Welcome back, you've made it to Book 2: The Guardians of Winter - The Rise of Good and Evil
If anyone's reading this message and have followed the story since book 1. I thank you all, you are the reason as to why I have pushed myself to construct this story.
So in the last chapter of book 1 we discovered Pitch has abducted the Duke of Weselton and Prince Hans of the southern isle with an intent of joining forces to overthrow Arendelle and defeat the Guardians.
CAST
(In Order Of Appearance)
Characters And Voice Actors
Jack Frost - Chris Pine
North - Alec Bladwin
Toothiana - Isla Fisher
Bunnymund - Hugh Jackman
The Sandman - ?
Princess Anna of Arendelle - Kristen Bell
Queen Elsa of Arendelle - Idina Menzel
Chief of Staff and Advisor, Kai - Stephen John Anderson
Pitch Black - Jude Law
Darcy, Witch of Darkness and Illusion - Elizabeth Olsen
Jack laid on the windowsill outside Elsa's bed chamber window. He looked up at the stars as they slowly faded with the arrival of the morning sun. He wondered if he should've given Elsa the reasons as to why and how the King of Nightmares had returned. But telling someone that they're solely responsible for the reawakening of an ancient evil wasn't an easy thing to put on to anyones shoulders, particularly if that person is an emotionally powered individual.
Amongst other things he had spent a majority of his time trying to riddle out the meaning behind Elsa's dream, not to mention the added creation of a black ice Nightmare. He couldn't help but feel that this information was vital for the coming events and it had to be a priority to discover the meaning immediately.
The sound of sleigh bells in the air alerted Jack to the arrival of the Guardians. He rolled off the side of the windowsill and with a wave from his staff, a gust of wind picked him up and he flew around the palace looking for a suitable landing area for Norths sleigh. He landed upon the roof which overlooked the ruined gardens. Jack smiled once he spotted an open space free of debris. He waved his staff and a snowy runway formed in the clearing of the devastated garden. The ice gleamed and twinkled in the rays of the rising sun.
North guided the sleigh into a controlled landing upon the illuminated clearing. "Steady, steady. Woah my dears." called North and with a stomp and a grunt from the reindeer, the craft landed. Once landed, the Guardians dismounted from the sleigh and looked around at the state of their surroundings. Pitch had clearly left his mark on this place with the amount of devastation.
The Sandman released a heavy sigh and nudged North. North looked at Sandy. The Sandman pointed from the gardens to the battered palace, a golden sand image of the Boogeyman floated above his head. North nodded. "Yes Sandy, this isn't just an everyday attack. This amount of destruction is a statement from Pitch. One meant to tell us to stay away. But we won't, this world must be protected."
Presently Jack arrived, "Hey guys, thanks for coming." He called as he landed before the Guardians.
Toothiana squealed and darted to Jack and embraced him. A few mini tooth fairies, also known as Baby Tooths, embraced the guardian also. Toothiana had to reprimand their behaviour. "Really girls? Everytime." The Tooth Fairy face palmed and sighed. "We're just pleased to see that you're okay." Toothiana pointed at the surroundings.
Jack just shrugged his shoulders. "There's nothing much to which I can say about last nights events or more to the point as to how I survived. But that battle showed me of whom I am meant to be." He then looked to North, "I can't do this."
"Can't do what?" asked Bunnymund, hoping that Jack wasn't having second thoughts with the Moon's plan.
Jack's voice became unhinged and raw. "Look around you." He waved at the devastation. "Look at them." He pointed at the battleworn guards which littered the kingdom. "And look at me." Jack's body was bruised with glass embedded into his skin and his clothes were torn and scuffed. "Everything which happened here last night was because of me. I am the one that's responsible. What if Arendelle lost its monarchy last night and it was all because I couldn't save them."
North was shocked by this outburst from the Guardian of Happiness. "Jack, firstly remember that this was the doing of Pitch Black and the Trix, not you. If you hadn't been here, then it would've been alot more serious. For instance, Pitch wouldn't have given a second thought in killing everyone here and abducting the Queen. But by you being here it kept Pitch's attention upon you and saved everyone last night."
Bunnymund approached the dishearted guardian. "This must be one of the reasons as to why you were chosen. You are happiness personified. Only you can defeat him and he knows it. This could be used to your advantage."
