CHAPTER 21 Letting Go

They didn't go too far, just far enough so they wouldn't be seen nor heard from the caves, in case the Guardians showed up as they were bound to. By the time they were far enough the full moon was up and shining brightly in the cloudless night sky.

Jack breathed and exhaled slowly. He looked around him at the silver scenery surrounding them. It looked so calm, the even cover of snow and the sound of wind passing through the plains of snow. Finally, Jack looked at Pitch and Loki, standing further behind him almost unnoticeable in the shadows Pitch had woven around them. Still, Jack could make out the slight nods they gave him. He turned back around to face the sky lightened by Northern Lights in the distance. He briefly wondered if Aurora was there as well, of if she had retreated to Jokul. He wondered if he would be seeing her tonight. And finally it struck him. This really was it. This was the time it would all end. One way or the other. Tonight. Soon. Now.

It all crashed down on Jack, making it hard to breath. No more time to worry if this was the right thing to do, no more time to prepare… This was it. Jack forced down the lump in his throat and focused. So… Don't try to feel the winter, Jack reminded himself, keeping his eyes wide open. Don't feel it… Just pull. And he pulled. First, nothing happened. Then he felt the wind picking up, swirling around him and picking up the snow creating a small blizzard. Soon enough there were snow wolves and deer running with the snow and wind before the small whirlwind lifted off the ground and was blown towards the Northern Lights. For a brief moment, Jack saw the color of his aura shining through the blizzard. Sparkling light blue. Jack quite liked his color. Then they waited.

-O-

It took an hour for the wind to come back, no longer carrying the animals Jack had made to lead it. Instead Jack could make out a figure glowing light blue, so close to his own blue, but colder. Next to the figure, he could see a small figure landing gracefully on the snow, her aura changing colors from purple to light green. Like the Northern Lights. Jack had hard time understanding that it actually was Jokul standing there, few meters in front of him. Jokul Frosti, the Old Man Winter, Father Winter. The thought made him want to flee, run and hide. He didn't.

Jokul took one step forward and immediately Jack could feel the pull. The struggle between them, between winter. It was weird. He could feel it, but he still couldn't feel it, couldn't hear the wind. It was more like some sort of electrical current between them.

For few long moments they just stood there, looking at each other. From the corner of his eye, Jack could see Aurora shift, before leaping across the snow field to the shadows behind Jokul. Jokul didn't move and neither did Jack. You have to be the first one to pull. Jack remembered the serious look in Loki's eyes when he'd stopped Jack to say it. Jack had nodded. He knew that if he let Jokul be the first one to reach out to him, he had no chance of changing the current of the magic. But Jack still couldn't feel the winter magic, and he guessed Jokul didn't either from the looks of it.

"So, there you are, finally. I've been waiting to meet you 'Jack Frost'", Jokul said then. It was the first time Jack heard his voice and somehow it made the whole situation more real. It actually was Jokul, the person who had been hunting Jack for months, who had been trapping spirits, draining them of their powers, their lives. The person who had driven Pitch back to his hole, to hide in darkness, alone. Anger surged forward inside Jack, but he forced it down. He couldn't afford to lose his head now.

"Oh yeah? You haven't been too eager to come meet me personally either" Jack remarked and he saw Jokul twitch.

"You were hardly worth all the effort", Jokul stated. His voice was deep and slow, as if he tasted every word and syllabi before letting them out. Jack frowned.

"What about now? Am I worth the effort now?" Jack asked and the slight sneer in his voice surprised him himself. Jokul looked at him calculatingly. His long white hair and beard were thrown over his arm holding his staff, by the wind. His long robe fluttered.

"Yes, I would say you are worth acknowledging", Jokul answered slowly. Then his eyes wandered past Jack, looking at the shadows behind him.

