Author's Note: Quick note, this is part of my Steampunk AU series so if you haven't read my previous stories leading up to this (Coming of Age, Rules are Broken, etc) I suggest reading those first or this story won't make much sense.

I know it's been a long time since I've updated this series, and sorry for causing people to wait. It was a mixture of trying to write other fanfics, this story being longer than I had expected and also dealing with a pregnancy.

This one will be a bit different since all my other stories for this series has been long one shots, but since this one was so long I figured I should divide this up into chapters (I really wanted to explore the aftermath of Pitch's meeting with Jack since it's rather a big deal and that took longer than expected). I'm going to attempt to update this story once a week, so expect to see a new update between Friday and Saturday for awhile.

Chapter 1

Taken

In a dark room, only a single candle was a source of light and that was how Pitch preferred it. He drummed his fingers on the table as he read over the documents his men had collected. The coronation of the prince was going to happen soon, but he didn't know when. It would be the prime day to send in his nightmare pirates to spread some fear. He may not be able to do much damage since that would be what Sanderson and his men were expecting, yet it would be enough to strike a lovely amount fear and doubt in the people.

However, all vital details of the coronation, including the very date, had been kept under lock and key.. Pitch cursed as he tore up a document in frustration and sighed.

"This is getting me nowhere," he muttered, tempted to lit a cigarette to ease his stress.

There was a knock at his door. "Enter," Pitch called, barely waving his hand and wasn't surprised to see his first mate Onyx salute him.

"My Lord," she greeted, brushing away her long black hair out of her face and handed him an envelope. "I have the boy's route figured out."

Pitch nodded as he pulled up a chair. "Good work, Onyx." Out of his whole crew, Onyx was the most loyal and valuable. Things would be very difficult without her assistance. "Is the boy still taking letters from you know who?"

"Yes, my Lord," Onyx confirmed with a nod. "Do you want me to gather some men and fetch him?"

Pitch chuckled. "No, I shall do it myself," he replied, flexing his fingers and chuckled as wisps of shadow twirled around his fingers like mist. "I'm in the need of fresh air, and my shadows are begging to be of use to me."

Onyx kept her face emotionless, but Pitch could sense the pang of fear upon seeing his shadows, which is what he strived for. Fear of him and his shadows was what kept his crew under his thumb. They all knew if he caught any of them daring to betray him, Pitch would have no second thought of letting his shadows tear into them. They had seen prime examples of it already. The last man went went insane and never uttered a word again after his shadows were done with him, and he was one of the more strong willed.

"As you wish, Sir," Onyx said with a crisp bow before leaving.

Pitch chuckled as he felt his shadows surround him, almost purring like a pleased cat. Had they a solid form, Pitch would have responded by stroking them. They were excited. It had been some time since he be in Santoff Claussen. He was overdue for some fun.

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Jack hummed to himself as he finished combing his hair before placing his beloved goggles onto his head. Looking at his bedroom clock, Jack hastily grabbed the cape off his chair and bounded down the stairs. He wasn't running late, but if he dawdle he would b,e and Tooth didn't need that added stress.

A familiar warm laughter echoed from the kitchen. "Ha ha! And he was covered in blue paint from head to toe! You should have seen it, Bunny."

"I'm sure it was hilarious," Aster's voice replied in a dry tone, "but I be more concern on the whole mess ya had ta clean up afterwards."

This made Jack paused and smile as he entered the kitchen and saw North and Aster sitting at the table. Aster was having a light breakfast of toast and eggs, as he usually did each morning. North had the same, but in much bigger portions, and with some sausages on the side that Aster normally kept on hand for Jack to eat.

"Morning, North!" Jack greeted. "Didn't realize you were coming over!"

The toymaker turned in his seat, keeping a steady grip on his teacup to avoid spilling. "Phil wanted me out of shop for spring cleaning so I thought I come."

"Ta get a free meal," Aster muttered dryly.

Jack chuckled. "Well, have fun!" He gave a quick wave and turned to walk out of the kitchen. "I'll see you this afternoon, Bunny!"

"Oi!" Aster protested as he set his teacup down on the saucer. "Where are ya goin'?!" He pointed to the empty kitchen chair. "Sit down and eat breakfast."

"No time, Bunny," Jack replied, "I have to hurry-" He was cut off as North took a hold of his cape.

"Normally, I stay out of these things, but in this case I agree with, Bunny," North said as he tugged the boy back and pulled up a chair. "Sit and eat. You need to put more meat on bones."

Jack looked to the two adults and debated making a run for it, however that would only result in an earful lecture later. Not to mention, it was hard to ignore the growl of his stomach. "Fine, you win, but I need to hurry. I promised Tooth I would be in early today."

Aster raised an eyebrow as he stood and collected a plate of scrambled eggs and toast for Jack. "Why does Tooth need ya early? It's spring, shouldn't this be a low time?"

"Not with the rumors of the coronation floating around," Jack said as he poured a cup of tea. "Seems everyone is sending invitations or sending letters to try to guess what dates it's going to be held on."

