Once she woke up, Aurora couldn't help but just simply sit up in her bed, pinching the bridge of her nose. 'Mrs. Clause...' She thought with a groan. "Really?" She asked aloud, and noticed that she had woken up in the middle of the night and the moon was just outside her room. She got out of bed, allowing her purple night dress to sway behind her and side to side as she allowed her warm feet to walk across the cold wooden floors.

When she made it to the window she sat on the large cushioned windowsill and let out a frustrated sigh. "Did you plan this, Manny?"

To her surprise she heard his voice in her head and it was calming as well as apologetic. "No, I didn't plan for you to become Mrs. Clause. Your name was a coincidence in this matter if I am to be perfectly honest, and what North had told you was entirely correct. I do not choose what you do with your new life. I only choose Guardians. Tell me, how did you come about your realization."

"Wouldn't you already know?" She asked carefully as she looked at the moon, enjoying it's comforting beams considering how stressed she was. "And just what time is it anyway?"

"It's five in the morning."

"Huh...only slept for thirty minutes then. So, wouldn't you already know what drew me to realizing it?"

"No. I am telepathic like you, but also like you, I do not wish to use it unless I feel I truly must...like now. I'm using it to speak with you. I can tell you will eventually gain this ability as well, but that is beside the point."

"Right, well...It was when I was about to suggest helping North again. It was something in my heart and soul. It was telling me I needed to help him, be there for him, make sure he's less stressed, make sure he rests, make sure he eats, make sure he's not lonely, and I felt as if I was truly meant to do Christmas with him. The ironic thing is...I'm able to do a lot of the things children typically think Mrs. Clause does like cook, bake, sew, and I can also make and fix toys. Another tip was the fact that I have one of the same powers as North."

"You what?" Came Manny's stunned response.

"I take it that's not normal." She dragged out the sentence, unsure if she wanted the answer or not, but said it anyway.

"No, it is not. Every single spirit is unique, but..."

"But...I'm meant to be Mrs. Clause which means I'm meant to know his name someday, and since I'm meant to be Mrs. Clause, it would make sense if I shared some of my...h-husband's powers if we were married. E-Especially if I'm gonna help with Christmas." She quickly shook her head to steady her speech and her nerves, and thankfully Manny seemed to want to help as well, because she felt as if he was hugging her through the moon beam. "However, I only just met him and although he's a wonderful man with an amazing laugh..." She blinked a few times in shock at her own words, but continued anyway. "...I still only just met him, and I get it...it's what I'm meant to do...and I feel it SO strongly it's ridiculous, and when I admitted it...it was as if my heart and soul were joyful from accepting it."

"It truly sounds like you've found what you're meant to do, but you're not happy."

"Of course I'm not happy, Manny." She breathed out. "It's pretty much like a spiritual arranged marriage only no one can back out, run away, or end it, because it's already been decided somehow. It's literally saying that I can only Marry him and never be with anyone else, and I just...Marriage...was never something for me." She placed her feet on the cushion with her and she lined her body up with the window, bringing her knees up to her chest a bit, wrapping her arms around her legs. "I mean...I've seen couples married, and the GOOD couples always have a special flare of something...even when they're fighting, it's still there. I've never known that. I've never even had an inkling of that. I've never had a romantic relationship, Manny, and I'm twenty-five now."

"Lunar."

"What?"

"Lunar...it's a portion of my actual name..."

"Wait...but that's the same name as..." She narrowed her eyes at the moon and watched as the moon beam shined into her room, and her eyes widened at the spot it shined on, because right in front of her eyes, a solid man appeared. He was roundish wearing a yellow vest with a white shirt underneath, a red bow-tie, brown slacks, and black shoes. His eyes were chocolate brown and he had one lock of hair coming out of his shiny bald head as he smiled at her kindly. "M-Manny!?"

"This will be our little secret. Okay, Aurora?" He chuckled as he held a finger up to his mouth and gave her a brief wink.

"U-Um..." She let out a half amused half dry chuckle as she stared at him. "...mind telling me why you look like my Father!? The same Father that..."

"...that did in fact sneak away from his wife to come and see your accomplishments and to grab some sweets? The same Father that sent a letter from an anonymous writer saying, 'You've done great things with your toys and bakery. Keep up the hard work and know that you are appreciated.'? That Father?" He asked with a knowing smirk.

"Y-You!? Are you serious!? Are you lying to me!?"

"No, but I guess you didn't get your mother's letter saying that I've left for a while, but that we would still be married and to not worry. However, being back at the moon...it takes a toll on my energy in strange ways...Anyway, She sent it a day before I went back to the moon to tell the Guardians that they were going to need Jack Frost's help."