"As are your little friends. Don't think I've forgotten you, 'Nightmare King', not many have ran from me successfully as you did, but it doesn't matter. The result will be the same. You too Loki of Asgard. I remember you. That was quite the blast you gave me when we last met, it would seem your horse wasn't as fortunate as you were. Am I right to assume this is your doing as well, sorcerer?" It didn't take much to realize what Jokul was asking about.

"Could be, who knows? Maybe you're just losing your touch as you get older", Loki answered back and even though Loki made it sound light, flippant almost, the dark threatening undertone was clear. Jokul stiffened, but didn't bother answering. Instead his eyes trailed back to Jack.

"So is this how it is going to be? Yes, I can see from your eyes that there will be no reasoning with you. Come on then, we shall end this quarrel between us now", Jokul called for him and lifted his staff in front of him. The snow around it swirled up making it clear that he too had realized what Loki had told Jack. Jack hesitated only for few seconds. He had so much he wanted to ask Jokul, things he wanted to say. But clearly, Jokul had no intention of talking, and honestly, Jack preferred it this way. Jack crouched.

It started with few simple frost animals, snarling wolves, screaming eagles they sent at each other, before Jack rushed forward. He knew he would lose to Jokul with strength and experience, but Jokul was old and Jack was physically in better shape. He would have to get closer. It wasn't easy though as Jokul kept sending flurries of snow and ice against him and Jack had to use the wind do avoid them. Jack knew from experience how blasts of Jokul's magic could affect him. So he dodged and ran, dodged and ran, until he was finally close enough to strike.

He didn't though, hesitant to use pure force. He formed few of his special snowballs, hardening them and shooting them towards the older spirit. Jokul surprised him with his speed and agility, turning around in a flash to deflect the snowballs. A second later few sharp icicles were flying towards surprised Jack and one of them scraped his leg. Ignoring the burning cold sensation Jack rushed forward and swung his staff forward, it cracked with ice before hitting against Jokul's staff and a shock travelled through Jack before the pain exploded in his head. It was back. The winter, it was back. And it was screaming.

It was splitting apart, making his head hurt like hell. For few brief moments Jack was too dazed by the sudden pain to even register he had fallen to the ground. If it wasn't for the wind, Jack would've lost there and then. But the wind came just in time, sweeping him from the range of Jokul's staff and landing him on the snow few meters back. It was whispering urgently, but Jack couldn't focus. The pain made it hard to think, but when he looked up, Jokul wasn't affected at all. Why was that? Jokul should've been able to hear the winter as well. Jokul should've been able to feel it split. Jokul should've been immobilized by it as well.

Jack's eyes widened as it dawned on him. He wasn't listening. Jokul wasn't listening to the winter. Just as Jack had closed off the trees and starts, Jokul had cut off the winter. Why would he do that? Jack wondered, but then he had to dodge again and he was running. Or more like stumbling. It hurtso bad. Jack wished he could just curl into a ball and bury himself in the snow until it passed. But he knew it wouldn't pass unless they would stop ripping the winter apart.

So Jack took a breath, bit his teeth together and whirled around, shooting a flurry of snowballs at Jokul, then he was running again, not giving the older spirit the time to react before he was on him. Their staffs hit together again and both of them were blown back by the shock that followed. This time, Jack wasn't hit by a wave of pain. This time, Jack felt his vision shift and he was looking at a white haired youth standing in front of him, holding a shepherd's staff at ready in front of him.

At the same second as Jokul became aware of him, Jack panicked and in result, he pulled on the bond connecting them in order to get away. His vision returned to his own silvery one and for few brief moments, he felt the winter flowing through Jokul, to him. He felt it piling up inside him, as if it had always been there. For that brief moment, he really thought he had won. But then it twisted and the stream slowed. Jack's breathing turned into gasps. He had pulled first! He was sure of it, but it seemed like it wasn't enough, Jack wasn't strong enough. Jokul was so much older. The stream kept slowing down and Jack fell to his knees. He tried concentrating on solely the stream of magic. But it was as if he was trying to grasp a stream of water with his fingers. It didn't do anything, he was losing. His breathing got shallow.

