Hey guys !

Here we are for the final chapter.
Thanks again to all who read it 'til the end, for the favs ad follows, and for the reviews.

Chapter 12
A new dawn

Sandy beamed as the spirits swarmed him to welcome him back.

''Sandy !''

''So glad to see ya back, mate !''

Then he made a question mark float above his head as his eyes landed on Jack. It was true it was the first time the Sandman was meeting him. Hiccup introduced them, a beaming smile on his face and an arm around the boy's shoulders.

''Sandy, meet Jack Frost.''

''Ourr new frriend.'' North added, his voice tender.

He stepped closer and rested his large hand on top of Jack's head, softly patting it as he had gotten the habit to. Jack's eyes filled with wetness as he was moved, and even more when Tooth and Aster nodded in confirmation. Then Jack looked back to Sandy, who was smiling too. He formed other symbols. The spirits recognized the scene of his death, the two sand clouds facing, and they also saw a silhouette darting to Sandy's rescue. It was Jack. So Sandy had seen him too, back then ? The scene disappeared and got replaced by a snowflake, and this simple symbol, along with Sandy's smile, was enough to say the ancient spirit was grateful and happy to meet Jack. He offered his hand and, when Jack shook it, Sandy used his other hand to gently pat Jack's.

The spirits stepped back and watched, the children too, as Sandy formed a sand cloud to raise to the sky, before starting to spread his dreams in the whole town. In the whole world. The Guardians didn't have a globe to check it out, but they could feel the lights blinking on everywhere, because their magic was getting stronger. Sandy also felt this surge of magic because, soon, giant sand creations started to stride the park and the streets. Giant dinosaurs, dolphins, unicorns, manta rays, bird origamis, snowflakes, dragons… Everything the children in town were dreaming of.

While Jamie was marveling at a school of fish, he was suddenly hit by a snowball on the back. He met Jack's mischievous eyes, the spirit was juggling with another ball. Jamie then realised that all these snowball fights he had with his friends, which noone knew who had started, had surely been started by the spirit. It made him grin and laugh, and he bent to prepare his own amunation. As soon as Monty was hit in the chest, the other kids joined in. Yetis, elves and fairies joined too while Sandy hovered back to the ground, in the middle of this new battlefield, an amused smile playing on his lips.

Hiccup was looking at the scene with a smile, his eyes specifically focused on Jack who was playing with the kids. North stopped next to the viking and did the same. A comfortable silence surrounded them, before Hiccup gave something to the spirit of Christmas. North glanced down on the red russian doll with big blue eyes. He took it in his palm and squinted his eyes to Hiccup.

''I assume it meanz you found yourr centerr ?''

Hiccup's smile grew bigger, making his orange eyes sparkle.

''I'm not just a fire spirit. Granted I'm not a Guardian of childhood, like you guys, but there is something I'm defending. My center is the devotion, the will to protect others. I'm a peace-keeper. I'm a Protector. Like Jack.''

North looked back to the younger spirit, only to see him topple backward dramatically, hand on his chest as he had just been hit by little Sophie. It made her giggle. She could see him too, now.

''Jack rreally iz good boy. He haz been hurrt but haz no angerr frrom it. Rreally good hearrt.''

''A winter spirit with a warm heart.'' Hiccup mused, almost dreamily.

North snorted a bit.

''With yourr hearrt too.''

The viking looked up at him, confused.

''If Søl and Máne chose you two as embodiements of theirr light, you have special bound, powerrful bound. Like them.''

Hiccup didn't say a word, but his small nod was enough to convey all his thoughts. North smiled and winked at him, making him chuckle. Then the tall bearded man was hit behind the head. He turned around and saw the twins, who pointed accusingly to the elf between them.

''Ha ha ! You'rre all on naughty list !'' He laughed as he gathered some snow while the kids ran away giggling. ''Bunny ! Think fast !''

The rabbit barely had time to turn around he was hit square in the face, knocking him down. Tooth witnessed it and chuckled. Now that all the spirits had joined the snowball fight, it seemed even more intense and fun.

