Author's Note: Hello everyone and welcome back to "The Winter Child!" =D Sorry about the missed update Monday...I had schoolwork to do, and school comes first. X) By the time I was finished with my schoolwork, it was too late to post a new chapter. XD

But I am here now! =D So, without further ado, I present to you all chapter five of "The Winter Child!" ^u^ I hope you guys enjoy it. =)

~ V ~

First Word

He spoke in small sentences

Gibberish and babbles

Whimpers and cries

Shouts or whines

His boy was little

But his mind was sharp

And his sense wise

To help North become more than he realized

...

Jack was a talker. Although the baby was young, he babbled on like there was no tomorrow. It was complete gibberish, and he'd speak to North this way. So the ex-Cossack pretended he understood what the boy was saying, even though he didn't.

The winter child always tried to say new words though he couldn't pronounce them properly. He didn't understand syllables. He was unaware of vowels. He didn't know the importance of letters yet, or how they sounded when pushed together. So, everyday phrases like "Hello" or "Goodbye" were "Ewwo" and "Oobai." Sleepy was "Eepee," hungry was "Ungy," North was "Or," and so on.

Jack referred to items and people in simple terms If North was nearby, Jack would clap his hands and cheer. If Tooth stopped for a visit, he giggled and babbled. Jack would cry to let North know he was tired or in pain. He'd laugh when he was happy or feeling playful. Whenever the boy was hungry, he'd whimper, so North still understood Jack even without words.

North found Jack's methods of communication adorable, but he knew that the little one was determined to speak. North knew that Jack wasn't one to give up. When Jack came across a challenge, he challenged it right back. Soon, Jack would say his first word, but for the nonce, Jack's only language was gibberish.

North watched as Jack talked to himself as he played on the floor; he had recently made him a new set of colored blocks. North had noticed that Jack had gotten bored of his usual rattle and other toys, so he would make fun by stacking whatever he could find. North gathered some wood and shaped them down into cubes. Aster had painted them, and North presented the new blocks to Jack once the paint had dried. Jack had taken a liking to the blocks right away, and they'd been his top toy since then.

Sticking His tongue out in concentration, Jack placed a blue block on the tip top of the tower. After spending some time with Jack, North discovered that his favorite color was blue. This wasn't a surprise to North considering that Jack was a snow sprite. He was deeply connected to anything related to the winter season, and blue did fit his character.

Jack pulled his hand away and admired his block tower. The little snow sprite seemed rather pleased with himself, but his look of pride crumbled like dust when the stack wobbled and fell over. The blocks crashed to the ground in a colorful heap. Jack whimpered in frustration, and he began to pick up the pieces again and start a new tower.

North was just about to join the snow sprite when he heard knocking come from the door. North walked over, and pulled it open, finding Toothiana and Aster standing on the other side. It was an unusually cold spring morning, but Tooth had a bright smile on her face and was dressed in a light coat and gloves. Aster wore his usual attire to hide his ears and fur from the rest of the village. A cool gust of wind blew, nearly knocking Aster's hat off his head. The Pooka shivered and reached up to adjust it.

North laughed. "Bunny, you have been living in Norsurberian for long time. It is cold here! Shouldn't you be used to it by now?"

Aster frowned at North. "Don't call me that," he said grumpily. "And just because I've lived in Santoff Claussen fer a decade, doesn't mean I'll ever get used ta the cold. I'm from Monrilethel, ya dingo! It's always warm there."

"I know," said North. A smirk appeared on his face. "That is why I like teasing you about it."

Aster rolled his eyes, and Tooth shook her head. North and Aster were prone to quarreling. One moment they were getting along, and the next, they were arguing whether Christmas was better than Easter. North believed that the former was more important. Aster, however, was beyond convinced that Easter was much more special. But considering that Easter was a spring holiday and Aster's connection to the season, the statement was tendentious.

There were many moments North and Aster would act like a pair of brats than the adults they were. And yet they still managed to become friends. Tooth sighed. Their old circle of friends was definitely the strangest of strange.

"I have a letter addressed to you, North," said Tooth, breaking in before the argument could continue. She pulled out the white envelope, which appeared to shimmer in the sunlight. "I was told to deliver it in person."

Aster patted a bag that hung at his side. "And I have those treatments that ya asked for, and a few books on snow sprites from Ombric. He sends his greetings by the way."

North nodded. "I will have to thank him sometime. He has been supplying me with a lot of informational books." The bearded man ushered Tooth and Aster inside. "Come in, come in!"