"That's rather bizarre," Aster remarked, "considering we don't even have a date yet."

"Da," North nodded, "but from what I hear they are even thinking of not announcing till day of."

Jack swallowed a mouthful of eggs as he tapped his fork in thought. "That seems rather random. Wouldn't that annoy all the stuffy nobles who would want to attend?"

Jack didn't keep track of such events, but coronations weren't exactly common. Even he knew people would need a date to plan around so they know when and where to show up.

"They would be," Aster replied, "but if they don't know when it is, then neither would Pitch." Aster grimly stared into his cup. "He's not as likely to make trouble if he can't plan ahead of time when to do it."

Jack went quiet and chewed his bottom lip. Pitch Black was someone to be fear, and for his foster father it was personal. Pitch was the sole reason Aster was the last surviving member of his Pooka clan. Jack had only been told bits and pieces of the story of how Sandy had arrived just in time to rescue Aster and take him to the safety of Santoff Claussen. That was really all Jack knew about Pitch, and it wasn't a lot. The only other thing he knew about the famous Boogeyman was that Pitch was still out there with no clue there was still one Pooka left alive and in hiding.

"That still doesn't explain the sudden parities though," Aster said, breaking Jack's train of thought.

North shrugged. "People like having excuse for party," he chuckled as he dropped sugar cubes into his tea. "If I could I would have week long party."

"You would," Aster said as he shook his head and turned to Jack. "I'm fine with ya leavin' early, but I-"

"Want me home before dark I know," Jack said, as he swallowed the last mouthful. "You've only told me that since I was ten."

"Eight," Aster corrected, "but fine, just be careful."

"I will," Jack replied as he rose and grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl on the counter. "I'll see you guys later!"

Jack dashed away, leaving Aster and North alone in the kitchen. "He is good boy," North said, pleased. "Should be very proud, he is good worker."

"Hmm," Aster said, trapping his teacup as he stared at his tea lost in thought.

North frowned and leaned over the table to point his fork at him. "I know that look, what is wrong old friend?"

Aster sighed. "With all this coronation talk, I can't help, but wonder if I should try ta get Jack ta stay home from work for awhile."

"Why is that?" North replied. "We had discussion-"

"That Jack's growing up and he needs his independence, I know," Aster briskly replied. "I'm just concerned about Pitch lurking somewhere we can't see, with all this coronation talk." Aster swallowed hard. "And I don't want ta think what he would do if he knew I was alive or about my relation with Jack."

North's eyes narrowed as he sat back in his chair. "Does Jack still wear pendant?"

Aster nodded. "Yeah, and the spells we cast on it are still in effect, I'd check."

"And he carries staff I gave him for protection," North said as he folded his hands on the table. "Pitch is unpredictable. We spent last 15 years waiting for him to strike and today is no different from yesterday. Jack can not stay inside for rest of life. Perhaps on coronation day he should stay inside, but until then we must act as normal or it is bad as letting Pitch win."

Aster sighed. "I know yer right," he said as he adjusted his glasses, "but I can't help, but feel somethin' bad is gonna ta happen."

There was nothing North could say that could rid Aster of all his worries. All the toymaker could do was offer his friend a comforting pat on the shoulder.

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Elsewhere, Jack tapped his foot impatiently as he waited in front of the ice cream shop. "Where is he?" he muttered as he checked the time on the clock tower. He should be on his way to Tooth's, but he had promised Nightlight he would meet him briefly before he went to work. However, Jack could only wait so long before the point of going to Tooth's early was wasted.

Finally, a wisp of silver hair appeared around the corner. Jack waited as he saw the smaller boy rush up to him like he was running in a marathon. "Sorry, I'm late!" he cried as he approached Jack and panted to catch his breath. "There were some last minute duties I had take care of."

Jack raised an eyebrow. He knew better than to ask Nightlight what his 'duties' were, but the boy seemed to be running late because of them a lot lately. Jack and Katherine really had no idea what Nightlight's home life was like. Neither had ever been inside his house, and whenever asked Nightlight would hastily change the subject. Eventually, both Jack and Katherine have learned to drop the subject. Trying to get information out of Nightlight was like trying to get water from a stone.

"So, you got the letter?" Jack asked.

"Yeah, here it is," Nightlight as he handed Jack the envelope. "A couple of riddles I found and I even included my own crossword puzzle."

"I'm sure Katherine will love it," Jack replied, "but you know, you could always give to her yourself."

Nightlight's blushed just as Jack expected him to. For years, he had a crush on Katherine that was obvious to everyone, but the girl herself. It was the only topic Nightlight would get shy about when asked. Still, Jack did like to encourage his friend when he could.

"I know, but it's not as special if I just give it to her," Nightlight said with a smile, but still kept his blush. "It's more fun for you to deliver it like it's real mail."

"It is mail," Jack said as he slipped the envelope into his pocket. He really couldn't see how there was real or fake mail. "Hey, tomorrow do you want head to the bookshop with me and Katherine? A new book she's been waiting for is suppose to be out and it's my day off."

