Disclaimer: I don't own Rise of the Guardians

I would like to dedicate this chapter to my cousin. She's an artist and an illustrator to my stories. And she recently drew a bunch of drawings for this story. They are beautiful and make my characters come to life. She even inspired part of this chapter and the future of this story. She's awesome and I have no clue what I would do without her. I probably wouldn't be a writer if it weren't for her. Her drawings inspire many of my stories. I love you girl and don't you ever forget it. Be sure to check out her Story:

~Frost King and Ice Queen a Rise of the Guardians story

special thanks to my beta: TheGrammarHawk.

Please read the rest of my author's note at the end of the chapter.

Warning. The story rating has changed to T due to this chapter. Don't worry it will only be one paragraph. I will give you a warning before so you can skip it. I was surprised at myself for writing it. It's not too bad but I know some people don't like it.

Chapter 4: Haunting Past

Previous Chapter:

"Why, Man on moon, why him? I don't even like him," She sighed. "He can't be the one, it would never work." Stopping, she thought before continuing in a voice even more silent, if you could believe that. "Maybe, I do like him." As impossible as its sounds, Red swore the moon blinked at her.

Mid-morning sun rays flooded through Jack and Red's window, reaching the face of late sleeper Jack Frost. Slight stirring was heard from Jack's bed. The bright sun would not allow him to sleep in any longer. No matter which way he turned, the rays found a way to annoy him. The sun rays told him that he had overslept, he wondered by how much. Sighing he opened his eyes and took in his surroundings. Red's bed was made perfectly and the short girl was nowhere to be seen. A bright tomato red cloth caught his attention. Red had left her beloved cloak unattended at the end of her bed. A small grin made its way to Jacks lips and he floated across the room.

Glancing around, Jack assured himself that he really was alone. He shakily reached down to the soft fabric. It had barley left the bed when the bedroom door flung open. Jack's back faced the door, but the light footsteps gave him a good guess at who had caught him. All his fears were confirmed when a familiar musical voice spoke.

"Hey sleepy-head get…," Red halted. Jack could feel her burning holes through the back of his head. Dropping the cloak he turned around to face her. His hands rose above his head in surrender and he attempted to explain.

"Look Red, you were gone…," he never got to finish. Red's ice cold voice interrupted him.

"You touched my hood! No one has ever been stupid enough to even come near it when I'm gone," She spit out. She appeared ready to kill him right there.

"I'm sorry, Red," Jack attempted an apology. Red's arm slammed into his chest pinning him to the wall. Fire blazed in her eyes and she wouldn't remove her arm. Jack's attempts to free himself were in vain. The tiny girl was a lot stronger than she looked and Jack mentally kicked himself for leaving his staff on his side of the room. Remembering her previous threat, he wondered whatexactly she was capable of.

"Listen well, Jack Frost," Red leaned closer to his face. "If you ever touch my cloak again," her arm pushed even harder, rendering it harder for him to breath. They were now kissing distance apart. "There will be no more Jack Frost!" Releasing him, Jack bent over trying to get his breathing to normal. Rubbing his chest he grabbed his staff and departed the room. Red had barley closed the door before she sank the floor, tears welling in her eyes.

Why was she so defensive? She had probably frightened off the first guy she might actually like. One solution popped into her head. It would kill her pride and take an ocean sized amount of humility, but Jack Frost was worth it.

Time Lapse

Red walked into the dining room, a simple German style dress adorned her slim figure. A burgundy skirt flowed from her emerald corset. A cream colored top with sleeves below the shoulder completed the dress. She sported almond lace up boots that just passed her ankles. Glancing around the room she sought out a certain frost boy. He was seated at one end of the table, Sandy and Tooth on either side of him. She tried observing his expression, but he turned his face away. A groan escaped her lips as she took her seat beside Tooth. Bunnymund shot her a dashing smirk from across the table.

Ignoring him, her attention turned towards Jack, who was having some oatmeal trouble. His small spoon was stuck in the goopy substances. Light tugs would not free the distressed spoon. He slammed his fist into the table in frustration, accidently hitting the spoon's handle. The bowls contents went flying, towards the tables other occupants. It splattered over Bunnymund, Tooth, and Sandy. Red's pig-tail braids were saved by her quick reflexes. Cold stares landed on Jack, seeking out an explanation. He only gave them a sorry smile.

"What's the big idea, Mate?" Bunnymund yelled. "Plastering us with oatmeal," Tooth and Sandy nodded their agreements. Red fought back a grin. It reminded her of many similar oatmeal mishaps in her past. Thinking of the past brought back unwanted memories that Red soon pushed aside.

