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Walking down the chilled stairs with no neither shoes nor socks was one thing…but walking in the snow was an entirely different one. Santa had told Bernard to take her to her room, insisting that he does it. Something told Natsuko that Santa was either incredibly busy with toy making…or he was absolutely terrified of her.
"Then again who wouldn't be?" She thought bitterly. After all, she was locked away for so many decades just because she fell in love with the opposite of herself. No one talked to her enough to know if she had lost her sanity, if she was planning and plotting her vengeance, if she wanted to mess everyone up just to make herself feel better.
Those who did come near her without flinching, which weren't a lot, trusted and loved her enough to trust her still. For example; Bernard. Bernard was like a brother to her, they were 'tight' back then and to him, nothing had changed. Sure he saw the dim look in her eyes but he was either determined to ignore the 50 year blank or make her forget it.
The truth was…she was bitter. She felt bitter, betrayed, alone and just plain depressed. Shaking it off though, she smiled and nodded absentmindedly at what Bernard spoke of. What exactly did he say about her 'revealing' dress?
"Well, here's your room." The Head Elf smiled, stopping at a huge pair of wooden doors. "I'll have an elf come up and make sure you're okay and all. You must be tired and hungry, after all. Oh and, don't worry Natsuko, there's a balcony over looking the crowded streets. Is that okay?"
"Oh thanks, really Bernard. I really appreciate all this…asking Santa to let me stay here and the balcony and…thank you." She gave him a soft smile; her green eyes dark yet dim. Only a girl with a broken spirit could pull that off.
She walked into the room and felt her eyes grow huge, her ruby red lips make an 'o' appearance. As she walked, she felt her knees grow weak, her head grow light. She felt faint with shock and amazement.
The place where she stayed was dark and dreary. This place was…huge and colorful! The ceiling was high; the balcony was decorated with green vines. There was a huge bed with vines on it as well, a dresser and a huge mirror. She smiled, staring into it. It took up half a wall! Near by were a cocoa machine and a cookie maker. Grinning, she thought she'd try to get real food before anything snacks.
For now though…she'd try out the bed. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was asleep, falling into the fitful nightmare known as her past.
50 Years Ago
Humming a faint lullaby, Natsuko walked inside Santa's Workshop. She was late for their meeting but had an excuse. As her bare petite feet touched the ground, she shivered at the coldness. Her hair was as short as her shoulders, which gave her a childish appearance. Her smile glowed brightly when she entered the room.
Why was she so happy?
Because she was finally able to see Jack Frost once more.
For months now, she had developed a sort of crush on him. It all started several months ago, when she was waiting for meeting to start. When she snapped out of her daydream long enough to hear a very taunting voice ring out, "What about Frostmas?!"
Looking over to see Santa Claus shake his head, she looked at the man next to him, the one responsible for the taunting yet charming voice. He had blue icy hair, his eyes just as cold. His suit was a baby blue with barely any white on it; his skin looked as though a layer of ice rest on it.
Now this was the sixth time or so that she had been able to see him. So far, she managed to keep her crush a secret but it, at times, was painfully obvious. She'd giggle or blush at some stupid cheesy joke he'd say. She'd let her gaze linger for too long. She'd try to get as close physically to him as possible. And yet, he remained ignorant to it all.
To be blunt, she had fallen for his charm.
As she walked in this time, however, she could feel the tense depressing air immediately. Sitting in her seat near Frost, she noted mentally that he was gaping at her as though she were an alien.
"…Did I miss something?" She felt everyone's gaze on her. What had they talked about for twenty minutes without her?
"Natsuko…" Father Time began. "…As we all know, there must be a balance in the season if we can not have life to be exact. For every grain dropped on the right, the left must have the same." She didn't like where this was going, "You are the Summer Spirit but Jack is the Winter Spirit. You bring warmth, he brings coldness."
"Your point?" Her voice was sharp, confusion in her eyes. She tried to focus on the old man and woman in front, trying to ignore Frost's amazed gaze at her.
When he hesitated, Mother Nature took over. "Our point being, Natsuko is that you can not fall in love with the opposite side of your power, your job in hopes of getting the same emotion returned. I've noticed a lot lately that summer has been very…chilly because it has failed to arrive yet."
Unable to stop herself from turning a dark red, she tensed considerably. "…Then I'll focus more on that. Is that all?"
"No…" Father Time seemed to have finally found his voice, "…We think it would be best for you to…not come near here for a while. Maybe two or three months, I mean."
"Why?!" She stood up, the chair flying to the ground. Her rage filled eyes made her hair turn red, destroying all and any trace of brown. "Just because I did a silly thing like fall for Winter?! I refuse to leave even for a month! I will simply force myself to…"
"We've taken a vote already." He spoke up, his soft eyes full of wisdom and pain.
She didn't dare look at Jack, afraid of what he had said. Bernard watched from the doorway, hesitant. "…I refuse to leave." She whispered softly.
"You must and will; we're decided already." Mother Nature's voice was crisp and commanding.
Suddenly Natsuko held out her hand, a huge vine thorn like whip appearing. "Who's gonna make me?" Everything on her was red now, pure rage. Without warning, a fight erupted…all because of love.
Several hours later, Natsuko knelt on the ground, leaning on her brother-like-friend Bernard for support. She was bleeding but did not care; only feeling triumph about Mother Nature's wound to the neck and arm. She chuckled darkly, unable to resist it. As soon as her eyes glanced at Frost's shocked and awe face, she felt herself shrink.
Holding her bloody thigh, she felt her blood turn to ice. "You are here by banished for 50 years, Natsuko the Summer Spirit." Father Time announced, watching her green eyes turn dark with fear.
As she was hauled away, she turned to look at the mans he loved once more. He said nothing, did nothing…just stared with amazement. "Jack…" She whispered gently, tears filling her eyes.
Next chapter: Natsuko awakes and goes downstairs to the kitchen to see Jack Frost! Bernard talks to her about him. Review please!
