```` Author's Notes````

Alright, I am back again. I have been slacking on this story due to my growing addiction to one of my other stories. XP It is out of my control. Though when I realized how long it took me to update this and another one, I felt so ashamed.

I added a little bit of book trivia in here, I found it to give the story more body. XD

Enjoy!

Chapter 33: As I am

Stevie and Jamie had been watching everything unfold from the safety of a distant tree line. They watched as Jack and Pitch squared off, the conversation between the two to mute for either one of them to catch. Part of them wanted to get closer and investigate, but at the rate the attacks increased they had to reconsider. Despite what grownups said, they were not foolish. Pitch and Jack were immortals that had enormous resistance to damage. Compared to them the kids knew they were just fodder.

As the battle came to a grinding halt the two youngsters held their breath. Fear that any sudden movement would draw attention their way had them dead still. It wasn't until the Guardians emerged from the underground had their breath returned.

Still. Even with them present, the tension in the air was as high as ever. Jamie's hopeful plea for it all to end seemed almost possible when Bunny approached the fray. Almost being the key word here. It didn't take long before the calm vanished into the chaos of battle.

Stevie felt even more retched about the whole thing as Tooth slammed Jack into a nearby tree. Biting his lip he lowered his head into his hands, "This is all my fault."

"Keep watching." Jamie urged his distraught friend. "Remember, it's our job to look for an end when they run out of options."

Stevie glanced back at the battle and swallowed hard, "Is Pitch helping them now?"

Jamie gave a quick jerk of his head, "Seems that way, which mean they are desperate."

Tapping his chin lightly Stevie looked about the forest for something, anything that could help them out. When he located nothing he then looked up into the sky. What he found there was not what he was expecting.

High above the tree line, shining brightly beyond the clouds sat the moon. His ethereal like glow casting down onto the scene before him. Pulsing with a sad but determined glow it beckoned for his attention.

Gob-smacked the boy lifted his arm and started tapping Jamie vigorously. When his arm was brushed off he took to shaking the poor kid instead.

Completely lost as to the reason for the sudden assault to his arm Jamie gave him a soft pout, "What?"

Rather than answering aloud said boy simply pointed up to the sky. Humoring his gesture he tilted his back in search for the source of his friend's sudden uproar. "I don't…" Then he paused.

At the exact moment his eye locked onto the moon, an omniscient voice spoke out.

'Hello there Jamie, Stevie…'

Unable to find their words the two lifted a hand and gave a soft wave. Amused a chuckle echoed out into the depths of their mind. Then with the same otherworldly voice the moon spoke again.

'It is a pleasure to meet you both. Tell Me, do you know who I am?'

Both kids nodded slowly. "You're the Man in the Moon." Jamie supplied.

'Correct.'

"Why are you talking to us? Shouldn't you be helping them?" Stevie inquired whilst pointing towards the still battling group. If it was at all possible, the two would swear that the image of a downtrodden man flashed in front of their eyes.

'I am afraid I cannot. In their grief and rage they have long since closed their minds to me.'

Jamie's face fell a fraction, his eyes gleamed with pity for the man amongst the stars. "I'm sorry."

With a smile in his voice Manny couldn't help but speak again. 'You are a good boy Jamie Bennett.' Then much to his surprise Manny addressed Stevie as well. 'That goes for you as well Stevie Henderson.'

"What me? Clearly your mistaken." He grumbled, his eyes shifting from the orb in the sky to a nearby rock. "I'm just a selfish kid who got everyone in to trouble."

Jamie took it upon himself to give the boy his own opinion. In the form of a nice swift punch to the arm.

Rubbing his ever brushing arm the black haired boy hissed. "Ow! What was that for?"

"If you rag on yourself one more time I promise the next hit won't be so light."

"You call that light?" he retorted.

Jamie smirked but chose to look back at the sky rather than indulge in their witty banner. "Hey Manny?"

When the moon flashed momentarily brighter Jamie took that as the hint to continue. "Do you think Jack will be alright?"

