ROTG: Aftershock

Ch. Pr

On a dark moonless night there is a town that doesn't stir. On the outskirts of this quiet town lies a hole. No one goes near this pit, the one that a decaying bed once sat, no one but the creature of a man that dwells there. He had been silent for some time, but on this black night he awoke. He stirred in his lair deep within the crevice, and before daylight broke, he came up with a plan to rule the world with night mares.

Nicholas St. North awoke to an icy-cold sweat. He leapt with great force out of his cozy bed and ran to the room that held his huge globe. It was early morning and nothing in his great workshop had begun to stir. Yet the big man seemed to be worried about something. He checked the globe's status on everything worldwide. The kids were all ok, the worlds wonder and other protected centers were all ok.. He was straining, looking for something, something that had yet to become apparent to him. And he kept looking, without knowing what to look for. With all the ruckus he was making he woke up a yeti nearby. The yeti came stomping in complaining. As the yeti moaned and whined at North for his horrible timing, North continued searching. Finally he seemed to notice the yeti's anger and he spoke in a whisper, "Not right now Yosef, I'm busy. Is nothing, go back to bed." Yosef wasn't convinced. He modestly walked up to North, who appeared to be panicking, and placed a huge paw on his shoulder. North looked up into the shining eyes of the yeti, who shook his head silently. North let out a soft sigh, Yosef was right, he was acting crazy. They walked to there rooms to continue there sleep. But before he went to bed Nicholas looked into the moonless sky and spoke quietly,"Manny, I hope nothing is wrong. Especially since you aren't here to help right now." Then he laid down and relax his aching bones. The night was silent, and a cool breeze flowed into his room and like a lullaby it drifted him into dreamland. Though throughout his sleep, he suffered from the most horrible nightmare a guardian had ever had.

That same night E. Aster Bunnymund was making his usual rounds across his land. He checked all the tunnels and all the growing eggs to make sure they were undisturbed. As he was happily walking back to his room, pride in himself for such a good day spreads across his face in a huge smile. He began to think about his plans for the next day, since it was Valentines day. As he thought long and hard, he heard the crunch of the ground beneath a foot that wasn't his. His ears perked up and he turned his head to see who the intruder was. At first a faint grin stayed on his face, because they weren't strangers. But his grin soon faded, and his head cocked as he became confused at their motives. The familiars began to pull out weapons, and Bunnymund realized this wasn't a friendly visit. He turned to run away, but was cutoff and he realized he was circled. Before the first swing of a weapon hit, he closed his eyes.

Ch. 1

It was February 14th, the day humans celebrate love. Valentine's day seemed to be booming this year, and the holiday spirit of love seemed to be struggling to keep up with the demands. She planned for this one day all year, yet she loathed it. On this one day she saw horrible heartbreaks turn into a new blooming love, and the best love turn into the most cruel hatred. And it's her fault. Rose C. Valyntien spent every year alone roaming from one place to another. She watched humans use their god given willpower to push loved ones away. She spent the whole year quietly trying to guide them towards their soul mate only to have them screw it up. So she starts from scratch. Valentine's day was the one day she had full control and they couldn't change their minds, and she took advantage of it. She would create or destroy love at will for anyone, except herself. There was a point where she loved helping humans find love, but as years went by jealousy stole her. She would prank couples and occasionally these pranks would go to far and destroy the love. But she had quit caring.

The day started like any other Valentine's day for Rose. She brought some people together while tore another couple apart because they weren't meant to be. She even messed with some teenagers relationship by pranking their date. She smiled as she continued, this was her day to shine. The day was winding down to an end, so she stopped to watch her favorite couple. They had found each other without help at a young age, they were inseparable ever since. Rose had no part in helping them locate each other, and she became intrigued at their love. After they went inside she laid on their roof, and that's where she stayed for hours. She watched as the moon climbed high into the sky, and wondered to it out loud, "Why is it I can't find someone? Why do I have to be alone?" But the moon stayed silent, she sat up, sighed, and began to rise. She stood tall even though she was sad, and got ready to leave. Then, behind her, a large shadow appeared. Rose whipped around and backed up, higher, on the roof. Her eyes were wide will shock, and she didn't know what to do. Finally a person stepped out of the darkness, and when he spoke, he had the voice of a gentleman. "You must be the new Guardian," he spoke calmly.

