Author's Note: *Blue and white confetti explodes everywhere* *Snowflakes and winter-themed balloons rain from the ceiling* *Runs into room blowing party blower* HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACKIE BOYYYYYYYYYYYYYY, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
...And I'm not sick anymore! Kind of...sort of...Ack. XD
Hello, hello everyone! =D It's Moon, and I'm back with another chapter for "The Winter Child!" X) As I mentioned above, today just so happens to be Jack's birthday (our winter spirit is 327 as of today! He doesn't look that old, though, haha XD). And not only that, but it was Rise of the Guardians' ten-year anniversary yesterday! ^u^ I didn't have time to watch the movie (sadly QwQ), but I did draw a sketch to commemorate their ten years of being, well, a movie! XD A very fantastic one in fact. =3
With all the ROTG-related holidays, I wanted to post at least something for Jack's birthday if not for the anniversary, haha. XD Ironically, I had this chapter written earlier, and I completely forgot that Jack's birthday was right around the corner until my calendar notified me, like, two days before (yes, I am that weird of a person who saves their favorite character's birthdates on their calendar. Don't judge meh =')).
And as for me being sick...It turned out that my family and I caught COVID at the WORST POSSIBLE TIME. QwQ We were supposed to head to my cousin's house for Thanksgiving and see family, but we're all still coughing, and we don't want to risk spreading the virus. =') *Sighs* I swear, I'm going to strangle COVID one day. It really, really sucks. =/ I hope that you all are healthy and doing well. And remember masks, washing hands, sanitizer...they all help as small as they are. =)
So after, like, a week of chugging down cough medicine, and consuming copious amounts of ginger tea, I'm thankfully feeling much better now apart from the occasional cough or two. ^u^I'd just like to thank you all for your patience with me. I still have a few more chapters to edit, and I'm planning on returning to my usual posting schedule this Saturday. =D But thank you to all who gave this story a fav, follow, or review while I was absent. ^u^
ANYWAY, after that freakishly long author's note, you guys probably want to move on to the actual story now, haha. X) I hope you guys enjoy this chapter chronicling Jack's first birthday with North and the Guardians! =D
~ VIII ~
One Year
The snow sparkled
Like glistening stardust
The sun rose
The brink of dawn
Its rays touched the ground
The wind whistled a cheery sound
His boy's first birthday had finally come around
...
It was the day North had found Jack in the woods. Today was Jack's birthday.
Of course, the ex-Cossack knew that it wasn't Jack's actual birthdate. But the winter child's parents were still left unknown, and no information about the boy's earlier life had been uncovered. North didn't know Jack's exact birthday, so he decided that the day he stumbled upon him in the woods would be the day to celebrate his turning of age. Jack was one year old now, but North preferred to say that after the candles had been blown out.
The fact that his little boy was growing up made North feel wistful. Jack could walk without toppling over, although he still liked to be carried every once in a while. He could speak in short sentences, and he was learning new vocabulary from the Guardians every day. He had even begun to show new forms of winter magic; he could make a flurry of snowflakes appear with just a simple wave of his hand. A trick, that he had discovered, while he was in the bath.
North was proud of how far Jack had come. He was no longer the sickly baby that he had found abandoned in the forest but a growing young boy. Though a part of him did miss the infant that he had found twelve months ago.
North wanted Jack to have a fantastic birthday—the best one that he could imagine! North was known for hosting and planning the most jubilant of parties, and Jack's birthday was no exception. During the days leading up to his boy's birthdate, North and the other Guardians gathered and planned a fun-filled, amazing series of activities they would do together with the winter child. They made sure to complete all of their jobs early so they would be free on Jack's special day. North was excited, and Jack didn't suspect a thing. The young snow sprite didn't always pay attention since the Guardians talked about what a child would label "boring adult stuff." And most of it, the little one didn't understand anyway.
This made it easier to plan Jack's birthday party. Tooth baked a cake, and Aster hand-painted a few of the birthday decorations. Sandy added pizazz to them by sprinkling over them with his dreamsand. The Guardians did this late at night while Jack was sleeping so he wouldn't notice anything. The cake was soon completed, and the decorations were set. The party games were ready, and the gifts were wrapped. Now, Jack's birthday had finally arrived. It was time for the party to begin. North was giddy with excitement.
When the sun peeked behind the horizon, North woke up so he could prepare breakfast for himself and Jack. Once the food was prepared, North headed upstairs to wake up the birthday boy.
North slowly pushed the door open to his bedroom. He smiled at the sight of Jack sleeping soundly in his crib. The little snow sprite's lips were parted, breathing softly as he slept on. Jack shifted and poked his thumb in his mouth; a habit that he hadn't stopped since he was a baby.
North chuckled, and he walked to Jack's crib side, a bit surprised that he hadn't woken up earlier. North placed a large, gentle hand on Jack's shoulder, and he shook him lightly.
"Jack? Is time to wake up, my boy," said North. Jack stirred, but he didn't wake. The winter child rolled over with a sigh.
North shook Jack again, but the bairn gave no hint of waking up. So, North decided to get Jack out of bed the faster way. Locating the child's tickle spots, North's fingers were soon running up and down Jack's stomach, tickling him uncontrollably. Jack's eyes snapped open, and his bright laughter rang through the room. Jack pushed at North's hands, but the ex-Cossack was adamant. Jack laughed until tears threatened to spill. North found himself laughing as well.
"Are you awake now?" he asked, still tickling the young snow sprite. Jack giggled.
"N-North! S-Stop!" the winter child wheezed. North pulled his hands away, and Jack took in a few breaths. Jack grinned at North, and the ex-Cossack returned the smile.
"Do you know what day it is today?" asked North. "Is very special one."
Jack seemed to think for a moment. He shook his head after a few seconds of thought.
"Today is your birthday," North told the winter child happily. Jack tilted his head.
"B-Birthday?" he repeated. North nodded.
