A/N In this story, the Guardians are not immortal beings, but instead children who have been selected to serve as the protector of a certain element (hope, memory, dreams, wonder, fun, fear, etc.). They come from around the world, each with their own stories and struggles, to the small town of Burgess.
This story will mostly focus on Jack Frost, one of the few children blessed with the mysterious and magical powers of the Guardians. Yet, he must hide his gift, and has promised never to use them. Inner demons, abuse, and mature themes.
A small TV sat on the dresser across from the king-sized bed covered in scratches and dented on all sides. The TV reporter's face had a slightly yellowish hue and was distorted by the crack in the screen above his chin.
The man in the bed, naked beneath the stained sheets, mumbled something about "shitty reception" and turned up the volume.
"Breaking news coming to you now! Another miracle child has been been found in a small village in Russia. Cassidy Roberts has the story live at the scene." The TV flickered to a blonde woman in a fur-lined winter coat.
"This is Cassidy Roberts, live in Russia. A few hours ago, it was announced that another "Guardian" child has been found- a boy by the name of Nicholas Claus.
"For those of you who are unfamiliar with the recent "Guardian" phenomena, as it is being called, describes the sudden appearance of teenagers with unexplainable powers. Some are using the term 'magic,' however, scientists have begun extensive research to find the cause of this strange occurrence and are determined to find a scientific explanation.
"No matter the cause, however, it seems both Guardians who have been discovered, Juliana Tooth, nicknamed "Tooth", Aster Bunnymund, and now Nicholas North, share two common features. The first being a strange, seemingly supernatural power. Tooth has been proven to, by some unknown means, allow anyone to recall or even suppress their memories. She is currently working with researchers in her free time along with elderly peoples affected with Alzheimer's. Reportedly, she has helped many senior citizens to overcome this illness and live fulfilling lives. Aster Bunnymund, an Australian native, has the ability to grow plants from thin air. He has been using his power to start a local garden and feed the needy within his community. For both of these children, these are only the suggested beginnings of their powers; it is not yet known the full extent of what they can do.
"Nicholas, the most recent Guardian that has been found, also possesses a unique ability. It has been proven that he is able to create amazing inventions from seemingly random items. Most of these creations have been toys, games, and other playthings which he and his family have so thoughtfully donated to local charities and hospitals.
"The second feature these youths share is that they are both marked with a strange, black, tattoo-like symbol on their bodies with no explainable origin. Tooth is reported to have a pair of fairy-like wings on the back of her neck and Aster a flower on his calf. Additionally, recent photos of Nicholas North have shown that he sports a similar tattoo on his shoulder, his of a curved sword.
"The appearance of these miraculous children is leaving the world in awe as we all are left to wonder what things will they accomplish, and if there are other Guardians out there? This is Cassidy Roberts, report-" The woman was cut short as the TV flashed to black.
The man scoffed, scratching himself, "Miraculous. Ha. You hear that one? Miraculous! Monstrous, more like!" He laughed aloud again, then paused when there was no response.
Leaning across the bed, he drove a heavy fist into the heap on the other side of the bed. There was a thud, and the ball unfurled with a short cry into a pale, white-haired boy as his back arched in pain.
"I said, isn't that a riot, eh Jackie?"
The boy looked back with blue eyes, tired and ashamed. "Yes, sir."
The man scoffed at the lame reply. "Whatever. Get out of my room, we're done here."
The thin teen pushed himself from the bed, the sheets falling off his body to reveal a sorry state. In the weak daylight, visible purple-green bruises stained every limb and faint white scars ran like wild vines, across his chest, around his legs and arms, and tangled between his shoulder blades.
As he almost laboriously passed in front of the man on the way to the door, a hand shot out and snagged his wrist. He let out a yelp half in surprise and half in pain as the larger man squeezed tighter, pulling him in close.
The man twisted his arm painfully, forcing Jack to kneel beside the bed, until he had a clear view of Jack's wrist. He grinned wickedly, poking at it with his thumb.
"You would do well never to forget, Jack." The words came out in a low snarl, the man's face dropping to dead seriousness. "This will never make you a Guardian, or whatever glorified term they want to use. This makes you a monster." The man locked eyes with Jack, and Jack could see the hate burning brightly before he pushed Jack away.
As he stumbled backwards, the boy clutched his aching wrist and hurried out the door. In the hall, as far from the man's door as he could get, he sank to the ground and gently turned his wrist. He felt a subtle wave of shame and guilt pass over himself as he looked at his wrist, as he always did.
He paused, sucked in a breath, and covered the black snowflake tattoo with his other hand. Beneath his own ever-cold fingers, he could almost feel it throbbing in a steady beat, the cold and hungry power that ran through his veins.
But, he pushed it out of his mind, ignoring it again as he always did. He would never give into it. Not again.
As he had countless times before, he drew himself up as slowly as possible to spare himself from pain, and went to prepare himself for another day.