Disclaimer: I do not own ROTG
Summary: The Guardians visit a few groups of people.
"I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become," Carl Jung
"Through here?" Tooth questioned, looking back at the winter spirit.
Jack nodded, taking the lead as he slipped between two towering oaks. Despite their sizes dwarfing him so that his slight frame seemed exaggerated more than normal, the teen looked at home among the natural wonder of these ancient trees.
As soon as they had all passed between the lofty sentinels, a house appeared before them. It was small in appearance, just a quaint little bungalow. It was constructed out of red brick with dark shutters pulled closely over the windows. There was not an inch of the interior to be seen through the blacked out glass. Somehow though, it managed to maintain an aura of being cozy, perhaps by its thoroughly lived in feel.
Jack paused on the threshold, staring up at the heavy wooden door.
"Do you want me to knock?" Tooth asked, staring with concern at the teen's tentative movements and slight bow to his head.
The winter spirit shook his head, took a deep breath and raised his hand. With only a second's more hesitation, he rang the bell.
The fairy almost smiled at the entirely commonplace chime of the doorbell in this house that lodged spirits of the Dark Court. However, she marshalled her features as the door swung open, revealing the two that they had come to see: Shadow and Ethan.
The blue haired man broke into a wide grin, starling navy eyes dancing between the five of them. "Guardians," he exclaimed, "what a pleasant surprise. Come in, come in." With that enthusiastic greeting, he ushered them in.
Tooth exchanged a glance with the Big Four before allowing herself to look around at the abode into which they had just stepped. It was strange, just like it had been entering Pitch's lair, to see a place that one knew from another's memories. Her eyes alit on the arching ceilings which were coated with shadows as they ascended. There were pictures decorating the walls as if to make up for the conspicuous absence of natural light. However, she also picked out the subtle differences from what she remembered of Jack's memories. She perceived it slightly darker. As well, she took note of the personal photos and other accoutrements of a house well worn. Her view of the house was coloured by her experiences, vision and perception, just as Jack's was by his.
"So, how are you all?" Shadow questioned, leading them further into the house.
"Ve are doing well, and you two? Have you been alright since fall of Dark Court?" North asked, moving forwards to walk beside the blue haired spirit. As he did, Ethan dropped back to walk beside Jack. It was the latter conversation that Tooth tuned into.
"Hey kid, you doin' okay?" the dark spirit questioned.
The teen nodded back, hands picking at the grain in his staff. "I'm okay, how are you?" he replied quietly.
"Can't complain, can't complain. It's actually been kinda nice without the pressure of the Dark Court hanging over us. We been able to go out more together. 's been a welcome change."
"I'm glad to hear."
They stopped in what was clearly a sitting room. Large, plush red couches were arranged in a u-shape around a spacious coffee table. Like the rest of the house, the room was poorly lit.
"So," Shadow declared, clapping his hands together. "Make yourselves comfortable. Can I get any of you anything?" When they shook their heads and seated themselves, the man did likewise. "Now, may I know the object of this pleasant surprise?"
Bunny cleared his throat slightly, almost awkward among these unfamiliar and unpredictable spirits. Tooth could have laughed at the Pooka's past centuries of anti-social behaviour catching up with him.
"We had a couple reasons… Make that about three." He smiled faintly towards the couple sitting together on a love seat. Shadow returned the gesture. "First, we, as in the original Guardians, noticed that we had never met you two. We thought this a good time to make some new friends."
"Here, here," Shadow cheered with a wide smile.
After a huffed laugh, the Pooka continued. "We also wanted to talk to you two about the Dark Court and finally …" He looked over towards Jack who was staring down at his lap, fiddling with the hem of his hoodie. "Well, mates, we wanted to tell you what we and Jack have been up to in order ta see if ya have any advice."
Shadow leaned forwards, resting his hands on his knees. "You provoke my curiosity, new friend." With a sly grin, he cast a quick look to Ethan. "We don't get too many friends around here, so let me – correction, let us- say that it is a pleasure to have some more."
"Here," North hurrahed with a light laugh.
The blue haired spirit let out a bark of raw amusement. "As for the Dark Court, good riddance to them."
"So you have not been affected by shut down?" the Russian questioned, blue eyes keen and concerned.
Shadow shrugged. "Not overly. Sure, a little dip in power but I have other ways of cultivating my strength."
"You are aware that some of members have escaped prison?" North asked hesitantly, as if reluctant to impart bad news.
The other spirit though, brushed it off. "Ya, Azazel came around to tell me a few months ago." His deep blue eyes flickered over to the winter spirit. "She mentioned seeing you, too, Jack."
Tooth watched as the teen's eyes finally flickered up as if the sound of his name drew him into the conversation. It was one of those times that those sky blue orbs were nearly electric, drawing in the viewer's attention to determine the reason for that manic light. However, Jack just nodded slightly.