"Yes, moy mal'chik," said North. Though he knew that wasn't entirely true. Jack didn't know that he was a foundling, but North wanted to save that tale for when he was older. North picked up Jack, and the winter child rubbed his eyes, washing out the remnants of sleep.
"Today is going to be very fun day," North announced with a flourish. He walked out of the bedroom and headed downstairs. "But first, we have breakfast, da?"
North had spent all morning preparing Jack's favorite food. While Jack hadn't had every single meal out there, his favorite at the moment was a bowl of warm cinnamon applesauce with a side of fruits. For himself, North whipped up a plate of eggs and toast. The other Guardians were going to arrive in about two hours, but North had set aside some extra food for them. Just in case they were hungry when they arrived.
Jack admired the decorations. Since his favorite color was blue, many of the streamers and banners were of that color. White was also included in the choice of decor, and Jack recognized the ones Aster had painted. Dreamsand glittered and sparkled on the birthday embellishments. Jack oohed and ahhed at the sight of them.
North placed Jack in his highchair and placed his bowl of applesauce and fruit in front of him. North was about to feed him, but the winter child insisted that he wanted to feed himself. North allowed him to, and he watched, amused as Jack tried using a spoon. The white-haired bairn spilled applesauce on himself several times, but he had no trouble finishing it. It was his favorite meal after all! Jack gobbled up the bowl of grapes, diced apples, and bananas too. He didn't make much of a mess since they didn't require the use of utensils, but hands.
North washed the plates and took Jack upstairs to bathe him. He had a nice pair of clothes set aside for his birthday, but the winter child needed to be cleaned first. Jack didn't like baths, something that North never understood, but the little snow sprite cooperated when he plopped him into the tub. The compliance mainly came from the fact North had prepared a bubble bath instead of a regular one. Jack took pleasure in swishing his hands in the mountains of bubbles. He threw them into the air, and they floated above his head. Jack giggled when one popped on his nose.
Thoroughly washing Jack's hair, North soon finished bathing the boy. He turned off the water and pulled Jack out of the bath, though the winter child was sad to see the bubbles being gulped by the drain. North dried Jack with a towel and attempted to comb his hair. Jack's hair was as untamed as a horse's mane, and it was still rather messy after North combed through it. North then dressed Jack in a light shirt, blue vest, and a pair of brown pants. North set Jack down, and the winter child ran off to find a mirror to look at himself in. North chuckled, and he followed Jack downstairs.
As Jack admired his new outfit in the mirror, North went over the birthday plan in his head. The Guardians had all concurred to do cake and presents last. Jack wouldn't have trouble waiting for them since he and the Guardians would be occupied having fun. The Guardians were going to take turns leading an activity, and North was anticipating to see what his friends had come up with for games and entertainment.
On the floor, Jack seemed to have acquainted himself with his mirror reflection. The young boy created a snowflake and blew it at the mirror. He laughed as the boy in the mirror did the same. North smiled, finding Jack's actions quite adorable.
There was a light knock at the door, and Jack's sprite ears twitched. Something else that North had noticed as he spent time with Jack was how he was able to pick up the faintest of sounds. Snow sprites did have rather excellent hearing, and Jack's sense of hearing had developed increasingly as he got older. He always knew when someone was at the door, and who. He was aware when North was tinkering in his study, or if someone was sneaking behind him. It was very difficult to surprise Jack due to his incredible hearing, which was why planning the birthday fun was difficult. Luckily, Jack was somewhat of a sleeper, so he didn't hear any of the Guardians as they worked through the night.
Jack pointed at the door. "Open door?"
"Why don't you open it," North said. Jack grinned, and he ran up to the door faster than a flash of light. The winter child reached for the doorknob, standing on the tips of his toes, but he couldn't get his hand on the knob. North lifted Jack up to the door, and the young snow sprite smiled his thanks. Then, the boy turned the doorknob and pushed it open, revealing Toothiana with Baby Tooth and a few of her other fairies on the other side. She grinned at Jack and North.
"Hello, North! Hi, Jack!" Tooth said cheerfully. She held a white box with a blue ribbon tied around it. A small, wrapped gift sat on top of the large container. "May I come in?"
"Of course!" said North. He set Jack down and helped Tooth carry her things. The mini fairies buzzed around Jack, chirping in their fairy language. Baby Tooth nuzzled Jack's cheek, and he giggled. Although he couldn't understand what he was saying, he could tell that they were wishing him a happy birthday.
"Is it in here?" North inquired quietly as he set the white box down on the table. Tooth smiled and nodded.
"My girls and I worked hard on it. Vanilla, just like you asked," replied Tooth. "Bunny, er, Aster, helped me ice it."
North nodded in satisfaction. "Can I see it?"
"I don't see why not!" Tooth looked around, making sure that Jack wasn't nearby. When she saw the boy was busy with her fairies, Tooth gingerly untied the blue ribbon and open the box. Inside laid a round cake, smooth with light blue icing. Dark blue icing circled the top and the bottom. White snowflakes were printed neatly on the cake, and swirls representing the winter wind wrapped and laced through the snowflake patterns. They were all different and unique. In white icing on top of the confection were the words, "Happy 1st Birthday, Jack!" in elegant, swirly cursive. Not only did the cake look delicious, but it smelled delicious too.
"Wow, Toothy. This is wonderful," complimented North.
Tooth beamed. "Bunny did the icing, but I wrote the words." She leaned in and whispered. "His handwriting isn't the best."
"I know," North said. "Gave me list of tools two weeks ago. Looked like chicken scratches."
Tooth giggled, and she flitted over to Jack, who looked at her with a smile.
"Toothy!" the winter child exclaimed. He gave Tooth a hug, which she happily returned.
"Hey there, Jack!" said Tooth. She pulled away and squeezed his shoulder. "I hear it's your special day today."
Jack nodded. "Birthday!"
Tooth grinned, and she tapped Jack's nose. "Well, it's going to be a very memorable first birthday for you. We got a whole lot of stuff planned!"
Jack laughed, and his ears twitched again. "Door!" he announced.
