A/N: FOUR years later! Finally got around to finishing this. To the few readers left and future readers that may come across this, hope you enjoyed the ride. Thank you so much for taking an interest in my story and giving it a chance.
A Night to Remember
Blissful chimes of Holiday bells welcomed the guests into the always wondrous domain that was North's home. The fresh, white grains of snow sprinkled down outside the numerous windows. Many of which were still being draped over in decoration by the tireless elves. Or so… the attempt was made. North and his hardworking Yetis prepped the bulk of the shop. The handy creator made sure to include familiar, honorary touches for his young heroes.
Various mounts of carefully sculpted dragon heads on the pillars and walls. Gold twine flowing across the surfaces of the shop's interior in DunBroch's signature Celtic fashion. Coronan designed lanterns hanging from the ceiling and balconies, illuminating the grand space in an ever so warming glow. The lighting reflected especially well off of the meticulous paint job of blossoming winter ferns unique to the Guardian of Fun; somehow managing to also capture its glittering, icy hue. To top it off, banners of their respective clans and kingdoms also hung proudly throughout.
Twas a fortnight since the busiest time of year for North. That still gave the Claus no excuse to rest. Instead, granted him more than enough time to prepare this grandiose feast of celebration! The giant globe at the center of the manor-like home had been lowered. Replaced with a temporary yet sturdy new floor and fancy dining table that stretched long enough to fit everyone. Of course, the eager inventor had help from some fairly recent acquaintances.
"Took you long enough!" The Queen of Arendelle called to the fashionably late final guests.
"Punzie!" Anna squealed, dropping the plates she was helping her sister and the Guardians set up.
Thankfully, Bunny's ninja reflexes were always on alert, "Oh buggah!" catching them in the nick of time.
"I know, I know. Sorry we're late." Rapunzel apologized while not being able to help but gaze around at the wonderful decor. Even without the extra flourishes, this place never ceased to fill her widened green eyes with awe.
The lovely Princess walked in with her handsome Prince in hand and a casserole in the other. Both flaunting magnificent formal attire. The wife in a poppy pink dress with faintly shimmering waves down the tail and the chest covered in sparkling beads, forming a lovely shaped heart. She also wore a matching silk cloak down to her waist with a white fur collar for the weather this far north, and her hair was beautifully braided for the occasion with gems and flower petals all over. The husband had ditched the blazer and simply strutted in with a black vest outfit, slim fitted and finely tailored, along with a pink bow-tie to complement Rapunzel's gown.
The Sisters of Arendelle were just as elegant. Anna maintaining a fair green fitted dress with white floral patterns along the seams. Her shorter strawberry blonde hair done up in a perfect bun. Elsa, on the other hand, had her longer platinum blonde hair completely straightened. Leading down to a looser, royal blue, and sleeveless gown with a deeper V-line to showcase her personally power-crafted jewelry around her slim neck. Intricately crystallized jewelry also shined around her left arm and both her wrists.
"We got caught up." Eugene shrugged. "You know how it is, waiting on the missus to be ready."
Rapunzel shot him a total oh please look.
"What really happened?" Elsa smirked with a raised brow.
The sisters met the incoming couple halfway on the catwalk.
"He had to redo his hair like fifty times."
"Babe!"
"Sure sounds like you." Anna crossed her arms at him.
After a short giggle, shaking her head, Elsa welcomed the royal guest with a hug.
"We're happy you made it. How have you felt?"
"Better than ever." Rapunzel answered happily and honestly.
"That's good, that's-" Noticing the casserole. "Oh, Rapunzel. You didn't have to bring anything."
"Yeah, this is all for you and the rest of the Four." Anna added. "Technically five, because we can't forget Toothless." She ended with a cheeky smile.
"I know. I just wanted to share this old family recipe I've been working on. There's still a few things I'm catching up on when it comes to that."
The youngest princess of Arendelle stole her away. "And plenty to catch up on here too. Many of us still haven't gotten to talk to you after you woke up."
Off they went to the acting kitchen area beyond the dining table.
After a small laugh, Elsa made the announcement. "Everyone! They're here!"
From the balconies above, the rest of the party popped out.
Merida was the first, sliding down the railing to meet her best friend in her brand new dress hand stitched by her mother. This one was of a powerful violet, blending well with her fiery curls. Curls of which were still poofing out and proudly bouncing about. She'd never tame them for any occasion.
As Eugene was greeting Sandy and the rest of the Guardians, an enthusiastic growl bellowed out.
"Oh boy,"
Toothless pounced off the highest level. On his back were two heckling youths. Hiccup and Astrid, cackling all the way down as the dragon ricocheted from one pillar to a staircase and so on, knocking over some poor elves along the way.
"No flying in my shop!" North demanded from a newly developed glider. "Least no flying faster than me! Ha ha!" He dived rapidly behind them.
"Not a chance, old man!" Astrid hollered.
Eastermund's ears shot up. "Oh, for Pete's sake, North. You're worse than the kids!"
"Should we take cover?" Fitzherbert asked worriedly.
Toothless swooped in low right above them all, followed by North. The Night Fury made an impressive landing, spinning to a halt. While North failed to handle his malfunctioning invention. He was forced to somersault off as the glider crashed into a balcony above, rolling right into the safety of two trusty yetis.
"Ha!" The jolly old timer dusted himself off. "Almost had it that time."