Shadow switched his attention off the teen at another a question translated by North from Sandy. The fairy, however, kept her gaze locked on their newest Guardian. It was strange, the way he held himself, as if he himself was unsure of what personality was dominant at the moment. Slowly, he relaxed into the couch cushions and cautiously peered up at the conversation going on around him from underneath his bangs. It was as if he was furtively watching a play that was forbidden to him.
"No, I do not believe either I or Ethan are in any danger from the Dark Court members," Shadow replied to Bunny's question. "We had nothing to do with their downfall and are really minor figures in their hierarchy anyways."
North sighed gustily. "I vish ve could sit here and be social vith new friends but despairing times call for despairing measures."
Bunny choked on his laughter before it came out in a burst of noise. Sandy was rolling with silent chuckles. Tooth put a hand to her mouth, trying to hold back the amusement for the sake of her friend's pride but one glance at the confused looks of the Dark Court spirits overcame her willpower.
The Russian glanced around, eyes wide and confused. "Vhat? Vhat I say?"
His cutely innocent expression brought on another round of giggles among the three older Guardians.
It was actually Jack who responded with a shy smile on his face. "It's desperate times, not despairing," he corrected lowly.
North humphed at his oldest friends and turned to the teen. "Thank you Jack for helping, unlike some people." Here he levelled a glare back at the three who had just pulled themselves together.
Shadow just shook his head with a light laugh. "And here the Dark Court always thought that the Guardians were just serious, stern do-gooders." Then, he turned to North. "I agree, desperate times are at hand and I think it only right that you get advice about the Dark Court from those who used to be a part of it."
"Thank you," the Russian replied with a nod. "Ve vanted to know where you think they vill meet and any ways you can think to fight them vithout element of surprise."
Ethan leaned forwards, low voice finally joining into the conversation. He had kept his own council so far. "I think I can help with that," he declared.
"Right, you vere gladiator," North commented, blue eyes bright with wonder.
The dark spirit's lips cracked open, revealing startlingly white teeth which he flashed in the winter spirit's direction. "Been spilling all my secrets, huh?"
Jack seemed unsure whether to settle on a light smile or an averted gaze. Tooth jumped in to save him, taking pity on his conflicting personalities. She had seen him like this before, often when faced with unusual situations. "Actually, Man in the Moon showed us Jack's memories."
Shadow's mouth opened into a little oh but Ethan only raised his eyebrows slightly. "Interesting," he commented. "Anyway, I've been mos'ly an observer t' the Court so I've had some time t' assess people. I assume Anger didn' get out, otherwise he would have already led an impulsive attack. Second in charge is, act'lly little known, but I'm pretty sure it's Akeldama."
"Her?" Shadow exclaimed. Then, after a moment's consideration, he nodded. "Just the right depth of creepy and is a huge supporter of Anger as well as seen with him a lot. I second the notion that she is next in charge."
"Okay, where would she organize the Court and who is the sheila?" Bunny questioned.
"Her name means field of blood," Ethan explained. "She's the spirit of … pain and suffering for lack of a better word. Like Anger, she's highly unstable but less quick t' react. My best guess is she'd hold court on an old battlefield cause it would give her power. As f'r her move," the spirit shrugged. "Based on her personality and type of spirit, I'd say tha' she'd probably look for a plan to inflict maximum pain. May'e bring up bad memories, arrange it so ya'd all only be able to watch as another got hurt. Stuff like that. No real advice except watch each other's backs and try t' fight in the day."
The Guardians nodded, quiet for a while. Tooth once more looked to the winter spirit who actually set his shoulders slightly at those latest pronouncements. It was like he had finally decided on which personality it was on which he wanted to settle and it was one that could handle the Dark Court.
"I hate to ask, mates," Bunny preceded, "but if it came down to a straight fight, would ya be willing to go against your former colleagues, would ya fight with them or would ya be neutral?"
The two looked at each other, silent messages seeming to be conveyed as they stared into the other's eyes. Shadow finally sat tall and faced back towards the Guardians. "As long as it is possible, we will fight with you. In the day time though, sorry, but I cannot help you." He shrugged sheepishly.
"I stand with you, though, at any time," Ethan added.
Sandy signed, getting translated once again by North. Thank you for everything. It seems that we are instantly in your debt. If there is ever anything you need of us, don't hesitate to ask.
Shadow nodded back. Then, "So, what was it you wanted to tell us that you all have been up to recently?"
The Guardian turned their gaze to Jack. Tooth softened her stare as the teen flicked his eyes around at all of them. His eyes were searching. She nodded her encouragement and watched as Jack swallowed thickly, looking down before back up at the Dark Court spirits.
"I decided … with help from the Guardians to," he broke off and licked his lips. "We went to confront Pitch."
Shadow gasped, leaving even more forwards towards the teen. "Why?" he asked simply.
