Astraea POV
"NO!" The silver boy screamed, hands going out as if to grab something. "Leave me ALONE!" He continued his yelling, trying desperately to get away from… from something. His face was covered by a large silver hood. Hell, the boy's whole OUTFIT was silver. From the large jacket that had to be pulled up to see tiny hands, to the combat boots that seemed to sparkle underneath the moonlight. The boy, dubbed Silver for the outfit, continued on his frenzy, running and hitting something with a VERY large sword.
This dream—at least I HOPED it was a dream—had started just after I passed out. Watching Silver fight and he seemed to be an EXPERT at it might I add, was… Well, I don't think Sandy had given it to me.
As he continued to hit non-existent pursuers, I tried to struggle to help him. He needed it! Silver obviously wasn't, well, MORTAL! Where was North, Bunny, Tooth, Sandy, or hell, JACK? Nobody was there for him. NOBODY. Silver needed me, and I tried, tried SO HARD, to get to him.
Then, just as soon as it started, the scene faded and I was stuck in endless white.
Yeah, you heard me! Not endless black, but endless white, making me shield my now aching corneas. What the FUCK WAS HAPPENING?! Whipping around, I began to call out, hoping to understand how the hell the dream of Silver turned to… well THIS! Whatever the fuck THIS was!
That's when I heard it.
"One day, it will all make sense…." The voice was soft, reminding me of Manny, but it wasn't Manny. This voice… this voice was FEMALE. And as it spoke, the white condensed until it was just a small floating blob in front of me. God, it was the purest white I had ever seen… so damn pure… "One day, Astraea. One day…"
And with that, my eyes began to close, falling into an agony filled sleep.
It had been hours since Astraea Mae Toz passed out, worrying the Guardians to no end. North's yetis had patched the girl up, ankle now wrapped in gauze and arm slung into a proper sling. Fortunately, Astraea's arm had only been slightly fractured, and the yeti's estimated a month until it was fully functioning, if not less. Two of her ribs were severely bruised, like most of her body; but still, the girl was unconscious, showing no telltale signs to when she was going to awaken. The moon was scheduled to start shining soon, and if MiM saw his beloved like this, he was going to freak.
Jack had been assigned to take care of the unconscious girl's family— stealing her phone and texting her mother that she was at a friend's house for a study session for a test tomorrow, which said mother replied with a very maternal whatever. He was now out to cause a snow day, giving Astraea another day to recover, just in case.
North was back at work, checking his list twice; as was Tooth and Sandy, collecting teeth and spreading dreams. Bunny had disappeared after the sleigh ride, looking remarkably pale for the tough bunny he claims to be. A yeti had been assigned to watch over the girl, just in case something happened.
The Guardians were being extremely careful, for they didn't know what would happen if MiM lost his beloved—for good.
Meanwhile, MiM was waiting for the moment he would be able to see his beloved. He had had a nice rest, but he missed the little mortal with all his heart. When the moment came for him to rise, he quickly went to the place where she always was, blonde hair contrasted in with the pale silver moonlight; hazel eyes brightening at the sound of his voice, a smile nothing—not even the stars—could compare too…
To find it unmistakeably empty.
MiM began to search everywhere for her, hoping she was just late to their meeting. Finding nothing in her usual spots, even checking her old house in his frenzy, he started to panic. His beloved was not in her hometown, worrying him even more, and MiM felt his heart drop to his stomach.
Quickly, he started to search the world for the locket, something he had given her so many years ago. Many didn't know it, but that locket connected the two together in a bond many would never understand. Astraea was MiM's everything, and if she had been hurt—or WORSE—he was not sure what he would do. Eventually, he saw the white glow Astraea emanated, finding it at the Pole, comforting the all-knowing immortal somewhat. MiM focused on the location and jumped in shock at the sight before him.
Astraea Mae Toz, his BELOVED, was unconscious. A blanket had been pulled up to her waist, keeping her warm but not obstructing the sling that covered her left arm. Bruises riddled her body, most of them disappearing into her shirt and shorts. One of her legs was uncovered and elevated, gauze surrounding her delicate ankle in a gruesome sight. She was breathing raggedly, obviously in pain, face contorted in the same emotion. However, as soon as the moonlight hit her, she sighed in relief, body slightly relaxing.
Rage surged through MiM, a feeling that had not been dormant for thousands of years. His loved one was lying in a bed UNCONCIOUS and in agony. From the looks of it, she had been like this for a while, causing questions to race in MiM's mind.