"W-Wait...you...really? You're really my...?"

"YES!" He laughed out with pure amusement in his eyes.

"What about Lana?"

"I've turned her into a spirit too. I couldn't bare to see my children dead...and remain so. Not when I knew I could do something about it."

"Wait, so where is she?"

"Mother Nature took her in. Keep in mined I don't choose the powers. Those I turn into spirits...their magic and powers come from their soul. Who they are inside and it reflects the spirit as a person in a way. She's a wind and storm spirit. She can alter forms. So, she can either be the wind...not Jack's wind, but just the wind in general. Jack's wind is something that disconnected itself from Mother Nature when he was born...anyway...she can also become a storm, and she can revert back to her original form...well...the one she gained from me bringing her back to life...Mother Nature doesn't know who she is to me, and she doesn't know about you either."

"S-So...she's alive?"

"In the spirit world yes, and don't worry, your mother is taking excellent care of Michael. Your nephew, Lana's son...is currently being spoiled rotten."

"A-And...you...you never...I mean...I thought...I thought you didn't like the fact that I made toys and..."

"No, believe me, that was all your mother talking. I, more than anything, wanted you to pick a path that made you the happiest, but your mother wasn't going to listen to me. She thought she knew best, and I still love her, but you know how she can get."

Aurora couldn't help but laugh and nod her head. "She's as stubborn as a mule!"

"Yes, she truly is. However, after your outburst to her about your decision and your determination, she permanently dropped the issue. She asked me to go and spy on you to see if you were happy, and she asked me to get one of the chocolates that you used to make for her that she likes so much. After I did that and told her you were genuinely happy...she said she was glad and that she felt bad for not being more understanding and supportive earlier."

"Really she said that? Wait...special chocolate...Oh! The dark chocolate with cayenne pepper!"

"Yes she did and yes that's the one! You're mother has some weird tastes...anyway...if it wasn't obvious, yes...I'm your father, and..." He took a deep breath in through his nose and let it out with nerves bubbling in his chest. "...that means there's A LOT you don't know."

"Like what?"

"Like the fact that you're royalty." He stated with a nervously furrowed brow as he rocked back and forth slightly on his heels.

"I-I'm w-what!?"

"I'm a prince. Basically my Mother was a Queen and my Father was a King. I still wish to believe that they're alive somewhere out there, but yes...you are a princess and so is your sister. You are Princess Aurora Nichole Clause."

"Wait...is your last name really Clause?"

"No. Your mother and I decided that you girls would have her maiden name until you were ready for my last name, and now you are. It was also to hide my name from others that would know me and likely try to find everything out about my family to either get to me...or ask me WAY too many questions."

"Oh man...if North finds out...how do you think he's going to react?"

"I imagine quite hilariously considering no one apart from you, your sister, and your mother know that I have children let alone a wife and a grandchild."

"That makes sense. I think I'll hold off on telling him. So, what's my new real name?"

"Well, considering I actually like your last name being Clause, and it's your purpose apparently...Your new true name is Aurora Nichole Lunanoff Clause."

"Wow, that's a beautiful name." She stated with stunned eyes as she watched her body glow with a brilliant silver color.

"I'm glad you think so. It makes you a daughter of the moon."

"I...I'm a daughter of the moon..." She looked away from him to look at the moon just outside her window. "So..." She started with a shaky breath. "...why are you here?"

"I missed my daughter and I would rather see you than speak to your mind."

She turned her head to look at him, heart pounding with hope and joy in her chest. "Really?"

"Really really." He answered.

With tears threatening to fall she jumped up and wrapped her arms around him. "I missed you so much!"

Manny hugged his daughter tightly with an arm wrapped around her shoulders, his right hand petting her hair, and the other arm wrapped around just under that. "I've missed you too!" He said with tears slipping from his eyes. "I know I visited your shop every now and then, but..."

"But it wasn't the same."

"No..." He said as he slowly ended the hug. "...it wasn't, but you should know that your mother is proud of you. You may not have gotten the career she wanted you to have, but..."

"I know. I think a part of me has always known she was at least little bit proud of me. It was the one thing she was EVER mad at me for. Anyway, I can't help but feel that you're here for another reason other than to just see me."

"You spoke to me first. I couldn't exactly ignore you, and I...selfishly wanted to spend time with my daughter. I want to hear about your experiences, and I want to hear how everyone's treating you. I want to hear about your powers, and stuff like that. It feels like forever since I've listened. I...I want to be there for you...AND your sister...if you'll let me. I'll of course have to go back up to the moon, but I can visit with you privately like this from time to time."