This was it. He had lost, he wouldn't be the reincarnation anymore, there would no longer be Jack Frost. He felt cold, he couldn't breathe. He wondered if the Guardians and Pitch would hate him for losing, for giving up. If they would be disappointed. Bunny would be disappointed for sure. And angry. North and Tooth… Jack wasn't sure. Thinking about them was painful, so Jack let his thoughts wonder. The wind was whispering urgently, pulling on his clothes and ruffling his hair. His eyes fluttered shut. He didn't want to let go, he wanted to keep fighting! But he felt powerless, feeling the winter magic flow through him. It was hopeless. Maybe this was how it was meant to be, after all. Maybe all he ever had had to do was to let go. I'm sorry, he thought silently, hoping the wind would carry on with his words. The wind didn't answer him. The stream of magic had almost stopped.

-O-

A hand pressed against his back and as if someone had tied a string somewhere inside him, the hand pulled on it. Jack jolted. His eyes snapped open and the stream of winter magic started moving again, but not to Jokul. No, it was coming back to Jack. It was still under Jack's control. And Jack knew it was Loki behind him, making it easier to transfer the magic. Loki had been the one to grasp the evading stream of magic.

Few seconds later, Jokul started yelling. Jack almost let go then. But he couldn't. He felt guilty for causing someone such pain, he knew how it felt himself and still, he didn't even hesitate to cause it to someone else. He had to do this. Because giving up as he had before made him feel even worse. And just like that, it was over.

-O-

Jack blinked to bring himself back to focus. He saw Jokul, crumbled on his knees, breathing hard. A bang of guilt and horror followed as Jack watched Jokul blink slowly, his eyes reflecting the pain inside. Slowly, Jack pushed himself up, leaning heavily on his staff as he stumbled. He felt… different. Full, alive. The winter was alive inside him. He couldn't even feel its limits like he was used to, it wasn't just a pool of power inside him, it was everything. Limitless. Jack sighed in wonder, before a whimper brought him back to reality again and he gazed down at the old man crumbled on the snow. Jack crouched and gently turned the old man to lie on his back. The snow clung to his long beard and made it glitter. Jack smiled slightly, gently, when Jokul's sharp eyes landed on him.

"Why…? Why would you…?" the old man gasped before he could finish his sentence.

"I had to", Jack told him. Jokul shook his head.

"No, no. Can't you see? I was doing what I had to! What no one else was ready to do. It's wrong, it's cruel… how things are now. How we are nothing but pawns, put in this world without a choice to fill out our roles before they dispose of us. We are given jobs, even our very natures are given, forced on us and we will have to keep up, keep up for years, for centuries. In mercy of those fickle forgetful creatures… I was doing what was best!" Jokul told him, his words coming out rushed as if he didn't have the time to say everything he wanted to say. Jack shook his head. He was briefly reminded of Ondine: love but never be loved. Jack wasn't sure what made Jokul so conflicted, but it was clear that he cared, even too much. But Jack just couldn't understand why it resulted into this.

"It's not. It's not", Jack said, trying to make Jokul listen. After all, he had promised to the Grim Reaper. No regrets. "It's a chance. See? It's a chance, we are what we want to be. See, here, look, this is what I am, and I wouldn't have it any other way." Jack made a small snowflake, drawing magic from his center and letting it land on Jokul's forehead. A small look of wonder flickered across his face before it vanished and Jokul shook his head.

"We're not on their mercy, we are here for them, because of them. Do you remember what it was like to be believed in? When there were songs sung of you and prayers prayed to you", Jack continued, trying so hard to convey in words what he wanted Jokul to feel. Jack remembered Jamie, when he had first called out Jack's name, when Jack had had a snowball fight with him and his friends, on their team. Jack remembered all the times he'd listened to the children laugh while playing in the snow. And he made another snowflake, making it land on Jokul's forehead again. Jokul's eyes fluttered shut. When they opened again, they seemed so much older and filled with ages old sorrow.

