A/N: The second one-shot I wrote. This was the first one with my RotG OC, Seren Normund. She is a star, more specifically, she is meant to be the North Star (she just never liked the names humans gave her hah). Some background info that applies to her in each of the stories: stars have roles. There are the wishing stars, then others like guiding stars (as a guiding star, Seren doesn't deal in the matter of wish-granting). Stars can also take little vacations on their planet of choice. So enjoy this little story of her visiting Jack's town back when he was human. Because I just really wanted to write something for Jackson hahah.
Oh yes, while I've seen several different names used for Jack's sister, the one I liked most was Emma, and so I've stuck with it for the one-shots. If it ever ends up being confirmed as something else, I'll see to changing it.
Finding Your Way
Jack looked down to the left. Nothing but forest that faded off into the darkness of the night. He looked down to the right. Still nothing but the rest of the forest. Jack swallowed nervously before biting his lower lip. How had this happened? It was just meant to be a simple day out for fun and games, no different than any other. But night had settled much faster than he expected—time always flies when there is a lot of fun. And with all the fun and games—and his pranks—time had flown by like it was nothing.
"Jack?" A small hand tugged on his sleeve. Blinking, he looked down to see the wide eyes of his sister staring up at him. She swallowed nervously, those bright eyes of hers waiting for a response expectantly. "Are we lost?" Her voice, soft and uncertain, cut right through him like it always could. It was time to play a prank on her, but one that he hoped would make her feel better.
"No, no, no," he chuckled, kneeling down. Putting on a smile, he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We're not lost, Emma. No, not a all." His younger sister narrowed her eyes. Of course she would not believe him so easily. He was always playing pranks on her, often to see her smile and laugh, but it did have his drawbacks—having Emma believe him without a doubt was a difficult task at times. "We're just taking the scenic route."
Emma smiled for a moment, a part of her believing, but then her eyes darted to the side. She looked to the left, saw the same trees and darkness. She looked to the right and saw more of the same trees and darkness. "But, Jack, it's dark."
"So?" Jack reached out and plucked a nearby flower. Even in the darkness, its colour could still be seen. "There are still things to see."
"But...but..." Her voice became even smaller. Her hand reached out and grabbed his. For such a little girl, she could have a strong grip when needed.
"But what?" he asked back, concerned. He hated seeing his sister look so worried. His warm hand squeezed hers in comfort.
"But I'm scared of the dark, Jack... It's so dark right now... Not even the moon is out."
Jack's dark eyes glanced up. Through the leaves of the trees, he could see that she was right. It was a dark sky tonight. No moon. Not even a sliver was there to light their way. He frowned lightly. It was bad enough having her scared of being lost, he did not need her being scared of the dark right now too.
"You're right," he admitted. She squeezed his hand tighter upon hearing that. "But there's still light up there."
Emma blinked, a shred of hope coming back into her gaze. "Where?"
A warm chuckle escaped the older brother. "Look. See that? Through the clouds?" Raising a hand, he guided her gaze up to the night sky. Peeking out through the scattered clouds was not the moon, not even a sliver of its shadow or light, but rather little specks that always blanketed the night sky. They shimmered, some brighter and some fainter, but all could be seen against the velvety night. "The stars are still there. See?" Emma's hold on his hand loosened in comfort. "There's always...light..."
His voice trailed off as he rose back up. How could he have been so stupid? There was always one way to help find his way home in the night: the north star. Eyes gazed up, searching for that bright star that always shone in the night, a guide for all those who knew where to look. Once he knew which way was north, he could find their way home.
"I wish we could find our way home..." muttered Emma lightly.
"What was that?"
"I made a wish! It's what you're meant to do with stars!"
Jack chuckled and ruffled her hair lightly. "Don't worry. I'm sure your wish will come true." Wanting to not let down his word, he looked back up to the night sky. But, no matter where he looked, he could not see the north star. What cloud cover there was mixed in with all the trees made it impossible to find constellations or the bright light that could guide them home. None of the stars that glinted past the clouds were bright enough to be the one star he needed. He frowned in disappointment.
"Jack...?" asked Emma again. What comfort had been there was fading away.
"Come on, it's this way," he lied. It was as good a direction as any. And, even if it did not lead them home, then it would just as likely lead them outside the forest. There, without the trees to block their view, maybe then he could find the north star. Taking her hand, Jack started off through the forest, making sure he seemed confident when really he was rather unsure. Getting his sister worried or in trouble in any way was never something he wanted.