What had HAPPENED to her? WHO had done this to her?
Without thinking, MiM flashed into the room, going straight to his beloved side. Taking her fragile hand in his large one, MiM gently knelt down beside her, moving some blonde strands from her face. MiM gently kissed her warm hand, hand smoothing her wild curls.
"What has happened to you, young one?" The unconscious girl did not answer, and MiM cupped her face in one of his hands, the other still clutching her hand. Her skin felt just like it had the first day he touched it—smooth and warm. His thumb moved over her pale cheek, hoping it would wake her up. Astraea didn't even stir, but she let out a happy sigh, until her face contorted in pain at the movement. MiM's heart squeezed at the sight.
Outside her little room, he could hear a yeti, obviously assigned to guard the young girl, and someone talking. The person said something, and the yeti grunted, opening the door to let him in. Jack emerged, smiling, a tray of food and staff in his hand. When his eyes landed on the scene in front of him, he froze eyes wide with shock.
MiM observed his youngest immortal, seeing his shock and confusion. He could still remember the moment he had picked him to be a Guardian, just moments after he had told him his name. He also knew Astraea's rising feelings for the young immortal, even if she did not acknowledge it for what they were. MiM knew one day she would, but Astraea was stubborn. It could be YEARS before she figured them out and by then, she may have already moved on.
Straightening up, still holding onto his beloved's hand, MiM bowed slightly in greeting. Jack sputtered unknown words and MiM smirked at the boy's reaction, taking it with great amusement. When he did not speak, MiM went back to Astraea, running a finger down her small face, his featureless features soft.
Jack watched this with amazement as he ran a thin finger down her cheek. He still couldn't believe THIS was MiM. The all-knowing entity was tall, a couple inches taller than him, and muscular, but not overly muscular. He wore a suit made of stars that danced and changed every second, reminding Jack of Astraea's eyes. MiM had a face, but it looked almost featureless. Every time Jack focused on it, the face changed like the stars and when he didn't, all he saw were his black-silver eyes and full lips.
Astraea had described him to all of them, but THIS, this was AMAZING. Jack Frost was meeting the person who CREATED him. At first he was speechless—hey it wasn't every day you meet your creator—but finally, he found his voice.
"Man in the Moon?" He asked the man, walking over hesitantly and placing the tray of food he had brought Astraea on the bedside table. MiM nodded to the boy, silver eyes flickering to him for only a moment. Jack felt like his SOUL was being accessed as he got trapped in his gaze. MiM watched him with knowing eyes, and when he seemed to find what he was looking for, released Jack, going back to Astraea.
"Jackson Overland Frost, you seem well." MiM replied, and Jack jumped back in shock. That voice, he had heard it only twice, the first time when he was changed into Jack Frost and when Astraea first came to the Pole. Jack had heard him, but he had NEVER heard him this SOFT. As if by speaking harshly, she would shatter in a million pieces. Turning away from the unconscious mortal, MiM continued. "How long has she been like this?"
Jack's eyes turned to Astraea, who had been our cold for over ten hours. Her face was still twisted in pain, yet she seemed to be a little more relaxed since the last time Jack saw her. Each breath she took caused her agony; it would hitch once in a while before going back to normal. Bruises covered her pale complexion, most of them around her neck from when Avery was clutching on it for dear life. Jack's features considerably softened at the sight of his friend. Astraea had risked her life to save a small girl's and that caused Jack to admire her somewhat. A MORTAL had stood up to PITCH BLACK, and walked out of it alive.
MiM didn't miss the look that came to his Guardian of Fun's face, and things began to click inside his head. He instantly stiffened, but told himself to wait. More bad news was to come; he would have to save his anger until then. Though the moon was calm on the outside—on the inside he was cursing whoever did this to hell.
"A little over ten hours," Jack responded, meeting MiM with a weary gaze. MiM just nodded his response and glanced down at his young one. Deciding that Astraea was not going to wake up any soon, he walked over to the young immortal with hard eyes. Jack swallowed, but knew he meant no harm to him. He had, after all, assigned Jack to protect her.
"Jack," MiM started, placing his hand on his shoulder. Jack looked up at him with big blue eyes, waiting for what his 'boss' said. "Could you inform North and the other Guardians of my arrival? We have much to discuss, for I am very interested on what has happened to Astraea." Jack nodded, ready to turn around from the ancient immortal to do his duty. MiM's hand kept him rooted in place, and Jack watched him curiously. The moon opened his mouth to speak, and then slammed it shut. Deciding against what he wanted to say, MiM released the winter spirit. "I will await your return here."