Hiccup and Astrid dismounted. The young chief was looking sharp in a collared down shirt of forest green and classic black suspenders attached to straightened pants of deep brown bark. The chief's first lady was actually in formal attire of her own. Vastly unique though compared to the other's dresses. Hers was fitted from the waste up in a smooth velvety green. Than curved out from the waist down, almost like feathers, but more so like scales. Fading from the the dark, tinted green above to multi-colored scales that mesmerized whenever she twirled and spun. The Viking still sported some traditional steel: A polished shoulder piece and her signature beady little metallic skulls that decorated her leather belt.
Truth be told the couple did not arrive like this.
"Mini heart attack aside, you two actually look WOW." Eugene compliment.
"I know, right?" Astrid exclaimed swaying her colorful dress.
"Tooth really out did herself. Had these ready for us." Hiccup admitted, carefully scratching the back of his head to not ruin the motherly Fairy's good work of slicking all his hair back.
"No kidding." The fellow prince looked over at the hovering Tooth Fairy.
"Guilty!" She giggled innocently as she lifted her hand.
Toothless then spotted the familiar face, flopping his tongue out like a joyful dog.
"No." Eugene pointed at him. "Don't even think about it."
The dragon than dashed towards his friend.
"No!" He fled. "Do not lick me! This is a new vest!"
His screams echoed out as everyone laughed. That's when Elsa noticed something. Everyone was here, mingling. Her sister and herself, the Guardians, The royal pair from Corona, the viking pair from Berk, their dragon, and Merida. Even Hachiman was in attendance.
The legendary warrior approached the Queen's side. His hand resting on the hilt of his sheathed sword. It's end tip just barely grazing above the ground. His black zori sandals clamped to a stop. His stainless grey hakama led up to a thick jade obi belt, parting the lighter shaded grey top of this ceremonial outfit. Draped over it all was a neat kimono jacket as black as coal. His hair still slicked back in its traditional samurai topknot.
"You, too, have noticed his absence."
Everyone was here… except for Jack.
This familiar feeling of worry filled her core yet again. "I will go fetch him. Pardon me." A feeling she would never get used to.
The brooding Guardian was camped up in North's own office. At the highest floor of the entire shop, overlooking the distant white winds grazing the icy mountains under the midnight sky.
Jack was not feeling very festive despite certainly being dressed for the occasion; In his royal blue dress shirt with hints of his frost outlining the collar and the cuffs, and his silky black dress pants. The matching black bow-tie North made him wear was a well appreciated touch. Though he kept his bare feet exposed, for he preferred them free to breathe.
What jolted him out of his wandering thoughts was the sudden knock at the door. He turned as it carefully swayed open.
"So this is where you've been hiding."
Elsa glanced around as she entered the cold, dim room. The only source of light that pierced through the sole window hailed from the lone moon. All the piles of toys and inventions littered about always made the room feel much smaller than it was. Tonight, they happened to also cast the dreariest of shadows.
"What's wrong? You're normally the life of the party."
"No, nothing. Just..." He tried to shake himself out of it. "Wanted a quiet place to think."
"About?"
"Nothing, Snowflake. It's nothing-"
"Jack..." Whatever the matter, it was definitely not nothing. That much was painfully so. "What's wrong?" Even the physical distance he was keeping between them, alone, was obvious enough.
Frost let out an irritable sigh as he slid off the windowsill, eyes tracing along the lines of the floorboards beneath his plodding feet.
"It's not your friends." That much she knew for certain.
"No."
"So then it's me."
"What?" He exclaimed sharply. "No! Of course not."
"Then?"
"I just..." The young man tried to collect his thoughts as best he could. "Elsa, believe me. I'm happy you're back. And when we fought together at the volcano, you have no idea how great that felt. You and I. All of us. Together…"
"...but?"
"But after we got Punzie back. When things finally calmed down. I don't know, this thought just keeps clouding my head. Like this horrible feeling I can't shake. And it sucks, because there's something I really want to do. Really do. But I don't know if I should with what keeps lurking in my…" He was rambling.
The Queen closed her eyes as well as her palms as she stressed her point. "Please, quit dancing around this, Jack." Looking him eye to eye. "Just tell me. This horrible feeling of yours. It has to do with us, correct?"
"No! Not really-" He was still dancing around the subject. No matter what, Jack's priority was always to protect Elsa, including her feelings. "It's not so much you. It's more like me." But he had to let it out eventually, for it was tearing away at him. "I just can't help but think… when I look at you, how close we got. I got-"
She grew fed up. "Jack!"
"I almost lost everything!" He finally admitted. "It… it ruined me inside. When I found out you were in danger, I dropped everything to rush over to you as fast as I possibly could. And still I didn't make it in time. But I didn't give up. I pushed my friends so hard to try to save you. They almost died in that temple…"
Her face changed from concern to hurt. Jack noticed right away. It threw him off from continuing what he was trying to iterate.
"I'm sorry," Elsa dropped her gaze.
"It wasn't your fault." Frost instinctively moved towards her.
"I'm still sorry."
"Snowflake…" He suspected she was not quite understanding him.
"I'm sorry, Jack." Her voice couldn't help but break every now and then as the emotions swelled. "I'm sorry I let that witch manipulate me. I'm sorry I almost killed your friends. I'm sorry I helped that mad man almost devastate the entire world. And I'm sorry that I hurt you!"
He rushed into her "Snowflake, no-"
But Elsa actually stepped back, lifting a hand to keep him at bay. The other hand curled up before her face to hide away the inevitable tears she was fighting to keep from seeping out. But the Spirit of Winter pressed on and moved his loving hand in, guiding her face to look at his.
"Hurting me, my friends, heck, even the world and then some. You'd think that was it but no. That's not what I'm trying to say. That's not what I meant when I said I almost lost everything."