Tooth and Aster headed inside, and North closed the door. Once the two removed their coats, North led them into the living room, where Jack was still attempting to build a tower. The cubes were placed haphazardly, and the tower looked as if it were about to fall at any moment. Jack placed the last block on top, and the stack did hold for a few moments. But gravity took hold once again, and the tower collapsed to the ground. Jack pouted.

"He really likes those blocks," remarked Tooth."But he can't seem to stack them properly."

"He'll learn eventually," said North confidently.

Aster handed the bag of medicines and books to North and walked over to where Jack was sitting. The little sprite looked up at the Pooka and smiled.

"Need some help?" asked Aster with a smile. Jack nodded, and the two began to build a tower together. As Aster taught Jack how to construct a stable foundation, North and Tooth settled on the couch. Toothiana looked like she had something important to say, and North wondered what it was.

Tooth smoothened her dress and turned to North. She lifted the letter in her light pink hand. "This letter," she said. "Is from Tsar Lunar himself."

North nearly fell out of his chair. Tsar Lunar? The Tsar Lunar? The man in charge of the entire Tsardom of Lunslruna? The Man in the Moon (as he was called by most Lunslrunians) was greatly revered by all in Lunslruna. He was the first to construct a city when he crash-landed on his ship, The Moon Clipper, many decades ago. He turned a barren, hopeless landscape into a place of wonder and light. With the help of his Lunarian creatures and ancient moon magic, a small city had begun to form. Other beings who survived the destruction of the Golden Age also sought out the growing civilization. Sisters of Flight, Pookas, Snow sprites, and many other magical beings all came to the beginnings of what was now known as Lunslruna and its five regions. Lunslruna Captial, the first established region. Monrilethel, the wondrous spring environment that was full of warmth. Kalithrai, the jungle-like tundra that was protected by the Sisters of Flight long ago. Olosurstia, where adventure and mystery abounded. Norsurberian, the chilly region where Santoff Claussen was located. Windskald, the mysterious, frigid region cloaked with winter. And finally, Darksualth, the region that served as the Nightmare King's eternal prison.

The Tsardom Lunslruna thrived under Tsar Lunar's rule; it was because of him that it even existed! North had heard many tales about the highly respected Tsar. He even made a couple of inventions that were shipped to the palace for use. Of course, he never got to travel there, but North still felt excited whenever he was asked to invent something that was going to be used at the palace.

North knew that the chances of actually meeting Tsar Lunar were low. Very low. But never did he expect that he'd receive a letter from him!

"The Tsar? Tsar Lunar?" North spluttered. "Did I do something wrong?"

Aster snorted where he crouched. "Maybe ya exceeded the cookie-eatin' limit."

"Aster!" chastised Tooth. The Pooka only shrugged and passed Jack a green block. The winter child placed it on the tower. Thanks to the newly constructed base, the blocks did not wobble. Jack clapped his hands, and Aster congratulated him as well.

Tooth turned back to North. "Yes, Tsar Lunar," she affirmed. The feathered woman handed North the letter. "He sent me to give you this message—"

"He came to post office?" North asked, eyes wide.

Tooth shook her head. "No, no. He sent one of his officials. He gave me this letter, told me what to tell you, and then he left."

"Oh," North said, feeling somewhat dim. He nodded at Tooth. "Continue."

"Tsar Lunar wants to start an organization that's dedicated to protecting children across Lunslruna," explained Toothiana. "As you're already aware, there have been strange attacks going on recently. And from past events, Tsar Lunar's realized that children may feel less frightened if they're approached by those who know how to interact with them. He didn't give me all the details, but there's one important thing that he told me."

Tooth smiled, her amethyst eyes sparkling. "He wants you to lead this group, North."

If North wasn't sitting in a chair, he surely would've fallen over right then and there. The ex-Cossack was shocked. Him? Lead an elite group dedicated to helping children? North did love the children, and he made many toys for the kids of Santoff Claussen. They often stopped by his Workshop to see what he was making, and North would even give out toys if he had enough. He had always had a strong inclination to help the children, which was one of the reasons why he took Jack in. Seeing him alone in the cold tore at North's heart. And ever since he began to care for and raise the baby snow sprite, his dedication to helping children increased tenfold. To North, protecting the children was a wonderful cause…But could he lead an entire group across Lunslruna on missions of possible danger and peril?

Years ago, North probably wouldn't have been so hesitant. He had been a thief in his younger years—danger and peril practically made up his life! But upon discovering Santoff Claussen, North had had a change of heart. He no longer sought out trouble or peril but his love for adventure still remained. But he had gotten so accustomed to his quiet, simple life in Santoff Claussen, that the thought of striking out into the unknown rattled him a little. He wasn't a leader. Not anymore.