"Well I'm not sure about Guardian, but I'm the spirit of Love and the bringer of Valentine's Day. Who are you?" Rose replied.

"I'm Pitch, Pitch Black, my dear."

"I'm Rose C. Valyntien."

"Yes, I know this, but you are the Guardian, correct?"

"I said no, I'm not a Guardian, I don't even know what that is. What do you want with me, what are you!?"

Pitch looked at her, clearly confused, "You don't know what a Guardian is, and you don't know what I am?" Rose shook her head. Pitch went silent for a moment as he thought. "I too am a spirit, like you, but sadly I am the Nightmare spirit and I create fear. A guardian is spirit who's center, or special talent, has been recognized by the man on the moon. He then sends them on missions to defend the children of the world. Guardians don't care about the other holiday spirits," Pitch explained. His voice sounded sincere but a hint of sadness seemed to show through. Rose thought long and hard, then she looked up and spoke,"Sorry I'm not a Guardian, I have no center or special talent. The moon won't speak to me, and I work alone." Pitch smiled, this is what he was waiting for. "My dear girl, I know how you feel," he said, and he stepped forward and gave her something and continued, "If need my help, just ask, this bracelet will be your guide." Just like that he vanished. She paused to examine the bracelet and think about all that just happened. Once she processed it all,she released hidden wings and flew off the roof.

It was late now,and she flew high in the sky. Winter seemed to be hitting hard and her body was freezing up. Her wings began to form ice crystals along their edges. But she carried on. Suddenly a figure whirled past her like a giant snowflake; she could barely dodge it. She quickly turned around to see what it was but there was no sign if anything. She turned back to continue her journey, but watched her back for attackers. She made it ten feet when she heard a loud noise and turned to look, again there was nothing. She turned fast to leave and a boy appeared out of nowhere, and they slammed into each other. The force caused them both to spiral out of the sky. Rose's wings were freezing fast and they could hardly move. She moved them up and grabbed the boys sweater, she cupped her wing and they filled with air. The wind violently jerked them back. This saved enough time for the boy to gain his bearings. Once they were both oriented she let go of him and they softly landed in the snow. Out of breath, they sat down. The boy began to laugh at this excitement, and from relief of living, this caused Rose to laugh as well. After the laughter had died down the boy looked at her curiously. He reached out his hand and said, " I'm Jack Frost." She extended hers in return, "Rose, Rose Valyntien. You can call me Cupid, if you like." He grabbed her hand and they shook, but he asked curiously, "You are the mysterious Cupid? Why do you call yourself Rose then? Think you can find me some love?" He laughed at his little joke. Rose began to explain her middle name is Cupid and that she doesn't just make love she guides you toward your love. Creating love is wrong because it causes problems for the real people they are to be with, so she won't do that. " In return Jack explained his job to her. There was a long pause after Jack finished explaining, and Jack felt the awkwardness. A large gust of wind started moving toward them, and he let out a soft smirk barely noticeable to Rose. Just as the gust hit, Jack jumped into the air and was swept away. Rose's eyes widened in horror, without hesitation she released her wings and flew up after him. She looked all around for him. She couldn't find him until he wizzed past her. He laughed the whole time and she realized this was all for fun. The flew in the sky for quite some time, laughing and enjoying themselves. Finally they met up and started toward the nearest town. The landed in the outskirts of the town and walked and talked. He asked her questions and she answered, and vice versa. They got very close within the few hours they spent together. But the time finally came to an end, jack waved goodbye to his new friend and shouted "I'll keep in touch!" Just like that he was gone. She went to a near by farm and relaxed In the barn. She began to feel lonely, which was unusual since she was use to it. She forced herself to cheer up, and she went to sleep in a pile of hay.