"I...I would really like that, Dad."

Manny clutched a hand at his heart as it ached with joy at hearing her call him that, and he felt his knees go weak from the crushing weight of how much hope it gave him. After her defense against the career that made her happy, he hadn't heard her call him that since. He had always heard her call him Lunar, because she grew up with her mom calling him that. He had taken on her Mother's name Clause to disguise himself after they got married...but this was the first time in a long time that he heard her call him Dad. "Thank you." He breathed out with a joyful smile. "Now...I have to go speak with your sister."

"How are you going to do that without explaining things to Mother Nature?"

"That's the thing...I'm going to have to explain things to her."

"Huh...don't forget to tell her about me, okay?"

"Wouldn't dream of it." He laughed out as the joyful tears slipped from his eyes again. "I wouldn't be surprised if Mother Nature came to see you herself, so don't be too surprised. She'll also more than likely be especially cryptic for the Guardians because of how sensitive this will be."

"Oh! That's going to be so much fun!"

"Hmm..." He chuckled warmly. "...as mischievous as your mother. I'll see you later, Aurora."

"Bye...Dad."

"I love the fact that you're still going to call me that after everything, but for now...you have to address me as Manny, okay?"

"Even in the sound proof rooms?" She pouted slightly.

"Even then. Just for now though...I'm sorry."

"It's okay, I understand. So...since you're CLEARLY trusted with my name...can I be trusted with yours before you go?"

"Yes." He smiled. "My name is Tsar Lunar Lunanoff X."

They both briefly glowed, but both ignored it. "THE TENTH!?"

"Yes." He grinned. "Now, I really must go."

"Alright, see you next time." She watched as a moon beam shined on him and he vanished along with the moon beam. Once he was gone, she couldn't help the giddy giggle that left her mouth at being able to have her family, and perhaps she'll get to see her sister, but first, she would need to get some rest to ready herself for the upcoming day and for the likely visit from Mother Nature."

oOoOoOoOoOo

When she woke up four hours later, she couldn't get dressed fast enough. She took a quick shower, brushed her teeth, brushed her hair, and hurried to put on a grey shirt, black jeans, black boots, and when she looked in her closet, she found a coat that was her size and looked like North's. "Oh, I am SO wearing this!" She laughed as she quickly pulled it down and put it on before rushing to her door. "Alright...calm down...can't act too excited. He'll know something's up. He's a smart man."

When she left her room, she went straight for North's office, trying to keep her composure, but she was just too happy. Her Mom and Dad were proud of her, and her sister was alive, and she might get to see her today. She knocked on the door and it swung open, but when she walked in, she didn't see North in the office. "He must be in his room, but how do I knock on THAT door? It's a secret passage." She remembered what book he had pulled and bit her lip. "I hope he doesn't mind...I mean...he did invite me in when I knocked..." She pulled on the book and the wall opened up, and what she saw was certainly not what she expected. She expected him to be up and probably getting dressed, but what she was met with was North sleeping soundly under the covers...shirtless. She walked towards him and her jaw dropped at just how many tattoos he had. She also noticed that smaller tattoos that were around the words 'Naughty' and 'Nice' went up to his elbows. she also noticed that he was actually pretty fit. From what she could tell from the covers, he did have a belly, but not much of one. There was a belly to grab, yeah, but most of it was actually muscle, and she could tell how with his clothes, most may think he had a large belly, but that wasn't entirely the case. 'Wow...' Was all she could think as she continued to look at his muscular sleeping form. She quickly shook her head and let out a quiet breath of air. 'Remember why you're here, Aurora.' She moved closer to North to where his back was facing her, and she placed a hand on his arm. As soon as her skin touched his, she felt warm all over her body from how smooth, comforting, and warm his skin felt, and it caused a blush to grace her cheeks. She cleared her throat as she willed the blush and the mysterious warmth away. "North..." She called out and earned a tired groan from him. Her blush deepened and she knew she couldn't shake the blush from before anymore. 'W-Wait...do I honestly find him attractive like this?' As soon as she asked that question in her mind, she knew the answer and her eyes widened in shock. 'W-Well...either way...he needs to get up.' She shook him lightly. "North, it's time to get up." She told him, and moved as she noticed he started to sit up.

As he got up, the first thing North noticed was that his bedroom door was open. "Who...?" He asked, but then he turned his head to face Aurora and his eyes widened just a bit through his tired eyes. "Aurora...what are you doing in my room?"

As if the question was a bullet, she felt as if she was shot with nerves, and that wasn't something she was used to so she immediately started rapidly explaining. "Well...I'm supposed to be helping you today, remember? And I thought...well...I thought it was getting a bit late in the morning, and um...I knocked on your door and it opened so I thought you were awake, but when I pulled on the book I remembered you pulling, I saw that you were asleep and..."