"It's going to be a group of four including you," Tooth elaborated cheerfully. "One from Norsurberian, which is you, one from Monrilethel, one from Kalithrai, and one from Olsolustria. Tsar Lunar wants you to lead them all."

"Me?" North said. He shook his head. "No, no. He has chosen wrong."

"Tsar Lunar never chooses wrong, mate," said Aster. He paused briefly. "Well, there was that one time with Pitch—"

"We're not talking about that," said Tooth firmly. "That was an accident."

"A bloody accident? But he—!"

The look that had befallen Tooth's face told Aster to stop talking. The Pooka turned away and grumbled, but his sour mood dampened when Jack crawled up to him. The little snow sprite tilted his head and cooed. Aster bent down and tickled Jack's side, making the winter child laugh. Jack then began to climb on top of Aster's head, pulling himself up using the Pooka's ears.

Aster didn't stop him. He chuckled as he balanced the snow sprite on his head. "Be careful while yer explorin," he said.

Tooth turned back to North and said, "He chose you for a reason, North. And I think he chose well! You make toys for the children all the time, and you care for them. Plus, you're really good with a pair of swords. So, when it comes to defending the kids—"

"But I'm just a simple toy maker and inventor now. I haven't wielded a sword in years," interrupted North, suddenly feeling doubtful of himself. "I can't be—"

"A Guardian," said Tooth. "The association is going to be called the Guardians of Childhood."

The Guardians of Childhood… North hummed. The name had a bold, striking ring to it. But could he hold that title? North didn't think so.

"What about you two?" inquired North. He turned to his friends, ignoring that Jack was on top of Aster's head. "And Sandy? Did Tsar Lunar say anything about you?"

Tooth sighed. "He hasn't, but I would join if I was asked."

"What about you, Bunny?" asked North.

Aster's ear twitched, nearly knocking Jack off his head. He pulled him off, and Jack laughed as Aster pulled him down. "Me? Why would Tsar Lunar want me to be a Guardian? Yeah, I'm the last Pooka, but what would he see in me that could possibly protect the children…"

Aster sighed, shifting a squirming Jack in his arms. "I mean, I do it for the ankle-biters, sure. But becoming a Guardian would mean I'd have ta leave my work, leave Santoff Claussen, and possibly go back ta…" Here Aster's voice broke off, and he shook his head, forcing the terrible memories out of his mind. "I'm just not interested. Besides, someone could discover my true identity at any moment. There are just too many risks in my opinion. And I just don't have the time."

Jack stopped fidgeting, and he looked up at Aster; the Pooka looked down at the winter child in his arms. Something flickered in his spring-green eyes before disappearing. Aster shook his head and walked up to the couch, sitting next to Tooth.

"Anyway, I think ya should do it," said Aster.

North raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Because, North," said Aster as he placed Jack on his lap. The winter child tugged at his green shirt, but Aster ignored him. "Ya'd be doin' a favor for all the children in Lunslruna."

"And you're perfect for the job!" added Tooth. "You've always said that you wanted to go out and have some kind of adventure."

"I did say that…" North said. "But that was long time ago."

"That was two months ago, mate," Aster stated.

"Long time ago," repeated North. Aster rolled his eyes. "And besides, I cannot become Guardian. What about Jack?"

Upon hearing his name, Jack looked up at North and smiled rather adorably at him.

"I cannot leave him by himself. He needs me," said North

"We'd be happy to watch him," offered Tooth.

North knew this, but he still didn't want to become the leader of the Guardians. As much as he wanted to protect the children across Lunslruna. As much as he wanted to go out and have a daring adventure like he had when he was young, he didn't think he could offer anything that could be of use to the Guardians. He could make a toy, create an invention…He could wield a sword, and he did have a sleigh that could be of good transportation…

But what about little Jack?

The winter bairn crawled off Aster's lap and plopped down into Tooth's. Toothiana smiled and ran her hand through Jack's white hair. The baby sprite leaned against her and sighed in contentment.

As North watched the scene unfold, he made his decision. Though a distant part of him didn't think it was the right one. North handed the letter back to Tooth."No…I can't do it."

Tooth and Aster faltered. After a moment, Tooth nodded understandingly, and she placed the letter back in North's hand. The silver, crescent-moon seal of Tsar Lunar sparkled like moondust.

"Inside is a form asking for a signature. You have one week to sign it before it disappears. If you do sign the letter, it'll teleport back to the palace, right in Tsar Lunar's hands."

Tooth placed a gentle hand on North's broad shoulder. She smiled warmly. "Think about it," she said.