The guardians were called together at North's place. Nicolas called the meeting on the behalf of a request by his good friend, Bunnymund. Most of the guardians were sitting in North's large globe room. Santa sat by the dials like the two nights before looking wearily. Bunnymund was as close to North as possible without it being considered creepy. Samdy was bored by the waiting and silence, so he made shapes out of his beautiful golden sand. Thoothiana flew jittering, she flew from fairy to diary as they came and left the room. She talked to them nonstop about teeth. She finally broke the silence between them all and said, "Jack is late again. He just left with BabyTooth when you called this random meeting, North." Nicolas nodded to show her he heard and understood, but his eyes were glued to the dials. When the silence set back in Jack came crashing in threw the opening the fairs were using. BabyTooth giggled at his clumsiness. He began to laugh too, whole he gained his bearings and stood up. He looked around joyfully until he noticed the serious atmosphere of the room. His smiled dropped and he began to speak, until his attention changed to Bunny. "Woah! What happened to you, Kangaroo?" he said. Bunny had bruises up and down his furry body, dark patches created on his skin showed through his beautiful fur. A noticeable cut reached across his cheek, and less noticeable cuts replaced patches of fur. He was covered in poorly placed band-aids, and his left leg was wrapped up and he limped to the opening so all could see. "That's why we are here!" the Russian Santa boomed. Jacks faced showed the confusion he had. Bunny walked out to try and explain, by he stammered out utter nonsense so Tooth cut in, "Bunny says he was attacked by other holiday and season spirits." Jack argued back, "No way! That can't be! They are neutral parties, or friendly!" "Jack that isn't the worst part", Toothiana corrected,"Bunny told North that there was a ring of black sand... Black sand like Sandy's." There was a pause and Sandy and Jack had a moment where there eyes both met in disbelief, Sandy was uncomfortable. They all knew this was impossible. Everyone knew this meant Pitch Black, but he had been destroyed years ago, torn apart by his own Nightmares. "Manny, you've been so silent, help us! We need to know what's going on," North pleaded to his old friend. The moon decided to answer, and show them what they were up against. As North received information, his eyes widened. Jack began to come closer to the big man, curious to what he was hearing and how he was hearing it. Then the room went dark. Shadows, dark than black, crawled across the walls. Fear longs everywhere. Holiday spirits that appeared mutated corrupted and evil began to circle the group into a corner. BabyTooth cowered in Jack's hands. Fear longs covered the walls around them and came closer and closer. They were completely surrounded. Jack looked around furiously, panicking, trying to find a way out. The disgusting spirits began to change into shadowy figures. Right when the attackers seem prepared to destroy their victims a laugh is let loose. "Pitch," Jack muttered angrily to himself. A large, skinny figure appeared, and sure enough it was Pitch, but he was accompanied with a helper, who's face is too shadowed by a cloak to tell who it is. Pitch notices Jack, the hero that lead his defeated and he grins sadistically. Pitch greets him with a swirl of black sand that turns into the bow and arrow that helped kill Sandy. Pitch grabs the bow and arrow, he appeared to have grown 5 more feet. He stretches the bow out, holding tightly to the arrow, he cocks it back and releases it, letting the cold sand arrow brush through his seemingly dead hands. Jacks eyes widen, then shut before it hits. When he finally opens his eyes, the room is back to normal, and he realizes it was an illusion and its over now. The guardians are going crazy; Tooth panics, chattering nonstop; Sandy tries to express his feelings, but his sand just appears to be exploding; Bunny stays hiding and shaking by North, terrified from a previous experience; North stands, still retrieving info from the Moon. Then, behind them all, MiM releases the guardian case. Shocked, the guardians question his decision, until they are hushed. They turn to watch it finish opening, and as it opens, revealing the new member, Jack becomes shocked. "No Way!" he exclaims.