North shook his head with a low rumble of a chuckle. "You act as if you think I will be mad at you."

"Well...aren't you? I mean...I basically barged into your room while you were sleeping."

"No, just surprised. Also, I am shirtless, so perhaps a little embarrassed." He scratched the back of his head as he looked at her.

"You're embarrassed? Why!?"

His eyes widened at her in astonishment. "Well, I am not the most handsome man, and I do look old, so the fact that a beautiful young woman has entered my room and I am shirtless...that's something." North's eyes widened even further as he realized what he just said. 'Okay...why did I call her beautiful...again...and why did I admit all of that!? True or not...I could've at least said something else.'

Meanwhile, at his explanation all Aurora could think was, 'Bullshit for one. For two, those tattoos, and for three...WAIT! Why am I listing off these things!? Sure, I just found out I find him attractive, but c'mon! I can't have it this bad...can I?' She shook her head and gave him a smile. "I don't think that's entirely true." She told him, feeling the need to at least say something. "But, I'll wait in your office for you."

"Thank you." He blinked a few times as he watched her walk away and out of his room and he waved the door to close slowly. 'Well that was a little strange...what had she meant by...?' He shook his head as he got up from his bed. "Bah, is no matter! Although..." He sighed out as he walked over to his closet to get a change of clothes. "...that was very unexpected, and...why...didn't I mind?"

Meanwhile as North got dressed, Aurora was sitting in the chair that North had given her last night, and she pondered on why the feeling in her heart told her that being in there was okay and...right, and why she suddenly found him attractive. However, at that thought she shook her head lightly as she pinched her chin in thought. 'No...I thought his laugh was pretty attractive if I'm to be honest. I just hadn't seen him shirtless...and those interesting tattoos...and...' She blinked several times and shook her head. '...and what's wrong with me!?'

Interrupting her thoughts, she heard the door open once more, and saw North wearing a red shirt, black pants, black boots, and a black and silver sash. She also noticed that he was wearing his coat. "I thought since you apparently have your coat on, you can help me with reindeer today."

"I get to help with the reindeer!?" She questioned with pure excitement shining in her eyes as she shot up from the chair.

North nodded his head as he smiled at her. "C'mon. They will love you."

"Lead the way!" She said as she followed him out of his office. Once they left and closed the door, a question nagged at the back of her mind as she stared at the door. "Hey, North?"

"Yes?"

"If you were asleep, how did you let me in?"

"What do you mean?" North stopped and casted a sound spell with a furrowed brow. "I didn't let you in. Didn't Yeti let you in?"

"No, I knocked on the door and it opened."

His eyes widened and he walked back to his office door. "Show me." He said as he stepped to the side of the door.

"Alright..." She shrugged her shoulders and knocked on the door, and the door swung open. "See...?" She asked, but then looked up at North, and his expression was one of pure shock and astonishment. "North?"

"You...you are meant to be here." He gasped in astonishment.

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is..." North reached in and closed the door, and continued back towards the elevator. "...our discussion last night. The only people that door opens for without me doing anything are Manny, but he never visits anymore, Mother Nature, Katherine...and now...apparently you. It will open for people who are meant to be there, or who are extremely powerful, but it opens differently. If it was because you were powerful, the door would open as soon as you approached it, which is how it would open for Manny and Mother Nature, but for you and Katherine, it will open after you knock."

"I can't remember if you told me or not...but who is Katherine?"

"She's like a sister to me. I've known her since I was mortal...since SHE was mortal. She is like younger sister, and she is also known as Mother Goose."

"SHE'S Mother Goose!? She's real too!?"

"As real as anything." North laughed lightly. "Stubborn, fierce, kind, gentle, and adventurous. She doesn't come by often anymore, but perhaps you'll meet her someday."

"Maybe." She shrugged as she looked back at the gate. "So, it's because of who I'm meant to be?"

"Seems so. My office seems to think you belong just as much as Katherine."

"Wait...your office has a mind of it's own?"

"No, just a sense of a person's heart and soul. It senses true intentions, emotion, and magic. The yeti can pretty much break down door, and I ALWAYS ask them to knock, but they never do. Come! To Reindeer!"

oOoOoOoOo

Once they made it to the reindeer stalls, Aurora couldn't help but let out a soft, "Awe!" At the baby reindeer in one of the stall that read 'Vixen.' "Huh, so Vixen had a baby reindeer?"

North stopped moving and he looked up at Vixen's name and then back at Aurora with a stunned expression. "You never cease to amaze me."