Jack flickered his gaze around before locking with the deep blue eyes of the gentle spirit. It was with pride that Tooth watched his posture transform from submissive in the face of this new situation to poised, if not quite confident. His voice was stronger when he spoke. "Because when I was with him, I noticed that he struggled with his personalities. … For a time, it was like Kozmotis Pitchner was in charge … and if I can help him get that back, I want to try."
Tooth flicked her eyes towards the blue haired man, watching the progression of his reaction. There was shock, a fleeting incredulity and then he settled on an amazed pride.
Shadow threw his hands up in the air. "You are incredible. Always knew you were but still –" He shook his head with a grin. "So, you're okay then?"
Jack nodded with a faint smile. "Life's been better recently."
The spirit huffed out a laugh. "I can't imagine why."
Their gentle back and forth was stunning to watch, a true display of the teen's resilience and efforts at recovery. These people, who provided such a reminder of the Dark Court were just the ones that Jack would struggle with, feeling that urge to submit. Yet here he was, smiling shyly and having an only somewhat stilted conversation, about his former master nonetheless. Tooth couldn't help but shake her head in amazement. She couldn't have been prouder even if he were her own child.
"I hate to ask," Shadow said at one point during their conversation, "But that Dark Court order … If I were Pitch, I'd try it on you to see how far lost you are."
Jack dropped his head, worrying his lip.
Tooth exchanged a glance with Sandy who was across from her. "It has been difficult but he has made remarkable progress with it. If Pitch tries it …" she trailed off for there was really nothing to say. That thought had kept her up, worry gnawing at her core.
Ethan jumped to his feet. "Come here," he ordered, gesturing Jack forwards with his hands.
The fairy almost reached out to stop the teen as he snapped to obey, heart squeezing at his continuing willingness to respond quickly to direct orders. She held back, though, trusting Ethan to be doing this for the teen's benefit.
"How were you trained to follow it?" the dark spirit asked bluntly.
Jack looked down and swallowed heavily. He gestured weakly to his collar, tapping it a few times before he managed to get out a couple words. "A shock."
Ethan nodded. "Okay," he declared. "So now, when someone says it, what do you feel?"
"Pain," the teen replied baldly, "like … like crackling electricity."
The spirit nodded again, eyes softening only minutely. "Have you gone through worse?"
Jack's eyes widened, mouth opening slightly before he shut it, brow wrinkled. He stayed silent.
"I asked you a question," Ethan repeated, tone hardening. "Have you gone through worse?"
"Yes," the teen replied promptly.
"Ok, then resisting this is nothing. What did you do when you were in pain, curl your fist together, clench your teeth, grind your heel against the floor?"
"Clench my fist," the teen answered quietly. He did so, seemingly unconsciously, around his staff.
Ethan snapped his dark eyes down, noticing. "Well, now that you've got your staff, it'll be even easier." His face hardened, posture shifting slightly.
Watching, Tooth couldn't help but tense as if to spring between the two as the dark spirit shifted posture. He was taller than the teen and becoming menacing, a threat that she needed to protect him from. Out of the corner of her eye, she noted the reflexive tensing of the others as well. Before they could react though, Ethan barked out the order.
Jack wavered, knees looking like they were going to buckle before his knuckles whitened as he clutched tightly at his staff. His head went down and he shook it slightly like he was trying to rid himself of a high pitched noise. He wrapped his other hand around his staff, stepping back slightly as he let out a pent up breath. His eyes moved up towards the spirit in front of him.
"Good job," Ethan encouraged, flashing out his smile again. "I knew ya had it in ya."
Jack leaned heavily against his staff, breathing ragged. He returned the smile slightly, lips creeping upwards.
Unable to stand the sight of the teen's laboured breaths any longer, Tooth sprang up from the couch, quickly fluttering over to him. Carefully, tentatively, she wrapped him in a hug, giving plenty of time for him to process. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered once she had fastened her arms around him. Quickly, she let go, leaving a bewildered expression on the teen's face.
"Thank you," Tooth murmured sincerely when they were at the door, gaze fixing on each of the spirits individually. "Not just for today but for all those times you were there for Jack when we weren't."
Shadow looked back, eyes sad. "I wish I had done more."
"Me too."
"You ready?" Bunny questioned, green eyes locking on the winter spirit. The boy nodded, taking a deep breath before jumping down into the darkness. The Pooka quickly followed, feeling that brief moment of cool fear trying to find holes in his defences before he landed on the ground and it went away. It seemed Pitch had added something new since their last visit.
Together, the Guardians moved forwards, once more headed towards the throne room where it seemed that Pitch liked to meet unwanted visitors. He grit his teeth, wishing that they could forgo the man's wishes. The Boogeyman didn't deserve this effort from the boy he had tortured and broken.