After a while, Pitch woke up and saw what was happening around him. The play in the snow, the laughter, the golden creatures roaming the sky and streets… He ducked to avoid a manta ray and got angry.

''You dare have fun in my presence ?! I am the Boogeyman ! And you will fear me !''

Jack was the first to hear him, and not the only one to see him as he lunged to Jamie. While the spirits held their breath with dread, expecting the boy to be hurt right in front of their eyes, he simply ran throught the dark spirit in this blue halo, totally oblivious of the other's presence.

Pitch started and patted his chest, wide eyes darting all around him and landing on the Guardians and Protectors. He stared at them for a bit, before he ran away, panic evident in every of his gestures. While the others wanted to keep on taking care of the children, they saw Jack take a step towards where Pitch had fled. Northwind blew around him and they knew he was about to go after him, but Hiccup stopped him by grabbing his wrist.

''Jack, wait ! Where are you going ? It's over.''

The winter spirit hesitated, then he looked where Pitch had left. He lowered his head.

''You were right, Hiccup. If Pitch could hear me, it was because he believed in me, at least a little bit.''

He put his hand over the viking's.

''It's time for someone to believe in him too.''

The Guardians exchanged surprised and moved looks, while Hiccup nodded and let go of Jack.

Pitch was running breathlessly, slipping on the snow-covered grass then the iced asphalt. The first lights of dawn were filling the horizon with colors, and he knew that meant he was going to loose his remaining power. He was always weaker during daytime. He had to put as much distance as he could between the Guardians and him before they caught up and destroyed him. Though he was running more from daylight than from the Guardians. Still they managed to catch up as he entered the woods.

Pitch felt sunlight warmth on his face and couldn't help but look over his shoulder to check how much time he had left. Because of that, he didn't notice what was in front of him, and he ramed so hard into it he fell backwards. He had bumped into North's belly. And North was not alone. The six spirits were now in front of Pitch.

''Leaving ze parrty so soon ?'' North teased.

''You didn't even say goodbye.'' Tooth added before she threw something to him.

Pitch caught it by reflex.

''A quarter ?''

Tooth's fist blew on his jaw so hard he lost a tooth.

''And that's for my fairies.'' She said while five of the tiny bird-like creatures were flying around her, showing their little fists to Pitch.

Granted, he deserved it.

''You can't get rid of me !'' He assured as he stood up. He dusted his black cloak while day was still arising around them. ''Not forever ! There will always be fear !''

''So what ?'' North asked. ''As long as one child believes, we will be herre to fight fearr.''

Pitch angered and seemed about to retort something, but the words died in his throat as Jack placed a hand on North's arm to softly quiet him down.

The big bearded man looked down to the boy, who nodded towards Pitch. The dark spirit had to admit he didn't know what to think of this, and even less when North stepped back. The four Guardians gathered behind and looked at Jack, Hiccup joining him. The fire spirit slipped his fingers between the winter spirit's and gave it a reassuring squeeze, before letting go. All the while, Jack remained focused on Pitch. It made he Boogeyman unseasy, because it didn't feel like he was staring at a foe.

There was no anger, no resentment in the ice blue eyes, but no pity either.

''We don't have to fight fear.'' Jack stated.

Pitch snorted.

''Of course you do, Jack. It has always been like this. Light against darkness, day against night, both are opposite since forever !''

''Ice and fire too.''

Saying this, Jack pointed to himself and Hiccup. Indeed, both were elemental of these two forces, and still they weren't mortal enemies.

Pitch's eyebrows rose from surprise, and the winter spirit knew he had his full attention.

''They're opposite, but that doesn't mean they have to destroy each other.''

The Boogeyman glanced at the other spirits to make sure they weren't using Jack as a diversion so they could attack. Much to his surprise, they didn't look like they wanted to fight. Aster did seem on guard, but his paws were crossed over his furry chest, not hovering over his boomerangs, like North was keeping his hands along his body, away from his sheated swords. Tooth was looking at Jack as if he was the most touching creature she had ever seen, and Sandy seemed moved too. As to Hiccup, he was staring at Pitch. There was a small smile playing on his face and he took a step closer to stand next to Jack, who had moved closer to the dark spirit.