A slight screeching was heard as Jack pushed his chair back and exited the room. The room fell silent as the others worked the sticky mess from their fur, hair, or sand, all thinking over Jack's behavior and the mess he had caused. Red's mind was consumed with questions and guilt. Not being able to take it, she pursued the guardian of fun. Her sense told her that he had wandered outside. Great, going to him meant dressing up warmer. Rushing to her room Red slipped on higher charcoal colored boots and a thick ashen coat. Grabbing some dusky gray knitted hobo gloves, she was off. Her cloak caught her eye, and reminded her of the true reason she was going after Jack. Slipping it on, she was now prepared for her small quest.

She was soon trudging through thick snow. Following her sense, Red fought back the chills that crept up her legs. Pulling the hood up, comfort surrounded her. This hood was a part of her; it was a statement of her. A small patch of ice came into view. Nearing it, Red realized that it was a little pond. Skating on that ice was none other than, Jack Frost. His previous embarrassment had left and he seemed calm. Red wondered if he was still mad at her for her earlier outburst. Standing on the pond's edge, she waited for him to notice her. It seemed like minutes before the youngest guardian noticed her. The hood drawn over her face gave him a Déjà vumoment.

"Tell North I'm not ready to see him," he harshly yelled.

"Clause didn't send me," she replied. Her mouth was open as if she wanted to say more but nothing came out.

"Well, then who did send you?" He went back to skate walking. "Certainly you didn't come for yourself little miss don't-touch-my-hood!" Realizing what he said, he gave Red a fearful glance. Seeming unaffected by her hated nickname, she remained in the unmoving position.

"No." She held no anger in her voice. "I came because I care and because I..." Taking a deep breath, she threw back her hood. "I'm sorry I exploded earlier, it's just…"Gulping she looked down to the snow covered ground. "The one true possession I have in this world. The only thing I have left of this life."

Only the sound of blowing wind could be heard. Red didn't lift her gazed from her feet. A cold touch lifted her chin up, so she faced the towering guardian. Red bit her lip wondering what he would say. His cold fingers remained and Red secretly loved his icy touch.

"I forgive you, Red," Jack murmured. His hand dropped to her arm. Placing it just above her elbow, he took a step closer until they were kissing distance apart. Jack closed his eyes and leaned in. Red found herself leaning in too.

"We should probably go back to the workshop." Red was surprised to hear her own voice. Jack released her arm and stalked away. She silently cursed herself for not kissing him. Falling into step with him, Red didn't bother to pull up her hood. Jack loved how the wind blew her two short braids.

A distant wolf howl caused Red to move closer to Jack. He wondered why such a scary girl would be frightened of a little wolf. "What's wrong, Riding, spooked by a little wolf?" He taunted. She made no comeback, but he could she a brief emotion in her eyes. The rest of the walk was silent, but Jack couldn't help but notice how close Red stuck to him.

Time Lapse: After Dinner

A small group of immortals occupied Santa's sitting room. Dinner had been fashioned and the group was busy coming up with an attack strategy.

"Storm is much stronger than we previously thought," the Jolly Man began. "I think that it will take brain power, not strength to beat her." Everyone nodded their agreement. "Miss Hood, all the information you have given us to this point has been very helpful. I know it's against your standards but is there any more information you could give us? Any bit would help immensely." Red sighed knowing what the right thing to do was.

"I have a code which tells when and when not to intervene in immortals' affairs." Her constant shifting showed her comfortableness. "It also tells me how exactly to do it. But most importantly it tells me when to reveal information on other immortals." She looked up from her lap to the faces of the five guardians. "I guess this is one of those times." She paused as if pondering what exactly she could reveal. "Vivian Storm was a Scottish princess many years ago. She didn't want to be princess, for she would rather be out shooting her bow and arrows. She had three younger brothers, brave father, and a dignified mother, who she shared a great adventure with. (A/N I will love you, if you can guess who Vivian is based off of. Don't worry if you don't know, I still love you.) Well one day Vivian, whose real human name I'm not at liberty to reveal, went out riding. It was the same as any other day, shouts of joy, and flying arrows were shot. Out of nowhere a great storm rolled up and she was caught up in it. Unable to find her body she was presumed dead."

"No! She was not dead, rather born as Vivian Mage Storm. She controlled all storms and had a little bit of magic up her sleeve. She did her job for years without any problems. She even dated Pitch Black a few years back. Her only weakness is the ground. She needs to be in the air to use her powers. That's all you should know," finished Red, glad she was done.

"Where can we find her?" questioned Tooth. Red closed her eyes and began sweeping the planet for Vivian. Her constant breathing was the only thing heard throughout the room. Opening her eyes, Red ended her trance.

"She is currently at her castle in Scotland." The silence was broken when everyone began talking at once. Each person had his own idea of how to attack Storm.

