Unknown
Okay.
Back up.
First thing first.
Yes. He was attracted to Elsa, that was for sure. Who wouldn't anyway? She could be the exact replica of the Lady Freyja. A goddess of war, death, love, beauty, fertility and seidr.
And Elsa had quite a seidr.
If this attraction had anything to come by.
But what he couldn't understand was that his heart was hurting him. His throat tend to easily close up and he was starting to feel a touch of sweat in his palms of his hands. And that! That he didn't get. He was a spirit of winter. Jack couldn't sweat—shouldn't sweat.
He couldn't tell whether this feeling was good or bad. Alright. He knew it was good. However, if ever he had a bad feeling, it would have been similar a bit. In addition, he knew that the more he got to know her, the more he liked her.
And oh the pride he felt when Elsa told him that she as well held the same magic as he. He felt like they were more connected than he initially thought.
He realized that they understood each other without a doubt. The isolation, the loneliness and these powers. He had always hoped there would be someone like him. Now he felt like he could do something for her—help her even—magic wise at least.
A surprising sting shot through him. Now that he thought a bit more, the more he felt bad. He had come across this woman years ago without the knowledge of her powers. He felt horrible for not being around in her time of isolation. He could have been there for her at least. He felt quite shameful.
'Ah-ah ah-ah…'
Jack jumped, as did Elsa. They both turned to the lake.
He looked at Elsa and she looked shaken. It was understandable after all. A voice calling out to only the both of them so far. Or at least, to the only two who could hear it. He wish he knew what was going on.
He noticed Elsa shaking and looking nervous. She looked terrified and he wanted to reassure her. So, he put a hand on her arm and came closer. He whispered, "Hey, you okay?"
Elsa swallowed and nodded. She breathed in and whispered back, her eyes still out over the mountains, "The Voice... It won't stop calling."
Jack sighed and looked out in the horizon with Elsa. "I know. It's been bothering me too."
"I'm scared, Jack. Just what does it want with me? With us?"
Elsa was starting to hyperventilate. It was heavy and unsteady, Jack didn't know what to do. What if she triggered a panic attack? He wouldn't be much help since he himself would panic too—panic because Elsa would panic.
Fortunately, no panic attack occurred.
"It's been keeping me awake," she commented. "Is it here to distract me so I could make a big mistake?"
Jack's head jerked back, surprised at her comment. "Wait. What?"
"Or is it someone out there who's a little bit like us."
"What? Where is this come from?—"
"Maybe it also knows that deep down we're not where we're meant to be..."
"Now, hold up just a minute!—"
Jack's mind was reeling as Elsa stared at her reflection on the water before she turned away. His eyes flickered at the spark of her magic swirling around her hand. She lifted her arms out as her magic danced away. She sighed and wrapped her arms around herself.
"Every day's getting a little harder. My powers are growing, Jack."
She was looking miserable by the second.
"Hey now," Jack walked over to her and placed his hands over her shoulders. He turned her and tried to catch her eyes. She wouldn't even open them to him.
He dipped his head closer and whispered, "Now what's going on?"
When she didn't answer or open her eyes, he lifted her chin up and that was when she finally opened her eyes.
"Why would you say all that?" He rephrased.
Elsa bit her lip worryingly. Her eyes watered and she sniffled. "Don't you know? Because of the fear of my own magic, I almost killed my sister."
Her tears threatened to fall and he didn't know what to say. He couldn't just sugar-coat it and tell her that it wasn't her fault. It wouldn't be right. It felt so fake to say and he wasn't that kind of guy. With these thoughts, Jack deflated completely. He would have to try a different approach.
"And did you?"
Elsa looked startled by the question. She blinked several times before answering back, "I'm sorry?"
"I asked if you killed her."
"No! I didn't! She's safe, back in the castle."
Jack smiled and used his thumb to stroke her jaw. "See? You didn't. She's still here and still alive—and hopefully happy. But remember, Elsa, your fear can suppress your magic. The more you fear, the more it'll go out of control."
Elsa went quiet.
Oh…
"That happened, didn't it?"