End

Rose was sitting on another roof, looking at the moon that would never answer her. "Dang it Moony! Why can't I actually find my place?! Why do I have to always be alone and abandoned!? Why can I make love for anyone else, but not myself!? I actually liked that boy, now he's gone." There was a long pause, but never a reply. "Ughhhh!!!" Rose shouted, " I'm like this cause of you, you could at least say something! I didn't know there were other spirits, people like me." The moon still sat silently. Rose was becoming annoyed, "Ugh, you are a jerk!" She pitied herself, then she began to think, "that shadow is what made me start thinking. He appeared to be bad news, but he did offer to help." She kept thinking, trying to make sense of everything," Why is it like this, why won't anyone help. No one but that boy, and the shadow... Pitch, why couldn't you have helped me more, instead of confusing me. Pitch.." Suddenly a shadow cast on the roof began to form into the familiar shadowing figure. She realized she was still wearing the bracelet, and by saying his name so much she must have called him to her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring you here. I was just thinking, since the moon won't answer me."

"My dear child, the Moon only talks to guardians, he hates the rest of us. We are all just slaves."

"I didn't know there was others like me, I've always been so alone. Then I heard the bad things they said about me. I create people's love, yet I'm all alone."

"You'll never be alone if you join me. You can let it all go. Just take my hand and forget it all.

"Slow down North!" Bunny yelled, as he could finally talk again. North ignored Bunny's request, in fact he was going faster than ever. The sleigh was rattling, it had never move this fast before. Jack laughed at the sad, terrified expression on Bunnymund's face, but his laughter was cut short as he remembered why they were here. He looked over the back of the sleigh at Toothiana, who's wings didn't seem to want to fly as fast as the sleigh. He let out a sigh, his nerves were getting to him. He looked down at his good pal Sandy, who wore the most concerned look ever. Jack sighed again. Jack began to think about the situation, he thought so hard he didn't notice anything around him. He had left Baby Tooth at the palace so she wouldn't be in harms way, and he knew that's were they were heading: into harms way. Man in moon had said something to Santa after he showed them all the new guardian. Snapping out of his thoughts, he pushed past Bunny, ignoring him, and got closer to Santa. "What's the hurry," Jack asked, " What did The Moon say?" North sighed, the Great Santa Clause had never been so concerned. "He said we had to get to her fast, or Pitch would corrupt her, and we would have no chance of winning," he finally said," If she went with him, we would have to... To end her." Jack was shocked, a horrified look crossed his face. His new friend was in danger, and for some reason he couldn't bare the thought of losing her, he needed to get to her, and fast.

Pitch was getting more and more annoyed and angry each passing second. The girl was taking to long to decide whether or not to go with him. Her trust issues and desire to be alone were waking it hard for her to decide. The shadow man stood waiting, while the girl thought to herself. He needed her to take his hand so he could poison her mind and make her his minion. Pitch kept telling her sweet words and answered every question, but he could tell she was still weary. Impatiently he extended his hand, showing he wanted to quickly finish the deal. Slowly she began to extend hers in return. Then before their hands met the noise of a deer stampede filled Pitch's ears.he turned to see the Guardians approaching fast. As they got to the roof that Pitch and Cupid occupied North jumped out of the sleigh and yelled, " Don't touch that man!"