He froze solid a tiny tear that shed out of his love and gently flicked it away into sparkles.
"It's you, Elsa." He brushed back her long hair to cup his hand around her exposed neck. "You're my everything."
Some hopeful light twinkled back into her deep blue eyes. Only for Jack's brooding look to return as he lowered away his caring hand.
The Guardian took a breath of courage. "That's what scares me the most."
Elsa's face faded back into confusion. "What does?"
A grim, tiredness crept into his voice. "All that was on my mind was you. The idea of losing you… That's the most horrible feeling. And I came so close." His tone dropped so weak, so soft. "I… don't think I can go through that again."
"Oh, Jack…"
She was about to reach for him, but he began pacing around her.
"Susano told me his story. Why he was doing what he was doing. His past wasn't too far off from what our future might be. He fell in love with a mortal girl. She died and he couldn't bring her back. It drove him crazy. I was going crazy. I was so focused on trying to save you, I didn't care about the world ending, that wasn't even on my mind. Just you. Only you." He stopped before her in all her beauty. "I just wanted to see your gorgeous blue eyes again. See them look back at me with the same life and love as before."
"You did. You brought me back." She grabbed hold of his hands.
"But what if next time I don't?"
"And what if you do? What if there's not even a next time?"
"Then the ending remains the same. You still…" He could not bare utter the word. "I still lose you all the same." Tears began to break free from Frost. "All I want is for us to live happily ever after. But this experience hit me with a harsh reality check…" His saddened voice trembled. "No matter what I do. The time will come when you pass away… and I'll still be here."
"Jack…" Elsa whispered out in deep sorrow, wrapping her loving arms around him.
"How am I…" Frost broke, losing all control of his speech and bottled emotions. It all came gushing out as he held onto her tightly. So tight for he feared he would lose her right then and there if he even dared to let go. "How am I supposed to go on… after finding someone who completes me in every way. How do I live on without you? The loving everything of my life…."
Elsa kept caressing the back of his head, trying to tell him it was okay as her own emotions fled her reserved demeanor.
"How do I keep myself from going completely crazy in a world without you. How do I not become as mad as Susano-"
"No, no. Stop that." She pulled away to look at him, her caressing hands only detaching for a slight moment to wipe clear her tears with a sniffle. They then cupped the sides of his handsome face, making sure he listened. "You are not. I repeat. You are not Susano."
"What's stopping me? Again, all that he did. All that he was trying to do was for his wife. The love of his life."
"You are better than him."
"But what if I'm not strong enou-"
Elsa pressed her lips onto his, silencing him from completing such an idiotic thought. The chilling taste of their running tears leaked into their mouths, but that did not steer the two away. The destined lovers remained locked for what felt like a perfect forever.
At long last their soft, cool lips departed.
"You are plenty strong, Jack Frost." She stared up at him with even more intently loving eyes than the first time they met. "Strong enough to pull me out of the very depths of darkness."
"You…" A familiar expression of ease and buoyancy returned onto the Guardian of Fun. "You actually managed to make that sound both touching and cool."
"Aaand he's back with the sly jests." She rolled her eyes happily.
After a small chuckle,"No, but seriously."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah,"
"I seriously do not know what the future holds for us." She leaned in extremely close, fixing up his bow-tie. "But what I do know is that you love me, and I love you. Sure, there may always be dangers and that inevitable issue regarding us, specifically, but…" She settled her hands on his firm chest, staring confidently and peacefully at him. "As long we choose to face them together, I think we'll manage just fine."
"Think so?" A slight smile cracked.
She kissed that charming smile of his. "I know so. Because I had a similar fear. I feared that you would grow tired of me and leave me."
He was shocked she ever even fathomed such an awful dread. "Elsa, Snowflake, I would never-"
"I know, darling. I mean, I know now. With all that you went through for me. And yet it was still an awful insecurity that was exploited and used to turn me. But I'm not afraid anymore. I choose to be with you. I don't care if other witches or worse come after me. I don't care about you watching me grow old. All I care deeply for, with every ounce of my being is you. I'm… 'all in', as you sometimes like to say."
"You forgot the 'baby' part."
"I did not forget. I'm just never saying it."
They shared a pleasant little laugh.
"Then me too." Jack stared into her beautiful eyes as he held her close. "I'm all in, ba-"
She covered his mouth, "Please don't."
He snickered through her hand. She found him as adorably irresistible as ever, replacing her hand with her lips for yet another passionate kiss that would surely not be their last. As their issue came to a mutually understanding resolve and their worried spirits lifted, the moon itself rose with them, shrinking away the dreary shadows.
"Besides, my love… In our world full of gods and magic and guardians, do you really think there won't be a way for us to still see each other even afterwards?"
Jack was in awe. "I… can't believe I never even thought of that."
Elsa cocked her fine brows at him. "Because you were too busy being dramatic, as always."
"Hey!"
"Come," She held his hand, smiling. "Let's start heading back. Smells like the feast is just about ready."
"Yes, ma'am." He agreed gleefully.
Their tears were all done away with, and smiles anticipated the reunion with the rest of their friends. Of which, Elsa could see them all gathered around the table far below as they reached the balcony.
"Wish to know one other detail you might have missed?"
"Sure, I never get tired of being reminded how wrong I am."
"Look down there."
Jack sets his hand on the railing, overlooking the main celebration area. North spotted him and began to wave, yelling at the boy to come down already while the food was still hot. The rest of his beloved friends darted their heads up and started calling him down as well.
"How do I know you will never end up like Susano? Because they will never let you."
