Hey everyone! Sorry about the late update, the life of a University student going through finals is not an easy one... Nor is trying to handle getting through the holiday season sane. I was trying to put this off a bit longer till my local theater got the movie in, but apparently that had been postponed for at least another two weeks, and I really didn't want to put you all through that kind of wait.

Yet again, I'll have a more detailed Author's note at the bottom. It will be going over somethings found in this chapter, along with a few other topics.

Yet again, I don't own anything rise of the guardian related, or else I would be making this into the largest franchise since transformers.

In which we meet Thor

Hidden in the dark shadows, a man watched the events from earlier unfurl. Who was this woman teaming up with Jack Frost? He had never seen her before. He watched quietly as she dragged him away after the battle, pulling him into a tree, making them disappear from view. Golden eyes narrowed at the action, and a dark figure stepped out of the shadows to gather a closer look at what had occurred.

In a very usual fashion with Jack, his Nightmares had turned back into dust, and were getting blown away with the slight breeze till he summoned the nightmare sand back to him. The one creature who was directed to the woman on the other hand…

It still retained its shape, an unusual action considering the Mares would return to their dust state when destroyed. The man leaned down, brushing a hand against the mare's neck. At the touch, it jolted into awareness, yellow eyes flashing open. It wobbled slightly before getting its bearings and rising majestically once more, as if the blow had never happened.

It let out a huff of air, pawing at the ground, and he stroked the beasts face, trying to figure out just what had occurred. It was as if she had knocked the Mare out cold, which was preposterous, as Nightmares are beings of sleep, the do not sleep themselves.

It was very peculiar indeed.

The man tilted his head, looking to the tree the pair had disappeared into previously, the corner of his lips twitched up into a small smirk, eyes narrowing. "We will just have to find out what this woman is up to, hmm?" He murmured to the mare before once again dissipating into the shadows.

The mare remained, following the masters silent order. He had already let them down once, being beaten by that waif of a woman, he would not let Master down again. It trotted into the foliage, loosing it's self in the shadows, waiting for the woman to rear her head once more.

I was pacing my workshop, boots clattering against the wooden paneling below. I was freaking out, to put it lightly, and unfortunately, I had an audience this time around. I had a bit of a rampage earlier, and Phil, one of the few Leprechauns I could actually stand, came to make sure I was alright. Unfortunately, he brought an annoying entourage with him.

You know how annoying North's elves can be? Take that and times it by FIVE. That is the Leprechauns, fortunately for me; they actually do have their uses… sometimes. They can do basic jobs, with grand amounts of being ridiculous, but they still get done. Although, that's only if the excuse 'that's a woman's job' cannot be used. I've gotten really good at getting around that.

But anyways, there was Phil, Steve, and Tony currently watching me tromp about the workshop from the nice confines of my guest couch. I love that chesterfield, and normally reserve that for visitors, not that I get them often of course, the first one I've had in over a hundred years was Snowflake… I always meet up with Cupid at his place because he can't stand the sight of mine. I will say though, in my defense, it is a ridiculously comfy couch and Cupid is missing out. Normally, I'd make them get off, but I was a bit preoccupied with the close future of a particular magical item.

Jacks staff to be precise.

Okay, so I have Jacks staff, this is a fact. And I can't keep it, that's another fact, if only because I can't have him barging down my door looking for it. I don't want to see him face to face either, because of rather obvious reasons. Maybe... I stopped my pacing and tilted my head to look at Phil and the boys. Unfortunately, Phil knew me much too well and instantly made the rebuke of 'no, delivering that item is your duty.' a very polite way of saying that playing gofer is a woman's job.

That knocked down that plan. Back to pacing I suppose. A few more shots of going left and right gave me the brilliant idea of giving it to Bunnymund, he's a guardian, and he can give it to Jack. Oh wait, no, Bunny hates Jack because of the blizzard in 68' if I recall properly. What the bloody hell, does no-one like this kid or something?

Probably.

He was so much better when... Ah, well. Never mind.

A melancholic sigh made me flop down into my desk chair, sending it spinning. I really hate thinking about back then; it always hurts when you compare it to the now. It hurts to realize that you're not important enough to be in someone's memories. But, enough of that, I apparently only had one choice left, and that was to give it back in person, no matter how much I didn't want to.