"You are fortunate to have a center such as you have, not all of us are as lucky… Not all of us… Doesn't it get lonely? Listening but not taking part? Not having anyone there… for you", Jokul asked, his voice getting weaker. Still, Jack found no regret in his voice. Jack shook his head.

"It did, but not anymore. You just have to see and listen. But… you're not listeningreally listening, are you? Why not?" Jack asked curiously. When Jokul just looked at him, confused, he clarified: "The winter, the wind, why aren't you listening?" A small smile flickered on Jokul's lips.

"I guess… I was afraid. Maybe it was too painful. Maybe… I don't know. I don't know why I stopped listening. The wind… Ever so joyful, lively…" And finally, finally Pitch was close enough, just in time. Jokul trailed off, his winds widened in horror.

"And I would have… I would have trapped it as well, if I could have. If I would have found her again… So many… Alive…" Jokul muttered and Jack knew it had worked. The fear Pitch inflicted had worked just at the right moment. Jokul was afraid of what he had done. Maybe it wasn't an honest game, but he saw no other way to fill his promise to the Grim Reaper.

"I'm sorry…" Jokul muttered, but Jack knew he wasn't talking about the spirits he'd trapped anymore. Jack tilted his head puzzled. He was about to ask what he was talking about when a silvery flurry surrounded by a colorful aura dashed past him and settled next to Jokul, half on his chest. And suddenly it wasn't fox anymore, but a girl with tears on her eyes. Jack backed away a few steps.

"Ah… My sweet little cub, Aurora… You too…? You too would have…?" Jokul started, but Aurora cut him off.

"No! Never! I would have stayed by your side forever!" Aurora cried and clutched at Jokul's robe, tears now streaming freely from her eyes. Jokul smiled. Jack got the feeling he had known her response all along.

"Then it is about the high time you let go", Jokul said gently and pried Aurora's fingers from his robe.

"I believe my old friend is here to visit me", he stated and shivers ran up Jack's spine. Jack turned around to see a man dressed in long hooded robe, carrying a scythe. Pitch and Loki backed off immediately, far enough not to be able to hear their conversation anymore. Jack would've retreated as well, but the Grim Reaper waved for him to stay put. Aurora's image flickered yet again and a fox was once again leaning against Jokul. It let out a pathetic whine, before Jokul pushed it away. Then he smiled, a real smile.

"How about this one, my old friend. Is this how we met?" Jokul asked. To Jack's surprise, the Grim Reaper lowered his hood, revealing slender face and slightly wavy hair. A small look of surprise and shock flickered across the Reaper's face.

"'An old friend', yes, I believe, this is how I meet you", the Grim Reaper stated. Jokul's smile widened.

"Then", Jokul had to stop to take a breath "I will be seeing you later." One more time, the Old Man Winter turned to look at Jack and still, Jack saw the stubbornness there. Saw the accusation left unsaid. Then he closed his eyes. The Grim Reaper lowered his scythe and to Jack it seemed as if he cut through thin air above Jokul's heart, but when the Reaper brought the scythe towards Jack, a familiar blue aura flickered on its surface before swirling towards Jack. Jack gasped as it came into contact with him and immediately, he was lost in memories that weren't his own.

It was cold and dark as was usual in midwinter, especially this far in north. He was sitting on a thick branch of a frozen tree. It grew on hill side, so Jokul was far above the ground and even though it was snowing, Jokul had excellent view on the family of four who were huddled together in the snow. Jokul had followed them from the small village for days. He'd grown rather attached of the two young children, they were his only believers in that small village and Jokul had been determined to keep them safe from the biting cold. Well, he'd tried. But he knew better than to mess with the natural order, so when the head of the small family had decided not to stay at the farm for the night, Jokul couldn't do anything to protect them. They had been close, really close to the town they were headed to, which was probably why the man had decided to keep going. But winter was cold, and trudging in the deep snow was slow.