Suddenly, she bursted out crying. Her tears dropping heavily over her red cheeks before she hid her face into her hands. "I didn't mean to! No one in my family has this magic but me. Mama and Papa couldn't even help me. I was afraid, Jack! Why me of all people? What did I ever do to... to have this!"
She frantically waved at her herself and, what Jack assumed, her ability of magic. She was getting more upset. He could almost feel the hatred.
"Hey, hey..." Jack pressed his palms over her reddened cheeks and pulled her closer. "You controlled it. Which is fine. Just be in tune with your magic, Elsa. I can still see the fear in your eyes."
He shut his eyes. He could do this. He could help her now. Even for a bit.
"Don't be afraid now. I'll help you. You and your magic were born together. Just... think of it as a… a twin sibling?"
The suggestion caused a small giggle out of Elsa and his heart jumped. He smiled at the lovely sound.
"A twin sibling?" She asked with a watering smile.
Jack shrugged. "Well, why not? Just be one with it. It's part of who you are—who I am even. If anything, it connects us together."
Elsa sniffed and Jack used his thumbs to wipe the remaining tears away. Weakly, she said, "Does it?"
He chuckled and shook his head. "Well, we are the same, aren't we?"
She nodded enthusiastically.
"And we're all we've got with these powers, Elsa." Jack pressed his forehead to hers and shut his eyes as he breathed in then out. "We'll stay together and we'll protect each other. I'll always be by your side, if you let me."
Elsa later did the same, her cheeks glowed red, following up to his breathing pattern. She whispered breathfully, "Yes..."
The two stayed that way for a long time. All relaxed and calm. It was until Elsa breathing out when Jack opened his eyes again and pulled back.
"Feeling better?" He asked.
The young woman nodded as she sniffled and wiped her eyes from tears. Suddenly, she laughed.
Jack rose a brow at the sudden change of behaviour. "What's so funny?"
Elsa shook her head, but the giggles didn't stop. "It's just... This is the first time you called me by my name itself."
Ah…
Jack blushed hard and rubbed the back of his head. He turned his head away to avoid looking at her. Now he felt embarrassed.
"Uh. Well, it's really nothing. I don't know why you bring it up."
Her smile was soft and beautiful when it brightened. He swore he could feel his face burning even more. Was that even possible at all? She said, "I like how it sounds coming from your mouth."
Jack couldn't blush any harder. Oh Manny, was he falling ill? It was getting hotter all of a sudden and all he wanted to do was hide from all this embarrassment.
Elsa then took his hands, grabbing away at his attention—it worked. "Thank you, Jack."
Jack smiled back at her. He was glad that Elsa was feeling better. He just wished he could cheer her up completely. He could still feel a bit of tenseness in her and he wanted it gone. He took a look around then remembered they were outside by the waters. His eyes captured the water nearby and he stared at it.
I wonder if...
A brilliant idea came to mind and he fastened his hands around Elsa's. He startled her when he pulled her closer to the sea. "Come. Let's have some fun."
"What? Fun? Jack—I don't think I—" she stumbled with her words.
"Of course you can! I may have fun playing with children, but that doesn't mean I couldn't do the same with this lovely lady over here."
Elsa smiled bashfully and giggled a bit.
The young spirit smirked. "Let's loosen up and enjoy ourselves. Just you and me."
What that said, Elsa's whole face brightened—both in color and expression. She tightened her hold with Jack's hands.
Hook. Line. Sinker.
"Let's stop thinking about the Voice for a bit and give our lovely lady some fun." He said.
Just as Jack pulled Elsa closer to the sea, he tapped the head of his staff atop the surface of the water. In a continuous bloom, frosts formed and covered the waters. Once frozen completely, Jack toed the ice before shifting his whole weight onto it. He turned to Elsa and brought out his hand.
Elsa looked at the ice as she reached for his hand. Her eyes stayed on him curiously.
"Don't be scared, Elsa"
Elsa then rose a brow, then pulled a small smirk and took his hand as she stepped onto the ice. The ice glowed blue under her foot, thickening and strengthening the ice below them.
Jack rose a brow as well at the glowing ice and Elsa giggled. "Have you forgotten that ice is my specialty, Mr. Jack Frost?"