"Silence!" North roared. "We will discuss this tomorrow. A good night sleep will do us all good." His sternness told everyone that it wasn't up for discussion. No one dared argued as they went their separate ways. Not one word was uttered from Jack Frost or Red Riding Hood as they prepared for bed. Maybe it was from embarrassment of earlier events that day, or maybe it was the fact that they couldn't seem to have a civil conversation with each other. Whatever the reason, award silence surrounded the room as both fell asleep.

Jack awoke with a start to cries of pain and horror. Sitting up his eyes fell to only other living being in the room, Red. Sweat dripped down her broad forehead and drenched her short nightgown. The bed sheets were twisted around her legs and her lips were constantly moving. Her painful cries broke Jack's heart.

Jumping out of bed Jack made his way to Red's side. Frantically he began to call her name. Nothing! He tried again, only this time louder. Still Nothing! With fear coursing through his veins, Jack thought of another approach. One idea came to mind, one which Jack wasn't comfortable doing to Red. Summing up his courage, (yes the great Jack Frost was a little scared) and grabbing her petite shoulders, he gave her a gentle shake. This time she reacted to Jack, but not in the way he hoped. The terrified girl began struggling and fighting him! Even sleeping this girl was strong, he gripped her even harder. She screamed even louder and fought harder, when he shook her again. Taking a deep breath, he lifted her so she was in a sitting position. Now he began shaking her without stop, and calling her name. Red's struggling stopped and she went limp in Jack's arms. Terror seized Jack one again, but disappeared as soon as it appeared. Slowly her eyes fluttered open and she wrapped her arms around Jack.

"Jack," Red mumbled focusing on him. Looking down to the tangled sheets, she tried to comprehend what was happening. Her eyes widened as realization hit her and tears began to pour down her cheeks. She buried her head in Jack's chest and gripped Jack's sweatshirt in her fist. He felt her begin to shiver violently. It wasn't crying or the cold that shook her uncontrollably. It was fear and that scared him. Placing his arms around her he drew her in closer. He just held her, until the shakes subsided. Her breathing began to slow down, and he spoke.

"Red, What were you dreaming about?" He breathed into her ear. Resting his chin on her head he continued. "Why were you screaming?" She pulled away and looked into his eyes.

"I...I...I," her eyes fell to her bare legs. "I…I was having a nightmare about my past, but I'm fine now." She spoke as if trying to reassure herself she was okay.

"No! You're not!" Jack could tell she was lying. "Red, your one of the toughest girls I know, and whatever your dream was about really petrified you." He surprised himself with determines. "Just tell me what it's about," he softened his tone and took her hands in his own. She was shocked by his electric touch.

"Fine, go wait over there." She gestured towards the window seat. Jack obeyed her instructions but couldn't help glancing at her butt as she began fixing the sheets. After a few short moments she joined him. Her eyes were fixed on the moon, Jacks were fixed on her. "Jack Frost, the story I'm about to tell is private and is to stay between you and me." She looked into his eyes now and he stared back into hers. "I also want you to let me talk without any interruptions." Jack nodded and Red began her story.

*****Flashback (Author's point of view) ****

A younger brunet, sixteen to be exact, was walking along a forest trail. Her short locks were stuffed inside her scarlet hood. A small wicker basket full of goodies rested on her arm. Her name was Scarlet and she was on her way to her grandma's house.

The girl knows full well that she needed to stay on the path and wondering off, into the dark part of the forest, was forbidden. But, she was in a hurry, for today was her one month anniversary with her boyfriend. She desperately wanted to get back with enough time to get dolled up for him. Her mind began pondering the quickest way there and back. One answer kept popping up in her head: A shortcut through the dark woods. With no other idea, the girl left the safe path.

Even though it was mid-day and very sunny out, no light made its way into the dark woods. She had no time to be scared and hurried along her way, wondering what dress she should wear that night. That is until a deep voice made her heart leap into her throat.

"Excuse me young girl." It was like a deep growl and shook Scarlet to the bone. Taking a glance behind her, she observed a lofty shadow. Something about the figures sent shivers up and down her spine.

Remembering her manners she replied. "I'm sorry sir, if would just excuse me." Turning around she walked away as fast as she could. A fury paw grabbed her shoulder and Scarlet froze.

Warning: it starts getting scary here

"Not so fast," she could feel his breath on her neck. He began to sniff her and she became aware of two things. One, this was no man but a wolf of sorts. Two, she should of stayed on the path. Too bad she realized that one too late. "You look tasty," he licked his chomps and Scarlet dropped the basket as his claws dug into her round cheek.