When the first snowflakes had started falling, the man had already known they were doomed. Jokul had seen it in his eyes. Still, they kept moving on until they could barely stand. Only when the youngest, a boy with messy brown hair hanging on his eyes, had stumbled and fallen, had they stopped and taken what little cover they could from the pine trees surrounding them. They all had gathered around the youngest, keeping him warm. But Jokul knew they wouldn't last. And they had been so close… Only up the hill and couple hundred meters more and they would've made it. But no, they had no way of knowing it in this blizzard. Jokul knew they would be dead by the morning, he knew there was nothing he could do about it, but still… He stayed, watched over them.

"It is not all death here", a voice said from next to him, making him jump a little. He lifted his staff slightly as he gazed at the dark figure standing on the branch beneath his, leaning against the branch he was sitting on. Jokul took in the scythe he carried and the robe hanging from his shoulders. The hood covered his face, but Jokul could make out the black eyes glinting in the little moon light that made it through the curtain of clouds. Jokul scoffed.

"Yes, I figure the wolves will get a nice filling meal here", he stated, hiding away the sadness he felt for the thought. It wouldn't be until the spring came that the town folk would find the remains. But the dark figure shook his head.

"The youngest will survive", he said and Jokul finally turned to him. Not just glancing, but looking.

"How?" Jokul asked, not blinking, not daring to believe.

"I do not know. I only know the number of souls I will reap here. Seeing the circumstances leading to each death or survival is beyond my reach", the figure said and Jokul smiled. He tipped his imaginary hat in greeting.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Grim Reaper. I am known as Jokul Frosti around here. If you travel east, though, you will come across names Halla, Old Man Winter and Father Winter", he introduced himself, the weight in his heart lifted a little bit. He would've sworn the features beneath the hood twisted a little, as if the Grim Reaped was smiling. But it must have been his imagination.

"Oh, I know. I've known for a long time", the Reaper said, leaving Jokul look after him, puzzled, as he descended from the tree, down the hill, to the family huddled in the snow. Jokul thought he saw three silver flashes, but it could've just been the moonlight reflecting from the Reaper's scythe. Then the figure was gone and Jokul was left alone in the forest again. Well, maybe not alone. Jokul took off from his branch, making his way to the town. If the child was to survive, he would need someone to come get him.

Jack barely had the time to gasp for air when he was pulled into another flashback.

Jokul didn't know what to do. She was dying, fading, but it wasn't some sickness that could be healed, it wasn't a threat he could freeze. It was nature. She wasn't needed anymore, Jokul heard the wind whisper to him. But he wouldn't accept it. It was his queen, his beautiful loving queen, who was looking down from one of the many windows of his palace. His winter queen, Khione. Created from the Greek visions of snow and winter. Not so different from him, which is why she was fading, dying. And he hated his helplessness. He hated how it seemed like this was meant to be, like this was right. It felt so wrong to him. She had been given life, given a chance to see and feel all of this and now it was all taken from her because of the fickle minds of humans? Jokul closed his eyes and gripped his staff more tightly. Frost started to spread from his staff. He opened his eyes when he felt a soft hand gently touching his cheek.

"Don't blame the humans… Don't blame yourself. If you have to blame someone, blame me. You know me, I am just too stubborn to admit I am wrong", a light laughter flowed from her lips and Jokul relaxed if only for a brief moment. A misty look covered his queen's sparkling blue eyes. "Please understand, I love you, I love all of this, this new world… But I can't imagine becoming someone I am not. Maybe I am a coward, weak. But this is the only choice I feel comfortable making", Khione told him, her hand never leaving his face. Jokul brought his hand up as well, taking her hand into his.