Jack laughed and took a few steps back, tugging Elsa along with him. "Why, princess Elsa, I was hoping to woo you."
Her brow rose higher.
"Then allow me to do the wooing." Her growing smirk turned mischievous.
At that, Jack was a little confused, but interested in the challenge. He smirked back and held her hands tightly. Before he had anything to say, he noted their hands swirling with magic until he felt a sudden boost push him upward.
Quickly, he lost his balance. His knees bucked and he held onto Elsa even more.
"Woah!"
When he looked down, he noticed some shimmering frosted ice skates covering his feet. His head snapped up at Elsa. "Uh...?"
Elsa giggled, her hold on Jack's hands was firm and steady. She too was wearing ice skates—similar to his. "We have to have something appropriate for the ice. We can't slide all around in shoes—"
She paused.
A look at Jack's skates. "Well, for your sake—feet."
Jack looked at Elsa incredulously and tried hard to understand. Although, he was having a hard time balancing himself on the ice with the new skates. He wasn't exactly used to them. He never had the need of them before after all.
"What's wrong with my feet?"
Elsa gave Jack a pointed look, then down at his covered feet. She smirked at him and cooed, "Oh Jack, sweetie, where would be the fun in that?"
He blinked at her owlishly. His mind blanked out. He… he didn't know what to say. He was seeing a new side of Elsa. A little more playful. The endearment was surely a surprise.
I feel like I've underestimated her for some reason...
It took a while, but Jack got to recover some balance. He sighed in exasperation but never once let go of Elsa's hands.
The woman giggled as Jack stared distrustfully at the skated, "Have you never skated before?"
"Uh. I don't think so? I never tried..." Jack tried to answer Elsa the best he could, but he couldn't because he was too busy focusing on not to fall!
How did Elsa do it exactly? It wasn't easy! As a spirit of snow and frost, he was a bit ashamed—alright, he was more embarrassed than ashamed. For a century, not once had he ever thought of about skating. He did quite fine with his feet. Thank you very much.
He was struggling and he was embarrassing himself even further in front of a woman of the same powers.
Manny, kill me now...
Elsa's smile softened, it was her turn to skate back, pulling Jack with her, which caused for Jack to stumble. "I can teach you. How about we take it slow?"
Jack laughed nervously as he was pulled forward by the hands. His legs, however, were still shaky. "Please don't let me fall."
Elsa hummed at him as she suggested him to start pushing a foot at a time. Nonchalantly, she said, "Why not? Maybe I want you to fall for me."
This time, Jack almost did slip.
"Jack!" Elsa called in surprise.
He was about to fall.
He swore he was about to fall. His knees bent over, so he quickly let go of Elsa's hands and wrapped his arms around her waist to prevent himself from falling any further.
When there was a pause of no pain delivered, he opened the eyes he never knew he shut.
When he realized that he was fine, he sighed heavily and buried his face into the warmth in his arms.
Jack doubt he ever wanted to skate again.
"Oh, Jack. Are you okay?" Elsa's voice sounded high above his head as she ran her fingers through his hair.
Apparently, he was positioned very awkwardly. Or so to say, he was bent over along with legs also bent. His arms tightly around Elsa's waist and head pressed against her stomach.
So, pretty much he had his butt up in the air.
His voice then muffled through her nightgown, "I hate skating. I was going to fall."
"I know. I never thought you'd fall for me so quickly." Her voice was... deeper and... suggestive. He was sure that he could hear the slight smirk in it.
Jack blinked and couldn't believe it. Elsa, the shy innocent woman he met a while ago, was a completely different person right now. He didn't know how to he felt about it. Sure, his heart skipped again. But it was just… completely new to him.
So when she mentioned that maybe she did want him to fall for her, it took him completely off guard that he ended up tripping over the ice and fall forward on Elsa.
And the thing was...
He actually liked it.
This playful side of Elsa.
Jack chuckled and did his best to straighten himself back up with the help of Elsa. His placed his hands over her elbows for balance again and then shook his head. He couldn't do it anymore, nor did he want to continue any further in the future.
He meant skating, actually.