North walked to the door and pushed it open. Aster was the second to arrive. He had a roll of paper tucked under his arm, and a light blue present under the other. A few pencils were tucked in the pocket of his coat, and the Pooka's red scarf was wrapped around his face. A large hat kept his ears hidden from view, but North recognized him despite all the layers of clothing.
"Ah, Bunny! Welcome!" North said. Aster scowled.
"Quit callin' me that!" the Pooka said indignantly. Tooth watched the two, amused. "That ain't my name, mate."
"Then why do you respond to it?" asked North with a smirk. Aster opened his mouth to reply when Jack's spoke up.
"Bun, Bun!" the winter child exclaimed, running up to Aster and throwing his arms around him. Aster softened.
"Hey there, mate," he said. Tooth took the present out of Aster's paw so he could ruffle Jack's hair. "Happy birthday."
North and Tooth helped Aster bring the rest of his things inside. The Pooka shook off the snow that littered his fur, and he hung his hat, coat, and scarf on the coat hanger. Jack took Aster's paw and pulled him inside. Aster laughed.
"Excited, isn't he?" he remarked.
"I've never seen him so rapt," Tooth said, fluttering out of the dining room with North following close behind.
"Now all we have to do is wait for Sandy, and we can get started," North said. Jack bounced on his feet, and Aster chuckled.
"I don't think the kit can wait that long," said Aster. He turned to North. "Sandy said that he'll be here soon. He just has ta wrap things up with his job and all."
North understood. Every night, it was Sandy's job to patrol the skies for any sign of Pitch and his Nightmares. The duty took a lot of energy out of the Sandman, but he still managed to do his job. Sandy had got a headstart out on his dreamsand blimp the previous night so he'd have enough time to head home, rest a little, and head over to North's for Jack's birthday. All the Guardians had made job sacrifices to spend time with Jack on his birthday, and North couldn't feel any more touched.
North was so lost in thought, that he didn't hear the knocking at the door. Jack, however, did. "Sandy!" he proclaimed.
North smiled. "I'll get it," he said. North walked to the door and opened it, revealing Sandy, who looked brighter than ever. The Sandman had a pale blue present in his hands, and he greeted North with a kind wave. While Sandy couldn't talk, he found other ways to communicate with North, Jack, and the others. He was fond of using gestures, but he also loved using pictures to get his point across.
North grinned. "Sandy! You made it just in time!" The ex-Cossack ushered Sandy in, and the golden little man floated inside. North shut the door behind him, and he took Sandy's present out of his hands. Sandy silently thanked North and headed into the living room where Jack, Tooth, and Aster were. North placed the present with the others in the dining room, then rejoined the others in the living room. Jack was showcasing his new snowflake trick to the Guardians. The little snow sprite kneeled on the floor, waving his hands to weave a single, beautifully patterned snowflake. It twirled in the air for a brief moment before disappearing in a burst of sparkling snow. Aster, Tooth, Sandy, and her fairies cheered.
"Yer gettin' better and better with yer magic, mate," complimented Aster. "Most snow sprites aren't able ta make snowflakes like that until they're older."
Tooth ruffled Jack's hair. "He's very talented," she said. Sandy created a star over his head and pointed at Jack. The winter child smiled, puffing out his chest proudly.
North clapped his hands together, gaining everyone's attention. "Now that we are all here, we can let fun begin!"
Jack's blue eyes sparkled. "Presents?"
"No, presents are last, moy mal'chik." Jack pouted. "But we have a lot of fun things planned, so presenting open will come in no time."
While Jack still wanted to open the shiny gifts waiting in the dining room, he nodded, and North continued.
"We all have fun activities planned, so, let us start off with Tooth," said North. He nodded and the Tooth Fairy, and Toothiana brightened. Her fairies fluttered around her. Jack walked up to Tooth, and she held his hand.
"Well, since it's Jack's first birthday, I thought it would be fun to teach him about dental hygiene!" chirped Tooth. Jack tilted his head with a questioning look. The Guardians stared at the Tooth Fairy incredulously.
Tooth laughed. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding. I know we all want to do something fun with Jack, so my fairies and I came up with a craft using feathers."
Tooth was from the land of Kalithrai—more specifically, the village of Punjam Hy Loo. Back then, it was mostly inhabited by the Sisters of Flight, the magical, bird-like beings who defended the land. Feathers were a huge part of their culture; they symbolized growth and maturity. When the time came for molting, the Sisters were never discouraged. They saved every lost feather from their wings and would lace them to a string to track how much they'd grown. All of Tooth's fairies had lost their feathers and kept them; it was a tradition that they carried on from their homeland.
Now, Jack wasn't a Sister of Flight, but Tooth had brought a box full of feathers and string. The Guardians and Jack sat in the living room, each of them creating their own garland of feathers that they could hang anywhere they wanted. Jack picked all of the blue feathers, which wasn't a surprise to the Guardians. The birthday boy sat on North's lap as he worked with his feathers and string. North helped him with the twine since Jack's small fingers couldn't handle scissors yet. And they weren't experienced enough to tie knots. Jack helped by handing the feathers to North, and he picked the decorative beads that he also wanted on his string
Instead of using the string provided, Sandy used a tendril of dreamsand. He attached each of the feathers he had chosen to the sparkling sand. Aster added some paint to the feathers he picked out, and he tied them on soon afterward. Tooth monitored the crafting with her fairies, giving help or advice when she noticed the Guardians struggling. She had even brought her string of feathers to use as an example.
"This feather fell when I tried flying for the first time," she explained to Jack. She pointed to the medium-sized, blue, and green iridescent feather. It shimmed like a shell on the beach, and Jack brushed his fingers over it. Tooth smiled. "I had just turned twelve and lost my last baby tooth. By the end of the day, I was soaring above the treetops."
"Wow," whispered Jack in awe. He looked at North. "I fly?"
North chuckled, tying another feather to his string. "I do not know, my boy."