The Guardians, Hiccup, Merida, Rapunzel, and, yes, even Toothless. All his closest friends. People he has come to know, love, and admire. They would do anything for him just as he would for any one of them.
The warmest smile of profound gratitude enveloped his face. "When you're right, you're right, Snowflake."
Elsa was deeply proud of her love. "Let's not keep them waiting."
They made their way over to the crank elevator, choosing this over simply flying straight down to spend more time alone together before returning to the noise.
"Wait a moment. You also mentioned there being something you really want to do but perhaps you shouldn't because-"
"Yeah no, that worry is completely gone now. I'm doing it. Real excited for it too."
"And what precisely is 'it', if I may ask?"
"You may not. It's a surprise, and you'll love it. It'll be perfect."
She sighed, but respected his secrecy. "Very well."
A pleasant silence was shared as they embarked on their descent. Yet the mischievous lover could not help himself, "Really, 'Depths of darkness'?"
"Oh, be quiet."
"About time!" Merida exclaimed with a giant turkey leg in her hand.
As she was about to take a massive bite, North strolled by and denied her. "Nyet!" Casually snatching away the leg as he carried over the last of the courses in his other hand, "I specifically said no eating until all are here."
"They are here!" The impatient redhead moaned.
"Jack! Elsa! Please, take your seats."
Anna asked her elder sister as the couple sat beside her, "Everything okay?"
"Wonderful actually." The queen smiled.
Jack kissed the side of her head before turning his attention to the vast plentiful display. "Let's dig in!"
"Wait, aren't we going to say a few words first or-" Before Hiccup could even finish, his own Astrid was one of the first to begin chomping into her steamy meats. He looked around as most rushed in as well. Rapunzel giggled at him from across the table and shrugged. "Oh who am I kidding." The young Chief too leaned forward to scoop himself up some of North's renowned mushy potatoes.
All were finally present, enjoying everything this celebration had to offer. Not just the enormous feast, but the wonderful company. All were asking to pass over this and that as they shared stories and cackled. Plenty of side conversations bubbled up as well. Even Toothless made his attempt to get in on the socializing.
The Night Fury nudged over his plate to Elsa's Ice Dragon. The wintry beauty took one look at it and froze it all over with a mere puff of her nostrils.
"Aww!" Astrid let out for she and Hiccup witnessed the rejection.
"It's okay, bud. She'll warm up to you!"
"He doesn't have the smoothest starts with white dragons, does he?"
"Not a great track record, nope."
"Just like his pal." She teased him, pinching his cheek.
"Ow, what? You were obsessed with me!"
"Obsessed!? I loathed you!"
"Uh-huh, that's why you followed me all the way into those woods?"
"Oh whatever." She rolled her eyes with an open smile.
"Admit it. You dug me."
"Couldn't stand you."
Hiccup grinned, wrapping his arms around her waist, lifting her off her sit. "And now you can't get enough of me."
Astrid let out one of those cheerful screams followed by laughter as she planted right onto Hiccup's lap.
"I'm just more tolerant of you now." She slid an arm around the back of his shoulders for stability.
"Oh yeah?"
"Mm hmm," Her fingers played about with his stubble as she inched in for a kiss.
At the other side of the long table, just a few chairs down, Merida had caught sight of the viking couple. Bunny was ranting on about his disdain for the Groundhog, but she could hardly pay much attention to him. She could not help but be fixated on the two. They looked so happy. Hiccup's smile alone was distracting enough. The princess did have overwhelming feelings for him at a time. Perhaps they still lingered. He was her first crush after all. But her recent encounter with Dark Elsa had awakened deep questions about herself. For as she looked over at the loving young pair, Merida pondered… was it the pretty girl sitting on Hiccup's lap that she desired to be, or did she wish to be the one holding the pretty girl.
At another part of the table, revelations were being uncovered.
"No way…" Anna was in awe at what her friend had just shared.
"That's right." Rapunzel reiterated. "We're actually related."
"Cousins…" Anna's eyes trailed off for a bit "No wonder we get along so well!" She hugged her tight from their seats. "But why did your parents wait so long to tell you?" She asked with confusion, hands still held onto one another's from the restful comfort of their laps.
"They worried it would have impacted our relationship. That you or Elsa would have felt forced to keep talking to me, or worse, maybe not want to continue at all if you knew what happened. Which, I mean, I understand. Our families are tied together by tragedy."
"The night mom and dad were lost at sea. The night the storm hit." Anna was young at that time, but would never forget.
Neither would her elder sister, "Rapunzel, no." Elsa interjected after politely dabbing away at her lips with a clean dinner cloth. "Anna and I would have never held that against you."
"Yeah, what happened to our parents was an accident."
"But it was my wedding that they were invited to-"
"An accident, Punzie." Anna made clear, squeezing her hands a bit.
"Okay," Rapunzel smiled softly.
"Great!" Anna yayed.
"Wonder why they never told us though…" Elsa questioned. "I mean, I kept myself isolated, so they hardly ever told me much. Just the essential, need to know information like leaving to Corona for the Princess's wedding."
"I was like, what, fourteen? Fifteen? So I was too busy out ignoring any royal duties."
"I knew Corona and Arendelle were Sister realms, but I assumed by royal treaty from generations ago."
"Yeah," The little sister nodded in agreement.
"Not still bond by blood."
"Didn't you spend all your alone time buried in books? Never brushed up on our allies?"
"No, I much preferred my fantasy and other fictions to escape my lonesome reality. Why did you not brush up on our history when you were out at our most prestigious school?"