After talking for a short while, Tooth and Aster stood up to leave. North lifted Jack along with the letter and walked Tooth and Aster to the door. Jack waved to both of them. Tooth placed a small kiss on Jack's head, and Aster ruffled his hair. North told the two farewell, and he shut the door behind the Sister of Flight and Pooka. After a moment, he sighed; the letter felt heavy in his hand.

Jack looked at North in concern. The ex-Cossack ran a hand through the boy's hair.

"I don't know what I'm going to do, Jack," confessed North. He held up the letter, and Jack looked at it curiously. North walked to the study and opened one of the drawers in his desk. He paused for a moment before placing the letter inside. North shut the drawer, not knowing if he'll ever come back to it.

"Now, why don't we go put you down for your nap, no?" North said to Jack.

The winter child didn't respond. North placed him over his shoulder, and Jack's blue gaze remained on North's desk where the unsigned letter was waiting.

…

It had been two days since North received the letter from Tsar Lunar, and the ex-Cossack hadn't thought about it at all. North had been busy in the Workshop and his study, working on numerous inventions and toys. There was a high demand for many of the items he made, and North was doing his best to keep up. He still fixed broken items as well, but he pushed this to the end of the day when he wasn't busy.

Today, however, North was able to complete the business work he had to do. So he pulled out a broken music box that belonged to one of the younger girls of Santoff Claussen. The musical compartment no longer played a tune. North discovered that some of the gears had been bent on the inside, so the drum refused to move. The comb was rusted too, so North had to replace that as well.

Music boxes had very delicate and small parts, so North had to wear a pair of goggles and use a magnifying glass to make it easier for him to use the tiny parts. He poked around the broken box to see what needed to be fixed. He opened a drawer to pull out a screwdriver, and his eyes fell on the unopened envelope he had unknowingly shoved in his tool drawer. North stared at it, and he pulled it out.

North pulled the goggles off of his head and set them aside. He turned the letter over in his hands. He didn't know why he was interested in it all of a sudden; he still didn't want to become the leader of the Guardians. But something had drawn him to the unopened letter, and the seal on it seemed to beg North to open it.

Suddenly, Jack's laughter came from the other side of the room. North looked up, finding that Jack was looking at him. He was sitting in the little play area that North had made with a blue blanket and a basket of toys. Jack had refused to nap, so North brought him to the study with him so he could watch him as he worked.

Jack grinned, and he clapped his hands, beckoning for North to come to sit with him. North decided that he could take a brief break, so he stood up from his chair. He brought the letter with him as he walked to Jack's blanket and sat next to him. The little boy smiled and climbed into North's lap, snuggling against his chest with a small sigh. North didn't hesitate to run a hand through the baby's hair. North paused this action to look at the letter again. Jack noticed North's attention had gone elsewhere, and he opened his eyes, finding that North had pulled out the mysterious letter again.

Jack pulled North's beard and let out a questioning, "Bah?" as he pointed at the letter.

North smiled softly. "This is a letter from Tsar Lunar himself," he told the boy. "He wants me to lead group called Guardians of Childhood to help children around Lunslruna."

"Lubwarbata," Jack repeated.

North chuckled. "Lunslruna," he corrected the child. North looked at the letter again. "I don't know if I want to lead the Guardians, though. It is wonderful mission to help children, but…I'm just an inventor. What can I do?"

Jack blinked. Then, he blinked again. He pointed at the letter. "Bah, bah, bah."

"I do not know what 'bah' means, Jack," North said. Jack frowned, and he quieted. The winter child had never silenced so quickly before.

North looked at Jack, the baby snow sprite he had saved two months ago. The child that he saved two months ago. North had already saved one child, even though he thought he was nothing more than just an inventor and toymaker. Though it had been years since he'd last wielded a sword, who said he couldn't brandish one again? And when Pitch had attacked a decade ago, hadn't he used them to decimate the Nightmares who threatened to consume the children's good dreams?

An epiphany struck North like lightning strikes the ground. He already was a Guardian, just not officially. He lived a simple life now, but he had the chance to become more. Be more. Not only for himself but for the children around him. He could help them if he joined this team.

Jack tugged North's beard again, a couple of trails of frost stuck to the hair as he did so. Jack pointed at the letter again, and, more softly this time, he said, "Bah."

Jack wanted North to take the job. The ex-Cossack smiled, and he hugged Jack close. "Thank you, Jack. I think I know what to do now."

Jack smiled, and he buried himself in North's embrace.