With a creek I pulled myself out of the chair, grabbing and the staff and heading for the gateway. I motioned for my little entourage to follow. There was no way I was doing this alone; I needed back up, if only because me hitting anything with my hammer was just short of a miracle. And they were supposedly pros at this sort of thing. Since they were men. Assholes.

With a sigh, I opened the door leading out into the forest once more. It leads out into the Russian forest, although I probably could have picked a different location, like just out of Burgess, where his 'lake' was. Or maybe the United States as a whole would have been a brilliant idea.

But nope, I like how mother Russia looks and feels, and thus, I'm going to have to Rainbow Bridge my way across the world to find Jack. Hopefully I won't have to trapeze my way across the entire globe to find him. Hopefully he's nearby. It had only been five hours since I kicked him to the proverbial curb anyways. Maybe he can't fly without his staff, is that a bit too much to ask for?

It's also a worrisome thought, cause… what if his staff is the source of his power, and I've just been chilling with it in my house, leaving him alone where there are bears that can maul him, or Pitches to abduct and torture him. You know, except for the torture part, I wouldn't mind being in the center of the last one…

The group and I give a small leap into the air, engaging out boots just before I get knocked out of the sky once more, being pushed face first into the ground. If it's Jack again, I'm gonna show him exactly why Leprechauns are also known as devious and malicious beings in some cultures. I hit the ground with a solid whack which makes me worry for my lungs as I wheeze out a breath.

I turn my head as much as I can before I see what's holding me down. And honestly, I think I probably would have preferred Jack. It's another nightmare. And if the indentation… scar… thingy on its forehead is any indicator, it's the same one I thought I killed earlier. Bummer. I actually thought I did something useful for once, and I managed to make a mess up out of an initial mess up.

Luckily, this time I have back up. I look towards where Phil and them are supposed to be, only to see them scampering away in fright, abandoning me to the demonic equine. Really, I mean, really? Guys, you were all about the 'Men protect women, women shouldn't fight, blah, blah, blah' thing earlier, what happened to that limited chivalry? What happened to you being my shield? They better damn well avenge my death then.

The horse presses down on my back even more, its front hooves digging into my shoulder blades, and I think they are about to crack, as I can hear the creaking of my joints, which isn't a good sign. Its breath huffs down on my face heavily, uncomfortably warm and unnecessary in this situation. Great. All time low self, all time low. I'm about to get trampled to death and what is my last thought? What is the last thing I verbalize before my inevitable crushing demise?

"Bad… horse."

Yep. I am getting nominated for the 'best death in noted history' for that great act, for sure. Especially because it came out in a small creek of breath, making it seem choppy and worn. It had no presence, no oomph; can I ask for a redo?

Apparently the fates thought so, as the nightmare immediately released the pressure on my back and stepped off. I was shocked, awed, and in horror currently. I mean, sweet baby Jesus, the horse isn't on me anymore, that means one of three things. One, it's going to eat me. As in, literally, it got off me so it could chew me and eat me while I'm still alive. Or two, it has much worse planed than a simple crushing, what that could be, I'm not sure. Three, its owner called it off. Oh good MiM how I wish this was true. Cause that would mean its Pitch, and he's nearby, and he's gonna talk to me, and, and ,and… And my brain stopped working.

And I knew my brain had to be in a malfunctioning state from the third option because there was no way that nightmare just whined at me in a pitiful horsey fashion. It's not very scary of it, and three seconds ago it was intent on snuffing out my life. Just to certify that I'm not going crazy, I look to where the sound came from, expecting to see the horse ready to complete a full nelson on me, bad horse style, or at least a body slam of some sort.

I actually have to stop myself and count to three, just to make sure I'm not seeing things. The mare is sitting on the ground like a dog, whining at me pitifully. Its ears are pressed back against its head, and if I didn't know better, its yellow evil eyes were misting over with unshed tears.

I'm dreaming. I have to be dreaming, it's the only explanation for this situation.

Slowly, hopefully not to startle it back into its regular 'kill this woman' procedure', I raise myself up from the ground and onto my knees facing towards it. Its ears perk towards me and I take this as a sign to stay still. And so, to preserve my life span, I freeze completely. We have a stare off of the likes no one had ever seen, until I had to blink. It had won this round, but not the war.