''Jack is right, Pitch.'' The viking said as he took again the winter spirit's hand. ''Fear is not something bad. Look what it did today. These kids found their courage in fear, and the will to fight to protect something precious to them. Fear is not here to make us feel bad and vulnerable, it's here to wake up our will to survive.''

''There's no bravery without fear. There's no light without night.'' Jack added.

Pitch was speechless for a moment, and when he found back his voice, it was shaking.

''You… You really thing so ? You really think there's something good in fear ?''

Jack smiled and nodded, then he offered him the hand that was not holding Hiccup's.

''I believe so. I believe there's good in you, deep inside. You just need a bit of help to find it back.''

Pitch looked down to this pale hand and stared at the soft silver glowing around it, reflecting the shy moonlight from the sky. When the sun finally rose, his rays brushed the trees and the spirit, coloring them with a soft orange light that reflected in Hiccup's auburn hair. The viking also offered his free hand to the Boogeyman, who stared back at them both with awe. Both sun and moon were reflecting in them, giving Pitch the feeling that it was actually Lord Søl and Lady Máne who were offering their hand. However, at the same time, he was more than aware it was mostly Jack offering his hand.

When he had noticed this spirit for the very first time, even before he had seen the effects of his magic or heard his voice, it was his fear he had felt. He had convinced himself he could use this fear to regain strength and power, but as he had learnt to know Jack, despite himself, he had grown attached to him. This lonely, hurt, sad and scared boy had still kept his inner joy and this way to find fun even in adversity, and he had chased away the Boogeyman's loneliness.

Of course, Pitch had kept in mind his goal, his thirst of revenge against the Guardians, aware he was only using Jack, still that didn't prevent guilt to grow. It was not much guilt, but it was there. So when the Guardians had turned Jack against him, he had convinced himself that didn't matter to him, he had mulled over his anger and his thirst of power. He barely felt regrets when he had attacked Jack in Antarctica, even though he had really hoped to get the boy back on his side. He didn't have regrets because he was oblivious of the real injuries he had caused him. He didn't have regrets until the moment Jack had thrown himself on Hiccup to protect him from Pitch's scythe.

In this moment, as he had really thought his scythe would break Jack, his own heart had broken. He would certainly never admit it, but the mischievous and playful winter spirit had become important for Pitch. Not as a friend, more like a younger companion that followed you everywhere, whom you would appreciate by can't bare at the same time. A companion you would want to protect. Like a… like an annoying little brother.

And this little brother was offering him his hand, with the promise of an alliance, the promise that everything would be alright, that he wouldn't be alone, that he would have someone to believe in him. It sounded just like the promise Pitch had made to Jack forty years ago, but as the Boogeyman had lied back then, he knew there was nothing but sincerity in Jack's heart and eyes. And in Hiccup's too.

So he took their hands. He took both of their hands. The smooth starry light envelopping them grew and slowly spread on Pitch. Much to the seven spirits' surprise, it changed Pitch's look. Not much, but enough to say his center was back to light. If his cloak and hair remained as black and dark, his ashen skin finally let some color in, the reflection of their surroundings. Snow added blue to grey, and sunlight added yellowish orange. As to his grey eyes, they filled with a soft amber color that reminded a bit of the nightmares' glowing eyes.

And speaking about nightmares, the creatures were gathering around them, lurking like predators, neighing lowly. They were intimidating but didn't seem like they were going to attack, which was a good sign. Sandy stared intently to Pitch, who sighed.

''Yes, you can have them back. No trick, this time.''

Sandy nodded with a satisfied smile and lifted his hands, surely he was about to spread his own sand to convert back the nightmares into dreams, but Hiccup stopped him.

''Actually, the nightmares aren't a bad idea.''

The Guardians gave him shocked wide eyes.