"What did I say?" She asked with a slight tilt of her head, wondering how she could've stunned him that much for him to stop.

"You can read that?" He asked as he pointed up to Vixen's name.

"Yeah. Plain as day. I...wait...that...I shouldn't be able to read it."

"No, you shouldn't, but you can. It's elvish. Very very old language. Older than me, but I found the language beautiful, so I write in it sometimes, and I wrote it on the stalls."

"I'm guessing that's just another part of what I'm meant to do?"

"I think...that we are going to have MANY similarities that will have to do with what you are meant to do. Should make things interesting, no?"

"Yeah, it's gonna be interesting alright. So, what are we here for?"

"To check for any damage done to hooves, things in fur, make sure antlers are okay, stuff like that."

"Don't the yeti do it?"

"The yeti don't know how." He said simply and walked all the way to the end of the hallway.

"Starting with Dasher?" She asked as she read the sign.

"Yes. We will start with most difficult reindeer." North opened the stall and it was big enough for three of him. "Come."

She walked in and immediately started petting Dasher's fur. "Whoa! It's super soft! It's like I'm petting silk, but it's fur!"

"He is letting you pet him?" North questioned with widened eyes as he watched the bright smile on her face when she gave him a nod. He couldn't help but return the smile even if she wasn't paying attention any longer. 'This is...nice.' He thought to himself with a small inward sigh. 'She apparently belongs in my office, she can read elvish, she speak with yeti, and Dasher seems to like her, and he doesn't like ANYONE but me. Not even Katherine. She truly is meant to be here, but unless she genuinely wishes, I won't push her to what she's meant to do. It would not be right by any means.' He let out a light sigh as he grabbed a brush. "Here, you brush and I'll check antlers."

"Okay." She said with a bright smile and began brushing Dasher's fur, earning approving grunts from the reindeer himself.

As North checked the antlers, he glanced over at Aurora, and she seemed content brushing his fur. 'I will not push her towards what she's meant to do.' He repeated. 'We had only just met, and we are friends for now, but we are still friends that barely know each other. Not something to take lightly. Besides...I have never been in honest romantic relationship.' With that thought in mind, a question rang loud, clear, and irritating in the back of his mind, and he just had to ask. "Aurora?"

"Hmm?" She asked as she moved towards the front of Dasher.

"I know this is a strange question, and I hope you won't be angry at me for asking, but...have you ever been with anyone? Romantically?"

"No." She sighed out as she pursed her lips. "I have not. No boyfriends, and not even a small crush. It...It just wasn't right for me." As she said that, she heard her traitorous mind and heart tell her, 'It's because you're meant to be with North.' She shook her head and continued to brush Dasher. "I never felt the slightest bit attracted to anyone. Not even celebrities. No matter what anyone would say or suggest...I just couldn't." She told him with a small smile. 'That is until you saw North asleep.' Her back stabbing mind teased. 'Okay, the voice in my head called a conscience REALLY needs to cut it the fuck out. I would like to keep my OWN thoughts. Thank you!'

"So...you do not know what it is like to love another romantically?" He asked, feeling a slight pang in his chest. 'To think...she hasn't known such a thing. I haven't either, but there is no reason why she shouldn't have. She's beautiful and...' His eyes widened at his own thought. '...and just how many times have I thought her like that in such a short time? What is going on!?'

"No, I don't. So, what about you, North. I'm sure you were quite the looker in your day. Was there anyone for you back then?" She asked as she moved to the other side of the reindeer as North started to check the hooves.

"Well, being a bandit king did not leave whole lot of room for romance." He chuckled low, feeling comfortable talking about his past with another for the first time in a long time.

"So...that's a no when you were a bandit king, but what about after?" She asked with a curious tone. 'Not exactly the conversation I thought I would be having with North, but it's good to know I guess...wait...WHY would it be good to know!?'

"No one still."

"Wow...so...that's a long time without a woman...or do you...do you actually prefer...men?"

"NO!" North shouted shaking his head. "Definitely prefer women! Cannot see men like that! No!"

"Okay, okay." She laughed, feeling the amusement settle comfortably in her chest. "Fair enough, but...judging from what you said, you've at least found women attractive. So...did that mean you slept with women as a bandit king?"

'Why am I so comfortable talking about this with her?' He sighed through his nose and nodded his head. "Yes, I have, and according to women back then, I WAS apparently very handsome."

"Huh...Santa was a bad boy..." She teased and grinned when she saw him smile at her with a mischievous side glance.

"You have no idea, Aurora." He smirked.