I shifted my eyes quickly over to where Jack's staff lay, it wasn't with in reaching distance, and knowing me, I wouldn't be able to use it anyways. In the moment that I looked away, the horse had managed to scoot closer to me, ridiculously closer. When I finally turned my attention back to it, it had its head inches away from my lap. 'All the better to lunge for your jugular my dear'. That had to be why it got so close.

I was seriously freaking out at this point. The horse I thought I killed was getting its revenge through torture, cause that is what this had to be, torture. There was no other explanation, but then again, it's me, of course there is, and it's going to be the one explanation I won't think of. I mean, the possibility of this thing actually being remorseful for crushing me was so outrageous it was inconceivable.

And of course, it's exactly that.

The Nightmare gave a whiny before placing its head in my lap. All I could do was raise my hands and hold them in the air like an idiot. I mean, you have the living embodiment of everyone's horrible dreams just laying its head in your lap, snuffling at your cloths, what would you do? Other than scream bloody murder and smack it in the face that is. But that would be the smart thing to do, and at this point, we can all tell I'm not exactly one of the nominees for the 'smart woman' award.

" Um. Good horse?" I let out, props to me for even managing that, I'm a confused wreck right now.

It neighed happily before yanking its self out of my lap and trotting around in a circle. It was reminding me of a vulture. This is the part where it rips my throat out I'd bet. And I think normally, normally, I'd be right. Except for this crazy moment right now. It shrinks down into the 'pocket edition' size of a Nightmare horse, which was roughly about three inches tall.

Okay, I'm not even going to try and understand this one, but It's probably all a scheme to get my trust so it can back stab me later. And what better way to gain my trust than to come in a little petite miniature form. Ah, who am I kidding, this will turn out wrong too, just like everything else. It's probably just a lonely little pony who needs a friend slash companion.

"Okay you, I'd love to pander to your needs right now, but I have other things to do. Like deliveries to young white haired brats."

It gave a small squeaky neigh before bouncing up into the air and flitting closer to my being. Whoa, what was this thing up to? Oh. That. Makes sense now that I think about it. It was small, I could pop it into any safe container and just trot about with it, no worries necessary.

The little nightmare slipped into a pocket of mine, curling up into a ball after rotating around to get comfortable. Thing was more like a nightpuppy then a nightmare so far. And, you know what people do when they get a puppy? They name it. And this would be no exception to the rule. But, what does one name a fear based creation that cuddles like an over active child? Was it a girl or a boy even... Do they have genders for the matter? Ugh, this was gonna be tougher than I thought.

With a sigh, I waltzed over to Jacks staff, picking it up and slinging it over my shoulder once more before hopping into the air. It was sort of supernatural, maybe Sammy, no... Too angsty. Dean, too... Dead sounding. Cas wasn't right either. I swore I wouldn't name it after any of the human's magical ponies from that one children's show... What was it called? Mine tiny horses, French ships are Maverick? Something like that. I really like human culture, pop culture to be precise, but there are something's I just can't catch onto.

Maybe I'd resort to my usual naming for this little dude... Or dudett. I thought it over for a bit, trying to pick one of my usual names for this little guy, before one struck me. Cuddly like a puppy, but strong and intimidating to enemies. It was genius. I pat the pocket it resided in before deciding that it would be a dude. Going way against the title of nightMARE. "I shall name you Thor, and would you look at that, humans named a day of the week after you, you must feel special."

I received a whiny in response. Hopefully that meant 'this name appeases me' in horsey. It probably didn't, but buttercup would have to suck it up and deal with it. Or whatever.

I jumped up in the air, getting my rainbow bridge going again before jogging away from the area. There was no point in waiting for the others to show back up, cause if there is one thing the little munchkins were good at, it was making themselves scarce after being threatened. I'd be surprised if they ever came back to this area in the next four years. That being said, Thor would probably be a better protection item then those brats. He might be able to talk all the other baddies out of eating me with his puppy horse face.

I highly doubt it though. Who would listen to a tiny little horse when they are defending an enemy? Not many.

Getting high into the air I looked about, trying to see if I could locate Frosty. Lucky for me, it looked like Jack couldn't fly about without his stick, and thus, he was only a short few miles away from my location. A quick few sweeping steps later found me hovering in front of the boy.

Landing with a small hop, I notice the very clear frown on his face. Poor buttercup must have been upset by my throwing him out the door. "oh, well look who it is, the antisocial hermit who steals peoples stuff." he snarked. Whoa, wonder where he got that from, oh wait, it's probably me...

