It was a normal summer day for Jack. For once, he had no lessons to attend. Tooth was too busy and North started on a new project that had taken most of his time for the past few weeks. So this left Jack with free time. Of course, it wasn't like he could go out and interact with the children. It was summer in the northern hemisphere and while it may be winter down south, it never got cold enough for him to make it snow.
So he decided to wander around Santoff Clausen. Since North gave him a room after the Guardians had found out that he didn't really have a home, Jack had become curious of the rest of the workshop. So, when he discovered that Santoff Clausen had 3 basements, 4 wings, 3 floors, and over 10 storage spaces, Jack knew that he could keep himself busy for a while. That is why Jack was rummaging through things in the second basement. He had already looked through most of it, but what else was he going to do? Sure, he could go talk with Treddian (well, Jack could talk while Treddian nodded while he did whatever work he had to do in the summer) or track down Karma and help with her work, but that would mean going outside into the heat.
Suddenly, a gust of wind blew Jack over the boxes that he was looking through. Landing on his feet, Jack looked around with a look of confusion. The Wind usually couldn't get that strong in buildings, especially in a basement. And it had never blown him away. The Wind was his friend, always there to help him. So why would it blow him away from his curiosity? Another gust of wind hit him, knocking him back and into a shelf. The shelf began to wobble and a box fell off. Jack dived to catch it, but the wind held him at bay.
The box hit the floor and opened almost immediately. As soon as the lid lifted, the whole basement was filled with wind. It was like a tornado was forming out of the box. Jack hit the deck so he wouldn't be blown away and shielded his eyes. The wind spun faster and faster, to the point that all of the shelves and tables were shaking and other knick knacks were thrown to the ground. Then, it stopped. Jack waited for a moment, knowing that this might be like the eye of a storm, before deciding it was safe and scrambled up.
What Jack saw in place of the box was surprising to say the least. Well, it was more of a who rather than a what. Where the box was stood a girl no older than 13 years old. She looked Middle Eastern to him, but he often got his regions mixed up. The girl had dark skin and gray eyes that were wide open. Her dark blue hair was placed in high pigtails that were tied together by white ribbons that matched her simple spring dress. The only color besides her hair and skin was a single blue sash that tied around her waist and a sapphire necklace on her neck. She was barefoot like Jack, but her feet never touched the ground. She was floating in midair.
"Who-who the moon are you?" Jack stuttered, dumbfounded at the sudden appearance of the girl. She looked around, her expression serious and sad. Suddenly, everything that fell was thrown in the air and placed back in its original spot. The girl looked at Jack again before smiling slightly.
"I always hate the mess I make when the box is opened. It doesn't help that it was a contained space." She paused slightly and then floated towards the door. "Come on Jack Frost, we must tell Aster that I have awakened. He will be happy to hear it, though why he placed my box in a basement, I do not understand." She said more, but Jack couldn't hear what since she had already gone up the stairs. Jack jumped over the tables and boxes, happy to find that the wind was cooperating again, and chased after her. Why did she think she was with Bunny? Who was she? And how could she fly without the wings or the wind?
When he caught up with her, she was already on the main floor of Santoff Clausen. Her expression told Jack she was scared by all the noise and movement. Jack flew up next to her. "Hey, are you ok? You seem a little lost." She locked eyes with Jack and nodded.
"I am fine; I am just confused on where I am. Is this the Warren? It looks so different." She explained, looking around again. Jack gave her a weird look. Why would she think this is the Warren?
"No this is Santoff Clausen. You know, Santa's workshop?"
"Who is this 'Santa' you speak of?" Jack raised an eyebrow.
"Who are you?" Jack asked. The girl smiled softly.
"I am Aira, the Spirit of the Wind. Now, I must talk to Aster. He told me to find him once I was awakened. Do you know where he is?" She introduced. Jack's eyes widened. Spirit of the Wind? He always knew the Wind had a physical body, but he thought she would be older and more knowledgeable. Before he could answer, North burst into the Workshop, startling a few Yetis. Once his eyes spotted the two teens, he muttered some words under his breath.