"No more skating for me, princess." he said exhaustedly while waving a hand to his skates, but soon realized that he wasn't holding his staff and must hast left it somewhere around. So, he hummed to himself, then tapped his skates together as an alternative before said skates faded in sparkles. His feet revealed again on the ice.
He happily wiggled his toes.
"Aw. You're not fun." The woman pushed out her bottom lip and sophisticatedly started to skate away.
Jack laughed at her expression and smiled apologetically as she skated backwards. He followed her with his feet. Honestly, it felt good without those tight skates on. He felt free. "I guess skating is not for me."
Elsa crossed her arms, almost stubbornly. Her dissatisfied expression was adorable. Jack couldn't help but laugh harder.
"But I could teach you. We could have been skating buddies." She whined.
Jack figured that by the way Elsa seem so flawless over the ice, she must had skated pretty often. Maybe even enough to love skating. He felt bad that he couldn't find a liking to it like she did.
He guessed that one day, he would do it again.
For her.
Maybe.
As he tried to apologize to Elsa one more time, recommending that next time they could try again, Elsa tripped and fell back with a yelp.
"Elsa!" Jack quickly flew at her in a panic and caught her around her waist and her head before she would have hit the ice.
When everything seemed to be fine, he sighed heavily in relieved.
Yeah. Forget it. No more skating.
Apparently, skating was meant for falling.
Again, he was positioned awkwardly. But not only him, but Elsa as well—this time, if they danced the tango and if Jack gave Elsa a dip. Quite the exotic pose, right? Elsa's arms were around Jack's neck, hanging tightly on to dear life, their faces inches apart and their breaths mingled together in the cool air.
It was Jack's turn to smirk. "Is it me or have you fallen for me instead?"
Elsa's face turned beet red, but she didn't say anything. Jack took the moment to stare at her. He took this time to take a proper look at her. First, he looked at her eyes. The purple eyeshadow complimented the colour of her eyes. They were clear and bright blue. He could easily see his reflection through them, almost in full detail. He observed her red cheeks and her button nose before looking down at her lips. All plush and dark red.
She really is a beautiful woman...
He could look at her forever—
He was startled by the sudden thought, then quickly pulled her back onto her feet. He coughed into his fist and avoided her eyes, cheeks burning with embarrassment. He didn't know what he was thinking. It was a surprise to him. He never thought that these ideas could occur to him. Ah… what was he going to do about that?
When he finally glanced at Elsa, he watched as she brushed her nightgown and patted her red cheeks.
Jack thought for a bit.
Those times when Elsa was red-faced... they weren't from the cold, were they?
His heart swelled and he couldn't breathe—
No. Stop it. Don't think any further Jack.
Then he remembered. Elsa had tripped earlier. He looked down at the ice and found the staff he lost earlier nearby their feet. He stared at it blankly.
Huh, when did that get there?
"I'm sorry, Elsa." He said as she looked at him questionably while she fixed her hair. Jack went over to pick the staff and gave her an apologetic smile, waving at the wooden staff. "My fault, you tripped."
Elsa gave him an assuring smile. "It's alright, Jack. I still had fun."
He rose a brow. "From all the tripping and falling?"
Elsa turned around to get out of the ice, then looked over her shoulder at him. She flicked her braid to her back. Her eyes half lidded, her eyes on him under her lashes. Her playful smirk graced her lips. "Well, I've gotten to know the great Jack Frost has fallen for me."
Jack's jaw dropped at the sight. His heart dropped so heart and he felt frozen.
It was a sight he had never seen before. It was almost as if she was seducing him.
Had she struck him with something for him to feel this way?
Her laugh snapped him out of it and he flew over her direction. He called back, "Hey! You were the one who fell for me in the end."
They both laughed until they sat themselves on a large rock near the icy sea. They both looked up at the sky and felt much better comparing to all the earlier frustration. They were more relaxed and freer. They enjoyed each other's company.
"Thank you, Jack."
Said spirit looked at her, watching a smile spreading on her face. He was glad to see her relaxed. He worried that she stressed out over the whole voice thing. He guessed that they could think clearly now.
"You know. I think I want to see this Unknown."
Okay. Maybe not as clearly.
He frowned at her. "The Unknown?"
"The source of the Voice."