Jack looked distressed, it made him aware of how large the target on his back was. Toothiana noticed this, she flew over to him and put her hand upon his shoulder. She looked with concern into his cold blue eyes, Jack looked up to meet her purple ones. "Jack, are you okay? Now I mean are you really? Listening to your outburst has me worried for you. We all understand the pressures of being Guardians but we can scarcely imagine the added responsibility of being this Leader the Moon had commissioned you with."
North was gonna say that he does just fine juggling the two but then remembered he had been a leader longer and he too had his slip ups when he first began.
Jack understood that the Guardians were trying their best to help him with the current circumstance. But truth be told, he desperately needed to clear his head of these fearful thoughts. Besides, on the other side of the world, Winter was fast approaching and Jack had a job to do. He was the Guardian of Happiness and Joy after all. Furthermore, that meeting at Burgess Forest was happening later that day. It became apparent that he had to choose between duty and leadership. The young Guardian took a deep sigh. "I need to go."
North gasped. "No, you need to stay here. This is your place."
The Sandman gave the spirit of winter two thumbs up. Jack chuckled, "Thanks little man."
"No Jack." North grabbed Jack's arm, "I cannot allow you to leave. What if Pitch returns."
"Well he's a fool if he tries. But here's a few things to think about. Last night, I found Elsa locked in a nightmare with her powers running wild around the room. Her nightmare was about my rebirth as Jack Frost, only this had Pitch's fear all over it. Furthermore, this dream created a beast composed of Black Ice and sand which incidentally was immune to any of my attacks."
North released his grip with his eyes filled with worry. But before North could say anything, Jack twirled his Staff and took off into the sky with the sounds of the guardians disapproval being left far behind. He felt the coolness of the cold autumn breeze on his cheeks as he passed through the clouds and into the stratosphere.
Once at the border of Arendelle, he turned to look upon the waking kingdom. His leaving was a big risk. Sure, Arendelle had four Guardians to protect its inhabitants but what choice did he have. In Jacks current state he'd not survive another dance with the King of Fear. Perhaps he'll feel better after being in the company of joyful children. Upon convincing himself this was the right thing to do, he turned and left Arendelle.
The Guardians watched as the protector of Happiness flew beyond the clouds and out of sight. Bunnymund wasn't that much happy about the young guardian abandoning the team.
"Ok? What was that all about? He's just upped and left. Not to say that I told you so, but when that boy was first chosen I knew that he'd give up once the task proved too difficult." Remarked the man-sized rabbit.
North put his foot down, "Now Bunny, that's not a fair thing to say. Look at the devastation. This clearly shows that Jack understands his responsibility and will defend it at all costs. However, it appears that last nights conflict has shaken his confidence and his faith in himself. There is no worser punishment for a Leader than self doubt."
Toothiana abruptly came to a realisation. "That's why he left. He's going to find himself in doing what he does best. Bringing joy and happiness to children."
The Sandman slow clapped to show sarcasm, but the clapping sound was replaced by jingling bell sounds. He'd already discovered the hidden meaning for Jack's departure, hence the thumbs up he'd given the undead boy earlier. Sandy had been trying to tell the others this since Jack left, but no one ever seemed to notice him. Just the many issues of being a mime. Oh how he longed to speak again like his former self.
North noticed the sarcasm of the golden man then he exclaimed loudly. "Ah of course! So when he will return, he'll be back on form. It finally makes sense! Sandy, why didn't you say something?"
The Sandman fumed with frustration, golden sand burst from his ears mimicking steam. The guardians were then interrupted by the arrival of an over excited Princess Anna. She'd woken up to the sound of sleigh bells and had decided to investigate.
"Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh." It was as if this girl was about to pass out with the amount of information her eyes were trying to process. She had the biggest smile on her face with her hands flapping with excitement overload. She stood gazing at the four Guardians.
"Good day Shelia." greeted Bunnymund. The girl just starred at the man-sized rabbit with her mouth agape. Bunny wasn't sure what to do. "Err who is this?" he asked the Guardians, they weren't sure either.
A few seconds later, Queen Elsa came chasing after her sister. "Anna!" she called. "You shouldn't be out here. It's your wedding day after all."