"Yeah. Things will go back to normal…wont they?" Stevie followed.

'I am glad to see you two are still so willing to help Jack.'

"Why wouldn't we? He is our friend." Stevie called back just barely above a whisper. Even with such a soft voice, the moon had heard and responded in kind.

'Yes, but he is no longer the Jack you once knew.'

"I refuse to believe that." Jamie retorted. His gaze had hardened greatly despite his inability to pinpoint Manny's form.

Intrigued by his statement the moon decided to ask a question of his own. 'Tell me, what do you know about belief?'

Not expecting the statement Jamie fumbled for the right words. Stevie pursed his lips and scrunched his brow in concentration.

"Well." Stevie started, "It's the acceptance of something to be true, or exists."

Jamie nodded but continued. "Belief is to have confidence, trust, and faith in someone or something."

Smiling down at the two youngsters the moon couldn't describe how proud he felt at that moment. 'What would you say if I told you that it means so much more than just that?'

Cue head tilt.

Jamie was very fascinated by the concept, just as much as Stevie was. With the fight at hand temporarily forgotten the two leaned in-well as best they could-and hungrily waited for what the moon would tell them.

'Belief is the greatest magic anyone can know.'

"Wait belief is magic? I thought it was just a concept." Stevie's muttered earning him a glare. "Shhh, don't interrupt."

Unperturbed by the interruption Manny continued, 'Long ago, Aster taught the power of belief to an aspiring wizard named Ombric. Said wizard made it his number one lesson; a lesson that he passed on to North, and to many a children like yourself.'

"Who is Ombric?" Jamie inquired.

'To tell his whole tale would take time that you do not have. What I can tell you is this: He is one of the first Guardians, and even now he continues to play a major role in the unending conflict with Pitch."

"So then why isn't he here now?" Stevie half whined.

'I am afraid that he is busy doing what he must elsewhere.' With a tinge of pity for the slumping shoulders of the children before him he spoke softer. 'But it is not really him you need right now, it is his lesson.'

"You mean about his lesson on belief?" Stevie reiterated.

'Yes.'

Jamie's thoughtful hum did not go unnoticed by the two. Scratching his head he took a quick glance in the direction of the explosion. "You said that Bunny taught this guy, and he taught North..."

'Indeed.'

Turning back around he gave his friend a confused glance-which was returned-before finishing his thought. "Then why don't they use this lesson themselves?'

Again Manny sighed with shame, 'Sometimes the simplest of answers are lost on us, when those we love are in danger.'

"Then all we have to do is believe that Jack will get better and it will happen? That sounds easy enough." A hopeful look planting itself upon the boys face.

'I fear that it is not that simple.'

"A catch, why is there always a catch?!" the exasperated huffs of displeasure escaped Stevie's mouth. Jamie closed his eyes and flopped to the forest floor in defeat.

Manny couldn't help but chuckle at their antics. Leave it to children to lighten the serious mood of any situation. 'With all of his closest companions fighting against him, his inner will to return is all but gone. Their belief for his salvation has dwindled into nothingness. It will take both of you if we hope to bring him back. After all, with a strong enough belief…one man can move a mountain.'

Steadily and without talking it over the two kids began to rise to their feet. Once standing they each took a deep breath and stood to their full height. All concern of being spotted eviscerated by the burning desire to help their friend.

Stepping over to the sleigh Jamie picked up the two broken halves of Jack's original staff. The brown wood creaked in his hands as he gripped them tightly; he had never been so happy to see that-although broken-both halves were still with them. "Then let us see what two boys can to do." Jamie smirked.

"It's time we kept our word about believing in him." Taking on a serious face Stevie took one of the two halves from Jamie. "Let's go get our friend back."

Manny shone down on the two with as much respectable warmth he could muster. If anyone had a chance in returning their fun loving Winter Spirit back to his senses, it was going to be these two right here.