Aster shrugged where he sat. "He could," he said. "Some snow sprites possessed the ability ta fly on the wind. But it's pretty rare from what I've heard. Not all of them had the gift."
Jack frowned, disappointed, but Tooth squeezed his hand.
"Don't worry, Jack. I can take you flying with me any time," the Tooth Fairy offered.
Jack brightened instantly. "Really?"
Tooth nodded, a smile on her face. "Really."
"Fly now?" asked Jack. Tooth laughed.
"Not right now, but later." Tooth tapped the young snow sprite's nose. "I promise."
Satisfied, Jack continued to fiddle with the extra blue feathers he had found. The Guardians soon completed their feathery garlands, and they each showcased them to each other. Jack displayed his proudly. A rainbow of blue feathers and beads hung from his string.
"Nice job!" Tooth congratulated. "You can add more feathers any time you want! You can even hang it somewhere in your—"
North quickly held a finger to his lips, and Tooth's eyes widened, realizing that she had almost revealed Jack's big surprise.
"O-Oh! I mean, you could hang it on your bed," Tooth said, hiding what she previously said. Jack didn't notice the sudden switch, and North sighed in relief.
Jack and the Guardians proceeded to pick up the leftover crafting tools. They placed them back in Tooth's box, and her mini fairies sealed the box. Everyone readied themselves for the next activity.
"The next game's mine," said Aster. He stood up from the couch and grabbed the paper he had carried with him. The Pooka taped the paper over the fireplace and pulled out a pencil.
"What did you come up with, Bunny?" inquired North. Aster didn't respond, and the ex-Cossack rolled his eyes. "What did you come up with, Aster?" he corrected himself.
Aster nodded, satisfied, and he went on to explain his activity. "I thought it'd be fun ta play a little guessin' game," he said. "So, we're playin' good ol' guess the drawin'."
Jack clapped his hands in excitement, and the other Guardians settled in their chairs. Aster sketched something on the sheet of paper: two lines.
"Two lines? That's it?" asked North, bewildered.
"That's it," confirmed Aster. "I'll add more to it after a few guesses. Now," he pointed at the drawing with his pencil. "What is this?"
Aster expected them to comprehend something from the hastily drawn picture. There wasn't much to pull from the drawing, so the Guardians made half-thought deductions.
"Is it an art easel?" guessed Tooth. Aster shook his head.
"Two sticks?" prompted North. Aster shook his head again.
Sandy conjured the image of stilts. Once again, Aster shook his head.
"Door?" said Jack. Aster blinked, surprised.
"Wow, mate. That's it," he said. North, Tooth, and Sandy congratulated Jack for his unbelievable guess, but the young snow sprite's eyes were on the front door. His ears twitched.
"Door," he said again, pointing toward it. Sure enough, there was a light knocking at the door, barely even audible. North handed Jack to Tooth, telling the others that he'd be right back. North walked to the door and pushed it open, finding a middle-aged man holding a broken telescope. It was Old William, the village elder. While Ombric was the oldest in the village, Old William was the one who made sure activity in Santoff Claussen was running smoothly. He was the first that people turned to when a problem arose. He wasn't skilled in magic, but he had a level head and a kind heart. He also had three sons all named after him. Tall William, William the Almost Youngest, and William the Absolute Youngest. North respected Old William, and he was a trustworthy fellow. Although, he hadn't told him about Jack. The thought had never crossed North's mind.
"Hello, North," he greeted politely. "My apologies for showing up so suddenly, but my telescope broke and I need it fixed by tomorrow. Is it possible that you could…?"
North nodded. "Of course. I will fix it up as soon as I can."
Old William smiled, and he handed North the damaged telescope. Gingerly, North took it. Then, out of the blue, a sneeze came from inside North's house. There was a blinding flash of blue light, and North could hear Aster yelp from inside. North stiffened, and a bemused look crossed Old William's face.
"What was that?" he asked. North shrugged, trying to act nonchalant.
"Bah, was probably just light flashing off of metal. I have been working with a lot of metal recently," he said, attempting to cover Jack.
Old William nodded slowly, but he still seemed suspicious. He spotted the birthday decorations from inside the house.
"Oh, is it someone's birthday?" he asked.
"Yes, but it isn't until tomorrow," North lied. He shifted the telescope in his hands. "I will repair your telescope and have it back to you by tomorrow afternoon."
"Thank you, North. I don't know what the village would do without you," said Old William. He waved goodbye and left the door. North shut it, and he placed the broken telescope into the study before heading into the living room. There, he found Jack sitting on the floor, rubbing his nose. Tooth and Sandy were high in the air, shocked. The mini fairies had crashed into the pillows. Aster cradled a partially frozen paw. Ice and snow were scattered everywhere. North stared.
"What…happened," he asked.
"Jack thought that it'd be fun ta dive into Tooth's feather box," explained Aster. He gestured to Jack, who had feathers in his hair. The winter child smiled sheepishly. "I tried pickin' him out, the feathers made 'im sneeze, and I got this." The Pooka lifted his frosted paw.
"We were all rather surprised," said Tooth, fluttering down from the ceiling. Sandy floated alongside her. "Jack's never made an ice blast that big before."
Jack sniffed, and he looked up at North. He appeared to be confused. North picked him up, and Jack leaned against him.
"Are you alright?" asked North. The winter child was a bit dazed, but he nodded.
"So, who was at the door?" asked Aster
"Old William," North replied. "His telescope broke, so he brought it over to me to fix." North paused. "He saw the blue light when Jack sneezed…"
"Old William wouldn't reveal Jack to the village," said Tooth reassuringly, though her words were tinged with worry. "Besides, he doesn't know what exactly caused that light."
"But who lets something that sudden slide?" Aster countered. "I wouldn't be surprised if he came back ta investigate."