The way he lowered his voice sent a shiver up her spine, making her feel warm all over, only confirming her earlier thoughts. 'Yup, I find him attractive. This is so weird. He's much older, he even LOOKS much older, but at the same time he's good looking, strong, and kind...and even though he looks older...I still find him attractive. HOW!? I found NO ONE attractive for my whole life and then Santa swoops in with his reindeer drawn sleigh, and offers to let me live at the North Pole, and that all changes! What am I supposed to do? The first person I find attractive is SANTA!?' She shook her head and gave North the brush back. "Just so I understand..." She started not knowing why she was going to ask her next question, but started anyway. "...do you mean I have no idea about how you were a bad boy with women or with being a bandit King?"

"Both." He laughed out. "Although, I am thinking that is not much to brag about, or something that should be bragged about."

"Why not?"

"What do you mean why not!?" He narrowed his eyes at her as he moved to check the other hoof. "It is nothing to brag about."

"From what it sounded like, it was. You were so good looking that you had women pretty much fawning all over you, and you were a bandit KING."

"I may have been mischievous and wild, but it was no way to treat those women. I had a great time with each one, but it was no way to treat them. They all deserved something true. Something lasting...and I wouldn't give that to them. Eventually...I stopped sleeping with women when I was around twenty-six, because I knew they deserved better, and I knew I WOULDN'T give that. That is one of the many many MANY reasons why I will not take ANY kind of relationship lightly."

"So...it's not because you're a romantic, it's because you KNOW what a woman deserves, and you refuse to give that?"

"Not exactly." He waved his head slowly from side to side. "I would give that for the right woman, but to me, if I find the right woman, she will be the ONLY right woman. Even if she were to die someday, I...I feel it in my belly that I would not love another, and that would mean that I would trust her with all I am. Not just as North and the bringer of Christmas, but as my past as well. I would be letting her see sides no one has ever seen and that no one will EVER see, and no, I do not just mean in bedroom...I mean emotionally and personality wise." He let out a huff of air to calm his nerves, but a thought entered his mind. 'Kind of...like...I'm doing now...with Aurora...' Then, he heard Aurora's soft laugh.

"Anyone who doesn't accept you and your past, but expects you to love them is an idiot. Your past isn't bad, North. It sounds exciting and adventurous. Yeah, you slept with women, but you learned from it, and because of it, you've decided to devote your love and attention for only ONE other person for eternity. Whoever that turns out being...she should consider herself lucky." Her heart started to pound at her own words, and her eyes widened slightly. 'Wh-Why did I say that!? It's true, but I shouldn't have said it.'

'What if that was you?' North thought almost instantly at her words, and staggered back slightly as he still felt his heart hammer away at his chest like he would his ice sculptures at their conversation. He knows his heart had never reacted that way to anyone before let alone kind words, but as he looked at her content smile, his heart picked up pace again and his eyes widened in shock. 'I-I...I can't...be...' He stuttered in his mind as he walked to Dasher's back right leg to check the hoof, but then she looked up at him and he lost the ability to breathe in her eyes. He instantly went over every 'odd' feeling he experienced with her. The amount of laughter she could pull from him, the fact that he didn't mind her in his room, and all the times she's caused a warmth to bloom in his chest, and his eyes widened as realization struck him even harder.

"North, are you alright?" She questioned with a concerned expression. "Did I say something wrong?"

As he looked into her emerald green eyes he had one thought at his revelation, and his heart and soul were telling him his revelation was right and true. 'I AM in love with her!' Quickly realizing that she had asked him a question, he shook his head to answer her. "No, you didn't say anything wrong. It was just...surprising is all." He told her as he leaned down to check the hoof, but his mind kept him distracted. 'She's beautiful, witty, opinionated, intelligent, a mystery, mischievous, and stubborn...and I...my heart...' He thought, and held a hand to his heart for just a moment. '...it is still pounding at just the thought. I...I am in love with her. In such a short time? Love at first sight maybe? Ugh...I do not want to...but I may need to speak with Cupid.'

"Okay, but are you alright?" She asked, completely unaware of his inner turmoil.

"Yes. I'm alright. Just getting old I suppose." He joked as he stood back up, but then another thought hit him. 'Oh...I'm old...that may be problem. However, I am, for some reason...just content with her company. Strange...but I am old. I LOOK old...and she says she's meant to be...' North swallowed a lumo in his throat before moving to check the last hoof. '...not possible. She may be meant to be Mrs. Clause, but that will more than likely be many many decades possibly even centuries down the road. She could not feel for me that way now. I am too old for her. I look old enough to be her grandfather...but...I am still content to just be around her, and I feel...as if...I don't HAVE to tell her just yet. Belly tells me I don't have to tell her yet, and Belly tells me that patience is needed. So, I will go with belly and just stay content and be myself as she requested.'

