Jack was awestruck. The kindly old man bending down before him was a myth, even in the immortal world. Jack proceeded to inwardly scold himself.
I should have guessed who he was after I heard North ask about Mother Nature.
As he straightened himself, Father Time's eyes twinkled. "For a man of your unrivaled—and rabble-rousing—reputation, you seem rather quiet."
"That kinda tends to happen when you have a headache that could kill a yeti," Jack responded, causing Father Time to chuckle. Then Jack paused. Rabble-rousing? It's not like I intentionally try to cause trouble! …Most of the time.
Jack's consternation must have shown on his face, prompting Father Time to explain, "Mother Nature prefers milder winters than the children, taking pleasure in the life to be found during the other seasons. Winter is… a hard time for her."
Jack frowned, the pounding in his head being joined by a sinking feeling. Wait. So by doing my job, I'm making her life miserable?
It disturbed Jack more than he cared to admit that his snow days, intended to bring fun and joy, instead caused discomfort to this cheerful man and his obviously deeply-loved wife.
Jack was so caught up in his thoughts that he almost missed the rest of the explanation. Father Time, smiling, continued, "But it is all well in the end. Winter and summer are times of extremes. While winter may cause her to be more despondent and detached, summer is there too. It brings out a sweet and loving side that I would not trade for anything in the world." Father Time's deep love and adoration for his wife was evident as it flowed through his words and completely filled his eyes. "Our love is more important to me, and her, than anything else in the vast universe. The bad moments make me appreciate the good times so much more, and prevent me from taking them for granted. Winter, summer. Light, dark. Hot, cold. It all balances out."
Father Time's words invoked a strange wistfulness from deep within Jack. Until recently, Jack had had no friends or companions to spend time with. Invisible to all the unbelieving humans, disliked for his mischief by the immortals, he had spent most of his time alone and unwanted. But, despite this, he had enjoyed his life and the fun he brought to the children.
Then, everything had changed. Jack had found friends—and eventually family—in the Guardians. Every time a child saw him, astonishment evident in their gaze, Jack felt a glowing pride in his chest. Pride that they believed in him, but most of all, pride that he was doing what he could to protect them and bring joy and fun into their lives. But despite his new occupation and the loving camaraderie he shared with the Guardians, Jack realized that his life was void of the selfless and fulfilling love that Father Time was blessed enough to have.
Jack shook his head to dispel his thoughts, making his headache intensify briefly. Realizing that Father Time had been silent while he was lost in thought, Jack looked up. Father Time was smiling understandably at Jack's lapse in manners.
"I have discovered that it is best to allow the mind peace and solitude to sort out events. Regrettably, much has happened. I fear that it will only get worse."
Father Time held up his hand. "Before you unleash the torrent of questions that I know are undoubtedly on your mind—" Jack closed his mouth, for he had been about to do just that, "—there is a matter that needs to be taken care of."
Father Time's shrewd gaze shifted to the other remaining Guardians. An amused smile spread across his features, causing Jack to look too. North was attempting to quietly divest a reluctant elf of a platter of cookies, while Bunny stood idly by and rolled his eyes.
"North," Father time began, drawing the attention of the duo, "much of what I am about to discuss you and Aster already know, but nevertheless, due to the confidential nature of these subjects, I must ask you to leave the room. Some things are for Jack's ears alone."
The group went through the door without a sound, except for the tinkling of the elf's bell as he futilely hung from the tray in North's hands. Jack was glad when the elf was taken out of earshot, for the ringing had echoed in his aching head. Father Time went to close the door, but before he did so, he quickly glanced up and down the hallway to ensure that nobody was lingering nearby. Apparently satisfied, he pulled the chair close to the bedside, sat down, and turned his attention to the only individual left in the room.
Jack realized that he must not have been as adept at hiding his confusion as he thought, because Father Time explained, "The information I am about to impart is highly confidential, and can do great damage if heard by the wrong people." Apparently the perplexed expression on his face lingered, because Father Time suddenly chuckled. "Oh! That's what has you bewildered." He lowered his voice, adding a mock-serious expression to his face. "Aster is Bunnymund's given name. Well actually, his full name is E. Aster Bunnymund."
"What does the E. stand for?" Jack asked, curious and trying to unearth some teasing ammunition on Bunnymund.
Exasperating, egotistical, enormous, elderly, eggheaded. Yeah, E describes Bunny.
"That is one thing I will not reveal," Father Time replied. "It would undoubtedly end with me six feet under and pushing up daisies."
Jack opened his mouth to protest, but stopped when he saw that the mock-serious expression had disappeared, replaced by the genuine emotion.
Why is Bunny so touchy about it? He wasn't THAT bad about his pre-Guardian state.
Obviously trying to mollify Jack's rampant curiosity and restore a light-hearted mood, Father Time added, "However, I can tell you the full names of the other Guardians without any harmful repercussions on my health. Sandy's full name is Sanderson Mansnoozie."
Jack fought back a fit of snickers while Father Time leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "The actual name of Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Old Man Who Leaves Presents in Shoes, Mr. Chimney Magic, and whatever else he is called in various parts of the world, is Nicholas St. North. And last comes the Tooth Fairy, whose full name is Toothiana Lark Fairyflight."
At the ending of the list, Jack gave full vent to his mirth, Father Time joining in with hearty laughter. When the chuckling died down, Father Time leaned back in his chair with a contented smile.
"I am of the opinion that a good bout of laughter cleanses the soul, lightens the heart, and brightens our outlook on life. Do you not think so?" Father Time asked, looking at Jack.
"I never thought about it that way, but yeah. It's what I love about being the Guardian of Fun; I get to make kids laugh," Jack replied, pausing as his head throbbed from the added stimulus of laughter.
Father Time sobered at Jack's expression of mild pain, his eyes no longer twinkling. "Let us get to the reason of my visit. As you are now probably aware, my very existence is a closely guarded secret. It is the same with Mother Nature, though partly because she is my spouse. It was not always so. But in order to understand why it was necessary, you must learn more about the origin of Time."