Barren Warren- Ch 2

Chapter 2- No, i'm still alive!

Potential yaoi if you want to squint. I don't own Rise of the Guardians, and make no money off this.

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Morning at North's workshop was much like every day during winter this far north- dark and awkwardly feeling around the room for a light. North hadn't bothered to move the pair of Pookas after they had bedded down for the evening (well, if one could consider one in the morning evening), but was kind enough to mention that his guest room was prepared if they'd like to rest in a more private accommodations this evening. Bunnymund had politely declined, citing that he needed to get Jack to a warmer climate if he was going to learn how to use his feet and body properly. North smiled at the grey Pooka, and clapped him on the shoulder like an old friend before Jack sluggishly dragged his feet into the room.

"Jack Frost!" North proclaimed as the Pooka rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. Bunnymund tried to ignore that little fluttering feeling of potential joke fodder, or whatever that rising grip in his throat was.

"Muph- morning…" Jack mumbled out, his voice weary from his rest and the emotional outburst the previous evening.

"Feeling better, fluffy?" Bunnymund joked, earning himself a glare from the smaller rabbit.

"Yeah…" Jack grumbled. Bunnymund laughed and North chortled at the expression that plastered itself on Jack's face.

"Come now, little cottontail! We have work to do!" North laughed as he shoved a mug of hot chocolate into the bandaged Pooka's good hand. Jack observed the mug with a look of uncertainty, wondering if an elf or yeti was tempted to lace his drink with laxatives or some odd spice he'd never heard of. A testing sip gained his trust in the drink, and he took a few more elongated, hearty slurps of the warm fluid. Suddenly heavy warmth covered his shoulders, and he found that North had wrapped a dense, but thin blue blanket around the now furry ice spirit's shoulders.

"Now, after an evening of elves searching in the archives, we have found a way to give you your ice powers back. We are still searching for a way to turn you back to human." North began as Jack glanced up at the two men. Tooth and Sandy were busy around the clock, and had already returned to their places in the world- with Tooth issuing orders to her fairies and Sandy putting more kids into the wonderful world of dreams. One benefit of being an immortal was you never needed to sleep, but it was a treat when a moment of time could be spared. Jack loved to take a good nap during the day, but he also had the joy of few responsibilities to the seasons after he sent the snow clouds, wind and rain to their appropriate destinations. He didn't have to worry about millions of children beating down his door for eggs, presents or money. He couldn't envy the big four for their fame and fandom, but he wouldn't want to trade places either. He was too free to respond to the demands of every child on the planet, and most likely would have caused a worldwide blizzard if he attempted to appease every single request. Jack wasn't stupid. He knew that certain places on Earth had to remain at relatively similar temperatures, or food production, energy, and transportation would be hindered. Jack didn't want anyone to starve, and he certainly didn't want anyone to die because of his pranks. Pranks weren't fun if someone got hurt.

"So I can still be the ice spirit?" Jack asked, not really knowing what else to say, but was trying to be active in the conversation.

"Yes, yes. Manny wouldn't have it any other way. He said so himself last night. Pointed us to the book and everything." North replied. The Man in the Moon had always had a soft spot for the young spirit, and North had a feeling that Manny had a plan to make this whole situation work. He still couldn't figure out how Manny was glad to point out the Restorative Powers scroll, but wouldn't help them find a spell reversal text of any sort.

"Manny's pretty awesome." Jack offered, his mind clearly elsewhere. His bright blue eyes kept wandering to the grey Pooka in the opposing chair, munching loudly on a carrot and grabbing a piece of toast. Jack himself had taken to a vegetarian diet some time ago, but he'd forgotten that Pooka's could eat grains. Jack tentatively reached for a slice of toasted bread, gingerly taking a small bite as he placed his hot chocolate on the table. North had already consumed two plates of eggs, sausage and pancakes before addressing the pair again.

"With the scroll he pointed out, we should have the spell ready within a week. We need to collect some ingredients, but we should able to give you back your havoc reeking powers." North chuckled. Bunnymund laughed along, but Jack could only muster a small smile. Bunny felt bad that the typically joyful kid couldn't seem to laugh at a well meaning joke.

"Come on, Frostbite. It'll be ok." Bunnymund offered, gaining another smile from the smaller Pooka.

"Perhaps it would be best to get alone with the day. I take it you're going to chaperone Jack today?"North asked Bunny as he sipped his warm eggnog laced coffee. Bunny nodded, but Jack gave the pair an odd look.

