Sure Kangaroo, but only if you ask nicely~," the blue eyed teen twirling on the spot, causing a blast of cool air to land in Bunnymund's serious face. The scowl permanently etched onto the large rabbit's features grew darker and his fur pricked up, whether from the cold or his animosity Jack couldn't tell.

"I swear Mate, if you don't control that howler of yours-" The keeper of Easter warned angrily and reached behind his back for a boomerang just as a delicate hand caressed his arm in a soothing manner.

"Bunny, let's not get too carried away. We called Jack here for a reason, remember?" Radiant as always, Toothiana's rainbow hues and pearlescent wings relieved the shrouded atmosphere surrounding the two bickering Guardians. She gently nudged Bunny and gestured to the winter spirit enthusiastically while the latter huffed in annoyance but obeyed nonetheless. Jack watched the Fairy Queen silently, observing the intimate manner in which she complimented her fellow warrior and couldn't help the sensation budding in his chest. Very rarely was she as open with him as she was with the Easter Bunny, save for the moments when her obsessive nature glimpsed his pearly whites. Other than those occasions, however, she kept to a professional manner and the Guardian of Fun could honestly admit that it made him jealous. His thoughts had little time to fester, however, as Tooth buzzed beside him and grabbed his unoccupied hand.

"Come Jack, I need you to use those wonderful powers of yours for some infrastructure repair!" the iridescent memory keeper flew forward before any protests could be made, nodding back vigorously at Bunnymund when he'd shouted that he'd continue working on the palace painting. Jack could only chuckle internally, now understanding why the Tooth Palace was decorated in pastels and spring themes.

It hadn't taken long before his mission was set by Tooth, who asked the lanky boy to reinforce the collection of towering pillars that held the teeth and memories of all children safe within its confines. He'd joyously started forming permanent ice shards in between the minute bubbles that made up some of the pillars, all the while intently watching Toothiana as she exchanged information with her hordes of teeth recoverers and zealously pined over memories. The nymph of this realm was truly an enthralling sight for the winter spirit, something he was afraid to admit.

She effortlessly commanded her brood just as she uninhibitedly started controlling Jack's heartstrings. That snapped Jack out of his staring as he focused on the pillar gaps once more, shaking his head furiously. Jack didn't want to think of Tooth like that, she was too good for the likes of him. Ever since his impromptu visit to Mother Nature a month ago, Jack had been vested in resolving his lonely nature by opting to spend more time with his fellow Guardians. Though surprised by his presence, the quartet warmly welcomed Jack's change of behavior, particularly one fairy with a penchant for teeth related topics. She was elated when he took his Guardian duties seriously, and even became a sort of cheering squad for the previously rebellious teen. But with such unrestricted support, an overwhelming amount of emotions began to come into play. And that was what Jack Frost was having the most difficult time with.

A suddenly chirp collectively caught everyone's attention as a blur zoomed towards the blue eyed teen in a bundle of color. The frost spirit saw the iridescent fairy queen giggle cutely at the oncoming onslaught. Baby Tooth, Jack's favorite fairy and eternal fangirl, buzzed happily into the neckline of his frosted hoodie as he chortled happily. Once she'd exited and planted a kiss onto his pale cheek, her attention immediately centered on her mother as she excitedly chirped information. The master of snow and ice could only tilt his head in curiosity as Tooth intently watched her little one and nodded occasionally.

"So Sandy is coming here? Before night falls in the northern Hemisphere?" At the minute nod of her worker, Tooth returned the acknowledgement slowly and looked to the pale boy with worried eyes. "Jack, Sandy's coming. And it doesn't look like it's for floss and toothpaste . . ."

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As the air rushed through his untameable bangs, the silver haired teen tried with all his might to hold back the heavy tears pricking at his corners. He bounded from left to right on the northern wind, using his gift to propel him forward as fast as magically possible. There was so much pain in his chest, he just needed to arrive and see for himself. The memories of his abrupt departure filtering through his mind once more . . .

The Sandman, charming and glittering with his dream sand as per usual, seemed more apprehensive than normal as he shuffled impatiently upon the marbled floor of Tooth's freshly repaired entrance hall. That was the first detail Jack noticed as he and the Fairy Queen arrived before the short little man. When he'd spotted them, the Sandman immediately started playing pictionary while asking for Bunnymund presence. Just as the words were rolling off Toothiana's lips, a flurry of gray bounded up and onto the shiny floor where the three protectors of children already stood, out of breath and expression wide.

"Sandy Mate! I heard you were comin', but I wasn't actually expectin' you to show up right now. It's not like you to prioritize us over your work," he rushed, putting the thoughts in everyone's minds out for the golden dream keeper to hear. The Sandman, clearly in agreement with his companion's statement, could only nod sadly before he began painting a picture of dust for his fellow Guardians.