"I don't think he would do that," said North. "Old William is wise, no? I'm sure he will just let it go…"
Still, doubt seeped into his voice, and the Guardians began to wonder if Old William would truly keep quiet. Magic in Santoff Claussen was as normal as the sky; it was common and well-known amongst the villagers. Why the founder of Santoff Claussen was a wizard. Anything out of the ordinary or fantastical was welcomed and embraced. New things happened in Santoff Claussen every day…Floating furniture. Magic mirrors. Exploding stardust, spells and potions. But even the extraordinary had its limits…and unfortunately, Jack fell under that category.
Snow sprites hadn't been seen in decades, so the sudden appearance of one (whether a child or adult) would surely stir the calmness of Santoff Claussen. The people would grow anxious. And with the controversy and rumors lingering around about the mythical snow sprite race, North didn't think Santoff Claussen would be too keen on welcoming a child snow sprite into their dwellings.
Jack shifted in North's arms; the worry rubbed off of everyone, and the winter child could sense it. But North wasn't going to let such doubts get in the way of their fun. It was Jack's birthday, a time for celebration. There was no room for fretting or fear.
"I covered Jack the best I could," North said. "And, as Toothy said, is highly unlikely that Old William will say anything anyway."
While North did trust the old man (he was the village elder after all!), he still wanted to make sure that Jack was safe. He didn't want him to receive any discrimination just for being a snow sprite.
"Alright then," said Tooth, folding her arms in front of her. The topic was dropped—for the time being at least. "We should move on to the next activity then!" She giggled. "I think Jack's getting impatient."
North chuckled. "Yes, good idea," he said. The ex-Cossack gestured to Sandy. "For this activity, I teamed up with Sandy. He will show us where to go next."
The Sandman smiled, and he pointed at the backdoor, learning into the backyard.
"For this game," said North. He smiled impishly. "We have to go outside."
…
North's backyard was a large one. While it wasn't big enough to host a festival, it had enough space for a giant shed, reindeer stables, and his sleigh. Snow crunched under the Guardians' feet as they stepped into the brisk, winter air. It wasn't too cold, but a chill was brought to their cheeks as the wind brushed by. Aster was dressed in his usual coat, hat, and scarf. Tooth and Sandy were outfitted with their coats as well. North wore his black furry hat and red coat, trimmed with black fur. It was double-layered, so he was extra warm in the cool weather. Jack wore a small, brown coat lined with fur. A blue scarf was wrapped around his neck, almost covering his face. Wool mittens were placed on his hands, but the snow sprite didn't seem to like them. It had taken North a while to put them on the winter child since he kept complaining and pulling them off.
Although Jack was a snow sprite, he could still get colder than he was. The winter child was cold naturally, but when North had first found him in the snow, Jack was as frigid as pure ice. North didn't want Jack to freeze, so he dressed him up in the proper winter wear. He left off a hat at Jack's request. The child was perfectly content without one.
Tooth took Jack out of North's arms, and the ex-Cossack and Sandman moved to the middle of the large space. A fine layer of snow cloaked the yard. Sandy waved his hands, fashioning a scoreboard out of his dreamsand with Jack and the Guardians' names. North clapped his hands for everyone's attention.
"For our activity, we decided that playing in snow would be fun," said North. He smiled at Jack. "And we all know how much Jack loves winter."
Jack grinned. Even when North had first encountered him, Jack was deeply attached to winter. This, of course, was due to his snow sprite heritage, but the winter child was more than passionate about the snowy season. On winter nights, Jack would entertain himself by watching the snowflakes drifting down at the window. And when North took him outside, Jack would bury his hands in the snow—without gloves—tossing it over his head and creating mini snow showers of his own.
Jack squirmed in Tooth's arms, excited for whatever activity North was about to introduce.
Tooth giggled, and she turned to North. "So, what are we doing, North?"
"We are going to have…" North paused for dramatic effect. He spread out his arms, smiling."Snowball fight!"
Jack cheered, even though he didn't know what a snowball fight was.
"A snowball fight? Are ya sure?" Aster questioned. "Jack's only one."
North waved his hand. "Yes, yes, Jack is one. But this won't be intense fight. Is small one."
"What's the scoreboard for?" Tooth inquired.
"Keeping score," replied North. "Sandy will be keeping track, but he will be part of action too."
"And by the looks of the board, it seems that there are teams?" remarked Aster. On the scoreboard, Jack and North were on one team while Aster, Tooth, and Sandy were on the other.
"To make it more fair," North explained. "Jack is little, so he will need some help."
Tooth placed Jack down, and the winter child traced his fingers through the snow, giggling.
"Are there any other rules we should know?" asked Tooth.
North nodded. "Just one."
Aster raised an eyebrow. "And that is…?"
North smiled. "Have fun." The ex-Cossack quickly fashioned a snowball and hurled it at Aster. The Pooka tumbled into the snow with a surprised "Oof!" Tooth gasped, but laughter danced in her amethyst eyes. Sandy placed a tally mark for North and Jack's team. Jack laughed, and he picked up a pile of snow of his own. He tried to pack a snowball for himself, but the snow slipped out of his hands. Jack frowned, whimpering in frustration.
As Jack struggled to make a snowball, Aster pulled himself out of the snow. Clumps of white stuck to his fur and coat. Aster glowered.
"Oh, yer gonna pay for that, North!" he growled. The Pooka rolled a snowball of his own, and he hurled it in North's direction. However, the ex-Cossack dodged, and Aster bent down to create another snowball to throw at him.
Tooth and her mini fairies fluttered to the ground, working together to make snowballs. Sandy bent down, rolling snowballs at a rather speedy pace.
Tooth noticed Jack struggling, and she flitted over to his side. "Aw, Sweet Tooth….do you want some help?"
Jack nodded, and Tooth kindly taught Jack the trick to making a snowball. Aster ducked as another snowball from North bulleted his way. He turned, noticing that Tooth was assisting Jack in making ammo. He stared, shocked.
"Oi, Sheila! Don't help the enemy!" Aster reprimanded.
Tooth scoffed. "Jack just needed help making snowballs! He's not our—"
Suddenly, snow slammed into Toothiana's face. The freezing sensation caused a yelp to slip from her lips. Brushing the snow out of her eyes, Tooth saw Jack standing in front of her. A mischievous expression rested on his face. Tooth huffed.