"What's wrong, Frosty?" Bunny asked, a slight bit of laughter at the end in an attempt to lighten the upset boy.

"Sorry I have to be a chore…" Jack grumbled, his attitude slipping through in a mixture of sarcasm and innocent humility. Jack was so used to being on his own and taking care of himself, the idea of imposing his presence on the other four Guardians was like taking a wrecking ball to the chest. Bunnymund picked up on this vibe and moved closer to the white Pooka.

"Jack, you're not a burden. Understand, mate, we can't let Pitch have another go at using you." Bunnymund replied, his tone careful and soft. Jack gazed his big blue eyes up at the grey rabbit, smiling at the fact that someone cared enough about him to want him around. He was expecting the grey rabbit to scoff at the idea of keeping his old enemy in his warren.

"Bunny's right, Jack. Despite the past, we do care about you. It would be safest and less damage if you stayed in Bunny's warren." North replied in his heavy Russian accent. Jack smiled a little brighter at the two men. Bunny ruffled his top most fur as he pulled the brat against his chest like an old friend.

"I'd almost forgotten, Christmas is just around the corner…" Jack noted. He was so used to spending all of the holidays alone, he'd almost forgotten what it was like to have a family at the seasonal celebrations. But North and his workshop were suppose to be in full production mode until Christmas Day, and Jack had an insufferable penchant for pranks that just wouldn't fly with the Russian.

"Don't worry, we have plenty of time to get you back to normal and Christmas will still be on time!" North declared, clapping the young man on the back happily. Bunnymund smirked and grabbed the smaller Pooka, hauling him over his shoulder in one switch, fluid movement.

"H-Hey!" Jack gasped.

"While I like your spunk, you ain't gonna last a minute in my tunnels. Hang on!" Bunnymund said as he saluted North with two fingers to his forehead, and jumped down to the exit door of the workshop.

"But my staff!" Jack protested. Bunnymund waved it off with a scoff.

"You can't control it right now, anyways. It'll be here when you get back!" Bunnymund said as he stepped past a polite elf holding the door wide open and into the wild stormy winds. As soon as the sound of the metal door shut reached Jack's ears, he heard a tap of a foot and was plummeted down the infamous rabbit hole. Bunnymund kept his hold on the ice spirit tight, making sure that the kid wouldn't get lost as they dropped into the warren.

Jack felt the wind being knocked out of his lungs as they met the ground. Bunnymund kept his footing, but Jack nearly lost his breakfast when the gravity decided to tug his already rough stomach back to earth.

"Ugg…" Jack mumbled as Bunnymund's hand left his body, allowing the kid to tumble into the lifted burrow top nearby. Jack stopped moving for a moment to tend to his sore ribs, but that didn't stop his nose from twitching in the dew dripping grass. He had never smelled grass so sweet before, but it was amazing. It was like the result of candied apples and sugar coated plums having a one night stand! Jack didn't bother to hinder his movements as he allowed his stiff body to stretch and bend over the soft blades, inhaling their sweet aroma as it covered his body.

"You alright there, Frostbite?" Bunnymund chuckled at the white rabbit. Jack peered one bleary blue eye at the grey Pooka, who was chortling at the white ball of fluff coating himself in smashed green plant pigments. Jack smiled at the older Pooka.

"Why does your grass smell so good?" Jack inquired. Bunnymund perked an ear up at the question, a devious smirk emerging on his face.

"Well, I think it's 'cause you've never smelled grass before smellin' it with a Pooka's nose." Bunny replied. Jack pushed himself up to look at the elder immortal.

"What's the difference?" Jack asked, his ears going from very floppy to an interested perk. Bunnymund wanted to give those ears a good tug, but knew better than to tease an injured man when he was probably still out of it on the meds the elves had given him.

"Our sense of smell is about thirty times better than what you're used to. Go ahead, sniff around." Bunny allowed the smaller Pooka to slid off the uplifted pedestal and to the floor of the warren. Jack closed his eyes and let his nose tell him everything that was in this green kingdom. He could smell things he'd forgotten for so many years- tulips, roses, daffodils, and so many other flowers that he'd lost when he became the ice spirit. He slowly took in the scents, not even noticing the grey rabbit moving behind him to drape his arms over the younger Pooka's shoulders, pulling him into a loose hug. Jack stopped living in the scents that dappled the air and moved his pink nose to the grey Pooka's forearm, taking in the scent of the elder rabbit.