Jack gazed intently on the swishing sand particles, watching as they first became a bunch of running, small children figures that vanished from view a moment later, followed by a question mark. Also in his explanation, the image of North, or Santa Claus as he was better known, appeared jolly and laughing before he's golden image dissolved into a coughing fit. Tooth visible gasped at this imagery and became interpreter for the others' questions.

"Something's wrong with North? He's ill? And children are disappearing?" At the worried nod Sandy gave the only female present, Jack all but leapt away from the others to call on the powerful northern current that traveled to the Pole. He'd stopped paying attention the moment he heard North's name used in a negative context.

"Frostbite, you bloody Drongo, get down here! We've got some serious problems goin' on so you can't just be off like prawns in the sun!" he heard Bunny call to him colorfully.

"Jack! Wait, where are you going? North and the children need you!" said the desperate fairy at the same time, making her way skyward to reach him. Unfortunately, the wind was first to grab hold of the ice prince's aerodynamics and if only to comfort Tooth, he shouted back to her before disappearing,

"I know!"

. . . And here he was, letting his thoughts plague him at all the terrible possibilities that could have played out while flying to the North Pole. Did Pitch somehow escape the nightmare realm and attack North while the big guy was cooped up and alone in the workshop? Or what sort of ailment could affect the Guardian of Wonder, a man with nerves of steel and strength enough for beating out evil without breaking a sweat?

The establishment that Nicholas St. North called home came into view passed the blizzard weather, and Jack pulled himself from the air current to nose dive towards the workshop. There were no splintered doors or shattered windows from his perspective, and there was no dark sand shifting around the winter palace to suggest Pitch's presence.

He maneuvered his lithe frame to and fro, arriving, for the first time, by the front doors that ominously blocked out the frigid cold of the Pole from the exuding warmth held within the workshop. Using his staff to knock heavily onto the carved oaken doors, the silver haired teen glanced up to the sky and saw the outline of a half sphere glistening down onto him.

Ancient creaking erupted suddenly, signaling that the frost spirit was being acknowledged, so his attention was averted to the towering mass of greyish white fur looming over him.

"Phil!" The familiar yeti recognized Jack instantaneously and bent to envelope the Guardian in a hug and rumbling of his native tongue. It sounded like dry heaving mixed with a blubbering of an animal, but mocking him was the last thing on the blue eyed teen's normally mischievous mind.

"Phil, where's North? I need to see him," came the statement. When he'd released the boy, the yeti nodded his head solemnly before asking him to follow. His lively personality seemed to darken considerably as they shuffled towards the open elevators that interconnected the many areas of the North Pole. There was definitely an atmospheric drop within Santa's home as Jack rode the elevating device and observed his surroundings. The toys were not buzzing around the enlarged space happily and the yetis weren't bustling with excitement and dedication. In fact, they were all sullen and slow, making no efforts to be jolly. Even the prankster elves, as dim as they could be sometimes, were pouty and noiseless beneath everyone's feet in response to the solemn mood. Something was definitely not right at the North Pole.

It was faster than expected when they arrived a door Jack had never encountered before, due to the absence of hustle and bustle that normally reigned supreme amongst the crew of Nicholas St. North. Phil, politely as ever, motioned for him to enter as he started retreating down the hall with large tears building in his eyes. Apparently whatever had happened with North had been too traumatic for the yeti to recount, let alone encounter again.

Taking in a breath, the youngest Guardian twisted the knob of the wooden divider and let the door swing inwards as he stared ahead. It was dark inside, the curtains being drawn and not a shred of reflected light entering the space. There were shadowy outlines of shapes within the room, and the frost spirit decided to widen the door jam to garner a little more light. When bathed in a soft glow, Jack could see a huge bed adorned with masses of pillows and blankets, all in the schemes of red and white and green, surrounding a figure lying limply within them.

Stepping closer silently, Jack got a better look at the being huffing uncomfortably, nestled amongst the thick sheets. His normally rosy pallor was white and clammy, droplets of water suggesting his body's defense mechanism trying to battle out an illness. The white beard and hair that suggested the sick man's many years of experience were wiry and brittle, not the sort fit for a man like Nicholas St. North.

"North?"

"Jack?" a hoarse voice returned as Santa Claus's eyes fluttered open weakly, his vivid blue eyes duller than the ice prince remembered.

Yeah, hey old man," the teen teased, grasping the hand that freed itself from the confines of the comforter and reached out for him. North's thick fingers grasped onto Jack's smaller ones and there was no vigor to the grip. Santa was too weak for his normally hearty hold. The sight was too difficult to observe so instead the silver haired teen searched around the darkened environment to distract him from the pathetic state of his mentor.

