A/N: Well this chapter took a completely different tone than I planned. But I kinda like it. It's more like stream of thought at first, then morphs into a little silent communication. Anyways, it's short, but I couldn't bring myself to add more, just didn't seem right. ENJOY!

Disclaimer: I do not own Rise of the Guardians

~~RiseOfTheGuardians~~

Sandy hummed silently to himself as he settled in the chair beside Jack's bed, a worried frown on his face. Jack was still unconscious, away from the world of dreams, and Sandy didn't like it. It made him feel powerless.

He thought about the haunted look in Bunny's eyes when he had arrived and wondered what had put it there. Was Jack worse than before?

But no, Bunny would have said so had that been the case. They would have gotten North up here right away too, being as the Russian was the closest thing they had to a doctor.

So what had Bunny looking so haunted? Could he have had a nightmare about Jack? Sandy was sure it was in the realm of possibilities, especially given his own nightmare.

Sandy shuddered and pushed those thoughts aside; they came way too close to home for comfort, reminded him of those nights he spent with Jack where they played and created wonders. Sandy loved those nights, loved watching the wonder and excitement in Jack's face as he created new things for the winter spirit, and loved watching Jack create his own masterpieces in snow.

It made him feel like an older brother to Jack, when they played like that, because Jack was always so proud of what he did, always wanted Sandy's approval. And Sandy was only too happy to give it.

The feelings of being an older brother had only increased after Jack became a guardian. Sandy found that not only did he want Jack to come to him to play and show off, but he also wanted Jack to come to him when he needed help or advice. He wanted to be there for Jack, and most of all, he wanted to protect Jack.

Yes, Jack Frost brought out the protective side of Sandy that he had never known he had.

He shuddered, remembering the fight with Pitch when the children had brought him back. Remembered the fury he had felt when Pitch tried to attack Jack when his back was turned. Remembered the fear he felt when Pitch had nearly succeeded. He was very glad the children had brought him back when they did.

He had only worried more when Jack had passed out on their way back to Santoff Claussen, although it made sense after learning that Pitch had broken Jack's staff and he had had to fix it. Coupled with the intense fight and use of power, it was no wonder the winter spirit had collapsed.

Sandy sighed, remembering how he had promised himself he wouldn't let anything happen to Jack, had sworn to himself after April and the others had attacked him.

And he had failed. He had failed Jack when Bloody Bones captured them, and he had failed him when they couldn't even escape. Instead, Jack had had to rescue them.

But then, Jack hadn't done it alone.

Sandy offered a small smile in Jack's direction, several symbols forming over his head.

You are welcome, a soft voice whispered past his ears. But thanks are not necessary. Jack is special to me, too.

Sandy nodded. He knew this now. Knew that Jack and Wind were close, closer than any other spirits alive, given the fact that they had Connected. But that also worried Sandy. After all, the only other time a Connection had occurred, the spirits had literally burned up with the power of it. And now Jack was unconscious, unreachable, and Sandy was worried. Had the power been too much for him?

He flashed symbols above his head again, hoping Wind got the message.

As it turned out, she seemed as able to understand him as Jack was.

He has merely exhausted himself, Wind said, voice gentle. But given rest, he should recover.

Sandy nodded before forming more symbols.

I am also exhausted, Wind said. But not as much as Jack. After all, he was the one to channel our powers.

Again, Sandy nodded. This made sense to him. But he wondered, he was curious…and without realizing it, he was asking another question.

Wind chuckled lightly. I am not the only wind spirit, she explained. Although I am the oldest. I have four brothers and each controls a corner of the world. My powers are more…extensive…then theirs and I am free to go where I please.

Sandy nodded. Though he was satisfied with these answers, he found he had many more questions. But Wind's voice was getting weaker, and Sandy was sure she was tiring. He formed the symbol of wind above his head, before several z's.

Yes, Wind replied softly. I think I will sleep now. Watch over our boy for me.

Sandy nodded. He couldn't explain it, but a warm feeling washed over him when Wind said 'our boy', like she was allowing hime to be a part of Jack's life. Like she was accepting him, just as he accepted her and Jack.

So he would watch over Jack and ensure he remained safe. Because, after all, that's what big brothers did.