The Nightmare King appeared suddenly on his throne, phasing in slowly from the shadows that clung to everything in the lair. His face was blank, yellow eyes hard. "Oh joy, you are all back," he greeted in a monotone.
"As we said we would be," Tooth stated, bringing the Boogeyman's attention to her. He looked her up and down with the calculating eyes of an enemy.
Pitch's bald gaze made Bunny tense, expecting a fight at any moment. This was unnatural, coming down to converse with one's nemesis. It made him itch to pull out his boomerangs, even just to feel their familiar weight.
"I had rather hoped you were lying," Pitch returned, seemingly honest.
"Ve keep our promises," North declared, "and our obligations."
"Oh that is what I am to you, an obligation? Has Man in the Moon chosen me as a Guardian as well?" the man asked, a bite of mocking in his tone.
"No," the Russian denied, shaking his head. "Our obligation is to Jack and ve stand vith him here."
Pitch turned his lazy gaze to the winter spirit, seeming to take in the boy for the first time that day. There was something wicked and predatory in his gaze that had the Pooka stepping closer, as if to protect Jack.
"And why would Jack want to be here?" he asked rhetorically. A vicious smile turned up his lips.
"I told you last time," the teen returned, looking directly at his former master. "I believe there is still good in you and I would like to help you bring it out."
"You want to help me?" Pitch scoffed. He let out a breathy chuckle that reverberated through the lair.
The sound grated on the Pooka's already fraying nerves and he sent a glare towards the Boogeyman.
"Oh, Jack, my pet, I do miss your humour. How could you possibly help me? You do remember everything I did to you, right? You couldn't even help yourself." The Nightmare King's voice was low and threatening, an insidious whisper of darkness. "Has he told you, Guardians? Has he revealed to you his weakness?"
"The only weak one here is you," Bunny bit back, the man's calm demeanour causing his pulse to race. There was the hot sensation of anger flushing his skin.
"Did I not nearly manage to take on all of you just over a year ago?" Pitch inquired, raising one eyebrow in polite interest. When there was no response immediately forthcoming, he continued. "As I thought. It seems to me though that you probably are lacking in information about your newest Guardian. Has he for instance told you about his debilitating fear of water?" He waited a beat, looking towards the Guardians. "Or that he is terrified of drowning, a fact I used to my definite advantage in training him."
Bunny felt it as much as saw the other Guardians shifting, bodies tense as if holding themselves back from leaping towards the man. However, there was also the uncomfortable shifting of weight and averted gaze. Pitch knew that he was making them squirm, a fact that caused the Pooka's fur to bristle with agitation. The demon was relishing this.
"Has he spoken of his training? I bet you didn't know that that collar around his neck used to be capable of shocking him whenever he misbehaved. It seems he needs that feature attached now."
The Pooka glanced at Jack, noticing the slow crumbling of his defences. It was as if the words were chipping away at the façade of confidence he had been projecting, gradually exposing his shame and confusion. They had to get this conversation back on track.
It seemed that Sandy had the same idea, for he signed We know and all it goes to show is your weakness in requiring dominance over others.
Pitch sneered down at the symbols, one corner of his lip turned up more than the other. He barely looked at the Sandman as if he couldn't stand the sight of him. "So you already know this, do you?" His gaze focused in on Jack. "Did your new masters demand you tell them what I did to you?"
"Ve are not his masters," North spat, fury clear in his tone and the tight grip on the hilt of his sword. "Nor did ve ask any such story."
Despite his best intentions, the Boogeyman looked confused for a moment. Then, his gaze hardened. "Then you told them of your own free will, Jack. I am most impressed."
Finally, the teen looked up, seeming to catch onto the confusion they were leading Pitch into. "No, I didn't."
The man's brows puckered.
Bunny nearly laughed at the confused expression. It seemed too innocent on the face of the spirit who had tortured another for 80 years. The dilemna they presented, though, was formidable. If Jack was not forced to tell his story, nor did he tell it of his own free will, how did the Guardians know?
"Well then, the Guardians must know about the way you whimpered and cried, not able to take your punishments with the strength they seem to credit you with. Maybe they even know that you were my obedient slave or –"
Jack flickered his eyes to the golden orbs of the Boogeyman, searching for several moments. Then, he spoke, voice quiet but powerful. "Are you finished yet?"
Pitch paused, eyes going wide at the interruption and especially its source.
"You're hiding," the teen declared, and at the man's protests that he was standing in front of them, Jack continued. "You are deflecting."
"So are you," Pitch returned.
"No, I'm –"
The Boogeyman cut off his former slave. "You're still afraid of me, afraid just remembering everything I did to you. Now who is the one who needs help?"
Jack took a deep breath with his eyes slightly down and to the side. He stepped forwards towards the throne, hand curled tightly around his staff as he looked up. "Afraid or not, here I am, standing up to you, looking you in the eye and free from your control."
"Are you really?" Pitch questioned, smile curling onto his face like a wisp of smoke.
