Winter's Truths
A/N: I want to warn you that this story touches on a dark subject and a sad truth about how harsh winter can be and is not for everybody. Jack embodies Winter and I refuse to believe he's not aware of the pain it can cause. Enjoy and let me know what you think.
Jack touched down on the white powdery snow. Before starting his trek he looked up to the sky at the moon silently casting its pale silver light upon the world. Returning his glance to the path before him he sighed before setting off. It was going to be a long night.
He exited the cave he had previously traversed and glanced around. The cave opened up into a small meadow. It was fairly open with a few trees dotting the snow covered ground. He resumed his trek downwards towards the center of the meadow. The moon and stars shined down upon him still remaining silent.
He came to the end of his trek and looked upon the large statue and the pillars that surrounded it that sat in the center of the meadow. He knew them well for he had made them 200 years ago in memory of those lost. The statue was of an intricately carved snow flake. Without saying a thing he raised his staff and called upon his magic, as he started to his work upon the statue, old parts were removed place with new, designs and patterns were rearranged, or removed and replaced with new ones.
He finally finished his work, and stepped back to gaze upon it with tears in his eyes. It was completely different from when he had started "A new shape for a new year." He muttered to himself. He wiped away his tears and adopted a stoic expression as he turned around to look at the large ice pillars that surrounded him and the countless numbers of names that were etched into them. He called upon the winds and they responded whispering a list of names into his ears; raising his staff he called forth his power and etched the names from this year upon the newest pillar.
With his work complete he turned back to the statue and sat upon the ground as he grieved in silence. He could feel the presence of Mother Nature as well as the other three seasonal rulers watching in the distance. He knew they had come to pay their respects, but would not approach unless asked.
Winter could be fun and exciting but he had discovered a terrifying truth long ago that Winter could also be cold and cruel. He was the incarnation of winter, the good as well as the bad. It took him a long while to accept this fact.
As Jack stood there he reflected on why he had started this tradition in the first place. Jack grimaced at that thought. He knew all of the names etched into these pillars so they would never be forgotten. That brought a new thought to his mind and he smiled at it. This memorial served a second purpose as well; it served to remind him that while there was darkness in the world he had the power to show others that the cold months could be filled with fun and laughter and it was his responsibility to do so.
Someday he hoped he would find the courage to accept the help of his family both Seasonal and Guardian, but for now it was a truth he had to face alone.
A/N: So that's Jack's story. I am also going to cover how each of the Seasonal Spirits deal with the reality of this idea in their own way. I'll also cover their personal thoughts and feelings regarding their encounters with Jack over the years.