With that, Jack turned away from MiM and went to alert the other guardians of their guest.
"We need to call the Guardians!" Yelled Jack as he burst into North's office unannounced, making the large man jump. Frowning at the winter spirit, North quickly put down his list—he was SO CLOSE to finishing too— and raised an eyebrow at the uncharacteristically frantic boy. Jack began pointing out the door, talking so fast even Tooth would be impressed. The man sighed, knowing he wouldn't be able to finish the damned list today.
"Jack, slow down and breathe." Jack stopped midsentence, taking a deep breath. When he calmed down, North spoke again. "Now, start from beginning." Jack nodded and began to explain what had just happened. North's eyes widened at the immortal teen, disbelief filling his features. Once Jack had finished, North looked too the door, as if waiting for someone to jump out as if it were a joke. When it didn't happen, North frowned and strode from the room with Jack behind him.
"I will call Guardian's."
Astraea could hear EVERYTHING.
From the ragged breaths that escaped her, to the movement of the sheets that was constricting her aching body. Everything, and she did mean EVERYTHING, seemed to have come alive from now, from the time she had passed out.
It was deafening.
Now, Astraea wasn't much of a complainer, but making jokes about them was her specialty. If she were allowed to move her jaw—or body in face— the first thing out of her mouth would probably be:
"Who the fuck decided the human body could FAINT?" Or something very funny to ease the tension she could HEAR in the room.
At first, Astraea thought she was dead, because she almost thought she head MiM. But that was impossible. She must only have been out, what? Two, three hours max. Hell, she COULDN'T have had slept through the whole 'putting her arm back into place' thing.
Or, could she?
All that really mattered to the agony filled girl at the moment was this: Astraea wanted some fucking FOOD; and she wanted it NOW.
Yes, even though Astraea could hear everything, the smallest of sounds blocked out the words of her best friend, and the Guardians… who had just finished explaining what had happened to the poor mortal with the hurt arm.
Finally, the ringing in Astraea's ears began to dissipate, and she could hear voices. They were mumbles at first; soft cooing's in the mortals ears. But soon, they began to grow into actual voices, voices with words and accents. Yet, Astraea couldn't quite place them. Her mind was still all jumbled up and it caused a very unpleasant head ache to try to place them.
But the voices got louder and louder and louder and LOURDER. All Astraea wanted to do was tell them to shut the fuck up and leave her alone. She didn't want more pain and they were CAUSING HER MORE. Astraea began to push against her restraints, thinking "SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!" over and over again.
She wasn't very happy with this awakening.
Outside Astraea's mind, MiM was standing silently with his chosen staring at him, all waiting for his reaction. They had finished the story—well, it was mostly Jack and North, for the others were still stunned by MiM just BEING there— and didn't know how to gage his reaction. Jack clutched his staff tighter, hoping it would comfort him just a bit.
That's when Jack noticed the small movement on the bed.
At first, he thought he imagined it. But, soon after the first, another came. An audible groan came from the girl, snapping MiM from his thoughts and rushed to her side, the rest taking a step yet unsure what to do. Grabbing her hand, MiM kissed it lightly.
"Young one?" He asked, gently stroking the girl's cheek. The other Guardians kept a good distance away. Astraea mumbled something, lifting MiM's heart to the sky. She was alright! She was becoming conscious! This brightened the moonlight in the room, sweeping everyone in the happy rays, especially Astraea.
Jack took a step closer, wanting to be there for his friend. She had, afterall, earned the immortal's boy respect. It was the LEAST he could do. MiM looked up to him, seeing genuine concern in his eyes and nodded to the youngest guardian to come forward. Taking this as a go ahead, Jack stepped to her other side. In moments, the other Guardians were hovering nervously over top their mortal friend, waiting for her to finally wake up.
"Young one?" MiM repeated. Astraea mumbled something again, almost like words. MiM gripped her hand more tightly, and the young girl moaned. Moving her head, she murmured more words, voice now slurred. Everyone held their breath, scared of what the girl was about to utter. Finally, with one last failed attempt, Astraea muttered the words she'd been dying to say forever.
"Shut…the… fuck…up…" Everyone blinked at her response, and Astraea opened her eyes, giving each of them a weak glare, hazel eyes swimming with grogginess. "I've got the North of all headaches, and you INSIST on talking in my room? Seriously?" This caused everyone to sigh in relief, including MiM. Astraea's eyes flew to her best friend and they widened, instantly awake.