The darkness felt like it was closing in on them, but he continued onward. He would keep her safe from any shadows that dared to threaten her.
"What's that?" asked Emma, tugging at his sleeve again. Coming to a stop, Jack looked down to see his sister pointing off in the distance. There was a glint of light. It flickered for a moment before becoming lost behind the trees. "Maybe it's someone who can help us!" Before he could stop her, Emma ran off towards the light. In this darkness, it had looked like a a beacon of hope.
"Emma! Emma, wait!" he called after her. Despite her short legs, she could move rather fast. Jack chased after her, not wanting to lose her in the darkness as well as their location. "Hold on!" He rushed through the trees after her until he nearly toppled over her when she had stopped suddenly. "Emma, don't run off like that...!" Jack looked up. "Again..."
"Hi!" cheered Emma, rushing away from Jack a second time that night. Babbling incoherently for her to stop, Jack failed once again to keep his sister by his side. This was not his night for being the older protective brother. "Are you lost too?"
"No," answered the woman standing before them. She smiled down at Emma warmly and shook her head.
Jack just stared at the woman. Though a stranger, he did not worry with having his sister be near her. Golden locks tumbled down her shoulders. Her clothing was...odd, to say the least. Different, and yet pretty. The gold and white of the fabric almost shone in the darkness. When she looked up, Jack felt himself swallow. Golden eyes met his warm chocolate ones.
"H-hi..." He felt the greeting slip past his tongue without any conscious thought on his part.
The woman smiled at him. "Hello." Before any more words could slip from his mouth without a filter and ruin the moment, she squatted down before Emma. "So are you two lost?"
"No, no, no," repeated Jack, waving his hands in protest.
"Yes!" Emma's voice was loud and clear. Huffing, she gave her brother a disgruntled look.
"Weeeeellll... Yeah, all right."
A soft chuckle escaped the woman as she rose. "Do you need help finding your way?"
"You can help us?" Emma's voice rose in hope. The golden-haired woman smiled again and nodded.
For a moment, Jack narrowed his eyes. He had never seen this woman before. They lived in a small town, one rarely visited by others. It was a back-water place at the best of times. Hardly anyone knew where it was. "How?" he asked warily. When she looked at him again, Jack was ready for that gaze.
"I'm quite good when it comes to directions."
Jack could not help but chuckle at her simple answer. Directions were not his strong point. It was a good enough reason for him. Heading back to Emma's side, he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Well then, care to lead the way? We need to head north." With a laugh, the woman started through the forest. It was comforting, how easy she was to follow through the darkness. It was as though she lit their way, weaving through the trees.
The farther they travelled, the more familiar the dark forest became. In the distance, warm lights began to flicker through the leaves. At last, the trees slipped away completely and they were free from the forest. A laugh of joy escaped Emma as she rushed forward, Jack once again failing to keep her by him. This time, he merely sighed and let her go on her way.
"We made it home!" Emma cheered before hurrying back to the blonde's side. "Thank you. Thank you!" She took the woman's hand and shook it warmly. "You made my wish come true!" Brown eyes shifted to Jack's. "Race you back!"
Laughing, Jack remained still while his sister ran off towards the town. He could give her a head start. With a sigh, he turned to the woman to thank her himself. But what he saw surprised him. Her golden eyes were wide in wonder. For a brief moment, she glanced to the sky before looking back down to where Emma was running.
"I... I granted a wish...?" Her mouth agape, disbelief was written all over her face. "But... That's not my—"
"She made a wish earlier tonight, when we were lost," he explained. "She made a little wish on the stars that we find our way home. And, well, thanks to you, it came true."
Golden eyes met his chocolate ones again. They looked warmer now, causing Jack to smile while under her gaze. Laughter danced behind them, followed by her voice filling the air. "I granted a wish...!" she muttered after her laugh faded away.
"Jaaaaaack!" called out Emma from farther down the hill.
"Don't stop now! You know I'll win if you do!" His laughter rising in the air, Jack hurried after his sister. Skidding to a halt before he got too far, he turned around to see the woman still standing there, a smile across her face. "Hey, I never did ask your name!"
"And you still haven't!" chuckled the blonde.
"Heh, what's your name?"
"Seren!" she answered.
"And I'm Jackson." Raising a hand, he waved farewell. "Thanks for getting us home, Seren!" It was a fast goodbye, and certainly not one of his more polite ones, but he had a sister to catch.