"Yes," Jack declared, however, the word did not ring with authority.
The Boogeyman's grin widened into a cruel sneer. "The darkness is rising," he snapped out.
Bunny sprang forward at once, the rest of the Guardians moving with him. Stupid, he cursed himself, he should have seen that coming. However, as he watched the teen, he held back from holding him upright. The boy had his hand curled tightly around his staff, the other one fisted at his side. His shook his head as if throwing off a bothersome fly. For a moment, he closed his eyes tightly, then, he opened them. His eyes were electric blue and staring right back at his master.
Although the teen's voice was more subdued, he seemed to shock everyone in the room by speaking. "You've failed, Pitch. Your scheme to gain power, to use me as your weapon, to gain belief." His last words were even quieter, almost soft. "You know that I know what it feels like to not be believed in. Maybe I just want to help you be worthy of that belief, like you were when you told me that I was smart and my opinion was worth something."
Bunny reached out, putting a hand gently on the teen's back. He could feel Jack slowly deflating, shoulders slumping again and head seeming to fight to keep itself up. With the paw, he turned the boy around, guiding him out of the room and away from the conversation. Just as they were exiting, he threw one last glare back at the man who had caused the teen to start reverting, who had caused everything in the first place. What he saw though was not as expected. Pitch was staring ahead, eyes wide and awed. There was something about his face, some almost soft element that had not been there moments ago.
The Pooka turned away, hustling the teen out of the lair and to the sleigh. Once there, the teen collapsed to the ground, back resting against the wall of the sleigh as he buried his head in his knees.
Alarmed, Bunny looked towards the other Guardians. Their wide, grieved eyes conveyed the same level of despair and concern.
"Jack," Bunny nearly whispered, bending down to crouch in front of the teen. "You okay, mate?"
After a few long, tense moments, the boy managed to pry his head from its spot against his knees and slowly bring his eyes upwards. He shook his head.
With that one motion, the Pooka could feel his heart squeezing in his chest, tight bands of pity trapping it in a vice. The boy, so forlorn and solitary, curled into himself as if he could go nowhere else for comfort, awakened something deep within him. It was like some inborn instinct was controlling the movements of his body. He could see his own arms slowly lifting and cradling the teen between them, ever so gently pulling the winter spirit against him.
Jack tensed, then relaxed against the solid, dependable warmth beside him. It took a minute of heavy breathing and quiet companionship before the boy finally mumbled "Bunny," voice sleepy and almost childlike.
"Yes," the Pooka answered, tone soft.
"Will I … will I ever feel like myself again?"
"No," Bunny answered simply. When he felt the boy sag against him, he rushed to clarify. "Everything that has happened to you has changed you. So, no, you won't feel exactly as you were before but you can choose who it is you want to become. You can feel like that new Jack Frost."
The teen frowned, but said nothing.
A few days later, Jack was startled out of his staring contest with the Arctic landscape by a knock on his door. Automatically, he flipped his sketchbook closed, hiding the drawing he had been looking at. As much as he may have come to trust the Guardians, there was something still ingrained that didn't let him share his art or even much of himself with others.
North stood in the doorway, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You okay?" the man questioned, voice low and rough.
Jack nodded slowly, looking down at where he was tracing his finger along the spiral bound edge of the notebook. When the Russian was silent for several moments, sky blue eyes flicked themselves upwards, noting the conflicted expression.
"The other Guardians show up for dinner tonight."
Jack bolted upright, face dawning with remembrance and horror. How could he have forgotten that was tonight?
"It's okay," North assured, "Ve thought you vould not remember. But, ve have a question for you. Ve vere going to invite Jamie and his family, if you say is okay. So?"
The teen nodded, eyes lighting slightly at the thought of seeing his first believer. It was strange, how he felt in that family. It was a warm feeling, one that had been creeping across him more and more recently. Something about them just reminded him of his own family, not in personality but in feeling, in the depth of emotion they invoked.
North smiled back, the expression creeping across his face like the dawning sun and warming his expression. "Come," he said, gesturing with his head towards the kitchen. "Ve vill contact them."
Twenty minutes later and a few messages back and forth, the Guardians were heading over to the Bennets, having been invited over for their weekly Saturday meal. As Jack laid his eyes on the scene, he couldn't help but feel touched, for this was clearly a normal family event.
"Mrs. Bennet," North greeted enthusiastically.
"North," she returned, smile warm. Her eyes were a little wide though, taking them all in. It was only her first time seeing them all together although they had each dropped in either individually or in pairs. Then, she inclined her head to the rest of them. "Guardians."
"Bunny," Sophie called, claiming the Pooka's attention as she latched onto his leg. He bent down, smile on his face at the little girl's enthusiasm.
"Hey Jack," Jamie greeted, much more reserved in his greeting.