From afar, Elsa could see that Anna was talking to a group of people, but this group looked odd. She did find it baffling as she got closer. I mean, why is there a rabbit the size of a man? and a weird hummingbird-girl who was the same size as Anna? Not to mention the golden glittery man no bigger than a bolder and wearing, is that a? a nightgown? But of course she recognised the tall but buff, larger-than-life sized man. That was Nicholas St North. Elsa remembered seeing him deliver Christmas presents while she herself was trying to sneak to the kitchens for a late night dessert.
Elsa caught up with Anna. "Anna what are you doing out here?"
"Elsa, Elsa. Look who it is." She pointed at the Guardians. "You must be the Guardians Jack told us about."
"Indeed that is true, your Majesty." Bowed North. The rest of the Guardians mirrored North and bowed before the monarchs of Arendelle.
Anna was fit to burst with excitement. She ran up to each Guardian. "Okay, okay. So you're the Easter Bunny?" she asked.
"That is correct. E. Aster Bunny or Bunnymund. Whichever you chose your majesty." Bunny replied.
Anna continued, "Right, Right. And you're the Tooth Fairy."
"That's right. Oh Anna, look how big you've grown. And might I just say how impressed I am with your baby teeth. You actually brushed and flossed them brilliantly. They are my most prized collection back at my palace." She beamed.
North facepalmed. "Okay Toothiana, we get how much you love her teeth."
Anna then turned to the Sandman. Who had, during Tooth's tantrum, fallen asleep. North nudged him, "Sandy. Sandy! Wake up!"
The Sandman jingled as he met Anna's glaze. He gave her a thumbs up to show he was happy to met her.
Anna finally came to the last suspect. "And that makes you. Father Time."
"What?" spluttered North. He hoped he didn't look that old.
"Only kidding Father Christmas. The sleigh's a huge giveaway." Anna giggled with Elsa.
Anna then went to find the next Guardian within the group which would've been Jack Frost. But upon inspection he was no where to be seen.
"Hey, where's Jack?" Anna wondered.
Bunnymund started, "He's aband..."
North quickly interrupted the loud mouthed rabbit. "Jack, being a Guardian, has responsibilities to the children of the world. In order for Jack's spirit to remain strong, he keeps joy and happiness alive in children. Rest assured, he'll be back before you know it. But until he then, we'll protect you."
Presently, a hand maiden and the chief of staff came chasing after the girls. "Your majesties, we need you back inside the castle to prepare for the big day." called the chief of staff, Kai.
"But Kai..." Anna pointed at the four guardians.
"Come on Anna." Elsa reminded. "You've got a wedding to get ready for." Eventhough there was supposed to be a wedding today, the kingdom didn't look at all prepared to house such a special event.
Anna sighed, "Okay then." She then went with the hand maiden back into the castle.
Kai spoke to Elsa, "We have a problem your majesty."
Elsa pitched her nose, "What is it Kai?"
"Well the cathedral has suffered significant damage and the castle foundations are unsafe for large amounts of guests." Stressed the chief of staff.
Elsa stamped on the floor, ice spread beneath her foot. She growled with frustration. "Please not today of all days." Then a moment of realisation dawned. "Pitch wants to ruin this day because of what it represents. This wedding would bring happiness and thus weaken Pitch's strength. So therefore it must go ahead."
Bunnymund took this opportunity to make a suggestion. "Your Majesty, if I may, I think I've got a solution to this problem."
Elsa smiled at the man-sized rabbit. "Well I'd like to discuss that further."
She then turned to Kai. "These people are our guests of honour. Would you please escort them into the main drawing room. I'll join them shortly."
Kai bowed and escorted the four guardians into the palace. Elsa remained outside looking at the devastation around the castle. Tears filled her eyes as she remembered playing in the gardens with Anna when they were infants.
She then felt a whisper in her right ear. "Don't cry little Queen."
Elsa darted round to find no one there. "Must be my imagination." she muttered.
The world around Elsa went dark and the whisper came again. "Only this isn't your imagination, it's your nightmare."
Elsa called out for help, but none could hear her.
"My dear Elsa, no one can hear you scream within my shadows. For you see, we have travelled to a place where none will interrupt us." said the voice.
Elsa then knew who this voice belonged to. "Show yourself Pitch."
Pitch materialised infront of her. "Greetings your majesty."