"After what I just did for you? Seriously?" Tooth deadpanned. Jack giggled, and he ran off to join North, who was creating more snowballs by the moment. Sandy marked another point for the ex-Cossack and winter child, then ran in to join the snow brawl.
The snowball fight was fun and exhilarating. Teams were forgotten when jack began to throw snowballs at everyone instead of the opposite team. The Guardians and their little snow enjoyed the crisp, winter air and the thrill of the fight. Laughter and revelry embraced them. Jack even learned how to conjure snowballs with his hands; the winter child was impossible to approach without getting nailed with a snowball. Jack was fast and light on his feet. And he easily dodged the snowballs thrown in his direction.
The fight drew on, and the sun began to set. Jack and the Guardians were so engrossed in the snowball brawl, that they didn't notice when eventide rolled around. Snowballs stopped flying. The Guardians breathed heavily; their coats soaked with snow. But the smiles on their faces showed that they did indeed enjoy themselves.
Jack didn't seem as tired as the other. The child created another snowball and held it up, ready to throw. The Guardians stepped back and shook their heads.
"Oh, no, mate," said Aster. "That's enough snowballs for today."
Jack giggled, and he advanced. "More, more!"
"No more, Sweet Tooth," said Toothiana with a soft smile. "We can have a snowball fight again another day."
Jack hummed, and he tossed the snowball into the air. It burst into glittering blue snow. The Guardians were awed. Jack's powers were truly starting to improve.
North picked up Jack, and he announced, "We should all head inside for cake and presents. I can prepare some hot chocolate to warm us up too."
Jack squirmed in excitement as he and the Guardians went inside. They placed their soaping coats near the fire so they could dry. North had to help Jack remove his snow gear, but that was difficult due to the winter child's fidgeting.
North chuckled. "Sit still, my boy. Or else I won't be able to take boots and gloves off."
Jack stopped squirming, but he was still rambunctious as North removed his gloves and boots. He then picked up Jack and took him to the dining room where Aster, Tooth, and Sandy were waiting. They stood around the table, where the cake Tooth and Aster had worked together to make sat. A single lit candle stood proudly in the center. Its flame danced like a spirited soul. The presents were placed behind the cake; the orange firelight reflected off the shiny wrapping. The winter-themed banners and streamers hung from the ceiling. A banner, which had been painted by Aster, with the words "Happy Birthday, Jack" hung in the back of the room.
Jack stared, eyes wide with surprise. "Whoa," he whispered. North smiled, and he placed Jack in the highchair positioned in front of the cake. The Guardians sang happy birthday. Jack grinned all the while; the winter child had never felt so loved.
When the song ended, North told Jack he could blow out the candle. The young snow sprite stared at the cake before him, but he didn't blow the candle out.
"What's wrong, mate?" asked Aster. He smirked. "It's too good lookin', isn't it?"
Tooth elbowed the Pooka. "Aster."
"What? It does look too good ta eat, doesn't it?" said Aster, rubbing his sore arm. "Took me three hours ta ice."
Sandy shook his head in exasperation. North ignored the bickering three and crouched next to Jack. The winter child turned to him. He reached out and tugged North's beard.
"Don't you want to blow candle out?" North asked. Jack nodded, but then he shook his head.
"B-Blow with me?" Jack asked softly. North felt his heart soar, and the other Guardians in the room were equally touched.
North pulled himself out of his pool of sentiments and replied, "Of course, Jack. I'd love to."
Jack smiled, and he and North positioned themselves in front of the candle. They blew at the same time. The dancing flame disappeared. Aster, Sandy, and Tooth cheered.
Jack was officially one year old.
…
After the cake was eaten and the table was tidied up, the Guardians present the rest of the evening watching Jack open his presents. The winter child loved the pillow Sandy had given him. The Sandman had even sprinkled a little bit of his dreamland on it, ensuring that Jack would sleep peacefully. Aster had gifted Jack a box of crayons so he could draw anything he imagined. Jack was pleased with even the toothbrush and toothpaste Tooth had bequeathed him…Mainly because they were both blue. When the Guardians gave her baffled looks, Tooth explained, "He has to learn proper dental hygiene now that his teeth are coming in."
North was the only one who hadn't given Jack a present. The young snow sprite was confused. He looked up at the ex-Cossack, blue eyes questioning. "North?"
"I did not forget my boy," North smiled. He lifted Jack and carried him upstairs. ASter, Tooth, and Sandy followed behind. "Since you are getting older, I decided that you would need your own space. So…" North stopped in front the door across from his bedroom. A light blue snowflake that Jack hadn't noticed before hung in the center of it. Jack stared at the door curiously, and he looked at North.
The ex-Cossack smiled. "Go ahead. Open door."
Jack reached out his hand and twisted the knob, pushing the door open to reveal a light blue bedroom. There was a miniature bookshelf tucked in the corner, and a round, dark blue rug laid on the floor. A cushioned window seat was placed at the window. There was a small desk pushed against the wall where Jack could write or draw. And a toy chest was tucked at the foot of the bed, which was just Jack's size. It was dressed with a dark blue comforter and light blue pillows. On the side table laid all the trinkets that Aster, Tooth, and Sandy had given him: his toothbox, the pouch of dreamsand, and the golden egg-shaped nightlight.
North set Jack down, and the winter child looked around, astonished. He turned around, facing the Guardians in complete shock.
"All mine?" Jack asked. North nodded.
"Is all yours, moy mal'chik," said North. Jack laughed, and he ran around his new bedroom. He explored every single detail, peeked through each cranny, and he buried himself in the toy chest. The winter child pulled himself out, still laughing, and he flopped onto his bed. A blissful sigh escaped his lips. The Guardians laughed, and Jack stood up. He ran up to North and embraced him.
"Thank you," whispered Jack. North smiled and squeezed Jack back.
"You are welcome, my boy," said North. Jack pulled back with a smile. Then he went off to explore the rest of his room.
