AN: I sincerely apologize for my drastic lack of updating. If you can't tell, I reached the end of where I had already written the story. I will try to remedy that situation and update more regularly. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, followed and commented. I hope the bonding wasn't too dull, but the action picks up at the end of the chapter. Without further ado, I don't own Rise of the Guardians, and enjoy!

Blinking heavy lids, Jack slowly opened his eyes, tensing slightly before he recognized his surroundings. Golden sand swirled around him and made up the very comfortable bed he was now lying on. Then, glancing further, there was the Sandman, standing at the edge of his cloud and sending dreams off into the night sky.

Jack stretched and yawned widely but quietly. However, the dream maker heard, turning around with a smile, he waved warmly. The winter spirit returned the gesture, making his way over to the older Guardian.

So, did Bunny pawn me off on you, the frost child asked when Sandy looked over at him. The frost symbols were a slightly darker shade of blue.

The golden man shook his head emphatically, He told me you had a nightmare and he wanted you to get a good sleep. This was the best way he knew how.

With that explained, a faint smile stole itself across the winter spirit's pale lips, exposing his snow-white teeth. Bunny really did care about him.

I have a surprise for you, Sandy announced. Blue eyes twinkled enthusiastically and curiously, giving the Sandman's heart a little leap of joy. It had been a while since a twinkle had been seen in those once mischievous eyes.

The cloud flew off and the sky lightened as they got to an area of daytime, following the sun.

Burgess! Jack signed happily, nearly jumping with enthusiasm. There was a small, brown-haired kid waiting for them, snowball already in hand. The winter spirit flew off the cloud, getting pelted with snowballs as he made his way down. A wide grin cracked its way across his face as he summoned his own balls of joy, throwing them down in the assembled crowd of children. Then, they were all off, turning into a full out snowball war.

Sandy looked on in elation. They were all so happy, Jack included. He had been right to ask Jamie for his help, the eleven year old knew just what to do for one of his best friends. The sound of giggling reached new heights as the winter spirit had obviously begun to create some of his signature happy flakes. They seemed to be infecting not just the children, but Jack himself as well as the wind and the snow. Everything seemed to be light and airy.

A few of the trademark creations managed to land on Sandy's cloud coating him with a fine layer. Suddenly, he was holding back a laugh that burst forth when a ball of mush collided with his arm. Looking around for the culprit, the dream maker found a too innocent Jack Frost twiddling his thumbs and mock whistling. It was on.

Almost an hour later, they all collapsed to the ground, exhausted from their battle. Jamie reached up a hand and whacked the winter spirit on the shoulder. Playfully shocked blue eyes gazed down at his first believer.

"That's for being sad," the boy announced.

Jack tilted his head.

"Sandy told me," Jamie shrugged.

The winter spirit rounded on the older Guardian, giving him a glare which quickly softened into a look of gratitude. He quickly formed the symbol for 'thank you' and nodded his head. Sandy gave a wide smile in return; he knew Jack would understand.

Thank you Jamie, the frost teen spelled out, giving his believer a grateful smile.

"I didn't do anything," the boy said, confused.

More than you know kiddo. Brown hair was ruffled and an indignant squawk uttered before they lapsed into companionable silence.

It was interrupted by Sandy pulling on Jack's arm, pointing up at the sky. The Guardian signal flared across the sky, rippling with colours. The children noticed it, waving their farewell to the two spirits.

"Visit soon," Jamie called, giving the winter spirit a quick hug.

I will.

Sandy formed a plane and Jack summoned the wind, both of them racing towards the North Pole, minds racing over the possibilities. Most likely it was just a minor emergency or North trying to call them all together before their next Guardian meeting.

The air got steadily colder as they headed to the north. However, it was when they saw the Pole though that cold fear raced through both of their bodies, but especially Jack's. The place was surrounded by dark sand, horses galloping around and breaking through the windows. The guttural yells of the yetis could be clearly heard, echoing through the plains.

Jack and Sandy raced towards the mayhem, plunging into the meeting room window. It was there that they saw the other three Guardians, fighting spread out across the room. However, they seemed to be moving like molasses while the horses cantered like the wind.

Sandy showed a beard and a clock, glaring around the room as if searching for somebody. Jack couldn't help but nod, Father Time needed to be found as soon as possible so they could get rid of this spell.

Just then, a malicious voice cackled out of the darkness. "Jack Frost," it hissed, "What a pleasure it is to see you again." The winter spirit responded with a growl, fist clenching his staff tightly.

Suddenly, two figures appeared on the globe, surrounded by an entourage of shadows and horses. The cackling figure (obviously) was Pitch, who was wearing a leering grin that sent shivers down the winter spirit's back. The one beside him was cloaked in a grey robe, matching the colour of his beard. A thick golden chain hung around his neck, the centerpiece being a large clock.

"Pitch Black and Father Time," North growled, pointing his swords at them. "What do you want?"

The angry Russian was pointedly ignored as the Nightmare King turned his attention towards Jack. "I'm glad to see that you followed our suggestions." Glacier blue eyes glared up at him. "It really would have been a pity to have to incapacitate the Guardians without a fight, but at least it wasn't necessary."

"What's he talking about, Jack?" Tooth asked, violet eyes clouded with worry as she gazed at their youngest. His breathing was slightly ragged as if trying to fight off a panic attack. However, he just shook his head adamantly.

A new voice spoke, low and deep, but also smooth as the sands of time. "We're so sorry that Rustle couldn't join us, he just didn't have the time." Father Time chuckled quietly at his own joke.

Bunny's green eyes lit up with understanding. "These are the guys who tortured you."

Pitch cackled maniacally. "Yes, revenge was sweet. Now, to see the Guardians destroyed, starting with their precious snow spirit." A tidal wave of darkness swept through the room, extinguishing the lights as it went. Jack retreated a step but was swept neatly into its folds.

The last thing they heard before he was lost from view was a hoarse scream that seemed to echo through the room.

AN: I think its my first every cliff hanger. Don't worry, I won't leave you guys hanging for too long (ha-ha, hanging).