Jack looked back out in the horizon and thought about it. To be honest, he hoped he was wrong about his gut. At first, he thought Iduna was calling for them. But after a while, he realized that it didn't sound like her at all. It was far too different. Iduna's voice was soothing and warm while this one was more luring and distant. He didn't know how to react to it.
Then there was what Elsa called the Unknown. He figured that it was possible that this was about the Enchanted Forest.
Or even worse,
The Fifth Spirit.
He snuck a glance at Elsa as she drew magic around her fingers and throwing it out over the ice. It danced happily by itself. Decidedly, he did the same thing with his own. With a flick of his wrist, his magic burst away and danced along with Elsa's magic.
The two stared at said dancing magic, twirling, swirling and spiraling among themselves. Her magic was a lighter blue as his was a tad darker. It was mesmerizing to look at. He couldn't help but smile.
Then Jack's brows furrowed in thought. To be honest, he never thought about this, but he wanted to check the Enchanted Forest one more time. He had to find out if the mist was still holding up.
Or else, why would the Voice call for them?
Especially Elsa.
She had no part in this and Jack didn't want her to get involved. He had no idea what had changed over the decades, but he worried for Elsa.
"I want to go." She suddenly said.
He blinked at her and— "Excuse me?"
"I want to go to the unknown." She clarified.
Jack started—eyes widening at Elsa. He worked his jaw. He tried to formulate the right words. Instead, he blurted.
"No." Jack shook his head furiously. His hands waved at her. He got off the rock and stayed afloat in the air. "No. Absolutely not. Not a chance."
Elsa leaned over the rock, getting closer to Jack. "But Jack. I've thought about this for a while now."
He jerked his head away and stared at her incredulous. "You mean half an hour ago? No. You haven't."
"But Jack—"
"No."
Elsa's face morphed into a stubborn expression. Her voice dropped more firmly. "I'm going."
Jack strictly narrowed his eyes at her. "I said no."
They glared at each other. They didn't know for how long, but he learned that Elsa was quite a stubborn woman. He guessed it was a quality of being royalty of Arendelle.
But hey, guess what? Jack was just as stubborn.
Neither were backing out. Elsa wouldn't take no for an answer and Jack wouldn't allow her to go to the Unknown—or which he believe was called the Enchanted Forest.
"And how about you? Do you plan to go to the Unknown yourself and find out who's been calling us?" She asked angrily.
"Yes. I do plan to." He replied shortly.
"If you're going, then why can't I go too? You're not the only one the Voice has been reaching out to."
"Elsa. You don't know what's even out there. What makes you think you won't fall into trouble?"
"Oh! And you know?" She started to raise her voice.
"As a matter of fact, I do!" Jack growled.
"Then tell me, so we can do this together!" She yelled.
Jack stayed quiet, but glared at her as she stood on her two feet.
"You told me we're all we have, Jack! You said that we'll be together and protect each other!" She stomped her way over to him and raised her fists to his chest. For Jack, he let her take out her frustration. But he also took her elbows to soften the blow. Her eyes showed hatred. They were tearing. She looked betrayed. "I believed you. I trusted you. I thought I wouldn't be alone anymore.
"I thought you understand me." Her whisper cut in deep through him, "Or were you just lying to me..."
Jack was sort of speechless. Yes. He was still a bit angry at her. It was shown all over his face. But he couldn't deny that he had said all that to her in the first place. Although, there hadn't been any promises taken place, but he gave his word. He was someone who wouldn't take it back.
Jack didn't know what to do.
Today was such a confusing day. They went from shy to laughing to flirting and now to arguing. Jack couldn't understand what was going on anymore. How did Elsa ended up deciding that it was a good idea to go off on an adventure to the Enchanted Forest?
He was so sure she had no interest in doing so. She was so unsure about the Voice—she was even worried about it. But then again, the more she asked questions, the curiouser she got.
But the thing was Jack didn't want her to go. It could be dangerous. Hadn't her parents taught her to stay away from certain places?
Then again, he was pretty much a stranger himself and they became quick friends as a result.
Plus, he just found out that Elsa was stubborn and possibly reckless. He was afraid that she might as well be a risk-taker.