The teen smiled shyly at the boy, the expression feeling strange on his face as the conflicting personalities calling for his attention. At the reminder of the warmth of family, he couldn't shake the instincts calling for him to step into the once familiar role as son and brother. However, the melancholy of the last few days chained him to his current situation.
Mrs. Bennet just shook her head at her children, calling them all to dinner. However, when they were seated, she paused and glanced awkwardly at the assembled spirits. "I … um … I'm not sure if any of you are religious or if any …" she trailed off, looking for the right word.
"Spirits," Tooth supplied with a warm smile.
"I'm not sure if any spirits believe in a higher power. Anyways, I like to say thank you before meals anyways." She looked to them, curious and wondering, but they just waved her forwards. "Okay." She bowed her head, as did her children. "Thank you for this meal and the wonderful day we have experienced. Amen."
"Amen," Jamie and Sophie echoed back.
The room was silent for a few moments, the clink of cutlery the only thing audible. It was North who boisterously broke the silence. "I think people actually surprised to learn about my history," he began. "I grew up at time vhen Catholocism vas very much a fight in Russia. My mother believed in it but my father came from family who vas Russian Orthodox." He shrugged, waving his fork around as he continued. "Didn't matter, neither vas very religious and I fell in with some … um," he coughed, glancing at the children at the table who were listening to him with rapt attention. "Um … bandits, for lack of better term."
Mrs. Bennet raised an eyebrow, brown eyes skimming the rest of the Guardians as if wondering their story.
Sandy and Bunny glanced at each other with a smile on their faces and in their eyes. The golden man waved the Pooka forward.
Bunny shrugged. "I didn't even grow up on this planet, mates."
All of the Bennets' eyes shot open, the childrens' mouths even falling open. "You're an alien," Sophie whispered.
The Pooka laughed good naturedly, giving the girl a little wink. "Ya can say that, little ankle biter. We were a nature loving species, but we didn't worship anything so much as we respected life."
Jack watched the others' reactions, noting the wonder in Jamie and Sophie's eyes, the concealed curiosity in Mrs. Bennet's and the tempered grief in the Guardians'. Even he knew what had happened to the Pooka's species. He looked down, heart throbbing in sympathy for Bunny's pain.
Sandy signed, getting his words translated by North. I've been around for longer than most people could think about, since some of the stars that are now gone were but fledglings. As hard as it may be to believe, I am a descendent of the stars and we believed in no greater being but ourselves.
It was strange, getting to hear these stories not from the pages of a book. Jack had read his fair share of material on these illustrious characters both before and since becoming a Guardian. However, he could finally see what they meant, knowing something and hearing it from the lips of the person who lived it were not exactly the same thing.
Tooth ruffled her feathers as the attention turned towards her. "Actually … um, my family was Hindu. I … learned most of the rituals and everything but haven't really continued it into my spirit life besides the ethics and trying to do right by my life."
"That's so cool," Jamie exclaimed, brown eyes wide with excitement and interest. "All of it."
Mrs. Bennet smiled fondly at her son, looking across the table where he sat beside Jack. She flicked her chocolate brown eyes to him, expression gentle. "How about you, Jack? Do you want to share?"
He glanced up at her, meeting her eyes only briefly before looking away. The compassion in them was simply overwhelming. He cast his mind back to his memories, thinking through what he could say. It was strange, being able to talk about his past self, knowing that he had indeed had a childhood.
The teen looked up, sweeping his eyes briefly over those seated at the table. The pressure that normally held him back from speaking when he had days of melancholy eased slightly as he realized that everyone he currently trusted was sitting right there. He gave them a shy smile. "I … I guess I could have loosely been called Protestant. I've read since that … there was a lot of divisions in the religion at that time." He shrugged slightly, looking down at his plate. "Burgess was not quite a religious village at the time."
Jamie nearly spit out the water he had been drinking. When he had settled enough to talk, he rounded on the winter spirit. "I forgot you grew up here."
Jack gave back a small smile.
"So cool," Jamie muttered, going back to his food.
The conversation passed beyond religion and childhood. They easily passed from topic to topic, the diverse dinner guests making the subjects both interesting and varied.
Jack rarely spoke but listened with interest to the relaxed chatter. As always, he loved to hear the Guardians speak for he learned something new each time.
After dinner was over and cleaned, Mrs. Bennet and the rest of the Guardians put Sophie to bed, an event which caused much restrained laughter from the woman. The situation of the Guardians of Childhood in her house and tucking in her child seemed to be too much. However, she pulled it together, suggesting that Jack and Jamie could talk in the living room if they wanted.
"Why are you sad?" Jamie asked bluntly when the two of them were finally alone.
Jack glanced up, blue eyes connecting with brown for several long moments. His eyes were wide, the question completely throwing him off. Was he that obvious?
The brunette pouted slightly. "I know there were a lot of people at dinner and it's just a lot but you barely said anything, even little comments to me."