Jack trudged through the streets to get his errands done for the day. They were always such a bore. He just wanted some fun. Friends and neighbours greeted him in the morning, their familiar faces always welcoming.
"Hey! What are you doing here? You-you're staying here or something?" asked Jack, spotting a trail of blond hair. Her clothing was different now, it matched the other townsfolk perfectly—all brown and, well, boring. Her other clothes were much nicer on her. That golden hair that flowed down her back was at least the same.
"For a few days, actually," she answered.
"Really?" Jack cleared his throat, realizing how excited he sounded. "R-really?" he asked again, this time calmer.
She chuckled before nodding. "I have a little vacation time..."
An unexpected snort escaped him. Realizing how rude it sounded, Jack clamped a hand over his mouth. "Ah..." He cleared his throat again. "You have a vacation...and you came here?"
"Yes?"
"Why here?" Certainly there had to be better places to visit than his little town. Ones that had better weather. Ones that were prettier. Ones that had more attractions for visitors in general.
She shrugged. "Why not?"
"Oh." Jack blinked, running a hand through his brown hair. "Oh... Well, then. At least you came here at a good time of the year. We do have a little spring festival coming up in a fe—"
"I know."
"Y-you do?"
She smiled knowingly. "Yes."
"Ahh..." Jack rubbed the back of his neck. What else could he talk to her about now? He was feeling so foolish. "I-I have some things I need to finish actually. I'll see you later?"
"Only if you know where to look."
Jack tilted his head in question at her comment. Brushing it aside, he chuckled before beginning to scamper back off. "Hey!" he called back out, nearly skidding in the mud as he turned around. "Um, I'll be done fairly soon...I think. Maybe...maybe I can show you around then? You need to have at least some fun while on your vacation."
"Fun?" repeated Seren. Her eyes went wide, unfamiliarity flashing across her face before she cast her gaze down. Her lips moved as she said the word silently again. It was foreign to her. A word she did not understand. A word where she did not know the meaning. When she looked back up, the confusion was gone, along with the unfamiliarity. A single smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "I'd like that."
Jack breathed a laugh, holding back more when he realized it slipped past. Pursing his lips together, he smiled—an odd-looking smile thanks to his pursed lips—and hurried off to finish his errands for the day. He had never been so eager to get them done as he was now. Only once he rounded a corner did he realize he had once again not said a proper goodbye. Groaning under his breath, Jack bit his bottom lip, feeling completely stupid, and quickly retraced his steps.
"He...!" he called out, coming to a stop. But she was not there. There was no sign of Seren or even a trail of her blonde hair leaving. "...Ey..." With a sigh, Jack tapped his hand against his leg, frustrated at himself. Quickly putting a smile back on, Jack returned to greeting the people that passed by and getting his errands done.
"Come on!" called out Emma, waving them onwards. A few of her other friends were also with them, keeping up with the young brunette. "Jack! Hurry up!"
"I'm coming! Yeesh!" Jack shouted back, climbing up the hill. While normally he would be running right alongside his sister, there was a new reason why he was slower today. "You all right there?" Holding out a hand, Jack helped Seren up the hill with him.
"Just fine," she answered back with a smile.
"We're almost there!" Picking up the pace a little, Jack ushered all of them along. Not far from his town was a place he, his sister, and their friends liked to frequent. The little lake came into view. Its clear waters reflected the rays of the sun, making it a bright and shining beacon for their goal.
"What shall we play, Jack?" asked Emma, turning back around. "Jack?" Expression falling, the younger sister looked left, looked right, but her expression did not change. "Jack, where'd you go?"
"Aha!"
Startled voices filled the air. The younger kids jumped back in surprise before laughing in delight. Jack had swung down from a nearby tree branch to surprise them all. All but Seren. She merely stared in surprise at the young man whose swinging began to settle. He frowned lightly at her response. That was not how one had fun.
"Jack, get down from there!" scolded Emma.
Before the blood could rush to his head even more, Jack jumped down from the branch, and landed rather poorly...on purpose. He remained completely still. There were still more pranks he had to play up his sleeves.
"Jack?" asked his sister's voice. "Jack, are you all right?" Footsteps neared. His trap was set.
"Gotcha!" Jumping up to his feet, Jack reached out to grab his sister's shoulders. Startling her was always fun. He had his "good" pranks too. Telling silly stories, doing impersonations, or just regular playing around; he would do everything with her. As long as she wound up with a smile on her face in the end, it was a success. But the person before him was not his sister.
