Jack was preoccupied for a few days after Pippa's arrival. However, as great as having his sister around as it was, Mother Nature had to separate the younger sibling from her doting older brother because Autum needed training before becoming the official Personification of Fall. Serafina had to physically pry the two Overlands apart, and then afterwards she had to assure a hovering Jack that Pippa would be quite safe without having him centimeters away at all times.
"Enough, Jack Frost!" She chuckled, waving him away with the four Winds as he once again placed himself right next to Pippa, stubbornly keeping a close watch on his charge. "I do believe you have other tasks to attend to, Guardian of Fun. The Last Light expects an explanation of your servant, and Pippa will be quite all right without you crowding her."
Jack pouted and reluctantly surrendered to his Wind's pulling, his hand in Pippas for a second, lingering there until she let go with a giggle and soft, confident eyes. "I'll be fine, Jack! Mother will watch me. You go have fun!"
"If you insist, Pips." Jack said, beaming from ear to ear as he flew up, waving "Mother...I'm trusting you with a lot you know."
"My Winter, your trust will be rewarded."
He looked back and laughed, flipping in midair and reluctantly coming down to the Story Tree. He was excited, but at the same time he really didn't want to dwell on his Dark Age. It was truly a bad time for him, and he shuddered visibly. His believers loved him. The last thing he wanted was to scare them off. Because they would be scared. They'd emit so much fear, Pitch would have a field day.
Yet, they wanted to hear the tale. So he would tell them, and he knew kids hated when older kids and adults talked down to them or omitted information, so he was determined to do neither.
"My king."
The voice startled him from his thoughts, but he was a bit excited to say the least. He turned to the flaming birdlike figure and smiled, "Rise, old friend. There's no need for fealty here. It's great to see you again, Pheonix!"
"Woah! Jack this is him, isn't it? Holy...he's cool!"
Pheonix shrank back and flew behind Jack "Be careful young one! My flames are untamed. You could get hurt."
Jamie watched the figure in awe and wonder, his eyes sparkling. Jack smiled and got in the tree, "You early?" he asked his First Believer. The boy shook his head "No, everyone else had stuff to do. It's just me today. They'll be here later. Jack…" the boy looked at him seriously
"Tell me more...about why you went cold...and what you did afterwards. I mean right afterwards."
"Jamie…"
"Please? I wanna know. So if something happens...anbd you feel whatever you felt again...I can help. Remember what you said? I'm a Guardian too!"
Jack Frost was stunned, but touched. He smiled at his young friend, then sighed heavily. Pheonix spread a wing of comfort over the Winter spirit and explained to the small child below them.
"My king is not happy about how events unfolded. Forgive his reluctance."
To Jack he said softly "This boy is special. I will ease his discomfort, so there is no reason to withold the truth from him. You may not be proud of what you've done, Winter King. However, if you had not done so, you would not be who you are today."
"As usual, you speak truth, old friend. Very well…" He sighed and looked down at the boy he cherished
"I'll tell you. But you better not summon Pitch. He's busy and I really don't feel like taking his sass right now."
"Deal!"