"I highly doubt that. You may look old, but your spirit is as young as I am...maybe just a tad older, but no older than thirty."

"You really think so?" He asked as they left the stall and moved to Dancer's stall, and repeated their actions.

"Yeah, you certainly don't dance like an old man that's for sure." She told him as she grinned at remembering the dance and how he expertly twirled her, spun her, and the fact that she recognized they were dancing a waltz to Christmas music AND keeping a conversation.

"Well at least there's that." He laughed out.

After that, they had continued to check the reindeer over in silence for the next hour. "Well, that is last one." North breathed out as they started to leave the building the stalls were in.

"Yup." She nodded. "So...there's not actually a Rudolf?"

"What do you mean?" He smirked at her. "You saw him when we walked in."

"V-Vixen's baby is Rudolf!?"

"I thought it appropriate because of songs, and his nose really was red when he was born. However, it's gone to a normal color now and it doesn't glow, so there's that."

Once they officially left the stables and were once again in the workshop, they heard a whooshing sound behind them and turned around to see a circular green light and two women stepped forward. "Ah, there's the new spirit." Mother Nature grinned.

"Mother Nature what brings you here?" North questioned, but before Mother Nature could answer, he watched as Aurora ran towards the other woman dressed in a long regal looking blue dress with long wavy white hair and electric blue eyes.

"LANA!" Aurora shouted as she wrapped her arms around her.

"AURORA!" Lana shouted as she returned the hug.

Mother Nature gave a light and soft chuckle as she shook her head at Aurora and Lana. "This is why I'm here." She stated calmly as she gestured to the two hugging women.

"Aurora?" North questioned carefully, gaining the attention from both women as they separated from their joyful hug.

"Wait, is that..." Lana started with wide eyes. "...is that Santa!?"

"YES!" Aurora told her with a light giggle. "Oh! It's so good to see you! I thought I was never going to see you again!" She turned to face North, who was now smiling, but still had a furrowed brow. "North, this is my sister, Lana."

"Your sister? But I thought..."

"Yeah, I thought so too, but apparently not!"

"Wait a minute, how did you end up at the North Pole?" Mother Nature asked with questioning eyes and an amused smirk. Manny had explained a great deal to her. He explained that Aurora and Lana are his daughters and their original last names belong to their mother and not him, BECAUSE of his name, and that their last name was Clause. He also explained what some of Aurora's powers were and the purpose she discovered. However, Manny also told her that it is a purpose that Aurora is trying to fight. 'Foolish girl. You cannot fight your purpose. It will find you and wrap you in a warm embrace until you hug back, and then it will be as close to you as your very soul.' She had thought when she heard what Manny had said, but she was mostly amused that there would really be a Mrs. Clause. However, he did not explain how she got to the North Pole.

"Oh, well..." Aurora began explaining what happened that led to her arriving at the North Pole, but she stopped at the arrival. "...and since then, I've been here."

"North?" Mother Nature's eyes widened quite a bit in astonishment. "You allowed her to borrow your coat?"

Aurora rolled her eyes in exasperation at Mother Nature's words. "What is everyone's deal about that?"

"Well, dear Aurora..." Mother Nature started with astonishment still shining in her eyes, but pure amusement on her lips as she grinned. "...back in North's day, the only person they would offer their coats to would be their intended or someone they fancied. In other words...someone they felt a strong attraction or romantic feelings towards."

North blushed lightly, but not light enough to notice. "I wasn't thinking about that." He stated honestly. "She was cold, and there was hole in dress. So, I gave her coat."

"He's telling the truth." Aurora confirmed. "I found that one of my powers is the ability to be able to tell how much of something is a truth or a lie. He's being completely honest." She told Mother Nature and Lana with a calm smile on her face.

"Yes, so it seems." Mother Nature hummed in amusement. "So how has your stay been at the North Pole?"

"It's been wonderful. I love my room, and I even got to...OH! Lana! Guess what! I finally danced with someone!"

"Really!? Who!?"

"North." She smiled, but then she noticed the stunned look on Mother Nature as she looked up at North. "What is it now, Mother Nature?" She groaned lightly, placing her hands on her hips.

"Well, for starters it's been a little over three centuries since North has danced with anyone."

"She is telling truth, but it was best way to talk to you about center."

"That's okay. It was a good dance and a good conversation."

"Oh, so she knows her center? That means she knows what she's the spirit of." She turned to Lana to explain further. "It's not exactly what she's meant to do, but what her main powers and magic will be a part of." She then turned to face Aurora. "What would that be?"