Oh Man in Moon, Elsa was going to get herself killed one day.
Even him included.
He sighed.
This argument wasn't over.
Jack completely deflated. He searched for Elsa's eyes in defeat and let out a frustrated breath. He bit his lips in thought then said, "I'm just worried for you, Elsa. I worry about your safety. Honestly, I just want you safe."
Elsa didn't say anything. She still looked pretty angry at him.
"You're the first friend I've had in decades. Of course, as a spirit of winter, I want to protect you." He tightened his hold on her arms with her fists still on his chest. "You have friends and family around you. You may have them and me, but I can't lose you, Elsa. You're all I have."
The woman stared at him before letting out a big sigh of her own. She looked exhausted from the argument they had and heavily dropped her hands before looking up at him. "Jack, you're all I have too."
Jack turned confused. He didn't get it. Sure, Elsa would always have him, but like he mentioned, she had friends and family—
"Jack, you forget that we have the same powers." Elsa then took his hands and smiled tiredly at him. "How can I do anything right without fearing my magic—without you guiding me?"
Jack bit his lips. He was starting to feel upset and useless. He hadn't even thought about how she felt. How could he be so selfish? It felt like he couldn't do anything right.
Jack took Elsa's hands high and kissed them. Later, ran his thumbs over her skin. His eyes shadowed and guilt-ridden. He said so quietly, "I truly don't deserve you."
Elsa smile grew wider, her face cleared even just a little. "You'll always have me."
And they stayed that way. It was peaceful and comforting. It was slowly becoming a thing for the both of them. Having quiet company.
For Jack, he didn't know how long they were standing and holding each other's hands, but they never took eyes off each other. It was reassuring for them. If only they could stay this way forever.
A glow flashed over the icy waters. They looked over to find their magic still dancing around happily.
Jack had to think about this carefully. He wondered if he should show her the Enchanted Forest. Give her an idea what lied ahead? What sort of spirits they could encounter?
Maybe he should show her what it looked like.
Or maybe just show her the unknown...
He watched as she bit on her lip. Her eyes shining with a touch of happiness. He then, lifted his hand and brushed his thumb over her slightly bruised lip. His fingers hovered around her cheek. He breathed in so deeply and sighed heavily.
Ah. I might as well.
With a wave of his hand at his magic, a mist diffused along with Elsa's magic, creating a sparkling portal. Quickly, Jack pulled Elsa over the ice and they engulfed themselves in the mist. In a blink of an eye, they were surrounded in a black void.
Elsa's jaw dropped and she stepped forward. Her eyes darted everywhere—anywhere. Actually, she didn't know where to start for it was a black void. There was nothing to see, but their bodies glowed enough to see each other. As she pulled away, Jack's hold released her. "Wha—what is this, Jack?"
Jack's eyebrows were furrowed once more and his eyes were on the floor. He still wasn't sure if it was a good idea to tell Elsa about the Enchanted Forest. He still thought she would be off safe without her knowing a thing.
He didn't say anything until he looked up at her. "It's what you call it: the Unknown."
Elsa twirled around, trying to find something—anything. But there was none. Nothing new.
"Or what I call it, the Fifth Spirit."
She looked at him. Her brows knitted down. "The Fifth Spirit?"
Jack shrugged and kicked his foot at nothing in particular. He held his staff closely. "My guess is that she's the one calling us."
Elsa was startled. "Sh-she? The Fifth Spirit?"
Jack then shook his head. He wasn't a hundred percent sure about this, but it's the closest thing he got at the moment. "To be honest, I don't know. I was once told that one day the Fifth Spirit would awaken.
"The problem is, I never knew when."
Elsa stared at him but he never returned his eyes at her. He was revealing too much already. It was frightening him too even. How it all end up this way, he wondered. The last century, everything was going smoothly, no trouble occurred. And yet, ever since the exile, things hadn't been the same.
"Do you think she's behind the reason of the feud between the Arendellians and the Northuldras?" She asked.
Jack wish he could say yes, but even he doubted it. He knew that the feud had nothing to do with the Fifth Spirit, for he never knew about her. At least, not until decades later when Iduna mentioned about it.
