Often times, when Death was truly bored, they sought out the company of the mischievous winter spirit. Jack Frost always had something clever to say, to do, or to even look. It was kinda cute as he watched the teenager fly around spreading joy. Of course, Jack had never seen Death, and never would. No one believed that Death was an entity. Just that they breathed and died. And every once in awhile, Manny prevented it. Manny had taught the spirits that he was the overlord. That he was their true creator.
Death didn't care all that much though. To be blamed for all the sadness after humans and animals alike died? It wasn't something they could handle, or want to for that matter. It was a truly dark part, the unknown. It wasn't unknown to the spirit, and didn't have any actual objections to where they moved on. But to be separated from your previous life, it was daunting. Or perhaps, that was just how the spirit felt, after all, they were never truly dead.
"Now. How's about a snowball fight?" Jack's voice broke Death from a daze, as he smiled, preparing to launch a snowball at an unsuspecting group of children. The boy smirked, and aimed carefully, hitting the shortest child right on the back of the head. Bursts and bursts of laughter followed, playful squeals, as well as declarations of war. Jack was in the middle of it, providing fast ammo, as well as targeting some of the faster kids who dodged more easily. The spirit watched on happily, hugging the black and white cape around themself.
The cold was just another sensation, not bothersome or wonderful. Just… there. But, there was something particular about winter as a season when this lively sprite was involved. There wasn't an air of hostility, or anger, or malice like many of the other spirits that claimed winter as their namesake. Sure, it was understandable, and Death didn't particularly hate any spirit, but it was hard for the lonely god to ignore Jack Frost.
Although, Nicholas St. North was another outlier. Or Santa Claus as his name has begun to evolve with the times. The man was merry, full of wonder towards everything and everyone. It was his own center, what made him a truly amazing protector and Guardian. Their center. That was what made them Guardian. When Death knelt down, and brightened their souls, and made them contagious.
A stray snowball nearly passed through Death, and had to duck as the children had started to run in his direction, running from Jack and a small girl who each held two snowballs. With a deep breath, they watched the light in the children's eyes. So full of life, and happiness. A small smile, and Death was gone.
**ROTG**
It was later that same year, when Death was at the North Pole. Christmas preparations were always exciting and entertaining. So much noise, yelling, and life. It was intoxicating. The Yeti were a formidable bunch, but when assigned the task of creating toys, it was almost laughable. Their huge frames somehow made toys perfectly, each with a child in mind. Their Yettish was still something Death was working on perfecting and understanding, but it was getting close to perfect.
"Shoo! Shoo! Out of way!" The huge spirit of Christmas came bustling through, checking in on projects, and scooting elves out of the way before he, or the Yeti crushed them. They were so tiny and fragile, but so dumb and cute at the same time. Death remembered creating them, one lonely day when it had just been North and Death.
**ROTG**
It was oddly calm in the air, and, it was unsettling. North St. Nicolas was working away, hammering at toys, and eating a cookie. But it was so silent. Death paused, then looked around. There had to be something to change. They hated the silence. Finally, their eyes fell on a few discarded pieces of felt. They had been cut from doll skirts, and he picked them up carefully. Ensuring that North wasn't looking, the spirit pulled together the scraps. They came together seamlessly, without sewing, forming into a cone shape. Death liked the shape. The Egyptians hadn't gotten it completely right when Death had drown out the plans, so these little things were going to sport the look. Carefully, Death picked up a couple of discarded bits. A broken candy cane, half of a cup of hot cocoa, a few buttons, a bell, and a few sparkles. And, it was ready. With a small grin, Death imagined the little beings, and created them with one breath.
North nearly jumped out of his seat when the first elf appeared. Only a few inches tall, the little thing had most of its height from its hat. But, it was cheery and happy, and made a noise like a bell when he talked. Finally, no more silence.
"Now who are you little one?" The man asked happily, weeks of stress had gadded from his shoulders as the bearded man knelt down and scooped up the elf. The green elf danced a little as he tried to talk, but North understood none of his words. He only laughed heartily and looked around the shop happily. Wonder had been restored in his heart, as he tried to find the location of where the elf had come from.
Five more elves were born that day, three of each gender. Or at least, Death thought so. Still confused on the whole gender thing. They knew that for species to survive, they had to have multiple species, except there were always exceptions. Which confused Death even more. So, he threw in features of all kinds. Unsure as to what exactly made them one gender or the next, Death just added a few different touches to each.
Death had left happily that day, a new creation under their belt, onto the next thing.