"Jack…" Bunnymund said as he pulled the white Pooka back into his chest, rubbing his nose against the kid's fluff. Jack smiled at E. Aster, feeling an odd warm sensation spreading through his chest and down to his legs. He couldn't place it, but he hadn't felt it in so long, he didn't reject the attention he was receiving.

"You have a very cool place here, Kangaroo." Jack chuckled. Bunnymund smirked.

"Whatever you say, Frostbite." Bunnymund said as he released the kid and started walking towards the centermost portion of the warren. Jack saw a large mound of dirt and stone mound built up, with a few rabbit holes poking out of the sides. He assumed this was Bunnymund's 'palace', which seemed about right for a rabbit of his size.

"So this is where you snooze." Jack said redundantly. Bunny nodded, and with a smirk, waved for the kid to follow him.

"I have guest rooms, but never thought to use 'em. And everything here's veg and fruit, so don't expect anything else." Bunny said as he started to lay down the ground rules. Jack kept his signature mischievous smile the entire trip to the palace. Entering the stone doors, He noted the carvings on the front. They mimicked the same carvings he'd seen on the sentinel eggs and totems.

"Now, relax for tonight, and tomorrow we'll start with the basics. With your bumps and bruises, I don't want North or Tooth flippin' on me about your training bein' too rough." Bunnymund joked as he led the smaller Pooka into the living area. Jack noted that the area was much like North's control room. In the center, there was a large computer round table with egglettes manning the holographic globe focusing on the children who still believed in the Easter Bunny. They seemed to be talking in their own egglette language, but Bunnymund simply nodded to the one that had approached him while Jack was taking in the effect of Bunnymund's command center. Bunny looked up to see the white fluff ball wandering backwards into the flood of egglettes coming through. Bunny grabbed the young rabbit by the arm and pulled him out of the way, huffing to the egglettes as they carried on with their daily duties.

"Whoa!" Jack gasped as he was pulled into the rabbit's chest, flopping against the granite like front of the grey rabbit. Bunnymund didn't bother pushing the kid away, but gladly held his arms around the bratty rabbit as he lost himself in his own thoughts again. The last time he'd held someone like this was before the massacre. It still stung in his heart, but that tiny little voice in the back of his head echoed words of encouragement and moving forward. He'd ignored it time and time again, but this round was different. This round, his center was agreeing with the blasted voice.

"We-uh- We should get you to your room." Bunny suggested, finally releasing Jack.

"Okay…" Jack said as he followed the older Pooka. Bunny led him down the stairs of the command center, carefully treading where the egglettes weren't. Jack followed closely, but made sure he didn't bump into the older rabbit. Despite his typical mischievous self, he knew better than to get on the bad side of a Guardian. Bunny was a force to be reckoned with on a good day, but Jack was certain he was still angry about '68.

"Here's where you'll be sleepin'." Bunny announced as he pushed open a round wooden door. Behind it was a moderate guest room with no decorations. Jack noted that it seemed rather unused, but he doubted the rabbit had many guests outside the mythological world. It wasn't like you could just call up a unicorn and ask him if he wanted tea or watch the Super Bowl with the local werewolves.

"I gotta say, rockin' the modern style." Jack commented, suspecting Bunny wasn't too interested in his opinion of the room. It wasn't Shangri-La, but it was still better than sleeping on the ground or in a tree.

"Glad ya like it, Frosty." Bunny joked. Jack chuckled along with him, turning around to see a small chair by the door. Upon the chair was a small stuffed rabbit doll, floppy from years of use and worn to the seams. Jack started to approach the doll out of curiosity, but Bunny's large paw beat him to the flimsy toy.

"Uh?" Jack said as he watched the Pooka's ears drop and his eyebrows furrow. He clutched the doll tightly to his chest, as if it was going to disappear in a moment's notice.

"Sorry- that wasn't supposed to be here." Bunny said, his defensive side showing as he quickly escaped the room. Jack reached out a paw after him, but received nothing as he tried to stop the rabbit. His curiosity was screaming at him to launch an interrogation of the doll's meaning to the egglettes, but his recently developed sensible side told him to wait and ask when the time was right. Bunny seemed almost upset about the doll, and Jack couldn't place why.

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