The teen hesitated, seeing double for a moment as he saw his sister beside this boy. The reminder was so strong that it stole his breath. It was in their precocious insight and a certain similarity in colouring and expression. "I'm –" he started but was cut off.
"Don't say you're sorry," Jamie interrupted. "I just want to know why."
Jack looked down before taking a steadying breath. "I went to visit Pitch," he stated. At the boy's gasp, he looked back up and his voice was steadier. "When I was with him, I saw that there was good in him still. Just as the rest of the Guardians have a story about who they were before becoming a spirit, so does he. Pitch was Kozmotis Pitchner, High General of the Golden Ages, a protector. Then, he was corrupted and became as he is today. Except, I saw that he still has some of that inside him."
The boy looked up at the spirit, brows furrowed in confusion. "But I thought he hurt you."
Jack knelt down, directly in front of his first believer. "When someone is really sick, do you blame them for not being able to concentrate well or sometimes being a little mean because they don't feel well?"
Jamie shook his head, confusion even more pronounced.
"Well, Pitch is sick, but this sickness is inside of him. It's in his brain and in is soul. But just like when you have the flu, he's been fighting it and sometimes he is better, just like when your fever breaks. It keeps coming back though and that's when he's mean."
This time, the brunette nodded. "So you're … trying to be his antibiotic?"
The teen couldn't help but huff out a laugh at that comparison. "Something like that. Although it's not a medicine I'm sure that will work."
Jamie smiled. "You are the best medicine. I'm sure you will work. I just don't get why you want to help him when he's hurt you."
The winter spirit's lips turned up but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Some people just need someone to reach out to them because they can't reach out to anyone else. If he needs a Guardian and I can be that person, how could I leave him to suffer?"
"You're really nice," Jamie returned bluntly.
The conversation switched to lighter things and Jack sat down on the couch while the excited boy talked avidly about what he had done the previous week. He paced as well, swinging his arms wide with exaggerated gestures. At one point, he knocked a picture frame off the fire mantelpiece, directly into Jack's lap.
The teen looked down at the photo, smile sad. It was the Bennet father, looking strong and proud in his uniform. "Your dad was so brave."
"Ya, he did a couple tours overseas, but returned and instead was a veteran reintegration consultant. He went back to do a talk about returning soldiers and …" the boy trailed off, voice strangling. He finished in a near whisper. "His plane went down." Then, seeming to have realized what the teen had said, he looked up, watery brown eyes fixing on Jack. "How did you know?"
The winter spirit shrugged. "I know the signs." With a start, he realized that the water that had been gathering in Jamie's eyes was now tracking down his cheeks. The boy tried to viciously scrub it away.
The teen leapt up from his spot on the couch, hesitating a moment before enfolding his first believer in a gentle hug. It felt strange, giving out condolences after so long.
"Sorry," Jamie murmured, trying to pull out of the grip. His wavering voice and shuddering breath betrayed him.
With light touch, Jack guided the brunette to the wall, sliding his back down against it so that he was sitting against the floor. He guided the boy down to do the same so that they were sitting side by side, backs to the wall.
"I hate this," Jamie exclaimed, still trying to brush away the tears. "It's been a few years already."
The teen shook his head slightly, memories threatening to overwhelm him. "There will never be a time where you are just over it. Your father was a huge part of your life and it is right that he still is today." When he received no reply, the winter spirit closed his eyes, preparing himself to bare his soul and his history. "Did I ever tell you that my father passed away when I was young?"
Jamie shook his head, eyes wide.
Jack opened his, looking to his believer before down at his staff. "He was a herder, always going off during the summer, and sometimes the winter, to sell our sheep in different villages. However, whenever he was home, he was amazing. He was a jokester, he told stories, he played games and was generally just so loving."
The teen smiled slightly, the memories flooding through his brain like a rushing river. Scenes flickered in his mind like a flipbook. He shoved it aside though, concentrating on his story and the boy in front of him who reminded him so strongly of his sister. "Even when he was trying to tell me I was in trouble, he couldn't quite manage the seriousness. Then, one day when we were taking a hunting trip with a couple friends and their sons, we encountered some Indians. After a fight, he was killed."
Jamie gasped, one hand moving to cover his mouth. "Right in front of you?"
The winter spirit nodded, giving the boy a shaky reassuring smile. "For a while, I kind of tuned out, went through the motions of my life without paying attention."
"Me too," the brunette admitted, seeming to be conflicted over whether or not he should be ashamed. He looked down as well, hair covering his face.
Jack looked over, heart aching with sympathy for this boy. Unconsciously, his hand started reaching out, going to wrap an arm around Jamie for comfort, like he would have done when he was an older brother. He paused though, the memories of years of pain holding him back for a few moments. The teen cursed at himself internally. This boy was not going to hurt him and nor was he going to allow Jamie to be in pain. He reached out a hand and rested in on the brunette's shoulder, causing brown eyes to rise to meet his.