Elsa raised her arms and prepared to attack. "What do you want you freak?"
Pitch looked hurt. "I have come with a warning. Beware of Jack Frost, he is not what he says. He intends to use you for his quest in aiding my defeat. Once when that task is fulfilled, he will have no further use for you."
Elsa scowled, "Pitch, you're the king of lies. Why should I even believe a word you say?"
Pitch raised his hand. "Because of this." A miniature nightmare materialised in the dark figures palm but this creature was also composed of ice. Elsa took a step back, she didn't really know what she was looking at. She'd never seen a black horse constructed by Black glittering sand.
Elsa didn't let fear rob her courage. "What's that and what does it have to do with Jack?"
Pitch flicked his hand up and the Nightmare leapt out of his palm. As it leaped, it grew back to it's full size and charged at the Queen. Elsa was knocked to the ground as the beast barged her. It then stood over her snorting and snarling. Its yellow speckled eyes glared at her.
"Easy girl. That isn't how you're supposed to greet your mother now is it." smirked the dark figure.
The black-silvery writhing beast turned to face Pitch, it snorted then proceeded to walk back a few steps to allow Elsa space to get back to her feet. "What do you mean mother? I'd never have any part in making a foul creature like that."
Pitch looked rather insulted, he clicked his fingers and the horse disappeared. "How dare you say such a thing to our daughter."
Elsa nearly vomited at the thought. "Daughter?"
Pitch smirked and disappeared into the darkness. His voice sounded in the air. "Heed my warning little Elsa. Beware of the company you keep and most of all, be weary of Jack Frost. I have just proven to you that he's keeping information from you. Do not forget what has passed between us. Good Luck your majesty."
Abruptly the world around her went white as she was returned to the palace gardens. She fell to the ground as she was blinded by the daylight after her time in Pitch's darkness.
Slowly, Elsa's eyes adjusted to the brightness of the waking sky. She did wonder if Pitch was telling the truth, but why would he go out of his way to give her a warning? This is the guy that crashed the celebratory ball for her sister and Kristoff. Elsa decided to keep this under her hat for now. Today was the wedding day and she'll give no more thought towards the Nightmare Kings words. Elsa ran into the Great Hall to discuss with the Guardians their solution to save this momentous day.
Pitch lay hiding in the shadows listening to Elsa's thoughts. Sometimes the fact he was a being of everyones fear really did pay off. Particularly when he always knew everyones greatest fears. He could feel Elsa's fearful thoughts, but as it turned out Elsa wasn't gonna allow his warning to stop this special day.
Presently a guard walked past Pitch and heard the frustrated grunt. He pointed his spear at the shadows. "Who is there? Come out." he ordered.
Pitch appeared from the darkness. He manipulated himself to have a very pointed body and red pointed eyes. "Boo."
Oddly the guard stood his ground. "Pitch Black, you are under arrest for crimes against the Arendelle monarchy."
This confused Pitch, fear ruled here. That was certain with last nights assault with his nightmares everywhere. He felt somewhat awkward and insulted that this person wasn't afraid of him. "You dare have courage in my presence. I am the boogeyman, and you will fear me!"
Suddenly the guard started laughing hysterically. "Is that what you say when you have a tantrum?"
Pitch was taken aback, "You dare mock me?"
The guard ceased laughing, "Only when you speak nonsense like 'I am the Boogeyman and you will fear me'. I don't see anyone scary right now."
Pitch had to ask himself who this person was. Was this person filled with bravery or stupidity? But here he was, contesting Pitch's very being and openly mocking him. He attempted to read this individuals fear, but it was shielded from his twisted mind. Pitch returned is form back to normal.
"Who are you before I throw you into a void of darkness?" probed the dark stranger.
The guard smirked, "Oh I won't do that. You'll lose your greatest advantage."
Pitch sighed when he realised who this person was. He face palmed himself upon the embarrassment. "How long was you gonna keep this charade going?"
The guard glew purple and transfigured into the dark Witch of Darkness and Illusion. "Oh, only until you were done humiliating yourself." giggled Darcy.
Pitch snarled, he was the one that played games. He felt uncomfortable being the victim of someones prank. "So what do you have to report?"
Darcy smirked. "The guardians plan to relocate the wedding venue. I don't know where, but one of my clones in the Great Hall will find out."
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