"No, my queen, you are not weak and I cannot bear hearing you belittle yourself so. The fault…"Jokul trailed off when Khione brought her other hand to cover his mouth. She smiled softly, before her eyes fell on something behind him. Jokul turned around and caught the familiar sight of the Grim Reaper. Jokul's eyes hardened at the sight of his old friend. The Grim Reaped lowered his hood, revealing slender face and mid-length wavy black hair. He made a slight bow, offering his hand to Khione.

"My lady", he greeted and Khione gracefully made her way to him. Jokul stood still, too conflicted to make a sound. And then it was too late. The scythe glinted and light blue light danced across the blade before fading. Jokul just stared, unable to understand what had happened. For the next few minutes, the world felt distant, his voice yelling at the Reaper, his friend, sounded like an echo. It was like he was looking at someone else's dream. Because his queen, his love couldn't be… But she was. Dead. Faded. Gone. The world crashed down.

"…bring death everywhere you go!" He heard himself yelling. Then he was panting, furiously glaring at the man standing in front of him, face devoid any emotion. But Jokul had known him so long, he should have recognized the hurt and sorrow passing through his face. He should have, but he didn't.

"My friend…" Jokul snorted at this, missing another hurt look, "I am but a messenger. I do not bring death, I follow it. I do not kill, I reap", the Reaper told him, but Jokul wasn't really listening.

"Is being a scoundrel so much better then?" Jokul asked, but didn't stay to wait for the response, taking off down the hallway, hitting his staff against the floor, instantly a wall of ice sprung up, blocking the hallway behind him.

Jack tried to look up, but all he saw was a blurred figure holding something in his hands, something that glinted brightly in the moonlight. Jack barely heard a voice calling his name as he lifted his hand to his face, he brought his fingers in front of him and was shocked to see they were now wet. Then he was gone again, absorbed in another one of Jokul's memories.

Jokul hadn't meant it to happen. He had been mad, frustrated, scared. But he hadn't meant to freeze him. He had felt it, himself being ripped apart. A part of him had left him, not just his powers, but part of him, physically. He could barely hear the wind howling outside, could barely feel the ice under his fingers. It was as if a thick cover had been pulled over him. And instantly, he had known what had happened. The spirit had been too unfortunate, being too close to him when he had let his anger and frustration out.

Just like that, he had been pushed aside. Just as he had been told. It was the reason the unfortunate spirit had been there in the first place, but gazing at the block of ice now… He didn't feel any remorse, even though he knew he should be thankful for the frozen spirit. If not for the spirit, Jokul would most likely been absorbed as well. Jokul had felt it coming long ago. The winter had been changing, his element was evolving like it never had before. People weren't wary of winter anymore. Not like they had been before. They had started playing with it, using it for healing. But Jokul couldn't let go. He finally understood what Khione had meant. If surviving meant he'd have to become someone else, he'd rather fade. But Jokul didn't want to fade either.

Once, The Grim Reaper had said he had a hero complex, and when Jokul had asked what he meant, he had explained that Jokul was too concerned with others' business. Too caring. Jokul had denied it, after all, winter was cruel, he couldn't afford being soft hearted or he would break. But he had realized it was true, not too much later. And he couldn't help but wonder why someone like him had been made an incarnation of something that raw and cruel, powerful. Was it just for amusement of the one who had created him? To see him struggle? Or had it been in an effort to make them balance each other? Jokul didn't know, and frankly, he didn't care.

Jokul trailed his fingers across the ice surrounding the spirit he'd frozen. For a moment, he wished it was him there, under the ice, slowly being drained of his powers, unaware of the cruel world around him. Safe from the pain and struggle. Safe from being used as a pawn in a game he couldn't see in full scale. Jokul pushed himself from the block of ice and left the hall, leaving his compassion behind. In this game, he couldn't afford to care for individuals.