Anna was caught in a pause. "Touché, sis. Touché." She laughed nervously.
"Mm hmm," She smiled down at her.
"And we never officially met until your coronation, or well-after the events of your coronation." Rapunzel recalled.
"Apologies for that." Elsa, let out a hint of left over shame for her past actions. "But, yes, that was more so out of formality. It's customary to send out invitations to our neighboring Kingdoms for events such as those. Even I didn't know the full guest list."
"All this lack of communication." The sunshine blonde pointed out.
"I know," Elsa lamented in agreement.
"Well, Corona didn't want your magical secret slipping out either." The strawberry blonde tagged on. "Maybe that added reason to why your parents may not have even told ours the details about you. Couldn't have another crazy witch coming after you."
"Witches are, as you say," Elsa started.
"The worst." Both Sisters stated with Rapunzel.
The three shared a slight chuckle as they shook their heads.
"Quite a few holes in this, isn't there?" Rapunzel rubbed her chin in thought.
"What's important is that we became close friends, regardless!" Anna proclaimed.
"That's right." The queen agreed.
The bubbly little sister pulled them both in for a group hug.
Rapunzel looked onto them with deep fondness. "Jeez, now I have another reason to strongly consider you both for god mothering my future child."
Eugene whipped his head around, mouth crammed full sugar bread. "HUH!?"
"Oh, that you heard!" Anna exclaimed.
"It's nothing, Eugene!" Elsa informed him. "Continue enjoying your meal." She gestured him to turn back around with her finger.
The man was adorably confused as he usually found himself to be. His wife patted his arm with a pleasant wink, "It's okay, sweetie. Go on."
He slowly mumbled out, "okay," as he slowly turned back around to converse with North and Sandy.
The three women of royalty continued on with their chat. Not only were they genuine friends, but they were family as well. In some form or another, all present at this table were.
Everyone carried on, enjoying the ample feast. Mini conversations continued throughout. At one point Jack captivated each and every single person's ear, sharing a tale of how he came oh so very close to breaking into this magnificent compound. But his elaborate scheme of success was foiled by his long-time nemesis turned good pal, Phil. Boastful cackles rumbled throughout the halls of the shop. Upon a rare opening of winding down, a chiming tapping of glass called forth the entire table's attention.
"If I may, my fellow comrades." Hachiman stood from his seat at the foot of the table. "I wish to share a few words..." He set down his silver, but kept his glass of wine in hand.
All were listening.
The noble warrior spoke from his heart and spoke it true. "Well over a month now, I came across a young rider, or more so, he happened upon me. I was in dire need. Almost finished. It was not his fight, yet the boy swooped in on his mighty beast to rescue this wounded old man all the same."
Astrid rubbed Hiccup's chest, giving him a proud kiss on his cheek.
"But the splendors did not end there, no. He brought me to a selfless young Princess, willing to heal not only myself but the entire world from any malevolent harm."
Eugene's loving hand grazed its way down Rapunzel's arm to hold onto hers ever so proudly.
"There, too, I met a brave young warrior maiden, always eager to face my family's evils head on, no matter the overwhelming odds."
Hiccup looked over at Merida, catching each other's glance in an honest, respectful admiration for one another.
"And never shall I forget the Winter Spirit. A Guardian in every sense of the title. Able to so flawlessly band his friends together with hope, purpose…"
Elsa gingerly hugged Jack's arm, resting her head on his shoulder.
"And, of course, those witticisms of his."
A soft tide of laughter flowed across the crowd.
"These Four not only brought me back on my feet, but through their iron resilience, their sheer determination… they reminded me what it was to never give up the good fight. Even when my people had lost so very much and Susano's warpath foresaw no end and even amidst our darkest hour... when we all stood against the Daemonic Fire God and his legion of hellspawn… your united will still pressed on."
His wise, rugged voice gracefully delivered its final praise.
"I have fought alongside many great warriors in my lifetime and you, young hearts… are unlike any I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Fate smiled upon you all when weaving your destinies together, and we are eternally grateful for such a blessing. All of us from your beloved friends and family at this gathering to the rest of the world to the very heavens above. All of which are still present here tonight, because of you.
The humble Patron bowed his head in deep gratitude, "Arigatou gozaimasu." Then raised his glass high. "To the Big Four!"
"THE BIG FOUR!" The rest boosted in unison.
The Night Fury sat up tall with its snout towards the ceiling, unleashing a steady geyser of gorgeous blue flames at the queue of the celebratory chant, filtering the dining hall in a divine fluorescent hue. When the burst of fire and noise ceased, the young heroes joined in with the rest on finishing their drinks as glittering embers of neon cobalt sprinkled down all around them.
The silver-maned young man chugged the last of his ale in a failed attempt to calm his jitters. He then took a blissful look onto his partner. So gleamingly beautiful on the flawless surface, and ever so intricately layered within. His precious Snowflake. His soul was now well enough at ease. Jack spun himself into the air. Now floating point, center over the dining table, attracting everyone's attention.
"Since we're making these heartfelt speeches, figured I'd add to the trend."
North's big blue eyes popped with a jolly ol' cackle, "Ha! The boy's actually going to do it. Tooth!" He shook her. "Pay attention. You'll love this."
Bunnymund rolled his eyes. "We're all paying attention, you big du-"
"SHH!" North silenced him and redirected his own attention back to Jack.
"Well, this won't so much be a speech. More so an announcement. Or-not really. Kind of, sort of like a pro-oh, can't say that. That'll give it away-"
"Oi! Get on with et!" Merida shouted.
"Let him finish." Rapunzel pleaded.