''What ?'' He shrugged. ''They're good minions. And a nightmare from time to time never killed anyone.''

He turned to Pitch and his voice got more serious.

''From time to time, only.''

The Boogeyman shrugged in a false-innocent way, clearly saying he wasn't promissing anything, then he smiled.

''Thank you, Blaze.''

''It's up to you, now. Don't make us regret this decision.''

Solemn silence lasted for a bit, before Pitch nodded. The spirits then heard cheers and applause behind them. There they found the group of children, along with the elves, yetis, fairies and stone egg sentinels. Among all the noise they were making, they could hear some of the kids' words :

''So everyone is nice, now ?''

Pitch's eyes widdened as he noticed the twins were looking at him, but his joy faded as Jamie stepped up to Jack, looking panicked.

''B-But he hurt you guys, he sent the nightmares after and- and- ! He's a bad guy !''

''Calm down.'' Jack smiled as he crouched, putting a hand on the boy's shoulder. ''You know, bad people aren't always as bad as we think they are. Most of the time, they've just been hurt and don't know how to handle it. It doesn't mean we have to be bad to them too. Sometimes, they just need a bit of help and a second chance to get back to the right path.''

''Oh…''

The Guardians smiled looking at Jack and Jamie. The winter spirit really was kind-hearted despite the three hundred years of isolation he had been through. And he was good with children. North had no doubts that, if Jack hadn't been a Protector, he would have been a fine Guardian.

''Oh !'' The spirit of Christmas said. ''Rreminds me of something !''

The others looked at him while he was smiling to Hiccup and Jack.

''I hearrd we had two Prrotectorrs herre. We should make it official, da ?''

Both elemental spirits eyed each other before agreeing. North clasped his hands with a big grin as the other Guardians gathered around him to face the two elementals. Sandy was slowly clapping with eagerness, Aster looked proud and softened while Tooth's face turned pink with unlimited happiness. When a yeti gave North a thick book, Hiccup rolled his eyes realising North wanted to make some kind of improvised ceremony.

''Then it's time you take oaths.''

The spirit of Christmas opened the volume and flipped the pages. Hiccup held back a chuckle knowing North was trying to come up with something, because the big G on the cover proved the book was used for Guardians and nothing else. Though there was no order of Protectors yet, so it was obvious there were no official ceremony book for them. It didn't matter, they didn't really need a ceremony, but Hiccup knew it would please North, and Jack needed this to feel accepted.

When North finally found oaths he liked, he looked up from the book to Hiccup and started with him.

''Will you, Horren Blaze, vow to watch overr the spirrits of the worrld ? To guarrd with yourr life, theirr centerr, the peace and harrmony bounding them togetherr ? So they can keep on guarrding this worrld and the life within ?''

''I will.'' The dragon spirit replied though he couldn't chase away the amused smile that adorned his face.

North's eyes filled with sparks of joy, then he turned to Jack.

''Will you, Jack Frrost, vow to watch overr the spirrits of the worrld ? To guarrd with yourr life, theirr centerr, the peace and harrmony bounding them togetherr ? So they can keep on guarrding this worrld and the life within ?''

Jack turned to look back at Jamie and smiled at him, the young boy smiled back and nodded encouragingly.

''I will.'' Jack claimed.

''Then, congrratulations, Horren Blaze and Jack Frrost, forr you arre now…'' He slammed shut the book and raised his arms, his voice suddenly booming. ''and forr everrmorre !'' He calmed down as he noticed how he had startled his friends, before he resumed with a much calmer and softer voice. ''Ourr Prrotectorrs.''

Hiccup gave him a teasing smile while Jack's pale face lit up. The children and the magical creatures cheered and applaused again, quickly followed by the Guardians and a shyer Pitch. North let his delight show and threw the book to the yeti before he lifted Jack by the shoulder, and kissed both his cheeks. When he dropped back the boy, he did the same with the viking. North guffawed seeing their shocked face, thought Jack quickly smiled back.