"There is nothing to be ashamed about. It happens to most everyone and is a common stage of grief. As you have no doubt realized, there is more to life than that, than sadness and loss. I learned that as well. I took over my father's job, but continued my education, training to be what I always wanted to be: a teacher. I played with my sister, had fun with my friends and helped my mother." Bringing his point home, he looked directly into the boy's eyes. "And I was happy. I knew that my father would have wanted that and by living my dreams and my life, I was remembering him. There were days where I was sad but they never lasted long. I had my family and friends to help me get through it." He smiled softly, feeling the irony of his current sadness and general predicament. Maybe this time he could actually fulfil what he told Jamie he did, have the help of his family and friends.
"I don't … I can't," the boy started but broke off, tears welling up again.
Jack, acting on instincts from the reaches of his memory he had summoned up that night, wrapped his arms around is believer, bringing the boy's head to rest on his shoulder. Jamie's shoulders shook as he cried for his own memories and the pain of his loss.
When it had petered out, Jack prompted gently. "What can't you do, Jamie?"
"I can't be the man of the household," he murmured, energy gone.
The teen sighed internally, recognizing his own struggle in those words. It made his heart throb and splinter for the boy beside him. He said with honesty, "Women, especially nowadays, are incredibly strong. They don't need a man to look after them and protect them. I realized that my mother and my family just needed me as I was. Although I didn't feel like I was good enough sometimes, I realize that I was, just by being myself. Jack reached out tentatively, brushing back the boy's hair in a gesture he may have performed on his sister so many years ago.
Brown eyes glanced up at him and the winter spirit continued. "Jamie, your mother is a remarkable woman. She has strength and resilience. But do you know what she is lacking?"
The teen could feel the shaking of the boy's head against his shoulder.
"Fun … wonder … joy," he smiled slightly. "She needs those from you. Just seeing your enthusiasm, your light and your happiness, will be enough to restore hers."
"But isn't that a slight to my dad's memory, having fun while he's-" Jamie choked on the word.
"Your father, he was a funny guy, right? He liked to make everyone laugh and smile?" the teen questioned keenly.
The brunette nodded with a faint upward turn to his lips.
"Then you know it is because he loved to see people smile. Being happy is honouring his memory because every time you smile it is like you are doing it for him. You know he would be happy that you are. But be careful that you do not hide behind a smile," the teen cautioned. He remembered his years of doing just that and he didn't want to see Jamie take that same path. "It's okay to feel sad sometimes. Others are sad too and both of you can make it better together by talking. At times, people just need to know there are others who feel the same."
Jamie nodded, his eyes drooping. It seemed his fit of crying had left him drained.
"I'm always here to talk as well. I know what it's like," Jack stated lowly.
"Thanks," Jamie murmured.
"Anytime kiddo, anytime." They sat in silence for a few minutes, Jamie rapidly nodding off against the teen's shoulder. It was then that he noticed someone else's presence in the room and he glanced up.
Cecilia and the Guardians were standing at the entrance, watching them. Mrs. Bennet walked forwards, eyes concerned. At spotting the picture sitting a couple feet away from the pair though, her expression smoothed into understanding. "Why don't we put him to bed?" she suggested.
Jack nodded, moving to scoop up the boy in his arms. He swept him up bridle style with ease, following after Mrs. Bennet as she led the way to Jamie's room. They tucked the boy in and she gave him a kiss. The teen just stood back, feeling lost without his staff in his hands which he put down as he went to carry the boy.
Cecilia walked with him back down to the Guardians. Bunny extended his staff towards him as soon as he came into sight and Jack took it gratefully.
"So, you talked about his dad?" she asked.
The teen nodded, all of his words used up by his tale to Jamie. However, there was something undeniably lighter in his chest, not quite as bound and restricted.
"Thanks for taking care of him," Cecilia murmured with gratitude.
"Of course," the teen replied evenly, but not quite looking up at her. He could feel her stare on him though and after a moment, he gave in, glancing into her eyes.
"I mean it. I know you are still getting used to your own memories and dealing with your own traumas but even so, you have been like the older brother he never had. For that, I can never thank you enough except to say that you are always welcome in our family."
The words, although making sense individually, took several moments to compute completely in the teen's brain. The simple, overwhelming message was just too much to take in at once. Family, older brother, those were words he had not heard in reference to himself for a very long time. He looked up at her, eyes conveying the gratitude he couldn't put into words. However, he was struck by their overall rightness. This was his position, protector, one that gave advice and fun when needed, a Guardian. This was who he wanted to be.
AN: I hope I haven't offended anyone by the offhand use of religion. I just thought it would be an interesting aside about the Guardians. I do not know much about any of those religions so if I haven't done them justice, please let me know as I am always interested in learning. Please review, favourite, follow.