"You're doing great, Jack!" North reassured the nervous young man. "Go on!" His excitement grew, for was the sole amongst the audience who knew what was to come.
"What I'm trying to say!" Frost regained control of the room. "In front of everyone here. Everyone who I deeply care about. Everyone who I consider family… and, yes, this includes Merida."
Everyone laughed lightheartedly, including the targeted redhead after she scrunched up her face at him.
"Is that, Elsa…" Their eyes met. "The love of my eternal life, will you join me up here?"
Anna could not help but let out a tiny squeal, for she already had a strong speculation.
Elsa on the other hand was still clueless. Being spontaneously thrown at the center of all's attention had that effect, even on royalty. What is going on? She thought to herself as she held up her dress to climb the icy little disks she had formed for steps. Reaching out for Jack's hand, he guiding her up the final step like a true gentleman. They now faced one another before all. Both their hands instinctively locked onto one another's.
"Hey," He smiled handsomely.
"Hi," She replied shyly followed by an adorably nervous chuckle.
"You already know how much I love you. But in front of all our friends and family, I want to remind you how true that really is. Elsa, when I'm with you I feel whole. And not just on the icy cool surface, but right down to my very center. Even through our disagreements and our darkest times, that feeling never changes. If anything, it just pushes me to make it all better so we can get back to being close."
Their cold hands held strong.
"I meant what I said on that mountain top… For as long as I live, I will love you. And for as long as I love you-and-obviously, as long as you love me," He shared a chuckle with her before finishing lovingly and genuinely. "I will never let you go."
"Oh, Jack…" Tears of joy were forming. She was piecing it together now.
"I don't ever want to lose you again. So, I'm cutting right to the chase." He floated down to a knee, drawing out a glimmering wedding ring from his back pocket.
All in the split span of a not even a millionth of a second, no one could gather who's screech was truly the loudest: Toothiana's, Anna's, or the bride to be as she screamed out, "OH MY DEAR-" and a concurrent blast of ice-cold wind shot out of her in every direction.
Shocked gasps and whoa's erupted out of the audience as they were all pushed back in their very seats. Some even completely knocked over like Bunny and Sandy.
"Sorry! Sorry, everyone." Elsa cringed she was so embarrassed.
Everyone recollected themselves with slight groans.
"We're good!" Anna launched her a thumbs up.
Jack laughed softly as he oversaw everyone.
Elsa faced back down at him. Her fair, pale cheeks visibly vulnerable to the flushing red. A stunning multi-colored reflection caught in her sky blue eyes. The ring twinkled like the brightest star. The clear-cut gem shaped as though it had emerged out of a blossoming snowflake. She could not quite make out what the crystal jewel was. Ice? Diamond? Somehow both? All she knew was that regardless of the matter, it was absolutely marvelous.
"Like it? I formed the design. North helped me craft it."
"Like it? No, Jack. I love it. I would have loved anything you made."
"It doesn't have to stay a ring, either. We can attach the gem to a necklace. Something for your wrist? Whatever you want-"
She smiled, cupping his cute face in her hands. "Darling, stop." Then lifted him up to her level, sprinkling him with kisses. "The ring is fine as is. It's perfect." Another soft kiss blessed his lips. "Just like you are perfect to me."
"Right back at, yuh." He nipped the tip of her nose.
After giggling, she had to ask. "But are you sure, my love?" She whispered. "I'm still a full-time Queen, and you're still a full fledged Guardian. This would be quite a commitment."
"Elsa, I almost died for you. We almost died together. If that's not commitment, then I don't know what else to tell you, Snowflake."
The happy Snow Queen looked up with a quirked smile, pretending to give it any thought. "When you're right, you are right, Jack Frost." She grinned gleefully into his soft laughter.
"So um…" He looked down at the ring. "Before I can slip this on, I sort of need an answer."
Elsa, took a look as well. Even the silver band was engraved in elegant curves and lines that resembled winter winds. "Jack…" She looked back up into his piercing blue eyes. "You never asked the question!"
"Oh!"
Their audience sighed out as the two merely began laughing yet again. Truth be told, they had not only forgotten the formalities of a proposal but also the awareness that they were being watched, for they were so engaged in their intimate moment.
"Hey, Beautiful." Frost wrapped an arm around her waist while lifting the wedding ring up to her face with the other. "Will you marry me?"
"Sure thing, Handsome." She answered as she wrapped her hands around the back of his neck. "I mean, yes." She then proclaimed into the air. "Yes, YES, yes!"
Jack hugged her tight and they spiraled into the air, raining down a trail of sparkling snowflakes.
"She said YES!"
Their small crowd cheered with a force tenfold their mass.
"Now, now, NOW!" North instructed his workers.
All the yetis and elves rushed in, sounding their celebratory bells, drums, and trumpets. Several more of North's little helpers mounted the table to toss about shining confetti and flowing ribbons, luckily everyone was already done eating.
The newly engaged couple descended back onto the surface of the table to the soothing sound of settling applause. Jack brushed aside some plates and silverware with his bare foot in order for them to land. They gazed around at the wonderful displays of celebration. Everyone was beyond happy for them. Yet, nowhere near close to the immense euphoria they were experiencing together. The man in love slid on the elegant wedding ring. It fit perfectly.
"So this is what warm and fuzzy feels like."
Their eyes met in delightful snickering.
"I guess so, yes." She could not cease her everlasting smile, wiping away the escaping tears of pure joy as she awed at the new jeweled symbol on her finger.
"Wait what are we gonna do about surnames?" He asked as it suddenly occurred to him.
