Cry Heard Upon the Wind
By: Wilona Riva
Disclaimer: I don't own ROTG.
Chapter 3: Right Against the Forest Fence
Author's Note: This story takes place about 3-4 days after Easter. Since night had fallen by the time Jamie became Jack's first believer, Jack missed Death's deadline to break the curse. I'll explain the nature of the Bargains a little further down the road.
Night Before, At the Pole
"Why does it have to be me?" an Australian accent sounded sharp and clear, as he uttered the question.
"Because he trusts you," the Russian-laden words shot back. "He sees you as brother."
"What?!"
Tooth pretty much stopped following the conversation after that point. After Jack had come back to the Pole with them, he had been elated to finally have believers, only to have Aster point out the fact that it had only been after Easter that it had happened. A strange look had crossed his face, and he had taken off before they could ask him what was wrong.
The gleam of moonlight shining through the skylight announced the Tsar's presence. They listened as he told them about the story of the missing children of Burgess.
"ENOUGH!" she yelled. "Get your furry rump to Burgess and find my sweet tooth, and make sure he is alright. North, quit egging him on."
Bunny harrumphed. "Fine. First, I'll check with the ankle biters to see what they know about these disappearances, and if they are connected to Frost. He did appear around the time the first child went missing."
None of them noticed Sandy staring up at the moon with a silent, sad knowledge in his golden eyes.
Next Morning, Bennett House, Burgess
Dere Jamie,
Come to the lake after skool. Bring anyone you wish. I hav a great adventure planed. I cannot tell you what it is, but are you in?
Sinseerely,
Jack
Jamie paused; a child always disappeared from Burgess right after Easter, and was never seen from again. This had been going on since colonial times 300 years if he guessed correctly. Surely, Jack knew this?
He sighed, and refolded the note.
Did this mean Jack was alright? Also, someone really needed to teach him how to spell.
Ten minutes later...
"Looks like he got the note," observed his companion, as she and Jack watched Jamie dash out of the house with a piece of toast in his mouth.
Late as always.
Though Jack hadn't spoken, she'd heard his words nonetheless. At 800 years old, Chloe Anna was the oldest of the Seasonal Spirits and represented Springtime. Like Jack, she was only corporeal for half the year; during her off-season she resided with Mother Nature having complete Death's bargain half a century ago. She had the ability to hear her siblings' thoughts.
Still thinking about moving on?
"Maybe," she replied. "Have you decided which child?"
Yes.
"You know you cannot tell the Guardians."
Yes, I know. The Kangaroo almost found out in '68.
"Good thinking with that blizzard."
I wonder how much the children saw last night?
"Every bargain with Death is different, Jack."
Yes, I know. It still hurts.
Time Skip, Afternoon, Bennett House
You are sure, you can't come, Cupcake?" Jamie asked.
"Positive," she said.
Jamie sighed. "Okay, see you tomorrow," he said, hanging up.
The sound of someone clearing his throat caught his attention.
"What's the John Dory, mate?"
At the Forest's Edge...
Jack's head snapped up, and he growled softly.
Sard!
"Jack Frost!"
Sorry, Chlo', I was so close this time! And now that I'm a Guardian...They wouldn't understand about the Bargain!
Back at the Bennett House
"So, you are here to investigate the disappearances?" Jamie queried, while opening the sliding glass door for Pippa.
"Where's everyone?" she asked, nodding in greeting to the Easter Guardian.
"It's just you and me," Jamie replied. "Cupcake bowed out; everyone is afraid of a kidnapper on the loose. I mean, this has been going on for 300 years for crying out loud! "
" A 300 years old child stealer? We need to speak with Frostbite, and now!" Bunny exclaimed. "It's still cool enough so the drongo should be at his lake unless Chloe Anna has chased him off."
"Who is Chloe Anna?" The children asked on cue.
"'Tha companion of Mother Nature. She's over 800 years old, and rides a flaming white stallion on moonlit nights over the streets of Old London. She's also the Spirit of Spring, while Frostbite is just a winter sprite. I don't know who the Winter Seasonal is, but Jack Frost is but a candle to the sun if ye get my drift. I really don't know too much about the Spirits of the Seasons."
"What if Jack Frost really is the Spirit of Winter?" Jamie asked.
Bunny paled. Could it true?
"Then I'm in a lot of trouble," he mumbled.
"Did you tell him about the Bogeyman and Jack?" Poppa whispered-asked.
"Not yet," Jamie whispered back. "We really should wait and ask Jack."
"Explain, while we walk," the Easter Bunny said, ushering them into coats and hats. "What did you see?"
"Well, the other night..."