Golden eyes blinked at him. While the other kids still startled from his sudden movement, Seren remained completely still again, even after he had grabbed her arms. Her eyes...they were much brighter than he noticed before. Something about them was warm and...even familiar. And not just the familiarity from seeing them the other night when they first met. Glancing away, he saw that he still had her arms in his hold.
"Ah, s-sorry," he mumbled, releasing her arms quickly. "Well!" After clearing his throat, Jack turned to his sister and her friends. "What do you want to play?"
"How about..." Emma started slowly, walking towards her brother. "Tag! You're it!" After poking Jack, Emma ran off, along with the other kids to flee for safety. They began to scream and laugh in delight and joy as the game was afoot.
"Ohh, it is on!" Laughing with them, Jack chased after his friends. It would be an easy task for him to catch up to them, his long legs gave him an unfair advantage. As always, he ran a little slower, giving them a chance to tag him back after he claimed one to be it.
"Now you're it!" cheered Emma, touching Seren's arm.
"What...what do I do?" Emma faltered in running away upon hearing her question. Even the other kids, including Jack, stopped running and stared at her.
"You... You don't know tag?" he asked, walking up to her curiously. "You've never played it before?" Seren only shrugged and tucked some hair behind her ear. "How...old are you?"
A faint smile threatened to break out across her face. "Old enough."
"Well... You just try and catch one of the other players, so that they are 'it'. And then they try to catch someone else! It's really quite simple."
"You mean...like this?" Reaching out, Seren tapped Jack on his shoulder and then danced away to a safer distance. Even the others began to laugh and run away, saying how Jack was it. A groan in disbelief escaped him. A trick, and he had fallen for it. Some prankster he was. Chuckling, he swallowed his damaged pride and smirked. With her, he could play to his fullest. And now she was having fun.
Preparations had been finished well in time. Music filled the town and laughter rang through the air. The spring festival was always a joyous one, welcoming the life that bloomed again for the new year. Though Jack enjoyed it, part of him always missed the winter that had melted away.
"Hey, this way!" cheered Jack. Turning around, he waved for Seren to follow. Her grin was so bright, it looked like it was going to split her face in half. Leading her through the town, Jack showed her what his home had to offer during the festival. Fun, food, and games were abundant. Everything he showed her caused her to smile and laugh. Sometimes, it was a little odd. What he considered a well-known game that anyone could do, she would question. Perhaps that trick with the game of tag had not been such a trick after all. But part of him did not mind, for it gave him a chance to show her even more.
Night began to settle in, but that did not mean the festival was at an end. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Lights lit up the town and allowed the festival to continue on. It was time for the younger ones to have gone to sleep, like Emma, but Jack was still able to stay up.
"Have you ever danced before?"
"Dance?" she asked back curiously.
"Oh geeze," chuckled Jack. "It's like you haven't lived a regular life at all!"
Seren cast her eyes down. "I suppose I haven't. Always watching...but never experiencing things for myself... Certainly doesn't seem like much of a life...not to one like you who can have all of...this."
Jack winced. So that was what putting a foot in one's mouth was like. Not very pleasant. With a sigh, he nudged her lightly. "Hey." Those golden eyes of hers looked up at him. He wanted to see them laughing with joy and fun again. "I may not know what life you had before your vacation...but I do know that you're experiencing things now. And isn't that the entire point? The fun, the games, the sights and sounds..." A nervous smile tugged at his lips. "The dancing..."
Before she could say or do anything, Jack took her hand in his and led her to the dance area. Keeping her close, Jack twirled them into the rest of those who were dancing, matching step and staying in line. Others laughed around them, but Seren seemed almost frightened.
"Wha-what do I do?" she asked, her feet nearly fumbling over his. As much as he enjoyed going barefoot, now was a time he was glad to be wearing boots.
Jack laughed and held her closer, making sure she did not fall down in the new experience. "Just follow my lead!" Though fast, the dance was at least simple. No intricate foot moves were required, which was good for him too, since he was not that skilled of a dancer either. The fun of the dance came from interacting with the other dancers. Momentarily switching partners, forming lines and dancing through, skipping under archways created by intertwined arms and more. But no matter the moves, no matter where they went, Seren always made her way back to Jack's side.
As she slipped into his arms again, her laughter now filled the air. There was no more hesitation, doubt, or even fear of the unknown, in her eyes when she looked back up at him. Jack chuckled warmly, finding joy in the happiness she had come to experience. Slipping to the side of the dance area, Jack and Seren slowed.
