Jack Frost alighted along one of the rooftops of the small, suburban township, his messy white hair hidden partially by the blue hood he had pulled over it. His staff lay lightly on his shoulder, and he smiled as he watched his longtime friend, Jamie Bennett, skateboard past the fuchsia colored flat. It hadn't been long since his family had to move to Iowa for business, and Jack made it a point to give him at least two snow days a year With a hop and a skip, Jack flew down, the winds carrying him beside his friend.
"So, Jamie, I see you decided to grow your hair out," Jack said, laughing as he flew. The boy he knew was long gone. First off, he was taller and stronger, a star linebacker now. His long brown hair, before short and messy, had grown down to the base of his neck. If it weren't for the young man's smile, he would not even have recognized Jamie Bennett.
"Jack!" He whispered clearly, not wanting anyone else to hear him. "I haven't seen you in, like, forever! Not since Christmas two years ago!"
Jack laughed a little while they moved. "Sorry about that, Jay. It's been a crazy couple of years." In truth, ever since Pitch's defeat eight years before, things had spiraled into chaos for Jack Frost. He never knew that being a Guardian would be so demanding; since he was the only Guardian without any real holiday or occupation, he was often sent to investigate small disturbances. These could include anything from a child not receiving his quarter from the Tooth Fairy (it had simply fallen onto the floor in their tossing and turning) to a child not getting what they wanted for Christmas (it had simply been buried deep under the tree) to kids not finding the Easter Bunny's eggs.
Jack assumed that Peter Rabbit had played a cruel trick on him with that one.
Now, with the recent disturbances, Jack was even busier than ever.
Jamie smiled, his brown eyes glinting with belief. Of all of the children involved in Pitch's defeat, Jamie and his sister were the only two to still believe. No matter what happened, he stayed resolute. "It's fine, Jack. Thanks for the snow days by the way! I got out of two tests with those!"
"Anytime, buddy. Just happy you're having fun." Jack felt tired; he hadn't slept much these past couple of nights, sensing something incredibly dark on the horizon. Working around the clock had taken its toll on the white haired spirit, as well as the recent death of the little girl.
Noticing Jack's somber gaze, Jamie stopped and looked him in the eyes. "Something happened, didn't it? Something bad?"
Jack nodded slowly, not knowing how much he should tell his friend. "Lots of somethings, to tell you the truth, Jay, but nothing that you need to worry your big head about. Now, tell me about that girl you've been seeing!" The two continued talking in this fashion, unaware of the chaos the other Guardians were facing.
…
"What is matter with this machine?!" North yelled, kicking at the center console of the sleigh. He was scheduled to meet with the Tooth Fairy in her palace, but the sleigh refused to start up. This had never happened before; usually, the sleigh would purr even North walked within a few feet of it, but the central power supply wasn't cooperating, and many of the Reindeer with sick; one of the elves had fed them chocolate, which they love but to which they are allergic.
A yeti ran up to him, screaming in his deep babbling language, his hairy body shedding slightly on the frozen ramp. He slipped and fell, sliding and crashing into the sleigh, causing it to roar to life. "Ha ha!" North yelled, his accent thick as he fixed his black fur hat and red coat. "What do you want, yeti? I have important appointment to make!"
It babbled something, Santa nodding his head in understanding, eyes widening from the truth behind the words. "Manny wishes to speak to the Guardians? Together? Why? Did he tell you?"
The yeti babbled something else, obviously irritated. "Yes, yes, I know he is slightly rude to you yetis, but that is only because he is busy." The yeti slapped his head and walked away, not wanting to talk to North anymore. North exited his sleigh and returned to his station in front of the massive, lighted globe. The lights of children who believed had decreased recently, but it still shined with a happy glow. North looked out the roof hatch toward the moon, toward Manny and shrugged his shoulders. He grasped the wooden handle of a nearby switch and with a strong handed turn and push, he released the aurora, the signal to the other Guardians.
…
Tsar Lunar lounged in his easy chair, his pudgy belly nearly popping a button on his vest. He looked around at the verifiable castle he had crafter and laughed a high pitched, happy laugh. His life was good, and though the issues on earth constantly plagued his mind, he allowed himself this break.
The break wouldn't last; suddenly, the metal form of Nightlight, Lunar's childhood protector, ran into the room, cradling his spear lightly. He seemed worried, for some reason, and Nightlight was never worried. He was a machination meant to illuminate the darkness, removing the fear from children. He couldn't fear, but his face showed only fear.
"What is it, dear friend?" Tsar said, sitting up in his stone throne, his pudgy face showing concern.
Nightlight pointed to Earth, visible far above them, and began motioning wildly. Tsar barely understood this, and Nightlight became more agitated, eventually taking his spear and ramming it into the ground. In a flash of light, a massive picture appeared in the ground: an armored man with wings and a sword. "No!" Tsar said, his eyes widening. "Not him! Why is he getting involved?!"