The strands of gleaming sand never ceased to amaze him. Even out in the middle of nowhere, he could feel the sand brush against him.

Jack chuckled at it; it was trying to help. Sandy said that it never really had a mind of its own, although once released, there was no guarantee, not that it mattered much. He and Death were silently holed up on the winter spirit's abode. Death seemed to have no problem with the ice covered furniture, sitting in complete stillness and simply allowing the dark globe hover above his hands. He stared with glowing crimson eyes, watching the spikes of life falter and grow.

Life was at it again, no questioningly using the hunt to draw more souls out and have them roam. Life wanted nothing more than a game, and that was what they were giving her, for the sake of every living person on earth. If they didn't give her a game, Jack figured, she wouldn't stop with murdering he and Alice. The Guardians would be next, followed by the remaining spirits, then anyone who got in her way.

It really scared him, if he would admit. He'd never been hunted for his death; his last two coincided with events and was the best for the situation.

"You miss her?" The deathly spirit's voice was soft.

The two had moved out to the hidden area to escape the constant bugging of the Guardians. Eric had stopped, only because of taking over Alice's job so that the lovely spirit wouldn't so easily find her.

"You have to ask?"

"She's going through pain... And you can't do anything."

"Pain?"

"Her connection with you can be slightly interfered with by Life. I can do the same."

"What did Life do?!"

"Sit back down, Jack."

It took him then to realize he was standing, ice fluttering out around him and striking the walls in fury. Jack took a pause and shifted, falling back into the frigid couch.

"She only gave Alice a nightmare."

"What happened?"

"I broke the connection and woke Alice up."

Jack knew that Death was doing what he could, considering they had to keep them secret. His mouth opened anyway, "How did she find her?"

"She didn't. Just the connection line between you and her."

"Oh."

"Smile, Jack."

He brought his head from the ground, "Huh?"

"Isn't that what Alice says?"

"...Yeah."

"Then take some advice, for once."

Both he and Alice were right. He wasn't acting normal again. He was downcast without reason. He should stay acting like the Guardian of Fun. The moon had made him such for a reason. He was at least going to act it. And maybe, just maybe, it would be the ultimate downfall to this game.

"Our next move will set up for check mate. As will the others. We can't afford losing more human lives."

"You're right. We're Guardians-"

"Care taker..."

"-Guardians that protect people. I mean,
it's mainly children, but that's beside the point. We should be doing something-"

"Jack, I already have my game planned out. I simply need to wait for the opportune time to strike. Too early, and I lose two rooks and a bishop."

He was never one for waiting. Everyone knew that.

But if it was to protect Alice, he'd do it.

"Alright," Jack stated.

"You can rest and meet up with Alice."

"And you?"

"Keeping Life from interfering."

The elder winter spirit nodded in understanding, sweeping up his staff with the edge of his foot. He padded in quiet thought into the shared bedroom. He gave a chuckle at the sight.

The bed was disheveled on one side due to the younger winter spirit's need of having to have the blanket covering her to fall asleep properly. He fell against his side of the icy bed, his head hitting the pillow, reminding him to thank a certain feathery Guardian in pushing to have North give them soft pillows. He allowed his eyes to grow heavy, lids closing of their own accord.

Darkness covered his realm quickly, in what, he thought, would take him to the dream world he could meet up with Alice once again.

Needless to say, he was surprised to find no light anywhere, nothing creeping into his vision.

"Have you stopped to think, Jack Frost?"

Voices echoed around him again. He couldn't open his eyes. He couldn't move either. He was frozen.

"That perhaps neither of you were supposed to be here? That maybe it was a mistake?"

He wanted to shout out in protest, but his voice could not be found.

"That maybe there was a reason you were outcasted?"

That wasn't true, he was supposed to be a Guardian. The moon told him so.

"Have you stopped to think about it? Did you know that you weren't supposed to have found someone? I know for a fact."

That wasn't true. He was going to find Alice whether or not it was before she died. He didn't want to listen.

I want him to smile, even if he did something-

"Think about it, Jack. No one ever wanted anything to do with you."

Smile, Jack. You need to smile.

"If you won't listen... Don't say I didn't warn you!"

"Shut up! Shut up, shut up, shut up!"

"Jack?"

A pleasant voice drifted into his ears, and never had he been more thankful to hear such a soft voice of concern.

Alice was leaning over him, and without warning, he found himself pulling her against him, deeply breathing in the fresh peppermint scent she carried. Gentle hands moved to hold his back.

"What's wrong?"

He only shook his head, nuzzling her shoulder and clinging to her.

Why was he so shaken up?

It was only words.

Why?

o.O

Heya guys.

Shout out to:

Prisma Honeydew

For the reviewing of the last chapter. Makes me happy to know you guys like the story.

Thanks for all the supports.

Reviews are nice, but will never be required.

Sorry this is short… wrist still pretty bad…

See ya soon.

O.o