"Is something wrong?" she asked as her laughter faded away. "Jack?" she asked when he had been silent for too long.
Jack rubbed the back of his head, bashfully glancing away. He had simply been staring at her, still lost in her laughter and smile. "No! No..." Hand still around hers, Jack tugged slightly. "Come on. There's one more thing I want to show you."
Together, they headed away from the festival, from the town, from everyone. Jack never once let go of her hand. While she may have guided him the other night, this night was his turn. Lights from the town began to fade, allowing the beauty of the night to settle in around them.
"Are you going to get lost again?"
"Nooooo," chuckled Jack. "Besides, even if I did, you would be able to get us back, right?"
"Without a doubt."
"See? Nothing to worry about then." Coming to a halt, Jack glanced around before sighing in satisfaction. "Well, this is it."
Seren followed where he had looked. Her expression hopeful, she tried to find what it was he was talking about. But nothing stood out. All that could be seen from here was the distant lights from the town. "What is it?" she finally asked. There was no irritation in her voice, only curiosity.
He only said two simple words: "Look up."
Craning his head back, Jack was first to gaze up at the night sky. Unlike when they first met, there were no more clouds or trees to block their sight of the velvet sky or the little gems that were strewn across the dark fabric. Each star shimmered and sparkled, the distant rays of light finally making it to their small little world for them to see.
"You... You like to watch the stars?" she asked softly. A smile across his face, Jack looked back down to Seren, and was surprised to see her looking at him rather than the night sky. How could she be passing up such a gorgeous view? The night was perfect for it! Soon the spring showers would come and ruin most nights of being clear. This one night was still crisp and completely clear, a one final parting gift from the winter that had passed.
"Yeah! I mean... Just look at them!" Plopping down to the ground, Jack returned to starting up at the sky. He would not miss a moment more of it. "They're...beautiful. A shred of light in even the darkest of nights." He patted the soft earth for Seren to join him. She was rather eager to do so, seeming more interested in the ground around them than the sky high above. He frowned lightly in disappointment. But, in the end, it was her choice. With a sigh, he leaned back onto his hands and gazed back to the stars. "Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight..." he began to mutter. It was a little childish, sure, but he did not mind doing such things around Seren. "I wish..."
Closing his eyes, Jack made a little wish upon the stars. It was simple, one he hoped had the chance to come true.
"What did you wish for?" asked Seren, leaning closer. When Jack looked back down, he was surprised by how close she now was. Eyes were wide and full of wonder. For a moment, he simply stared at her. It had been a while since he had see anyone looked so amazed over a simple wish.
Smirking, Jack shook his head. "You should know saying what your wish is makes it impossible to come true."
"But, didn't Emma say what her wish was?"
"Ah yeah, she did," he chuckled. "Well, I really don't want to take the risk of my wish not being granted." Leaning forward, he returned her wide-eyed gaze. "Now, go ahead. Make a wish!"
"Make...a wish?" That gaze of wonder faded away in a flash. Her eyes were still wide, but now it was due to confusion. "I-I can't..."
"Sure you can!" Jack laughed, hoping to bring back that gaze of wonder. "That's the great thing about wishes: anyone can make them!"
Seren glanced down, and Jack felt his smile falter. When she looked back up, there was such a sad smile on her face. How was it possible for a smile to be so sad? "Right..." she muttered. "Anyone can make a wish." Bright eyes finally switched from the ground to the night sky. Gaze curious and searching, she studied the many stars. She was looking for something, something she could not find. "I..." Her voice was distant and soft. At last she closed her eyes, the sadness from her smile fading. "I wish fo—"
"Ah!" To keep her from saying any more out loud, he placed a finger over her lips. "Remember, you can't say your wish..." His finger slipped slightly, brushing over her lips. They were softer than he imagined. And rather warm to the touch. Swallowing, he felt his heartbeat quicken. "Or else..." Jack swallowed again. "Or else it won't come true..." Clearing his throat, he quickly slipped his hand away, casting his dark gaze down. "So...what are you really doing here?" he asked again. Chocolate eyes ventured back up questioningly. "I mean... We're just a little town out in the middle of nowhere."