"Creativity." Aurora stated proudly and noticed her sister's eye roll.

"OF COURSE! Of course it's creativity." Lana laughed out. "You were always doing something that was artsy."

"Yeah and? I remember someone liking the same chocolates Mom liked, and if you make fun, I won't make ANY for you!"

"Aurora!" Lana held out her arms with a wide smile. "You know I love you right?"

"Uh huh. Sure." Aurora rolled her eyes with a joyful and playful smile. "So how's being a storm spirit going?"

"Manny told you, huh?"

"It's how I found out you were alive."

"He told me you were alive too." She smiled. "Well, I have A LOT to learn. I accidentally started a small fire, but one of the rain spirits put it out before it became a wild fire."

"I'm not surprised with how much of a temper you have." Aurora teased as she stuck her tongue out.

"Always such a child." Lana chuckled lightly.

"And PROUD of it!" She exclaimed with a proud laugh.

"Yeah, I'm still trying to wrap my head around you being right about Santa existing."

"Oh, they all exist! The Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, Sandman, and even Jack Frost! I met them!"

"Okay, now I'm really jealous." She said with wide eyes and honesty in her tone.

"You should be!" Aurora said with a victorious nod. "Oh! The Easter Bunny is Australian and I freaked him out by catching his boomerang in mid-flight. I danced with him too. He's not that bad for a giant rabbit...OH! And turns out he's not ACTUALLY a giant rabbit, but at the same time he IS. He's from outer space and he's something called a Pooka."

"My, my...for Aster to be taken with someone to the point of telling them THAT."

"What do you mean?" Aurora questioned as she looked up at an astonished Mother Nature.

"Well, it seems that you may have unwittingly gained a brother, considering Aster had said that he would only tell others of his past if they felt like family to him. Everyone else would have to figure it out."

"Huh, I don't mind, but why are you calling him Aster?"

"It's a portion of his name that I'm trusted with. Don't use it directly though, okay?"

"Alright."

"OH!" Lana gasped. "I just noticed! Aurora! You're hair! It's shorter!"

"Yeah, courtesy of Manny apparently. I kind of like it. I've been meaning to get a hair cut anyway."

"Yes, but...your hair was SO beautiful when it was long."

'It still is.' North thought briefly, but then he noticed a highly amused grin coming from Mother Nature as her eyes darted up to meet him. 'Reading my thoughts again, Emily?'

'They're always so interesting, North.' North rolled his eyes and watched Aurora interact with her sister some more, finding the sight endearing.

"I know, but I think it still is. It's white like snow, and you know how much I love snow!"

"Yes, I know, and you know how much I don't." She chuckled. "However, I like to think my hair is close to the color of lightning going across the sky. You know how much I loved to sit outside and watch the storms."

"Yes, and I would be right out there with you with snacks and sweet tea as we listened to the rain and watched the storms rage. Our favorite was always..."

"...Tornado Season!" Lana finished with pure delight.

"Yeah, as long as it wasn't right next to the house."

"Yeah...that wasn't the BEST idea." Lana admitted as she looked to the ground for just a second.

"No, but it made for an excellent story to tell Mom and Dad." Aurora winked at her, and judging by Lana's smile, she also knew who their Father was.

"Yeah, and they weren't happy with either of us. We went into the storm cellar at the last minute. We barely made it." Lana breathed out in mild agitation.

"But it was fun!"

"Yeah, but was the lecture?" Lana asked with a risen brow.

"No." Aurora answered while rubbing the back of her neck. "No, the lecture was not fun."

"Well, I am so glad the two of you could see each other again, but she still needs more training." Mother Nature stated with a pleased smile. "You'll get to see each other more. I promise."

"Thank you, Mother Nature." Aurora said just as the portal opened up.

"You can both call me Emily." She stated, earning a dropped jaw from North. "I will not give you my full name yet, but a portion of my name is fine. Farewell."

Once they left, Aurora turned around to face North, and noticed his shocked expression. "You okay, North?"

He shook his head and smiled down at her. "Yes. I just did not expect her to give you her name. It may not be a full name, but only certain people like myself and the other Guardians are allowed to call her Emily."

"Huh...well...I'll treat it well then. So, what's next?"

"Lunch." North chuckled low. "Lunch is what's next. I am hungry."

"And then after?" She asked as she followed North to the elevator.

"After...you can show me how good you are with a sword. I remember you mentioning something about that."

"Are you sure you'll be able to take me?" She asked with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

'This woman...' He let out an amused laugh as he shook his head. "Do not get cocky, Aurora."

"We'll see." She hummed.