"Jack Frost, you came. Seeing me like this, I am sorry. Not my best feelings today, you know." There was a heave of breath taken in by the bearded elder, one that did not carry joy or hope. It rubbed Jack in all the wrong ways, and being a person of little restraint, he couldn't contain his overwhelming desperation.

"North, what's wrong with you? This is just a cold isn't it? You'll be perfect in a few days right?" The answer he needed so desperately to hear was not upon the features his gaze lingered on, a icy, glistening trainset. Yet, it was a gentler sight than the pale and lackluster features of a once powerful spirit.

"Of course Jack, of co-" another collection of hacking coughs interrupted the thought as Jack's smaller hand held steadfast onto North's quivering one. Settling down in a few seconds, North gave Jack a weary glance that spoke volumes. He needed rest and not explanation.

"Take a rest old man, I'll take care of you," was the reassurance, when the frost spirit braved a glance back to his fellow winter deity. The words were far mightier than the visage that displayed them, but North appeared appeased and grateful.

"Thanks for that, Jack. I'm so very much the tired," he hoarsely whispered and allowed his doe eyes to close. The blue eyed Guardian smiled wearily and placed North's mighty hand upon the duvet before taking silent steps outward of the room.

When the door was left only a inch ajar, the ice prince's steps became heavier as he sped away from the room, trying to keep himself in order. There was no time to plan and think, Jack merely allowed his terrified nature to carry him through the expanses of the workshop towards the entrance of the residence. He would get out of there, immediately, and go somewhere. Anywhere. A place to think, or talk to someone—Mother Nature! He'd go to her and explain about the Christmas Man; she'll have an answer or an antidote and then—

He knew whose plush body he'd run into before anything was said and he didn't bother detangling himself from the large paws that were encompassing his lanky shoulders. Right now, Jack felt the need to be amongst company that understood him no matter the relation.

"Hey," the gruff voice of Bunnymund called above the smaller spirit, obviously less angered than he intended it to be when confronted with the sight before him. "Frostbite, get a grip. She'll be apples, I swear." Though the words were edged with a roughness, for intents and purposes they were comforting and quiet. Obviously the Easter caretaker knew of North state and the possible emotions running through Jack's eighteen year old mind.

"Bunny's right Jack. We'll figure this out." Peeking around the Easter Bunny's toned arm, the blue eyed teen saw Tooth fluttering helplessly beside Sandy, trying to force the smile upon her features to be genuine. Had they all been informed before him about North? When did they arrive, he wondered. And how did they address the dire situation? No other answers were given as the Guardian of Fun let go and shoved his head further into the furry torso of his friend and let silent tears roll down his cheeks.

"We can't lose him," he finally managed in the least heartbroken tone that would come out of him at this moment.

"No. And we won't." It was the first time in a long while that Jack's faith in Bunnymund and the world had fallen exponentially, despite the positive words.

Dun dun dun. The chapter title says bad things are coming, right? xD Okay, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Please accept a sneak peak of the next chapter as consolation for this :D

. . .

Where are we?" the youngest Guardian questioned after happily exiting the tunnel system that was Bunnymund's means of transportation. He brushed some stray dirt from his head before using his staff like a cane as he leaned and glanced out from the alleyway they'd been dropped off in, noting all the fashionably dressed adults bustling about.

"Isn't it obvious Mate? This is Paris, the busiest place for love to work," was the callous reply given by the keeper of hope as he held out his groomed paw to pull Tooth from his tunnel like the gentleman he was. Jack momentarily cursed himself for the lack of chivalry on his part, but let it go in favor of asking his question.

"Right, and who exactly works here? You kinda skimmed over that detail when you cratered the floor and sent us all down the rabbit hole," he jested, earning a giggle from the Fairy Queen as she traveled to Jack's side.

"Bunny's referring to the Keeper of Love, whose holiday is Valentine's Day," the hummingbird-like girl explained, also looking to the people passing by unaware of them. There were certainly many couples who strolled the streets together or met each other in passionate embraces and kisses, Jack noticed with a blush. He was a children's spirit; being in the presence of adults and their 'lovey-dovey' ways left him embarrassed and trying to keep his gaze away from the beautiful creature beside him. To focus his wandering mind, Jack again forced himself to think of the issue at hand. So the Man in the Moon determined the help of the spirit of love was necessary for North's return to good health?

"So are we talking Cupid here? That chubby baby boy with the arrows who shoots people into romance?"

"Cupid yes, a boombah anklebiter, no. You should know better than most to believe in all the stories humans make up about us spirits, Frostbite." There was a strange, undeniable smirk crafted on the patterned visage of the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy was controlling her giggles behind her fingers as she nodded in agreement.