"A little town in the middle of nowhere..." she repeated. Glancing down to the town that could still be seen, she smiled. "Filled to the brim with people that care about each other, living close and seeing each other every day. Their lives seeming small, but each one able to mean so much." Pulling up her knees, she hugged them to her chest, watching the town with a longing gaze. The town held as much joy in her sight as the stars did for him. "It's...different from where I'm from. It's why I chose to come here."
"What will you do? Once your vacation is done, I mean."
"Return to my life. Only watching, and always wondering."
"Will you be able to have a vacation again?"
"Eventually, yes."
Jack cast his eyes down and asked the question that would give him the answer he really wanted: "Will I be able to see you again?"
A soft hand tapped at his chin, drawing his gaze back up. There was no doubt. There was no hesitation or concern. There was only one answer that slipped past her lips: "Yes." He had not expected his body to warm so much at that simple answer. "Just as long as you know where to look."
Jack hurried through the streets. His errands done for the day, he wanted to spend some more time with Seren. With her vacation coming to an end, he wanted to make sure she had the most fun she could for the remaining time. But there was no sign of that blonde hair anywhere. She had been out every day, wandering the streets and enjoying the sights his little town had to offer. But not today. She was no where to be found. A terrible pit began to gnaw at the bottom of his stomach when he finally asked his townsfolk about her whereabouts.
"Jack! Jack!" called out his sister. Her friends were running up with her towards him.
"Hey!" Forcing a smile, Jack knelt down and hugged Emma warmly when she rushed into him. "Oof!" he laughed. "You're getting stronger, y'know! And taller! Soon I won't be to do...this!" Hefting her up, Jack spun his sister around before plopping her back on the ground. Success. Her smile and laughter helped to lift his own spirits.
"Are you able to come play with us now?"
"You bet!"
"Is Seren able to come too?" That pang to his gut returned. What joy his sister had been able to bring him was completely erased. Silent, he rose to his feet, his body starting to feel numb. "Jack?"
Unable to smile, Jack looked down to his sister. "I'm afraid Seren's vacation is over. She...she had to get back to her own home." Eyes as heavy as his heart, he cast his gaze to the ground. A pathetic laugh escaped him. Weak and raspy, it could hardly be called a laugh. "I didn't even get to say goodbye..."
Jack crouched on the end of his staff, arms looped around his legs and his chin resting on his knees. Most of his memories of his old life were back now. Some were still hazy, but not the ones of that Seren whose image fluttered around behind his eyelids in that space between dreams. Curiosity had driven him to learn more about her. But he could find nothing. North had no record of a Seren ever being on the Naughty or Nice Lists. He had even asked Tooth to look for Seren's memories in her collection, but they were not there either.
It was like she never existed.
Glacial eyes looked longing upwards, and to the bright moon that hung in the night sky. Not even Manny had an answer for him. Granted, Manny did not answer Jack even under the best of circumstances. Jack did not expect to see her, three-hundred years having passed since they had met, but part of him wanted some sense of closure. He wanted to learn what he had not learned about her back in those days.
"Where was I meant to look?" he asked to the stars. Would they answer him where the moon would not? As he expected, only silence answered him. A chill wind swirled around him, gathering snowflakes before moving onward. Huffing, Jack hopped down from his staff, grabbing onto it before it fell to the snow-covered ground. Bare feet crunching into the snow, he started for a walk to wind down his frustration. He shoved his free hand inside his sweater pocket, the cold getting to him much more tonight than usual.
"Are you lost?"
"Nah, I'm not..." Jack stopped, the snow settling around his feet. "Lost..." Though more people could see him now, it was still rare to come across those that did. Not to mention, the voice that had drifted to his ears was not that of a child's. In fact, it was the same voice that had been running through his recently recovered memories again and again. His body feeling lighter, Jack could now raise his head with ease, a smile breaking out across his face even without turning around. Before he knew it, his laughter was filling the air.
Biting his voice back, Jack suddenly felt scared. What if it was not her? What if it was just a dream? Steeling himself, he closed his eyes and breathed out slowly. There was only one way to find out the truth. It was hard to hold back a hopeful smile...and it became completely impossible once he turned around.
"So..." Grinning from ear to ear, Jack leaned against his gnarled staff. "What are you doing here?"
"I got some long-overdue vacation time."
His cheeks began to hurt from his smile. "You know, I can help to make your vacation a fun time." With a shrug, he tossed his head to gesture to the land around them. "Winter is a great season for having fun..."
She smiled. It was just the same as the one from his memories. "I'd like that."
Finding out how, finding out why, could wait. For now, all he cared about was that she was there. She had found her way back to him.