Jack gasped again, finally able to free himself from the swirling memories. It took him a moment to gather himself and catch his breath. He could feel the tears freezing on his cheeks.

"What…?" He started, but then realized he wasn't sure what he was asking.

"I would assume you acquired some of Jokul's memories. Don't worry, it won't be so overwhelming all the time", Thanatos explained and Jack looked up to see him standing in front of him.

"You should gain the memories of all your predecessors in time as well as the powers and attributes", Thanatos continued when Jack didn't say anything. "But beware, even the bitter feelings of his latest years will come to you and overcoming hatred that runs so deep will not be easy."

"How do you know that? I thought this hasn't happened before?" Jack asked, trying to clear his mind.

"I have seen it happen" the Reaper stated simply and Jack just nodded dumbly. Neither of them spoke for a moment.

"I believe your friends are getting restless, maybe you should go to them?" Thanatos suggested gently and Jack looked behind to see Pitch staring at him from the shadows. To his surprise, he could even see the Guardians waiting for him. When Jack turned back to address Thanatos again, the Reaper was already gone. When he turned again he was met with the sight of Pitch's robe right in front of his face.

-O-

In the end Jack nor Pitch said anything. Pitch simply helped Jack onto his feet and backed off couple of steps. Jack had a sudden urge to just say something, anything and everything, but when he opened his mouth, nothing came out. So they just stood there, until the Guardians finally rushed to them, deciding they had had enough time just between them. Jack was instantly caught in an embrace by Tooth.

"Jack! You're okay…" Tooth exclaimed, but as soon as she let go of him, her expression became stern.

"You should've waited for us Jack! You know we would've been here for you. We've told you, you don't have to do all this on your own anymore!" Tooth scolded him, and Jack felt a slight bang of guilt in his chest. Before he could get his voice working, though, the other Guardians joined in.

"Yeah, mate, we told ya we'd help ya out? Do you still not trust us?" Bunny asked and Sandy flashed an exclamation mark above his head. Jack shook his head gently.

"Jack… Why did you leave us behind?" North asked then and finally they stopped to wait for his answer.

"It's not that I don't trust you, I do, I really do. I know you would've helped me, but… You were needed elsewhere", Jack lifted his free hand to stop them from protesting. "I know, I know you think I needed you here more, but the thing is, I didn't. It was enough for me to set Pitch and Loki in danger, but I couldn't have done this without them. I… This was something I needed to do. Me, I promised." The Guardians didn't answer immediately, just looking at him. Then North laid his hand on Jack's shoulder.

"We understand, even if we do not agree. Vhat is done is done. Just remember Jack, you are one us now, you are a Guardian. Vhat threatens you, threatens all of us", North told him and Bunny, Tooth and Sandy nodded seriously. Jack smiled slightly. Then, without a warning, it just struck him. What is done is done. And it really was. It was done. Jokul was gone. Gone. The Winter was his now. For a moment, that thought felt overwhelming, before calmness took over again. Calmness that originated from hundreds of years' experience and learning to adapt. It definitely hadn't been there before, but it felt natural. But somehow, it made another thing stand out so much clearer. Something he was lacking that Jokul had always had. Now it became even more unnatural than it had been before.

Jack let his staff fall from his fingers and he brought his hands up to his face. Bringing them close to his eyes, finger tips brushing against his cheekbones. The Guardians jumped with surprise, becoming much more alert. Pitch re-emerged from the shadows.

"Jack? Is something wrong?" Tooth was asking, but Jack couldn't comprehend the words. He didn't understand. It should have worked…

"I… I don't understand… It should have… I thought…" Jack wasn't aware he was speaking out loud, but suddenly he was pulled in on an embrace by something warm and furry and he could feel another pair of arms wrapping around them both. Seconds later he could feel all of the Guardians around him, touching. His vision had become blurred and it took him a moment to realize it was because he was crying. It should have worked! His eyes… His vision was the link between him and Jokul! It was the thing that made them both aware of the bond, of the connection they shared.