Rose was about to take Pitch's hand when a huge Russian jumped out of a flying sleigh. Now she had seen it all. He had shouted for her to step away from Pitch, and out of shock she did. The giant stepped toward them and in reply she stepped back again. Out from behind the Russian stepped a huge rabbit, way taller than what should be possible. She didn't know what to do. The rabbit was scary looking, he was covered in scratches and bruises with chunks of fur missing here and there. Then a feathered woman flew around from behind him as well. She looked more like a bird than a person. When Rose thought she saw it all a tiny golden cloaked man appeared in front of the crowd. Gold sand just like Pitch's floated around him, and at this sight her eyes widened. She looked from the little man to the giant shadow man, then back to the little man. Pitch had obviously become angry. Just the. The little man let his temper go, and he unleashed two golden sand whips. He lashed them at Pitch. Following suit, the Russian pulled out two large blades and the rabbit pulled out a handful of Easter eggs and a fancy boomerang. The three lunged at Pitch who begun to pace backwards. Rose had no idea how to react to this, she had no idea why this was happening and out of reflex she began to walk backwards away from everyone. As she backs away she is confronted by the bird woman who seems to hate her. "You attacked Bunnymund, didn't you!?" she lashed out. Around her appeared mini versions of herself, all of them hateful towards Rose. Rose merely shook her head, she was to in shock to find words. But even after that, the bird woman and her miniatures flew at Rose. Panicked, Rose unleashed her wings and flew above the attackers. She continued to dodge their weapon less but dangerous attacks. Seeing that they weren't friendlies, Rose pushes away her fear and shock. She creates two weapons from the dust on her wings, a bow that is twisted and curved in a beautiful manner, and a matching arrow. Taking a short breath she takes aim at the colorful bird woman. She closes her eyes for a moment and takes another short breath. The woman becomes more anger and flys at her. Finally she opens her eyes and lets the arrow loose.

Pitch was more then mad now. She had taken to long to decide and the Guardians cut off their deal. Now he was surrounded by three annoying attackers. There was no way he could complete his dark deed at the rate things were going. The situation wasn't all bad though, if they really hurt him or injured the young Cupid she would most likely take his side. But the problem arose when he realized if he used his true strength it would show Rose his true nature, and that would push her to go with them. Not hitting back to hard was becoming an issue, the Guardians were relentless. He needed to come up with a plan and fast. The Guardians were keeping him too distracted, he couldn't reach out to his potential ally, and he didn't notice the boy with the silver hair sneaking up behind him.

Rose was hovering in the air now. She looked down at the bird lady who was pinned to the ground with arrows. Rose was merciful and didn't shoot any arrows through the lady's body, just her main feathers. If she tried to get up it would brutally rip her feathers out of her skin. Do she laid still, not wanting to inflict pain upon herself. Rose watched as her miniatures tried to release her from the arrows, and she realized it would take a while, giving her time to escape. The bird lady screamed for her captive to release her, but Rose did not. Instead she descended to the bird lady, and she wore a very angry look. "Why would you attack me? I don't even know who your friend is! I have done nothing to you!" Rose yelled, "Who are you?! What gives you the right to attack me!?" Her captive looked up at her, returning the angry stare and said,"I'm Toothiana, the tooth fairy. I'm the Guardian of memories. I attacked you because you are a danger to the world, and because you joined with Pitch all the children are in danger. I assume you are one of the Spirits working for Pitch that attack my friend Bunnymund, the Easter Bunny." Rose tried to reason but the woman was stubborn and wouldn't listen, so Rose turned and left her pinned. Angry tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm not a threat or danger to Anyone" she spoke to herself. She began to fly off the roof when a cry for help snapped her out of her inner thoughts. "Oh no, Pitch," she said," I almost forgot." She watched below her as ice began to engulf the dark man.as it began to cover 3/4 of his body he reached out a hand for her to help. Rose saw his pitiful stare and sighed. She was going to regret this. She flew towards the large group, now and arrow in hand. Suddenly a whip of golden light flashed in front of her, throwing her off guard. Next thing she knew she was wrapped in it, unable to move. It held on to her like a boa constrictor nearly suffocating her. She looked down at Pitch, who's head was the only uncovered thing. He met her eyes and she tried to apologize with the look she gave. Pitch turned and broke the stare, shaking his head he began to melt into a dark, shadowy puddle. Just like that he vanished, leaving her all alone with a horde of angry Guardians. Yep, she definitely regretted this. Now the large Russian and the scary rabbit, presumably the Easter rabbit, were focusing on her. They had weapons in hand and obviously thought of her as the enemy. Mustering all her strength she shoved her hand through the strong sand, freeing it and her bow from its tight grasp. Forcefully she shoved the arrow through a weak portion of the sand like a knife, breaking its hold on her. Now she was able to get a real breathe, and gain her strength back. She created a dozen arrows and her beautiful bow, loading the bow with an arrow she now stood ready. The little gold man, the huge Russian, and the kangaroo sized rabbit also stood ready to face her. "No!" Jack shouted as he ran toward the crowd. Hearing this they all looked over in his direction. Rose let loose a smile and looked at the familiar face. She was filled with so much happiness. "My friend, he came in just the Knick of time to save me!" she thought. Just like that her weapons disappeared and she ran to him. He caught her in his arms an held her protectively. Looking up at his friends, he showed he was not going to let them lay a hand on her. They looked at him confused, not knowing what to do next.