"This is amazing, North!" Tooth complimented as she watched Jack run around. "How long did it take you to do all this?"
"Weeks. Maybe month or so," said North. "I had to wait until Jack was asleep so he wouldn't suspect anything."
"Ya did a good job, mate," said Aster. "Not only with the room," he glanced at Jack, who was looking out the window with a bright grin. "But with Jack too."
Sandy nodded, producing an arrow pointing toward Jack, a heart, and an arrow pointing at North. The ex-Cossack chuckled.
"Well, I had help," North said, sending grateful looks at the Fairy, Pooka, and Sandman. "I could not have done any of this without—"
Jack's ears twitched, but he needed not to announce the loud knocking from downstairs. Jack's ears twitched again, and his mood of ecstasy slipped into one of apprehension and fear. The Guardians looked down the stairs, concerned.
"I wonder who that could be," said North, but he had a feeling in his belly that it wasn't good.
"I don't think ya'll have ta wonder, North," said Aster. As one who also possessed impeccable hearing, the Pooka knew what the commotion was outside. "It sounds like the entire village is here."
Jack whimpered, and Tooth lifted him up, whispering words of solace to him. The winter child snuggled into Tooth, and the Guardians headed downstairs. Aster, Tooth, and Sandy stayed back with Jack. North approached the door; the walk to it felt endless. The ex-Cossack placed his hand on the knob and twisted it slowly. Drawing in a breath, North pushed it open. Noise and shouts flooded his ears.
Outside stood a full crowd of people. North knew that they weren't there looking for someone to repair their broken things. A sinking feeling in North's stomach told him that the villagers of Santoff Claussen had found out about Jack…But how they had, he did not know. Behind him, Jack shrunk into Tooth's feathers. The Guardians watched the scene unfold.
North cleared his throat, and he asked, "Is there problem?"
One of the villages immediately spoke up. "Is it true, North? You're keeping a snow sprite?"
"Those things are monsters!" exclaimed another.
"Where is it?"
The cries and shouts grew louder and louder. They swirled and rose like roaring flames. North heard Jack whimper behind him, and he turned around to see Jack covering his pointed ears. Tears welled in the corners of his eyes. Tooth, Aster, and Sandy tried their best to comfort him. Regardless of their efforts, Jack didn't settle.
"Too loud…" whined Jack, tears beginning to stream down his cheeks. "Too loud…"
North felt his heart tear in two. He couldn't stand to see Jack cry. Not ever. Whenever Jack did come to tears, North did whatever he could to make him smile again. And it was his duty as both a Guardian and father to protect the young boy. It didn't matter that he was a snow sprite—a race that was feared and disliked by many. Jack was his boy. And he wasn't going to let him get hurt.
Santoff Claussen needed to know the truth.
North raised his hands over his head, gaining everyone's attention. The villagers stopped shouting, and North spoke again.
"What you say is true," North admitted. He inhaled and exhaled. "I am taking care of snow sprite."
The villagers once again burst into an uproar.
"It has to go!" shouted one. "It'll hurt us all!"
"They're horrible, all of them!"
And when North thought things couldn't get any worse, they did.
Just not the bad kind.
Aster stomped out of the house; he wasn't covered in his usual hat, coat, or scarf. So, there he stood, as clear as day. The villagers gasped when they were slammed with the truth that the reclusive painter they had come to know was a Pooka. The last Pooka.
Aster turned to North; the ex-Cossack was beyond shocked. The last thing that Aster wanted was for anyone to uncover his Pookan identity. But there was a sort of…protectiveness that lay in Aster's spring-green eyes. Just as bright as moon that was halfway in the sky.
He wants to protect Jack… North realized. He watched as Aster turned to the crowd. If he felt uncomfortable, the Pooka did a swell job at hiding it.
"Listen up, ya drongos!" Aster shouted. "Not all snow sprites are horrible, and they aren't monsters! Ya've been listenin' ta rumors fer years, and none of ya thought ta find out the truth! Yes, North's lookin' after a snow sprite but guess what? He's only a child."
Tooth and Sandy emerged from the house. Jack was still in Tooth's arms. His tears had disappeared. Hundreds of eyes flicked over to the pale little boy being held by Toothiana. Jack felt uncomfortable under the intense stares. The crowd of people shifted. Murmurs of surprise rose from the crowd.
"Only a child…?"
"He's so little…"
"The poor thing looks terrified…"
"Doesn't matter. He's still a snow sprite. He has to go."
Jack whimpered quietly, and North took the little boy out of Tooth's arms. Jack looked up at North with fearful eyes, but they were slightly comforted by his presence. The winter child leaned against North with a soft sigh. The villagers stopped talking. North placed his hand on Jack's head.
"This is Jack. Jackson Overland Frost," said North. "I found him abandoned in woods when he was just baby. He was undernourished and there was no one around. So, I took him home and I've been caring for him since."
"I did not do this alone. I had the help of Aster, Tooth, and Sandy." North sent a quick, grateful look in their direction before turning back to the crowd. "We all agreed not to tell anyone about Jack since we knew he would receive discrimination."
"Yes, Jack is snow sprite, but he is only child. He is no threat to anyone and he would never hurt anybody. He is very kind boy." North looked down at the winter child. Jack stared back. "And I am proud call him my son."
The other Guardians walked up to Jack and North, supportively placing their hands on his shoulders. The villagers were silent for a few moments, realizing how much the Guardians cared about this young snow sprite, whom they hadn't taken notice of until then. A few of them felt ashamed, others were still obstinate. The children, being children, were curious.
One of the village children—a young girl by the name of Sascha—pushed her way through the crowd despite her parent's objections. She walked up to North and the Guardians, ignoring the stares that she received as she made her way toward them. She looked at Jack inquisitively. The winter child looked at her. Sascha smiled softly, and Jack flashed her a small smile of his own.
"He seems really sweet," remarked Sascha. Her brother, Petter, and a few of the other village kids walked up to see Jack too.