…

On the day before the letter would disappear, North invited his friends over to his house for dinner. North sat at the far end while Jack sat in the highchair next to him. Tooth happily fed him his applesauce, but Jack still stole from the others' plates. When he got the chance, he would toss a piece of food and Bunny. The Pooka would grumble, but he didn't scold the tot. Sandy entertained Jack with his dreamsand shortly after the food was eaten. Then, North asked for everyone's attention. Tooth, Sandy, Bunny, and Jack turned to him.

"As you know, Tsar Lunar asked for me to become leader of Guardians of Childhood," North said. "And…I thought that I shouldn't take the role."

"But with a little help from someone special." North glanced in Jack's direction, and the winter child grinned brightly. "I realized that I already am a Guardian. I have protected and helped children, even when I did not realize it. I may not be one officially, but I am one at heart. So…I am signing letter."

The table erupted into cheers. "That's fantastic, North!" exclaimed Tooth.

"I knew ya'd do it, mate," Bunny said with a smile.

Sandy clapped his hands, and Jack laughed. North smiled and picked up the winter child. "Thank you for helping me make right choice, Jack."

Jack giggled, and, to everyone's surprise, he spoke. "North!"

The room quieted. North was shocked.

"W-What did you just say?" North asked in disbelief.

Jack laughed, and he spoke again. "North, North, North!"

North began to laugh too. "My boy!" he cheered. Aster, Tooth, and Sandy were just as delighted.

"Oh, his first word!" Tooth said as she fluttered up to the boy.

Jack smiled, and he reached toward Toothiana. "Toothy!"

"Awwww!" Tooth cooed.

Sandy floated up to Jack's side, and the winter child acknowledged him too. "Sandyman!"

Sandy smiled, and Jack turned to Aster, whose name hadn't yet been said. Jack tilted his head as he studied the tall rabbit. Then, he grinned and said, "Bun!"

Aster smiled. "Aha, that's my boy—wait." The Pooka froze when he realized that Jack had said not his real name but the nickname. The horrible, awful, terrible nickname that North had bestowed him.

Aster shook his head fervently. "No, no, no." He walked up to Jack and pointed to himself. "Aster."

Jack cocked his head in confusion. He smiled again and said, "Bun!"

"Aster."

"Bun, Bun!"

"Aster!"

"Bunny, Bun, Bun!"

Aster opened his mouth to repeat his name, but he knew "Bunny" had already stuck. Dejected, Aster dropped his arm to his side and mumbled lamely, "Aster."

North, Tooth, and Sandy laughed. Aster glared at North.

"Ya will pay for this, North. Ya'll pay," Aster grumbled.

North chuckled, and he patted Aster's back. "I did not encourage name, Aster. Jack decided to call you that all on his own."

Aster rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right."

Jack giggled, and he pointed at Aster. "Bun, Bun, Bun!"

Aster's ear twitched, and he sighed. "I guess it'll have ta do…"

North chuckled again, and Tooth fluttered beside him. "North, we have something to tell you too."

"And what is that?" asked North, curious.

Tooth grinned as she pulled out a familiar letter. Aster and Sandy pulled theirs out as well.

"Apparently, we were asked ta become Guardians too," said Aster. "What a coincidence."

"It kind of makes sense, actually," said Tooth. "We all love kids, and we all fit the descriptions. I think it's nice that we're working together as a team."

Sandy nodded in agreement, and North pulled out his letter. He paused and said, "But I thought you weren't interested Bunny."

Aster shrugged. "I wasn't, but…" He looked at Jack, who was smiling brightly. "If it's for the kiddos, I'll do it."

North set Jack down in his chair and pulled out a pen. He signed the letter, and the others sighed theirs as well. Once the last signature was written, the letters floated in midair and disappeared in the blink of an eye. Jack blinked in surprise.

"Yup. That's moon magic," remarked Aster.

"So, this means we're Guardians now," said Tooth with a grin.

North nodded and lifted Jack in his arms. "The Guardians of Childhood," he confirmed. And Jack smiled with delight. In that small moment, the odd group of four had become Guardians. Many new adventures awaited them all inside and outside Santoff Claussen.

And in Tsar Lunar's palace all the way in Lunslruna Captial, he smiled with evident satisfaction.

Author's Note: Aster fighting to get Jack to say his name moment will forever live in my mind for free rent. XD

I couldn't leave out the Guardianship side of the Guardians since that's what ultimately makes up their characters. Now, you're probably wondering "But Moon? Jack is a baby. How is he going to become a Guardian?" Well...you'll just have to wait and see. =) I got a lot planned for this collection, and I hope you guys stick with me through it all. =D

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, and I'll see you all in the next one!

Until the next chapter!

~BeyondTheMoon1203