Nightlight grinned, but then his frown dropped. "I'd love to, but I can't, nor can I do anything for a few days. Sorry, Jack."

Jack raised an eyebrow, wishing he could ask what exactly the reason was, but instead he shrugged and patted Nightlight's shoulder. "Don't worry about it, we'll do something once things calm down for you. Okay?"

"Yeah, let's do that," Nightlight said as he turned to leave. "I should get back home. Be careful, Jack."

"Aren't I always?" Jack called as he waved, and placed the goggles over his eyes. "Right, now to head to Tooth's." He turned on his windpack, and let out a joyful cry as he was launched in the air.

In the shadows of an alley, Pitch watched with a smirk. It was too easy. He was almost tempted to snatch him now, except there were too many people around during the day and his powers were weaker in the glaring sunlight. For now, Pitch would watch from the shadows, and wait. He be able to snag the boy the moment he was caught in a dark place, or he'd have to wait for the sun to set. Either way, he was not going to get away.

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Jack had managed to get to Tooth's mail office on time. As he expected, a heavy bag of mail was waiting for him, and it took him all day to deliver it. From what he could tell it was mostly invitations for potential parities, and letters most likely discussing when to have said parities.

By the end of his route, Jack was ready to drop, and made plans to stop by the ice cream shop on the way home as a personal reward. He leaned against the wall that stood near the entrance to the alleyway. It was almost sunset, which meant it was going to get dark soon. "Better wrap this up so I can get home on time," he muttered, pleased as he reached into his pocket for Nightlight's letter. "Just need to drop this off on my way back to Tooth's, and I'm done."

He grinned at the envelope, and laughed like it was Nightlight himself he was talking to. "I swear, at the rate he's going, Katherine will be an old woman before she realizes he has a crush on her."

The boy chuckled himself about the private joke as he tucked the letter back into his pocket. "Right, next stop," Jack said aloud as he adjusted his goggles, "Ombric's library-"

Suddenly, a crash, and a grunt came from the alleyway. Jack jumped, instantly sticking out his staff. "Hello?" he called out, and was ready to shoot ice at any attacker.

A moan came from the alleyway. "Oh, my poor bones," came a weak voice.

Jack paused, his fingers tapping against his staff as he took a step closer. "Who's there?" He spotted a figure lying on the ground. Jack kept his staff ready, until he saw the figure was an ordinary man.

The man moaned as he rose, and ran a hair through his black hair, that matched his black coat, and top hat. "My head," the man muttered.

"Are you okay?" Jack asked, lowering his staff.

"Yes, yes, I was jumped by a gang of ruffians" the man replied, rubbing his eyes. He searched inside his coat, and sighed. "And it appears they took every cent I had."

Jack frowned. That was odd, that kind of thief would rob someone in broad daylight? He glanced back to the setting sun. Jack would be cutting it close, but this man needed help. He kneeled as he looked over the man's head. "Well, I don't see any bumps, but my friend Ombric lives down the street. He'll be able to help you."

"Oh, you're too kind," the man replied, sounding weak and tired. He peered over his shoulder and pointed to a cane that lay forgotten in a corner. "I hate to ask, but would you retrieve that for me? It's a gift from my daughter, but I still feel rather dizzy to get it on my own."

"Sure," Jack said, as he rose, turning his back to the man. "Let me know if you're feeling sleepy though," he said as he reached for the cane. "I know that's not a-"

Suddenly, arms wrapped around Jack, his nose and mouth covered by a soaked cloth.

"You're very kind, but also very foolish," the man's voice muttered in his ear with a dark chuckle.

Jack fought madly, trying to hit the man behind him with his staff, but his limbs were growing heavy. The sweet scent of the cloth filled his nose, and it was getting hard to think.

"That's it, don't fight it, boy," the man whispered. "Breathe in the chloroform, and take a nap."

Jack struggled, but to his horror, his staff dropped from his hands. He had no choice, but to give into the the wave of dizziness, and passed out as his vision went black.

Pitch chuckled to himself as the boy went limp in his grip. "Far too trusting, boy," he whispered, lifting the boy up into his arms. It was then Pitch saw something shimmer underneath the boy's neck. Curious, Pitch unbutton the collar and saw the object was a blue egg shaped pendant, with a snowflake engraved.

Pitch stared wide eyed for a brief moment. He recognized the craftsmanship of the rabbit Pooka clan when he saw it, but that was impossible. He had personally wiped out all the Pooka in Überwald when he attacked, searching for the first light they so preciously guarded. Was it possible one was alive?

Pitch shook his head. No, impossible. No one had survived that attack. Somehow the boy must have bought it in a shop thinking it was a unique trinket. It wasn't uncommon for the Pooka to have sold their craftsmanship to foreigners, and it was said you could still find some for a fair price. Pitch glanced at the pendant, feeling uneasy, but cast his emotions aside as he summoned his shadows to take him, and the boy to his lair.

He thought of taking the boy's staff with him as he stepped into the shadows. He had to admit it was an intriguing invention, but there was no need to risk the boy getting his hands on his weapon. Besides, he had pressing matters to attend to.