"Wow, I've never seen a snow sprite before."
"He has white hair! I want white hair!"
"Can he make snowflakes appear? And snowmen?"
"I wanna be his friend!"
"Aw…he's so cute!"
The children's kind words and questions rubbed away at the adults' fears and worries. Jack smiled and reached out toward the kids, laughing. Each of the children touched his cool hand. No ice froze over them.
The village elder, Old William, spoke up. "It is clear that the child is no threat. We let him stay with his family, yes?"
The villagers, although some of them reluctantly, agreed. They apologized to North and the other Guardians. Some families even stopped by to meet Jack, and the winter child shyly smiled at them. The children were amazed at the thought of a snow sprite in their village. None of them had thought they'd ever meet one. Let alone a child just like them!
Soon, the crowd began to disperse, and the children went away with their families, waving to the Guardians and Jack as they walked away. Once the last of the crowd was gone, the Guardians let out weary sighs. Jack yawned.
"Well, that was a doozy," remarked Aster.
"And everyone knows you're a Pooka," said Tooth. She laid a hand on Aster's shoulder. "Are you okay with that?"
Aster smiled softly. "Yeah…I guess it was about time I came out of hidin'." He turned to Jack and gave him an affectionate hair ruffle. The winter child giggled. "And I'll do anythin' ta protect this kid. Even if it means tellin' the whole bloody world that I'm a Pooka."
"Thank you all," said North. "I could not have done this, any of this, without you."
"It's no problem, North," Tooth said kindly. "We're Jack's family and yours. We'll help you out whenever you need it."
Sandy nodded, his dreamsand creating the image of the Guardians and Jack in a group hug.
After that episode, Jack and the Guardians headed back inside. North, Tooth, Aster, and Sandy talked for a while. What was the next step now that the village knew about Jack? It would take some time before they'd fully accept him…but what about the rest of Lunslruna?
North suggested that they start small. Convincing the entire Tsardom that snow sprites weren't as bad as they appeared was a huge feat, one that could take years. Aster pointed out that with their Guardianship, they may have a chance of revealing the truth to the Lunslruna. But still, they'd need to plan.
When Jack started to yawn, Tooth, Aster, and Sandy got up to leave. North walked them all to the door. Aster was about to put on his hat when he realized that he didn't need it anymore. The thought was a shock but also somewhat relieving. The Pooka tucked his hat into his coat pocket but still wrapped his scarf around his neck. Tooth, Sandy, and Aster each said goodbye to North and Jack. North closed the door behind them when they exited.
North looked down at Jack, who returned his look with a sleepy gaze. North chuckled.
"You have had quite the birthday, da?" the ex-Cossack said. Jack yawned in response, and North carried him upstairs. He gave the young snow sprite a relaxing bath, dried him, and dressed him up in his light blue pajamas. North carried Jack to his bedroom (something that he knew he would have to get used to), and he lay Jack down in his bed. North turned on the egg lamp that Aster had given Jack for a nightlight. Its soft, golden glow brought comfort to both North and Jack.
Jack's eyes began to flutter, but he fought to keep them open. North sat beside Jack, running a hand through the little boy's disheveled, white hair. Jack let out a small sigh, and he leaned into North's touch.
The ex-Cossack then pulled out something from under Jack's bed. North held a box that was tied with a blue ribbon. Jack eyed it curiously. "Present?"
North nodded. "This is last present I made for you." He opened the box and pulled out a stuffed, white fox. Its fur was as white as snow, and its button eyes were blue, just like Jack's. The stuffed toy was small enough for Jack's little hands. North held it up to Jack, and the winter child took it. The animal's fur was soft. Fluffy. Cool to touch. Jack ran his fingers through the fox's fur and he smiled.
"It's an arctic fox," explained North. "I thought you would like it. I made it so that you wouldn't feel alone in your new room."
Jack cuddled the stuffed fox close to him, and he looked up at North with a smile. North hugged Jack close; the winter child let out another yawn.
"Is time you go to sleep," said North. "You had long day."
Jack's sapphire blue eyes began to flutter. "Nighty-night, North…" he murmured before allowing his eyes to slip closed, stuffed fox tucked under his arm. North rubbed Jack's pale cheek.
"Goodnight, moy mal'chik," North said softly. He laid Jack onto his pillow, and the little snow sprite poked his thumb into his mouth. North smiled, placing a small kiss on Jack's forehead before leaving the room.
As North walked to his bedroom, he wondered who had revealed Jack to the rest of the village. North opened the door to his room and sat in his chair. It couldn't have been Old William, he hadn't even seen Jack…But other than him, North couldn't think of anyone else who could've possibly stumbled upon Jack. North sighed, deciding that was a question that could wait for another day.
As North rocked, memories of the baby snow sprite flickered through his mind. His boy was one year old now, and he had slipped into each of the Guardians' hearts. They all cared for him; they were his family, and North smiled to himself, glad that he had such amazing friends and a wonderful boy to call his own…
And he looked forward to the many birthdays with Jack to come. Because no matter how old he got, Jack would always be North's winter child.
Author's Note: I didn't realize how long this chapter was until I finished writing it, and I know I could've split it into parts...But I decided to keep it the way it is, hehe. X)
This chapter also marks the moment when time jumps will start occurring. =D This one-shot collection is going to chronicle different aspects of Jack's life with North and the Guardians as he grows older. I just wanted to let you all know so there wouldn't be any confusion ("Wait, wasn't Jack three just a chapter ago? And now he's ten?! What?!")
Haha, anyway...I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, and I'll see you on Saturday for the next one! =) (And thank you so much for the over 1,000 views to this story! I really appreciate it ^u^).
Oh, the Sascha mentioned in this chapter is not Jamie's mother (I named Jamie's mother after a character also named Sascha in the Guardians of Childhood books. =) She's the one who appears here X)). Mrs. Bennett, Jamie, and Sophie will appear much, much later in this collection. =D
Until the next chapter!
~BeyondTheMoon1203