"Yes, yes, yes, laugh it up Snow White. It's not like I come bearing gifts of magical sticks." I motioned, grabbing the staff from my back and waving it in front of me before throwing it at the boy. He caught it with one hand before giving it an intense look over. Like, please, why would I tamper with your twig boy? There's literally no point to it.

"How was I supposed to know you were defenseless without it?" I tried to explain.

This still gained me no boon, and I only received a penetrating glare in response to my very solid logic. Kid should learn to lighten up sometime, but from that look, it isn't coming my way any time soon. With a sigh I fiddled with the tips of my crazy curls before taking an attempt at an apology. "Okay, I'm sorry I threw you out of my house without your magic staff, and I'm sorry I impeded your guardian business by taking away your powers for the small amount of time which is roughly six hours."

I looked up from my fiddling to look at his face; he seemed contemplative, as if thinking over my apology... Or more likely, thinking up a new way to ruin my life. I couldn't quite tell which it was yet. A smirk crossed his face and he leaned back on one leg, flipping the staff over onto one shoulder, and then I knew that this wasn't a good thing.

"I'll forgive you... If you answer all of the questions I ask truthfully. He emphasized the all. Shit. The all has been emphasized pull back, pull back, mayday, mayday!

A grimace crossed my face, and I started fidgeting, looking back between Jack and the surrounding forest. Could I escape before he catches up to me? Probably no, I was a fairly fast flier, but not that fast. He'd catch up to me in no time at all.

With a groan I spun on my heel, slouching my shoulders and letting out a barely audible fine. I just hoped that the kid wouldn't ask certain questions. It was unlikely though this was turning out almost exactly like the last time...

I just hope that it wouldn't end with the same results.

"So, why do you have a massive crush on the lark lord himself?"

Oh man. Of course he asks that, and so nonchalantly too. He was just leaning there, asking that question like it's not the biggest problem in my life right now... Not that he would know that though, thank MiM. But, when it comes to questions like this, I know all the best answers, thank you human pop culture.

"I'll have you know I do NOT have a crush on the dark lord Voldemort, I've been fortunate enough to not run into that guy yet."

If there is one thing you learn from the fey, it's how to give the best half answers, or how to avoid answering the intended question completely. I got a very sour look in response to my excellent answer, good on him for catching that reference! I was contemplating congratulating him on his small victory, that is, until Jack waltzed closer getting into my face. Personal space snowy, back off. "I mean, why do you have a crush for our resident nightmare king, Pitch Black himself."

That was a question I couldn't avoid. It was way too specific. I was hoping vainly that he wouldn't catch onto how to word these questions until later. But the kid seemed to retain some of his brain mass from previously, to my unfortunate luck. I felt little Thor turning around in my pocket as if he was reminding me that he also technically is one of Pitch's creations. And thus, could potentially recite this very information to the man being discussed.

With a harumph I placed my hand on top of the pocket containing Thor before looking at Jack mournfully. "Walk with me for a bit, will you?" I asked before flipping back around and heading into the trees.

Jack floated around to laze next to me as I walked, looking straight ahead. It was inevitable really, and maybe in the long run, Pitch finding out this way would be easier than me just running up and being like 'oh love of my life, take me now.' cause even that would creep me out.

The thing I was stuck on now, was finding the best way to let them know without sounding like a complete ditz. "I... I saw him once. Just once. And it was his eyes I think. They were perfect, like a gilded gold with dark green rings. Almost like... Even though he's so dark, he has a bright center, a sun that he keeps hidden away." good job me. You completely bounced past the ditz section and landed yourself right in the middle of the 'whoa what a creeper' section. You just had to get poetic; it's definitely going to get you brownie points. Might even win the 'biggest weirdo ever' award. Go team.

"It was a while ago, okay, like 150 years, and it is completely Cupid's fault. It would have never happened if he just kept a better hold on his arrows, and didn't shoot that one. Besides, he doesn't even know I exist, so it's not like it's a big deal or anything." I tried to redeem myself. My arms were crossed furiously, still trudging through the snow. It was a big deal though, to me at least.

I didn't feel Jack next to me anymore, and turned to look back at him, only to find a shocked expression on is face. That wasn't a good sign. "What?" I snarled out, turning fully to look at him.