Jack wasn't going to let go of his new friend. His fellow guardians stood around him, ready to attack the girl as soon as she left his arms. He wasn't going to leave her side. Rose gripped tightly to him, tears growing in her eyes as they were shut tight, not wanting to see the enemies attack. She was happy her friend had swooped in just in time to save her, but she was saddened thinking neither of them were about to make it out of this mess. She had yet to realize that Jack was also a Guardian like her attackers.

"Let go of the girl, mate," the rabbit said. Jack Defiantly denied the Rabbit's request.

Toothiana had finally got free from Rose's trap. She became irritated to see Jack defending the person who defeated her in combat.

"Jack, step away from her NOW!" she angrily demanded. But, Jack's feet wouldn't move. Santa's irritation and grown as well.

"Jack Frost! As the leader of the group, I command you to STEP AWAY. You are a Guardian, do your duty!" He roared.

Hearing this Rose's eyes grew large. She looked up at Jack, who was reasonably taller than her. She no longer saw a trusted friend, but instead a liar and an enemy. Tears build up in her eyes as she began to realize that fate hadn't brought him there, not even his desire to find her brought him there, but instead the fact that he had come as an attacker to take out Pitch and his new "accomplice". Her. Horror and Sadness filled her, and she let go of his arm, slowly taking steps backwards away from him. He looked at her when he felt her grasp on his arm disappear. He looked at her and saw the trust fading from her eyes.

"No, Rose. Wait, I can explain," he pleaded with her," We are friends Rose, I'm her to help you, please tr---"

Tooth cut him off," You can't be friends with her! She's the ENEMY!"

"She's right Jack," Bunny spoke calmly.

The three bickered for awhile, Jack defended his new friend, while going against his old friends. Bunny and Tooth refused to listen. Bunny always seemed to have her side these days. Santa became irritated, choosing a Guardian to side with was hard, but it was his job as leader to handle bad situations like this.

"ENOUGH, all of you!" he yelled,"Jack it's true your... friend... is an enemy now, Manny mentioned the oath... and what we must do about it..."

Jack's eyes became wide for a second, then back to regular, turning them away from his friends and Rose. He clamped his teeth and swallowed hard.

Rose began to back away from Jack and his "friends". This was confusing, terrifying, and too much for her. She began feel sick. She looked to Jack for one last chance of help. She saw his fist and teeth squeeze shut hard, and he turned away from everyone staring at the moon, much like she use to when she needed help, too no avail of course. She backed away much faster now, sensing the danger. The Russian man, giant bunny, and mean feathered lady advanced toward her. She was confused and hurt and didn't know what to do. Thoughts came and left rapidly but no words escaped. With all these emotions, no weapons or powers could be created and used. She stopped backing up, and froze. She accepted it now. She stood with arms at her side, facing looking away with eyes shut tight. An almost invisible tear slid down her face, and they were soon to be upon her. She stood waiting for it all to end.