When Elsa didn't receive a response, she asked instead, "But why is everything so dark. So black?"
Jack shrugged a bit. His eyes avoided her and he shoved his hands in his pockets. "Can't say I know for sure. But I'm just laying out an idea of it. Kind of reminds me of a place back at home."
With that said, Jack flicked a finger and sparkles of his magic twinkled in, forming several silhouettes. One by one, his magic formed trees, long trail roads and then swirls of wind floating in the air—a scenery of a forest assembled.
If anything, it looked like a black winter wonderland.
"Oh my, it's so beautiful, Jack." Elsa gasped. She covered her mouth then pressed her hands over her chest. She marveled over the beauty of Jack's magic. "The Fifth Spirit—"
"—is one of the Four Magical Spirits of the Forest." he finished for her.
Ela blinked then suddenly turned to him confusedly. Her blond brows knitted. "Wait. Do you mean the Enchanted Forest?"
Jack jerked and stared at Elsa. He blinked in surprised. He hadn't mention the Enchanted Forest to her before, had he? Then, he frowned. "You know about the Enchanted Forest?"
"Yes." Elsa turned back at the magic as it started to fade.
Jack's heart hurt when he saw her face fall. So with another flick of his finger, silhouettes of reindeers came running through her from behind. He smiled slightly when Elsa giggled excitedly. She tried to catch one of them in which was futile.
She continued after that, "My father told me the story of the Enchanted Forest when I was a little girl."
Now Jack was confused again, but he watched Elsa carefully. He asked himself how does her father knew about the Enchanted Forest. If her father knew about the Enchanted Forest, then he must have been there that day.
Then again, if it really was true…
If Elsa really was a descendant of young Agnaar…
He observed Elsa as she threw up her own magic in the air, then on the ground—forming a large snowflake beneath her feet before it disappeared. She laughed her heart out and again it swelled Jack's at the sight.
Elsa was currently the princess of Arendelle and the young Agnarr was the Prince of Arendelle many years ago. Judging by their ages and the passing years, Jack concluded that it was possible that Elsa was young Agnarr's daughter. After all, he only remembered the Royal family and the soldiers of Arendelle from when he was last in the forest.
But he still couldn't see the similarities though.
"Ah-ah ah-ah...!"
Jack jumped at the voice, then froze. He stayed in place, but his eyes watched around. It was the Voice again. He shut his eyes to catch a listen. But what was odd to him was that it sounded nearby. Almost too close.
But the Enchanted Forest was so far away. How could the Voice be all the way here? He couldn't understand it. It wasn't even possible. Why would it be—
"Ah-ah ah-ah-ah...!"
There it was again!
This time, it was so much louder. It was as if it was right behind him. This caused Jack turned around to find the source of the voice and to his surprise, he was shocked to find Elsa singing.
Jack's jaw dropped. He almost couldn't believe his eyes. First, Elsa sang along with the Voice and second, she was completely surrounded by his magic.
Silhouettes changed forms continuously from one form to another. A wisp jumped around her before changing into an elegant horse, then soon a giant and lastly a flurry of wind.
Jack was utterly speechless. Had he just witnessed the Four Spirits dancing around Elsa? He couldn't understand what was happening. Was his magic just attracted to Elsa? Or was it something else? He knew that he wasn't in control of it. He wasn't manipulating the changing shaped of his magic.
Jack couldn't help but ask himself.
Just who is Elsa...?
All of a sudden, the black void and his magic faded to nothing. Once more, Jack and Elsa were standing on top on the ice right by Elsa's castle.
Something was wrong here. He had an odd feeling about the whole ordeal. Sure, his magic played a bit part of it, so maybe that was why Jack felt uneasy. But maybe seeing his magic play with Elsa as the Four Spirits had everything to do with it.
Jack became nervous. Was there something between Elsa and the Four Spirits? Or was that just his attraction manipulating his magic and his memories?
But he mentioned earlier that he wasn't manipulating anything.
…Except. You would never know.
He swallowed. He had a feeling that this would change everything.
"Oh Jack! This is so wonderful." He blinked owlishly at her. His lips parted to say something, however Elsa's smile spread so widely across her cheeks that his shut back his mouth.