Scrambling to sit up, much to her arms protest, she watched her friend with wide eyes. MiM gently helped her, and Astraea flinched when he touched her. Recoiling back, he gave her a worried expression. "Oh shit, am I dead?" MiM shook his head, straightening up to kiss his beloved's forehead lightly, making sure not to hit her injuries.
"No young one, you are alive." MiM gave a soft chuckle and patted her hand as gently as a ray of moonlight. Astraea's face screwed up like she had just eaten a very sour lemon, completely confused.
"Then I'm hallucinating." She reasoned, looking over to the Guardians, who seemed very pleased with her being awake and funtioning. Tooth was buzzing even more frantically; smiling so widely, you'd think her teeth might pop out. Astraea's gaze fell onto the winter spirit, face suspicious. "Did you drug me?" Jack scoffed and held a hand against his chest, actually offended.
"I would do no such thing!" He exclaimed, and Astraea frowned at him, unconvinced. Maybe it was the drowsiness talking, but she thought it as a very plausible idea. Not ridiculous at ALL!
"Of course you would."
"No I wouldn't! Why do you say it like it's a fact!?"
"Because it is!"
"What do you take me for Raea, a pervert?!"
"Yes, what else would I take you for? You ARE a pervert—AND a stalker!"
"Am not!
"Am too!"
"Am not!"
This argument continued with the relief to everyone. Astraea was being herself, and MiM felt a great weight lift off of him. Before she had stirred, he was about to go find Pitch Black and strip him of his powers—something he had never done before. And something he knew it could cause DIRE consequences.
Eventually, MiM smoothed his thumb on her cheek and Astraea's hazel eyes flickered to him. Her mouth shut and she smiled sweetly at the moon. Lifting her hand, she poked his nose, watching the stars on his suit swirl. MiM rolled his eyes before gently placing his forehead to hers, capturing her eyes with his.
"You have much to explain for young one." Astraea sighed, exasperated. Of course she knew she looked rough, hell, she felt worse then she must seem. Personally, Astraea was secretly hoping for a few hours before she had to face MiM, get her story straight. But she knew the Guardians had gotten to him first—much to Astraea's distress. She was HOPING to twist the story a little bit, make it seem less frightening than it actually was.
Now she was out of time—and out of ideas.
"Okay MiMzy… if you MUST know," MiM chuckled at this, smoothing Astraea's wild curls with his hand. The blonde closed her eyes, letting MiM work some magic on her. He might not be able to heal her, but MiM could take some of the pain away. Astraea let out a happy sigh, lips upturning.
Everyone else in the room watched in awe—especially Jack Frost. As MiM and Astraea had their moment, taking some of the mortal's pain away, Astraea began to glow softly from the inside out. At first it was just a slight glow, the light bending around the girl. Then ever so slowly, it began to increase as a distinct white aura, surrounding JUST Astraea. Jack blinked, mouth hanging open. This was probably one of the most beautiful things he had ever witnessed! And he had lived for 300 years.
MiM watched this as well, confusion and wonder clouding his mind. He was not doing this, oh no. His glow was the distinct silver of the moon. This glow… this glow was a pure white, like a perfect cloud floating in the sky. It surrounded the girl in its loving embrace, as if it were a PART of her. But the most awe inspiring site was the actual person it was enclosing.
Astraea didn't look like the little girl he used to know. No, she looked like a strong WOMEN who could fight anything—even in her current condition. Her rosy cheeks were prominent on her porcelain skin, that small smile radiating on her face. Blonde curls shimmered in the light, almost looking silver. Astraea Mae Toz had grown up… and MiM had finally taken notice. She sort of reminded him of…
That's when it all clicked for MiM, and when Astraea opened her eyes only conformed his suspicions. Overwhelming sadness crushed into him and he touched his beloved's cheek. Astraea's hazel eyes blinked in confusion as MiM detached him from her, still feeling the aching inside his heart.
Tooth, feeling MiM's distress, started to usher the Guardian's away from the room. Jack tore his eyes from the glowing girl—who was no longer glowing— and protested. With one glare, Tooth shut Jack up, clutching his staff for comfort. Astraea gazed at them, confused with THEIR confusion. North gave them a smile, as did Bunny. Sandy floated up to the girl and gave her a hug, careful of her arm. She patted his head, chuckling at his goodbye. He really WAS a teddy bear. Tooth fluttered around, frantically waving her hand before departing, leaving only Jack, Astraea and MiM.