"I don't mind Elsa Frost." She smirked winsomely.
"...Cool," he grinned.
Elsa bestowed upon him a long, passionate kiss, one even more potent than when they were alone in the office. The cheering ramped up again. Merida was actually hollering the loudest. After all those two went through for one another, they deserved this. Jack and Elsa separated from their heart-thawing kiss to face their loved ones, still arm in arm.
Rapunzel leaned over to her cousin, Anna, while still applauding, "Another happily ever after."
The power couple stepped off from the table, both immediately surrounded by their friends and family. Hiccup handed his best friend back his staff. The boys huddled him in aggressive praise. North even gave him such a mighty pat on the back that the thin young man stumbled forward.
Eugene straightened him up, "This is the end of your life, pal…" Dead silence consumed the Winter Spirit. Then the married man finished with, "And the beginning of an even better one!"
The boys continued to playfully pushing him around like a sports star. The elves proceeded playing wildly on their trumpets. Meanwhile, the other cluster had all the girls swarming the engaged Queen.
"My big sister is finally getting married!" Anna could not contain her loud, bursting emotions of joy.
"Congratulations!" Rapunzel hugged her.
"Yuh two love birds earned this!" Merida bumped Elsa's arm with her round fist.
"Wow look at it twinkle!" Toothiana hovered right into her personal space, openly examining the precious rock. "Like a Northern star in the cold of night, gleaming bright to light the way. Only this time the way is LOVE!"
"Oookay, and that's enough for me." Merida rolled her eyes as she walked away.
"Yeah, same here." Astrid departed the circle also, trailing off to keep Toothless and the Winter Dragon company. Though she made certain to bear hug Elsa from behind and congratulate her once more.
The festive nature carried on well into the night. More drinks were guzzled, desserts were brought out, and games were even played.
"How is this possible? You can barely even walk straight!" Eugene complained as yet another dart nailed the target board with pinpoint accuracy.
Merida tripped over to her seat and simply flopped onto it, slouching back with an uneven smirk. "Some are just born great, lad." She then chugged away her mug.
Over at another part of the shop, a comfortable lobby-type area, an intense game of charades was coming to a close. Both teams screamed over each other as the two creators, Elsa and Sandy, hectically weaved their subjects into the air before them.
"A dragon! Dragon!" Astrid kept shooting out.
The Sandman shook his head yet again and made his golden little creation flap through the air for his teammates consisting of Astrid, Bunny, and Toothiana.
"Some kind of flying kit?" Bunny guessed.
"Oo! A dragon kite!" She took another failed shot.
"If it wasn't a dragon the first time, why would it be the next fifty bloody times!" The Easter Bunny scolded her. "It's obviously some kind of bird."
Sandy hopped up, tapping his nose for they were on the right track.
"Bird? Oh, I think I got it!" Tooth shouted. "Is it the rare jewel bird of the world, sacred to the Aztec and Mayan cultures, the Quetzal?"
Both Bunny and Astrid rapidly tilted their heads to her, uttering at the same disbelieving breath. "What?"
The elven referee checked the list and rang the bell at the tip of his hat. Sandy bounced about in triumph, his team joining him.
"We guessed them all!" Tooth cheered victoriously.
"Still in the lead, brats!" Bunny added.
Astrid spun to the enemy side, throwing down her hands. "Eat dirt, Princesses!"
"Come on, ladies. You know this!" Elsa urged her teammates of Anna and Rapunzel.
The Snow Queen made her fluffy creation start to wobble around.
"It just looks like a snowman." Rapunzel stated.
"Oh! Stupid me. It's Olaf!" Anna identified correctly.
"Yes!" Elsa exploded the image into sparkling snow. The victory bell dinged again.
"Tied again now?" Astrid dropped her head and shoulders tiredly.
Bunny groaned out in aggravation, pulling down his ears.
"You suckers up for another round." Anna challenged.
She and her royal family stood together proud in a fierce pose.
"How about a breather first? All this shouting is killing my throat." Astrid looked around until she spotting her boyfriend a floor above. "Babe! Can you fetch me another drink!"
"On it, my lady!" Hiccup replied from the balcony with North. He finished up his engaging talk with the fellow inventor as he jogged off. "But, yeah. All I'm saying is incorporating steam power will really improve the efficiency of your sleigh. Plus, it'll take a whole load of stress off the reindeer!"
"I'll look into it!" North said gratefully. "Always a pleasure shooting ideas with you, young Haddock!"
"Likewise!" Hiccup waved as he headed down the staircase.
At a lower level of the shop, Jack found himself by a fireplace with his newest mentor throughout this whole journey. He had learnt a great deal from this seasoned warrior, and still was hoping to learn more.
"Any advice?"
Hachiman belched out in laughter. "I'm afraid my expertise does not extend to the battlefield that is love."
"Feels like the scariest one yet sometimes."
"Indeed… are you worried, Jack Frost?"
"Worried of losing her."
"Your love is true, boy. That much is evident. Death may do you part, yes. Or it may not. Look at us. Look to your fellow Guardians. Have we not all lived on after death?"
"You've died?"
The god grinned as he enjoyed another sip from his glass. "Resurrections are a common trope amongst my kind."
"No kidding." Jack let out a soft chuckle.
"Best advice I could offer is this. Always be ready for the wars to come, yes. But by all that is divine, do not let them consume you. That was Susano's misguidance."
"Yeah…" His silver head nodded down, looking deep into the marigold flames.
Then a sudden burst of laughter from his beloved friends roared off from the floor above.
"Elsa pointed out that I don't really have to worry about that." Jack pointed his thumb up to the noise.