Warning: You may want to skip this part

Blood poured form her fresh cuts. He bit into her shoulder and pulled away flesh. Scarlet was sure she had never felt more pain in all her life. His claws found her waist and tore into her hip and belly. His other paw left repulsive cut marks on her left arm as she fought against his hold. His teeth's next targets were her legs and soon they got their wish.

Having had his fun, the wolf breathed into her ear "Boo." Scarlet took flight, his evil laugh following her. She had only gone a few feet before her body collapsed to ground. Blood flowed freely from her wounds and Scarlet didn't know how to stop them. A single question ran through her head: Am I going to die? She stared at the moon above and asked the question aloud.

A woodcutter found her a while later. "What in the … Oh no!" He started down at the dying mess of a girl before him.

Seeing her last shred of hope, Scarlet called out to him. "Help me please! Help I'm going to die!" With her final words she looked at the woodcutter's bearded face.

"Better put her out of her misery." Scarlet shut her eyes as he raised his axe and swung. Everything went black for the Scarlet.

She awoke felling an odd sensation through her body. Sitting up she became aware of her clean skin. No traces of blood or cuts were found on her body. In fact it looked more dazzling than ever before. She wondered it was all just a horrible dream. The blood covered axe beside her, told her otherwise.

"How do you like your new body?" a soft voice spoke. She glanced around but saw no one. "Do not be afraid, little one," The voice buzzed in her ear. She spun around but the owner of the voice could not be seen.

"Who are you and what do you mean new body?" Scarlet demanded.

"I am the Man on the Moon. You can't me see me, because I'm on the moon." How could she hear him then? "Listen up my dear; I will only say this once." She decided to take his advice and listen. "I have made you and immortal. I have also given you a new body so you can complete the task you will be given. First of all, you will be a messenger to immortals. I have given you the six senses which allow you to locate any immortal on earth."

"Secondly, you will be the protectors of immortals. If any are in danger, attacked, or threatened you must protect them. I have given you the abilities and tools to do so."

"Third, you are the immortal of beauty. Many men will fall for you, but only one is meant to spend forever with you. Trust me my dear you will know him when you meet him."

"Lastly, your name is Red Riding Hood. Now my dear wear your name and cape with pride. All your questions will be answered in the future." With that the voice was gone and Red was left to ponder all he had said.

**** End of Flashback (Still in Third person) ****

Tears fell down Red's tiny face as she finished her story. Jack took her in his arms and for once she didn't fight him. They sat in each other's embrace. One trying to comprehend the story, and the other trying desperately to forget it.

Author's Note: Hello everyone! Sorry it took so long for me to post this chapter. I've just been very busy with papers for school and band practices and preparing for a puppet performance. Anyway hope you liked this chapter. It's my favorite so far and defiantly the longest one yet. So I hope that makes up for the long wait. I have great respect for all those people who can post a new chapter each day. They amaze me, because it takes me at least a week to write a chapter and another week to type it up. . Okay now on with the rest of my author's note.

Goal: 5 reviews, 1 favorite and 3 follows.

Hey guys I decide to have a reward system for reviews! it's not much but I think it's pretty cool. Every big ten (10, 20, 30… and so on) I will give a virtual reward. Here's the list.

~ 10th review: A virtual cupcake and hug from me( already awarded)

~20th review: A hug from Tooth Fairy and Sandman

~30th review: A ride in North's sleigh

~40th review: An autographed Easter egg from Bunnymund

~50th review: A kiss from Jack Frost! Only one though because he's mine. * laughs evilly*

The tenth review award has been awarded to Shine956. I don't think I'll ever get past 30 though. OH well hopefully this will encourage you guys to review.

My question for this chapter is: If I were to write a sequel to this story would you read it? I didn't get any answers to my last question so I won't be writing an Ultimate Spider Man story.

Guess What! This story now has a community! I am pretty happy about that. So now more people can find and review my story.

My cousin helped come up with a cute name for Red and Jack. Reck! I love it. Some others could be Frost Hood, Jack Hood, and Red Frost.

Do you know what I saw in a book? Every time someone talked they used the word said. I'm actually really proud of my story now! Because I use better words than just said when people speak.

Please check out my other stories and community:

~Red, Violet, and Blonde- a My Candy Love story

~ Songs from Kickin'it- a Kickin'it songfic

~Never Realized – a Shake it up one shot

~Kickin'it with Kids - a Kickin'it community

Thanks for reading my boring author's note! Love you guys. 3

Special thanks to my loyal followers (forgive me if I spelled you name wrong)

Shine956

Eophi

All others who have followed, reviewed, and Favorited this story.

Thanks for my: 19 follows, 15 reviews, and 15 favorites

~I love Kick Ausally GeCe out