He stuttered for a moment, waving his hands in the air, as if trying to catch the words he wanted to say. "I didn't think you really loved him-"

"I'm just attracted" I interrupted in a flustered fashion. Because, whoa, where is this suddenly coming from Blue Boy? When have I EVER said it was love? It couldn't be, that would be preposterous… wouldn't it?

"But you are, and you haven't done anything about it for over a hundred years."

"No, I never said I haven't tried, but-"

"And it's Pitch of all people! The guy who tried to, I don't know, end the world!"

"Not exactly, cause you see-"

"And you Love him!"

"Attracted!"

"Cupid shot you with an arrow and you still believe it was just an attraction? Cupid is the patron of love; not 'oh he's cute'."

"I disagree; you don't know how many times Cupid says that." I argued back, getting more frustrated with each volley of words. Jack by now was pacing through the air, looking a bit shocked, but mostly stupefied, as if this whole situation was something against nature. Which it was, just so you know.

"And you have to be the weirdest person ever to find him attractive for starters."

"Hey man, there are weirder things to be attracted to, like feet."

"And you're only going off of the fact that his eyes are pretty."

"Well what else am I supposed to do?! I've never even talked to the man, let alone got him to notice me at all!" I finally shouted back. "All I know about him, I had to gleam from others, and I'm going off of my stupid arrow, the one Cupid just had to shoot at me!" I turned around angrily, my breath coming out in choppy pants, causing my shoulders to quake.

It was silent for a moment before I let out my largest fear at this situation. "I don't even know if there is a returning arrow from him to me."

There were many cases, according to Cupid, where one person becomes enamored with another, going by the accordance of the arrows, but that person is destined to love another, or just simply won't receive an arrow in response. And the thing with Cupid, is that he can't tell anyone what is in another person's love future. So I couldn't even find out if Pitch could like me from the patron of love himself.

I heard Jack come to a standstill behind me. I had no idea why, but letting him see me like this was tough. I heard him give out a heavy sigh before placing his hand on my shoulder. "Hey, you'll figure this out. And... I'll…" he pauses for a moment, scrunching his face up in a sour fashion. "I'll help you... Woo the nightmare king himself." he let out a small gag at the thought and the act brought a tiny grin to my face.

Woo, whose he kidding, the kid's got just about as much romance experience as a rock, I would know. That's not to say that I'm any better off though…"Uhg, your such a child." I sighed before turning around to face him. "But thanks." I gave a small quirk to my lips.

He smiled back before I grabbed him by the collar, hoisting him closer to my face. "you tell anyone about this though, and I swear I'll murder you snowflake." he raised his hands up in a non-threatening fashion, swearing not to. Too bad I had the misfortune on now being the butt end of many of his jokes, if the tone of humor in his voice was anything to go by.

With a sigh, I leaned back getting ready to speak to Jack about arranging a meet up for later, I had work to get back to. Or, at least I was, till Thor though this would be the best time EVER to let out a little whinny and clamber out of my pocket. Right in front of Jack.

Good job Thor, you have the best timing ever. You just couldn't wait a few minutes to make yourself known, like when Jack was gone perhaps? Cause there was no way on earth that Snowballs reaction was a good one. He had let out a very girly gasp, leaping back a good foot, throwing his staff in front of him defensively.

"What are you doing with one of those?!"

Well, I suppose this situation could be worse. But, I think I should learn how to shut up, or to get on Karma's better side. Maybe she likes chocolates.

A/N: Well, there you go, the third installment of "Fresh Out of Luck"!

A few things about the chapter this time around! I will give brownie points to any who guess the general theme in the side character names so far! And I need to point something out to all of you starting to worry!

No, this will NOT turn into a Jack Romance, it is strictly Pitch. Buuuuut, that doesn't mean Jack and Lyra won't have SOME kind of relationship, but there's is more of a... hrm... Bromance would be the best term currently. But I'm leaving little clues as to why, and I'd love to hear your opinion on them~

How did you like it? Speaking of opinions, I have many people to thank this time around! Thank you all for your wonderful reviews! I was so very happy to read them! It made me really happy to get such a good response back!

personal thanks goes out to:

yoyo, bedstories, PitchAndBunny, exaigon, itte'sasprite, bangbangxd, forestclaw27, kathryn, and last but not least, dottyautumn!

Thank you all so much for your reviews, and I would love to hear more from you and other readers! I'll try and get the next installment out soon, and until then, have fun and I'll see you later!