"I never knew the Fifth Spirit was so magical—I mean, I know for sure the Enchanted Forest must be just as magical. But it is nothing compared to the story." She was daydreaming, reminiscing the magic and the silhouettes.
If there was one thing Jack noticed about himself was that Elsa's smile could melt every trouble away. All senses of worry and doubt fled away. He smiled at the thought. He knew that a single smile from her could melt icebergs.
"Now I really want to go."
Yeah. He knew this conversation wasn't over.
Jack turned at Elsa. His brows pinched and his lips pursed. "No. Elsa, I said you're not going."
This time, Elsa didn't look mad about it. Her smile was still wide, but more excited. Manny, that damn smile was going to have him give in. He would rather Elsa get angry.
"But you're going." she said.
Jack lifted a finger at her pointedly, then added, "And you're not coming with."
'Ah-ah ah-ah..'
Jack and Elsa turned to the source of the voice. This time, Jack was sure it wasn't Elsa. The voice was far away and echoing.
Honestly, Jack was getting tired of hearing it. It had been causing nothing but trouble. With a hop, Jack flew through the air and over the ice. He shut his eyes and strained his ears. He wanted to hear exactly where it was coming from. If he could figure it out, then he could locate it. And if it really did come from the Enchanted Forest, he would settle it once and for all.
Soon, a tiny voice came through. It was very faint. He almost misheard it.
'...es, she...'
Jack shut his eyes tighter and tried to get closer to it. He floated even further away. He could have sworn he heard words, but he couldn't figure them out.
"Jack...?" Elsa's voice filled his ears. "Wait.. where are you going?"
Jack lowered a hand at her. He had to hush her or else he wouldn't be able to hear a thing.
From below, Jack hadn't noticed Elsa getting more nervous. Her hands sparking with magic.
'...will sing... ...hear...'
And he heard it again. It was getting clearer, so he flew higher and higher. Maybe he could hear better, he would know what the voice was saying.
For some reason, why did it sound so familiar to him?—
"No!" Elsa's voice rang in the air loudly. It startled Jack, losing the focus he had. He turned at Elsa worriedly, then looked back out at the mountains. He sighed and glared at the horizon. He was so close.
All Jack wanted was to find out what was going on so he could be left alone. He and Elsa. It was becoming problematic for them. It was unsettling them—
'..nd in her song... ...magic flows...'
Jack almost choked this time. His eyes wide with shock and bat nervously and confusedly. He took a sharp breath in realization. He look out under his lashes. He was sure. So sure.
He knew this song.
This voice.
It was very distant, but also soft. It was familiar and there wasn't a doubt he knew who it was—
"Please..." Another voice called out. It was also distant, but it wasn't the same as the one he had been trying to hear.
He paid no mind to it. He focused on the other voice—the one he felt a pull on. He wanted to get closer to it. Inch by inch, Jack went higher up in the air.
'...can you brave... ...you most fear...'
It was closer—it was ringing in his ears. Jack almost couldn't feel his body. It suddenly felt empty. He felt a tugging inside him. It was as if he had no control of his body anymore—
—It was as if the Enchanted Forest was calling him...
"Jack..." A broken voice came from afar.
No.
It wasn't the Enchanted Forest.
A weak pulsing pumped through his magic.
Maybe it was Ahtohallan—
"Please...!"
Or was it the Fifth Spirit?
It was someone he knew for sure—
"...don't go..."
It felt like...
'...can you face...'
Iduna was calling him—
"Jack! ...wake up...!"
The pulse within his magic was increasing.
Thrumming.
Beating.
Pulsing.
'...what the river knows...'
But he wanted to go...-
"Don't leave me alone!" The same pulse in his magic bursted. The sudden force snapped him out of it, his magic within it let out a strong discharge.
Iduna's voice drowned out completely and out of nowhere shards of ice spread out in the area.
Jack held his head in his hands. A headache occurred within him and he tried to shake it away. He groaned as his magic shook unsteady, then looked up. He owlishly found thick plates of diamond ice surrounding him, shimmering and reflecting the light of the moon.
No. Correction. Not surrounding him.
They were everywhere.