`````````````````````meanwhile`````````````````````

Unaware of the encounter taking place just outside his vision, Jack continued to assault his friends. Raising the tainted staff high above his head, he aimed it towards Tooth. With a ferocious battle cry he brought it down, but the blow never hit. North had easily intercepted the blow with his sabers, and redirected the shot to go wide.

"Please come back to your sense!" North pleaded as he parried another blow.

Much to his disappointment, Jack said nothing.

Planting his feet firmly on the ground Jack raised his staff yet again; but this time, rather than aiming for a person, he slammed it into the ground. A chilling blast of ice and wind erupted into the clearing.

Though it was not damaging, it was enough to knock the Guardians-and Pitch- off balance. Taking this as the opportunity that it was, Jack rocketed forward and slammed the butt of his staff into North's stomach. Then quick as lightning he spun to the left and hit Bunny in the shoulder. Before either one of them could react, Jack was already jumping over to his next target, Sandy.

Luckily enough, Frost's choice to attack Bunny and North gave Sandy enough time to regain his composure and meet the attack.

Golden sand collided with shimmering blue ice. Sandy couldn't help but think that if it was not so dangerous and freighting, it would have been a beautiful sight to behold.

With determination blazing in his eyes, Sandy summoned two golden whips to his hands. Gripping them tightly he felt the last bit of hesitation flitting away into nothingness. It was now or never and he knew it.

Flicking his right wrist with experienced ease the whip snapped forward. Jack's eyes widened in surprise as the golden tendril came dangerously close to head. With barely a moment to comprehend what was going on he found himself dodging yet another attack from the left.

Pitch watched the exchange in mild fascination, with a trained eye he followed each blow as it hit. It was amazing the speed both of them were accomplishing, but it meant nothing if neither one of them actually landed a blow. Being as they were both immortal with near limitless power, there was a good change that this could take a while.

With a quick glance at North, Bunny, and Tooth the nightmare king glared. Each one sat patiently on the side lines waiting for the moment that their assistance was needed. It sickened him to think that these people who claimed to care for the boy, were now more interested in brining him down.

'And they call each other family' Pitch mentally scoffed. Then an idea came to him; one that could kill multiple birds with one stone. Giving it a quick once over, he nodded his head in approval. Smirking slightly at his own ingenious he stepped out towards the fight.

Bunny was no fool however. He never trusted Pitch, even if North said that they had a truce. To him, it was just another way for that rat bag of a nightmare king to try something. So it did not surprise him at all when Pitch's demeanor shifted from annoyed, to contemplative, to enthrall.

"What are you doing Pitch?" Bunny growled.

Big mistake.

Upon hearing the words Sandy's eyes momentarily glanced over to where Pitch was standing. With his attention diverted, Jack struck fast and landed a harsh blow. The hit was so powerful that it knocked the man out of the clearing and into some bushes at the tree line.

Bunny winced, "Sorry mate!"

Sandy lifted a tiny golden hand; once he signaled that he was fine, he let it flop back down.

Pitch clicked his tongue, "I must say. Despite your fun loving nature, you can be quite ruthless when you want to be." He addressed Frost.

Jack continued to face the direction he tossed Sandy, but his eyes were now on Pitch. "Cold always is, when it's threatened by the heat." Jack replied.

"So now it's the heat of battle that makes you this way?" Pitch challenged.

Jack rolled his eyes, "Give it up Pitch, what you are trying to do it won't work."

Pitch couldn't help but chuckle, "With all that mind reading you claim to be doing, you are certainly not getting what I am after.

Jack's head shifted just enough to give the Nightmare King a good look. Despite what he knew, the king seemed even cockier and self assured than before. Irritated yet intrigued Jack couldn't help but play along, "Oh, and I suppose you are going to enlighten me?"

Pitch nodded "All I'm trying to do is open your eyes."

Jack glared, "Are you really going to start that nonsense again?"

Disregarding the comment Pitch continued, "Do you not find it odd?"

"Pitch." North interjected a hint of warning lacing his voice.

"What's wrong North, afraid I'm going to tell the kid something you don't want him to hear?"

"What's he talking about?" Jack asked; his eyes hardening as they looked over North.

"That's what I would like to know." North responded, his eyes narrowing at Pitch.

With a shrug Pitch continued, "I am just saying that it is odd, that since before you were a Guardian, everyone here-me being the exception of course-ignored you. There was even one amongst us that didn't even like you." With a slight tilt of the head he gestured towards Bunnymund. Bunny grumbled a few fowl words under his breath.

"Then, not even working with them for one day they turn on you again. I find it rather disturbing. Don't you?"

Jack lowered his head down; his bangs overshadowed his eye from those around him. He would not say anything yet, he wanted to see where Pitch was going with this before he let's on to what he thought.

North, Bunny, and Tooth looked on to his actions with worry in their heart. They really didn't like where Pitch was steering this conversation.

"It was all a misunderstanding." Toothiana urged out. She didn't know why she felt the need to speak she just did. "We have all forgiven each other since then; why are you bringing it up now?"

"Why not?" Pitch raised a questioning brow at the fairy. "As I see it, history is about to repeat itself."

"It will be a cold day in my warren before I let that happen." Bunny spoke with determination; his hands griped his weapons all the tighter.

"No?" A smirk lit the king's lips momentarily before fading. "Well then what are you trying to do right now?"

North frowned momentarily, then all at once it dawned on him what he was trying to do. Paling drastically he let his mouth gap and his eyes widen. "Pitch, Dis not a good idea."

"What isn't?" Jack asked from underneath his bangs. His voice was flat and no emotions permeated the words.

"See, like I said. They don't want you to know." Pitch chuckled. "But who am I to follow their words anyway?"

"I knew you would try something like this." Bunny stated to lung for the grinning grey man but was interrupted by a blast of cold air.