"No you do not." The Patron smiled. "You have good people looking out for you. A strong group of support. If it ever does grow dire, they will be there for you."
"Just like I would for them."
"Yes. In this bizarre world of ours, Frost, all he have for certain is each other. Our family. Whether they be the ones we were born with or have found along our journey." The ancient deity left from his rocking chair to place a hand on Jack's shoulders. "Never lose sight of that."
"I won't."
"Then aside from that I shall reiterate… As you anticipate the coming future, some nights you may even fear the uncertainty of it, never let it consume you. For it will corrupt not only you and the ones around you but, above all, your present. Live in the present, Jack Frost. It is truly the greatest gift even we gods cannot give. Your present is yours to do with what you will. Be with the people who need you when they need you. Be with your friends-your family. Be with your wife. Be in the present."
"...Thanks, Hachiman." Jack set his staff against the brick wall to hug him strong.
"If you ever need my aid, Jack Frost, for anything at all…" They separated from their embrace. "You can always find me at any one of my shrines. Simply sound the gong, so I know when to listen. Then pray to me. I will recognize your voice, and I shall come right away."
"Got it."
"Same goes for the rest of the Four. To you all, I am in your debt."
"Good to know!" A higher peaked voice answered from behind them.
They turned to face the third party.
"What's up, buddy." Jack kicked his staff back into his grasp and greeted his best friend, Hiccup.
"We ran out of the wine that Astrid likes, so I came down to snag another barrel. Didn't mean to intrude."
"No, not at all, Dragon Rider. It was about time I rejoined the others anyhow."Hachiman pardoned him, humbly. "Bid the rest of my farewells before I depart."
"Back to Japan?" The Chief asked.
"A bit farther, actually." The Master samurai gestured up.
"Ah…" Jack understood as did Hiccup.
The Heavens.
"I have quite a story to tell." The noble deity smiled, then proceeded to take the stairs.
"I'm really glad I met guy." Haddock expressed.
"Me too. Imagine all that would have happened if we never got involved."
"There probably wouldn't be a world left for us to be standing on."
"And even worse, no after party to enjoy."
Hiccup laughed softly. "How horrible."
"Here," He elbowed his buddy. "I'll help you carry back some wine barrels."
The two ventured over to the cellar.
"Oh, and even worse than that," The brunette added. "No wedding to look forward to."
"Yup, that's kind of gonna be a big deal." Frost hooked a barrel with his staff, flinging it onto his shoulder to carry.
"The freest spirit I know!" Haddock lifted himself up two jugs. "Finally settling down."
"I won't be as tied down as you think. Elsa and I were living together before you flew in to find me at Arendelle. She's very understanding."
"Sure, but things will change once you're married."
They exited the wine cellar.
"You're right. We'll be closer than ever. Stronger. Happier."
Astrid cried out from upstairs in an elongated, drunken voice. "Baaabe! I'm thirsty!"
"Coming!" The loyal boyfriend answered as his mate chuckled.
"Sounds like you're on a shorter leash than me, bud."
"Whatever." He scoffed.
Jack patted his back with a loud, hearty laugh. "Hey! If you're good, maybe she'll even let you come to the bachelor party."
"Ha, haw," Hiccup uttered sarcastically.
All returned to the main hall, for Hachiman was finishing up his goodbyes.
"It was an honor fighting alongside you all." The Master General shook hands with North.
"The honor was all ours."
Hachiman performed a final bow to the great Guardians before turning his attention to the Big Four. "My friends-"
Rapunzel was the first to act. She leapt into his arms, clutching onto him so longingly. "I'll miss you."
"As will I, fair Princess."
"We'll never forget all that ye taught us." Merida closed in to squeeze herself into the hug.
"You never needed much of my teachings to begin with." He gently caressed their heads.
"Always so humble." Hiccup smiled at him.
"Thank you, again, Hiccup Haddock the Third."
The Viking adventurer approached the kind God. "And thank you. We never could have succeeded without you." The Princesses made room for him to enter the group hug.
"I know we already had a private heart to heart, but..." Jack fiddled about with the bumps on the edge of his staff.
Hachiman and the others offered up their open arms, gladly welcoming him into the fold. Frost dropped his trusty tool and jumped right in. They all shared a long, tender embrace.
"You better come to my wedding." The Winter Spirit demanded.
"Ha ha, I wouldn't dare miss it."
Then out of the very shadows, Toothless dived right into the loving group. Everyone was knocked clean off balance, fumbling onto the wooden floor in a heap of laughter.
"Of course, of course! HA HA! How can I forget to say farewell to my favorite out of the bunch." Hachiman merrily grabbed hold of the Night Fury as he licked him all across his face.
As the other Guardians drifted back to the quieting party, North and Toothiana stayed side by side, gazing upon their young, precious friends.
"I love seeing them like this. So full of life and happiness despite all that they've been through." She commented.
"Yes…" He admired, hands tucked in his pockets.
"What is it about them? Their bond. It's so…" She failed to find a suitable word. "I mean we're amazing too. But I'll admit, we're nowhere near as close as them. Plus it took us forever to even begin to tolerate each other. Them? They just click."
The two old friends kept watch as the Big Four accompanied Hachiman to the exit.
"They were always different." North sighed contentedly. "They weren't chosen like we were. No, they themselves made their own choice. Those four chose to come together. They chose to become friends… to become something more."
The inseparable group of young hearts waved goodbye as the Warrior God left their grand celebration. As the door behind him came to a close, so did another epic chapter in the shared lives of The Big Four.
~Finale~