"Jack! I see you have met Aira, Spirit of the Wind. Come to Globe Room. Bun-Aster will join us shortly."Aira's eyes lit up at North's words. Quickly, she flew down to him and curtsied deeply, finally touching the ground. Both Guardians were shocked at her sudden gesture of formality.
"Thank you sir for finding Aster. May I ask what your name is?" North looked at the girl wearily. Bunny never said much about the spirit trapped in the box; only that she was the Spirit of the Wind, extremely powerful and unpredictable, and only a seasonal spirit of great power could release her. And, of course, if she was ever awakened, to contact him immediately.
"Nicholas St. North. But most people call me North." The girl rose gracefully and smiled softly once again. Jack noticed that her eyes never filled with joy or happiness when she smiled, just gratitude or understanding. His center shuddered at the thought of the young girl not having any joy. She may be a spirit, but she was still a child. He floated down to the pair, deciding to stick close the Aira.
"It is lovely to meet you, Saint North. I am forever grateful to you. Aster will be able to help me adjust to this new world, as he promised." She explained. Turning to Jack, she gave him an innocent look. "Sir Frost, will you please escort me to the Globe Room to meet Aster?"
The response was instantaneous. It was like someone had flipped a switch in Jack's mind. Once he heard the word 'escort', a charming smile graced his face as he offered his arm to her. North noticed that Jack's whole state of being changed. It was like he became a totally different person. Instead of the fun loving, prank pulling teen he usually was, Jack had become a charming elegant gentleman. Maybe Tooth's strict lessons were paying off. If they continued this, he was going to be ready to be introduced by next spring.
"It would be my honor to escort you, ." Jack eloquently said. He felt like he was in a trance really. He knew exactly what to say and what to do, but he wasn't the one doing it. At least, not consciously. They walked at a slow pace, following North through the complex hallways. "So you are the Spirit of the Wind. Does this mean that you have been helping me travel and learn my powers this whole time?"
Aira blushed at this question. "It is my duty to help seasonal spirits, especially when they are first born. I, personally, did not teach you since I was trapped in that box. My essence did though. It is hard to explain, but in a way, yes I did." Jack nodded, taking in the information. So spirits can still control their powers even when they are asleep or trapped. Interesting, though he had already knew it from experience, after '68 and all.
"Well I have to thank you either way. You kept me out of a lot of trouble and saved me more times than I can count over the centuries." Jack paused and smiled weakly. "And you were my only companion for all of those years." He had whispered the last part but Aira had seemed to hear it. She placed a comforting hand on his arm.
"And you were mine. I can still feel what my essence does and I am glad I helped you Jack. You always made the years trapped in the box easier. And I thank you for that. More than you will ever know." She replied, whispering as well. Jack looked up, shocked that anyone was thankful of him. Sure, the Guardians always told him that they appreciated his help, but he couldn't help but feel that they would get annoyed with his presence. Before he could respond though, they entered the Globe Room and Bunny hopped over to them, clearly worried.
"Aira, nice ta see ya again, Sheila. Ah see ya met Frostbite and North. How ya doin'?" Bunny asked the wind sprite. She smiled kindly, releasing Jack's arm. She then did something unexpected. She floated up to the height of Bunny, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed both of his cheeks before crying into his shoulder.
Everyone, Bunny included, was surprised. Jack felt something wrong at the sight of this, but he couldn't place it. He felt…sad? Yeah, that must be what he was feeling. He felt sad. That's why his heart clenched at the sight of Aira with Bunny. Sad that she was crying. Bunny awkwardly wrapped his arms around the younger girl and patted her back. All in all, the three guys were uncomfortable. Slowly, Aira's sobs turned into whimpers and then silence. She unwrapped her arms from the pooka's neck and wiped her eyes. Bunny immediately let go of her and she floated down to the floor.
"I am sorry for my loss of composure. Everything that had happened hit me the moment I saw you Aster." The blue haired girl explained, taking deep breaths to keep her voice steady. She then looked back at Bunny and smiled. "I am fine, though I see that you went back into your original form. Sad, your human form is very charming." Bunny blushed at her comment. Thankfully, no one could see it because of his fur.