Tooth blushed in embarrassment as she saw eight of her fairies rush to Jack's face and swoon to his pearly white teeth.

''Keep it together, girls, try not to disgrace the uniform.''

The moment she said that, one of the fairies fainted from delight. While rejoycement and celebrations were at their top, a sudden sound boomed in the sky, announcing Santa's sleigh arrival. The reindeers had found back their place to the hitch and the sleigh was back to its usual shine. The kids gathered around it in awe.

''Everyone loves the sleigh.'' Aster admitted to North.

The spirit of Christmas smiled at that, then he put a hand on Jack's shoulder.

''Time to go.''

Sandy nodded and hovered while forming dreamsand, which he threw in the air to make beautiful fireworks. Shimmering glitters fell down like snowflakes while the Guardians started to get onboard the sleigh. Though Aster had to say some goodbyes before that. He went to Sophie and crouched in front of her, giving her a colorful egg.

''Happy Easter, little ankle-bittah. Imma miss ya.''

She giggled and pressed a hand on his muzzle.

''Bye bye bunny.''

Pitch remained on the sidelines until North called out for him, almost yelling.

''We'rre having parrty at Norrth Pole, you'rre coming with us !''

''Nah, I don't think so…''

''Come on Pitch,'' Jack insisted, nudging the taller spirit on the back. ''that's gonna be fun !''

''Yes, do come with us.'' Tooth added. ''You need it more than we do.''

Though he grumbled, looking annoyed, the Boogeyman gave in. Hiccup chuckled and walked in the sleigh. Jack followed but he got stopped as Jamie called him.

''You're leaving ? But what if we stop believing again ? If I can't see you…''

''Hey, slow down, slow down.'' Jack chuckled with a soft voice.

He crouched down in front of the boy and put a hand on his shoulder.

''Are you telling me you stop believing in the moon when the sun comes up ?''

''… No.''

''Okay, well, do you stop believing in the sun when clouds block it out ?''

His teasing tone made the boy chuckle.

''No.''

''We'll always be there, Jamie. And now, we'll always be here.''

He pointed a finger to Jamie's chest, right to his heart.

''Which kind of makes you a Protector too.''

Jamie smiled at that. Jack smiled back and stood up to finally get to the sleigh. Jamie hesitated for a bit, then he ran after him. Jack stopped and turned around, only to start as the boy suddenly wrapped his arms around his thin waist. It took Jack a few seconds to get past his initial shock, it was the very first hug he had gotten from a human since he had become a spirit. When he finally managed to realise it was real, he smiled and bent down to return the hug. The other spirits watched with fond smiles until he managed to hop onboard with them. Though he stood on the fin instead on climbing inside, putting a hand on the railing while keeping his eyes on the children.

When North launched the reindeers, the kids ran after the sleigh, waving goodbye. Jack kept on watching them as they were soaring higher to the sky. Only when the sleigh planed above the clouds did the winter spirit decided to climb in. He first met North in the front, who smiled with sparkling jolly eyes before focusing back on driving. Tooth was sitting on the railing and gave him a warm, kind smile, Pitch smiled too but with gratefulness while Sab joined his hands to salute him, making the boy chuckle. Eventually, Aster gave him a nod before the winter spirit reached the back of the sleigh where he met the viking. He climbed to the top of the stairs and sat next to him.

They remained silent for a moment, until the viking put his hand on his, giving it a gentle squeeze. Jack looked down to their joined hands before he met fire orange eyes, looking at him with nothing but softness. Memories flooded back into Jack's head, reminding him of this summer night when he was thirteen, that night he had shyly tried to tell the viking what he felt for him.

''We're both spirits, now.'' Jack whispered.

''I know.'' Hiccup whispered back, still smiling.

He leant in slowly and Jack did the same, until their lips met in a gentle but full of emotions kiss. When they pulled apart, their face remained close.

''Forever.'' Hiccup whispered.

Jack only replied by squeezing back his hand, and that gestured meant more than every word in the world.

Forever had never seemed so radiant to the viking.

THE END