Jack was lacking his vision because even his physical body was connected to Jokul's and Jokul had stolen his vision. That had to be it! There was no other explanation! Because the Winter spirit had always been able to see, so why was Jack different, why had the Moon made him like this, if it wasn't for Jokul? It just… wasn't fair.

-O-

It took a long while for Jack to calm down enough so the Guardians dared to retreat a bit. There was a slightly awkward silence between them, during which Jack's eyes wandered over to Loki. He was still standing pretty far from them, not facing them and clenching his fists. Jack was about to call out to him, but Pitch stopped him with one look. When Jack looked at him, confused, he explained: "It took much of him to let you do what you did. Do you remember when he told us about his center changing? I think we were a little bit too close for comfort this time. He is afraid that if he faces you now, he won't be able to keep it all in." Jack frowned.

"Why? Why is he mad at me?" Jack asked, now even more confused.

"He is not. But he was mad at Jokul. More than mad. Maybe he thinks…. That the way you provided for him, was too easy way out for him", Pitch told him and finally it dawned on Jack. He hadn't even really thought about it. But Loki had lost so much to Jokul… Jack should've been surprised he agreed to help Jack, to offer Jokul a chance. And now that Jack was Jokul… But it didn't feel right. Jack still wasn't Jack. Sure, he was the spirit of Winter, a reincarnation, but he was still just Jack Frost. Maybe it was because his center was different, maybe it was because of all the complications with his reincarnation, but Jack felt like all the memories and knowledge Jokul had brought when he… absorbed? him, was just something additional. It was there as it should be, but it wasn't something that defined him. He was still Jack Frost, he was still Fun.

Jack was about to turn away from Loki to leave him deal with his emotions, when he saw the green aura brighten and something akin to green flames danced around Loki's fists. Jack was suddenly reminded of the feeling of Loki's hand against his back, when he'd helped Jack to pull the winter magic to him. It had been almost as if it had been burning… And that was when Jack realized just how powerful Loki actually was. His center was magic, after all, but Jack had never really thought about it… Until now. Loki had helped him pull over the Winter magic, something that only Jack should have control over. And before, Loki had even blocked their connection on their elements. It was frightening, really, how powerful Loki was. If he had wanted… He could pretty much wipe away every spirit. Because, as Loki had once said himself, spirits' were nothing if not creatures of magic. Spirits were incarnations of pure magic. In Jack's case, and most likely in Jokul's and the Guardians' as well, that magic had been packed up in the mortal bodies, such as Jackson Overland, and it had come alive. And to think someone had control of that magic, some one more reachable than the Man in the Moon…

Loki turned to look at Jack and Jack forced his gaze away. That's right. It didn't matter. Loki was his friend. And he wouldn't abuse his powers. And maybe Jack was wrong. Maybe he was just overthinking things. Maybe he just couldn't control the flow of knowledge that seeped from Jokul's memories. Jack let the Guardians lead him away from the trampled snowfield.

A/N

Explanations:
Jokul I think I did pretty good job describing this whole thing on his chap, but if not, feel free to ask. Though, what might have been left a bit unclear is the little fact that in the end he still didn't admit being wrong. And he doesn't like the fact that Jack is going to take over him. Duh. But at least you got some of his reasoning, right?
Khione Yes, I know I said I don't write pairings, but this just happened, sorry! So, anyway, she's the Greek goddess of snow.
The Grim Reaper/Thanatos Okay, I found a way to describe his timeline perfectly after I wrote the first chapter featuring him. Because after that, I started watching this awesome TV show featuring a mad man with a blue box. Yeah, umm, I had no idea I could just say that to get how his timeline goes, you just have to watch Doctor Who. I assure you, this reference was not intentional, but yeah, there you have it.

That was the lamest explanation box I've ever made... oh well.

Next: ...I'm not sure what to write here anymore...