This statement sparked Jack's interest though. Ever since Bunny had told him about his other form, jack had wondered what he looked like human. Nothing he thought up matched Bunny perfectly. So, to know that someone had seen this part of Bunny was interesting. He might have to talk to Aira later on about this. Bunny cleared his throat.
"Well Shelia, ya ready ta go? We got a lot ta cover. It's been a few millenniums since ya were around the kits." Aira's eyes lit up once again.
"Yes, I want to see the world and how it has changed. I hope that humans have made some discoveries and improved themselves." She seemed excited, but Jack saw something in those gray eyes. Fear, confusion, insecurity. Things he saw in his own eyes still. Her voice dropped into a whisper. "Is he still…."
"Nah Sheila. Vincent isn't around an'more. Ah haven't seen the bloke since ya went into the box." At her sigh of relief, Bunny continued. "So, before Ah show ya the world, Ah think we need to talk ta May. Just ta make sure ya ready ta assume ya duties again."
"No!" Jack exclaimed before he could stop himself. May was still in her hibernation. She wouldn't wake for another month, when Summer came to the end of its peak. If they went to her home, who knows what would happen to them. Bunny narrowed his eyes slightly while North gave Jack a look of confusion. Aira's eyes widened before she nodded in understanding.
"An' why not?" Bunny asked. Jack always seemed to hold back information about the season spirits. Sure, Bunny was connected to Spring, but he wasn't considered a season spirit. Then again, the season spirits are a very closed off group with many secrets. Jack panicked slightly before coming up with an excuse.
"You know Flowers. She is moody most of the time, but in the summer it gets worse. Actually, all spring spirits get really moody during the summer. It's a rule of thumb to avoid them at all cost during the summer. Besides, you should probably talk to Treddian if you want to check on Aira. Treddian is connected more with the wind than rest of us. You know, with him being the Spirit of Fall and all that." Jack covered up. Aira grinned for once at the name 'Treddian'. Jack smiled as well as he felt a tiny spark of joy go through him. She finally showed happiness, even if it was a smidge.
"Treddian is still on the season's council? That is wonderful! I would love to visit with him. And Fall Spirits are closer to the Wind than the other seasons. Can we please visit him, Aster?" Aira pleaded. Bunny grumbled a bit but nodded. Tapping on the ground, a tunnel appeared and Bunny jumped down it without a second thought. Aira moved to follow him, but looked back at Jack. Flying quickly over to him, she kissed both of his cheeks and smiled softly.
"If you ever want to talk to me, just call out Aira and I will find you. After all, I am the Wind. I am everywhere. Goodbye Jack Frost. It was nice to meet you." She told him before shooting down the tunnel as it closed. Jack stood there for a couple of minutes in complete shock. North chuckled at the two teens actions. He could see how the girl would be considered a little unpredictable. He walked out of the Globe Room to go work on his new project. It was almost done, and then he could test it out.
As the Russian left, Jack smiled and shook his head. Aira was something else. But she was going to be a good friend to Jack, he could tell. Not sure how, but he could. As he walked to his room, he couldn't help but smirk at Treddian and Bunny meeting for the first time. Although Treddian had been around for a long time, longer than anyone else on the Council, he had never met Bunny. That would be an interesting conversation for sure. He had one crazy almost family, that is for sure. And he was pretty sure that Aira had managed to make space for her in it.
And Cut! Great chapter everybody. A little overdue. My fault. But my life got extremely busy and I had no inspiration. Technically, this was supposed to be Sandy's chapter but I couldn't think of anything. Shrug. I'll find something. So attention readers! I have decided that I need to enforce a deadline for myself. So every other Sunday will be my Deadline for this story! Chapters may come out before that day, but (hopefully) never after it. I'm really going to try but I make no promises.
So next order of business is reviews. I don't like forcing you guys to review. I want reviews to be if you have something that you want to say about the story or if you have a suggestion or comment. So I am asking for suggestions. This series of one shots is only going to be 10 chapters covering the time frame between the beginning of Summer to the start of 'A Snowstorm of Secrets', which begins a week before the Winter Solstice. So I have some already planned but I still need ideas for 3-4 more chapters. So if you want to see something specific happen, TELLZ ME! Anyway, Ciao for now my snowflakes! And review please!
