Jack felt the heat against his face, it was warm and welcoming. Yet he wanted to freeze it with all the power he had inside as he stared at the cold face of Merida. He pushed his face into his knees, wishing he was anywhere but there.

North approached him, "Jack," he said quietly, "we need to preserve her while we can."

Jack felt those words like a bite, they hurt him deeply and he twisted his mouth in a grimace, "you go ahead, North. I can't…" Tears spilled over his eyes, and he was grateful North couldn't see them. He heard the big man come closer, felt his heavy hand pat him on the shoulder, before he picked up Merida's body and his presence walked away.

A thought pierced him, preserve. If they could preserve her body, and… He hesitated, it was insane. Maybe he could convince the Man in the Moon to save her still. He jumped to his feet and raced after North, just as a hole opened in the ground under him. "AH!" He cried out as Bunny shouted.

"Oi! What're you doin', mate?!"

"You're the one who opened the hole!" Jack said, struggling out of it. "I have to get to North." He kept running, leaving Bunny to watch him go, holding the shepherds crook.

Jack finally caught up to North, "Santa! What if we can save her?"

North looked at him, he had laid Merida's body on a slab of ice. "What?" He asked confused.

"What… what can we do to preserve her in case we can save her?" Jack huffed with effort, he wasn't used to running of his own capacity. He was used to the wind doing most of his running.

North thought about that for a moment, "I have an idea. I have this.. stuff, I found-"

"Stole." Bunny's voice cut in, making North frown.

"Borrowed!"

"Oh sure, you intend to give that back." There was obviously more to that story, but Jack didn't have time to hear it. Maybe later.

"It was a gift to me from them," He turned back to Jack, "it's fairy dust."

"What?" Jack looked confused, "But…What?"

"I got it from the Southern Cave Fairies. They are only generous to few people, and I am one of them." He grinned, "I've been saving it for just such an occasion."

"You expected someone to die?" Jack asked sarcastically.

"No, but… you never know when you might need it," He went to one of the shelves and pulled down a worn out leather bag. It looked plain and ordinary to Jack. Then North pried the bag open gingerly, and the bag emitted a bright glow.

"Whoa," Jack whispered, his eyes widening as North smiled and took out a pinch.

"This should keep her body well until you can find a way to bring her spirit back." North sprinkled the pinch - which was a lot more than it looked in North's fingers - over Merida's body. "Do not fear, Jack. We will protect her until you discover a way to help her."

Jack nodded, looking at Merida's face, he took a step closer and touched her face. "Don't worry," he whispered, "I'm coming for you." He turned and almost ran into Bunny who was holding his staff.

"You're gonna need this," He held it out. Jack smiled and took it, "thank you, Bunny."

"How're you going to manage this?" The Easter Bunny couldn't help asking, it was just hard to imagine.

"I'm going to need help," Jack shrugged, "I need to talk to the Man in the Moon." He left the room, his face determined as he stepped up to the window and stared out. "Listen, I know you haven't talked to me since the first moment I woke. But I need your help. I can't save Merida alone, and I need to know, if you know anyway to help."

At first there was silence, and Jack waited, his patience wearing away with each second that slipped by, until finally a voice he recognized said; "Jack, I would have saved her. But something is impairing me. A magic so dark I can't see through it. I reached out to help her before, but the magic pushed me away. Jack… I only know one person who manages magic like that."

There was actual fear in the Moon's voice, and Jack looked startled, "Pitch?" He asked.

"No. Pitch does not possess this type of power. It is someone far more deadly."

"Who?" Jack couldn't help the step forward he took, "who is it?"

Silence.

"Tell me."

"I fear to, Jack. I don't know how well you would be able to handle her. She is called the Black Queen." The voice quivered, "she wields some of the most deadly and powerful black magic ever seen. Why she would have an interest in your princess is another matter."

Jack shook his head, "I've never heard of her."

"That's because she lives in the ice caves of Antarctica. She's not exactly people friendly."

"What do I have to do to break her connection with Merida?" Jack asked, side-stepping a sarcastic remark.

Manny sighed, "If you are going to do this, Jack. You will have to use the greatest of caution. She will do anything to keep you at bay."

"I understand. Now… what do I have to do?" Jack glared up at the moon, determination hardening his expression.

"Very well. You must go to Antarctica, on the farthest side of the frozen land, her black castle sits. There, you should find Merida's soul."

Jack nodded, "Thanks." He turned away from the moon.

"Jack!" Manny called, making Jack stop, "Please be careful. Merida would not want you to get hurt for her."

Jack looked at his hand, "I know." He walked passed Bunny who had been watching him the whole time.

"You really going to do this, then?" He asked.

"I don't have a choice. I'm a Guardian."

"I think it's more than that," Bunny leaned against the wall, giving him a look.

"What?"

"Look, Jack. I can tell what you are feeling; it's all over your face and in your eyes. That's why I'm going to help you."

"I don't need it. I don't want anyone else getting hurt," Jack said firmly.

Bunny smirked, "you actually think you can stop me?" He grinned when Jack frowned, "I was just going to help you get there faster." He tapped the ground, and a hole appeared. "This will be much quicker."

Jack smiled, "Alright then. Let's go."

Bunny jumped first, followed quickly by Jack. The hole closed just as North came out of the back room. His normally jolly face was etched by sadness and worry. "I hope they make it soon." He murmured, shaking his head.