"Stay where you are." Jack said coldly. His right hand griped tightly around the staff, which now was embedded in the ground. Then tilting his head slightly he motioned for Pitch to continue. He really wanted to hear this, though his mind told him he already knew what he would say. There was still a part of him that just wouldn't accept it.

"If I misunderstood what you all were telling me, then do correct me. But if you can't fix him, you are planning on eliminating him?"

"We will fix him!" Toothiana belted, her rage finally trumping her worry.

"Then why haven't you!?" Pitch challenged.

Floating higher her eyes darkened and her feathers puffed out in a show of aggresion, "We may not have found out how just yet, but we are not about to abandon him."

Pitch rolled his eyes at her weak attempt to intimidate him. "So attacking him ruthlessly is helping you come up with a solution?"

North shook his and bowed his head, "Enough Tooth. I am afraid Pitch is right."

Tooth gasped and looked at her long time friend, her eyes held a hint of betrayal. "North, you can't be seriously agreeing to this? We haven't tried everything possible yet!"

"Tooth." His bright blue eyes glanced at her in sympathy.

"How you accept this option so easily." She whispered, her eyes misting slightly at the thought of causing serious harm to her sweet tooth.

"I am not accepting it easily Tooth, if there was another option out there…ANY other option I would accept it." Shifting his stance a little wider he tightened his hold on his trusted sabers. "But there isn't anything."

Jack gave a soft chuckle stunning the group. It isn't every day that someone laughs after being told to their face that their friends planed on eliminating them.

Letting his hand drop form the staff his laughter started growing. Then griping his stomach he let his laughter roll off his lips.

"What is so funny?" North mumbled a little dumbfounded.

"You got me mate." Bunny replied. Tooth shook her head also confused at the actions of their youngest member.

Jack leaned over and gripped onto a startled Pitch's shoulder for support as his fit of laughter increased.

"I must say." Jack started, wiping a few tears from his eyes. "That was the funniest thing I have heard in days."

"I did not tell joke." North responded even more confused than before.

"You mean to tell me…" he looked up with a smile, "that you honestly think that you can take me down?" As he finished speaking a very thin layer of ice crept its way onto Pitch's shoulder.

With a gasp Black quickly sidestepped out of the boys grasp; Jack wavered from the sudden for a moment before he righted himself. "What's wrong Pitch, I thought you wanted to be buddies? Don't tell me that whole spectacle just now your attempt at growing a conscious?"

"I wouldn't say that I want to buddies, more like a mutual agreement to work together. We can not do that however, if they insist on wiping you out before then." Pitch replied.

Jack closed his eyes, his mind raced with all this new information. The silence after all the activity was crushing. It felt like hours to all in the clearing, when in truth it was mere moments. "Is that all I have to look forward to now?"

Tooth cautiously drifted forward, her friends shooting cautious warnings which she heard but ignored. "Jack?"

"After 300 years of pain staking solitude, you all said I was 'chosen' for something greater. That I had what it took to be a Guardian; that I always was and always will be one of you." His voice -though soft- held much anguish, and anger. "'Good or bad, naughty or nice, it is a Guardian's duty to protect the children of the world.' Those were the exact word I was told."

Snapping up his head his glared angrily at those he had come to know as family. "Tell me, am I not a child too?!"

This got all of their attention, technically he was right. He had originally perished as a young boy; only then to be brought back as a youthful immortal. Although his age indicated he was much older than he appeared, his mind and heart never aged. Even they themselves had seen the boy as a child in their strange little family.

So did that mean, if they went through this plan, they would be going against their own vow? They had vowed to protect the children of the world, as they had vowed to protect each other. In a sense they were betraying Jack not once, but twice in this one action.

In their silence Jack growled out more of his frustration. "Now you're telling me that my only options left are to side with Pitch, or to let you destroy me?! Well NO way!" Due to the darkness that now filled him; the wind kicked up near by snow and began to thrash it about. A mixture of black and white snowflakes danced in its grasp as if showing the world the inner turmoil of its beloved friend.

Yet, even thought Jack was angry, there was an unmistakable emotion dancing behind his eyes. He thought that he masked it from the world, but the Guardians could see it plan as day, and it hurt.

This emotion…was betrayal.

Jack, for the first time, in both his existence as a human and spirit had felt this sting of betrayal.

Author's Notes

Wow, I wanted to say thanks to all of you who held in there. I know it was ruff, but I promise it will all be worth it in the end. Let me know what you think about this chapter.

Well, see you guys later! ^-^ Bye! *waves*