Looking to the side, she saw the food Jack had brought for her, her stomach growling in happiness. Squealing, she hysterically reached for the food, happy to see something EDABLE, for she had not eaten in almost a DAY and was starving her little ass off; even if her mother was probably delighted about it. The tray he had left had EVERYTHING Astraea liked! Cookies of all types, as well as cupcakes, and even her favourite New Zealand candy, Pineapple Lumps!
"Thank you Tinkerbell!" Astraea grabbed the Pineapple Lumps, placing one of the chocolate covered marshmallow on her tongue. Instantly it began to melt, the pineapple flavoring overriding her senses, making her moan. Oh god, it tasted like sex! MiM shook his head, knowing about Astraea's candy addiction long ago, but still felt the ache of sadness. Jack smiled at the girl, nodding his head.
"No problem Glow Worm." Laughing at Astraea's expression, a mix of exasperation and anger, slipped out the door, closing it behind him. A cupcake hit where the winter spirit used to be and Astraea instantly regretted the throw, as familiar pain flared up. Leaning heavily against the pillows, she waited for it to pass.
Everything was so… screwed up. First that weird dream—one she could barely remember now—and not MiM visiting her. Bad things were happening, she knew it. And whatever it was, had something to do with her—if she wanted it to or not. Shit was about to hit the fan, and when it did, Astraea hoped she was ready for it.
Scooting over, Astraea made enough room for MiM to lay down with her. He obliged without argument, placing a long arm around her tiny shoulders. Astraea shifted so she was resting her head by MiM's chest, careful not to hurt her arm or ankle. Using his free hand, he stroked her wild curls, hoping to comfort the teenager. Astraea closed her eyes, relaxing into her best friend.
"Shit's going down, isn't it MiM?" Said immortal looked down to the girl, remembering the glow that once encased her. Letting out his breath, he continued his rhythmic touches.
"Yes young one."
"I'm a part of it aren't I?" MiM paused for a moment, wanting to lie, but knowing he could not. This was his beloved; his most cared for person in the world. She didn't know about him because she was immortal—or loved him because he was. Astraea cared for him as a person, just like she did with all the immortals. There was no way he could LIE to her.
"Yes young one, I do not know how yet. But yes, this involves you." Astraea nodded and sighed, eyes opening to stare at the white ceiling. There was only one option left, and it was going to break her heart to do it, but it had to be done. Astraea took a deep breath before speaking.
"There's something you have to do for me MiM and you're not going to be able to talk me out of it. It's the only way…" MiM listened to Astraea's plan, eyes wide as she spoke. He could not let her do this! It was torture for someone UNWILLING to do it. Someone willing, well it was probably worse than any torture manageable. By the end, Astraea's voice was thick with unshed tears.
"I cannot do that young one!" Astraea gave MiM a strong smile, and he saw the young women he glimpsed at earlier. She had to do this, no matter how bad it hurt. No matter how much this would change her life. It was the only way. A small tear leaked from Astraea's eye, and MiM quickly whipped it away, holding her closer to him. Astraea ignored the pain it caused and let him do so. "Alright young one… When?"
"Next week." MiM nodded, giving one last attempt to change her mind.
"That soon?" He whispered, observing the young girl with sad eyes. Astraea closed hers, blocking out the pain that now filled her heart, which overshadowed the one in her arm and leg. This was the toughest decision she had ever had to make, and she wished she didn't have too. God, did she wish she didn't have to. It fucking SUCKED.
"Yes, Saturday night. I'll talk to North." MiM could only nod as they stayed like that, holding each other. Soon, MiM would have to depart to his moon, leaving Astraea alone once again in the daylight. But he didn't have to return for a couple more hours.
So with that time, MiM held his beloved, feeling her light wash over him as she let tear after tear fall.
Annnd, that's chapter 11.
Now were REALLY getting into the plot! Who's Silver? Why would Astraea dream of a strange boy she has never met? And that voice? Oh, what about her plan? Obviously doing something stupid again aren't we Astraea?!
And Astraea's crying AGAIN? Her badass reputation is going down now isn't it!
Thank you for the reviews! I loved every single one, they made me all warm and fuzzy inside!
If you have any suggestions, please tell me them. Don't ever be afraid to ask! If you see any mistakes, grammar or spelling, please do tell me!
Again, thank you so much!
~SimilarAddictions~
Disclaimer: I do not own RoTG.
