A/N: Here is the last chapter!
The wolf just nuzzled Jamie's head in response. The guardians approached numbly, silently, slowly, almost not willing to believe this was real. Afraid the wolf would dissolve, disappear into nothingness if they got too close. When Jamie released the wolf, it stepped back and stared at the guardians. Staring with his vibrant blue eyes. The defenders of childhood could not look away.
"It wasn't your fault."
All four jumped as JACKS voice reverberated in their minds. The wolf took a tentative step forward. The soft him of Tooth's wings faded as she slowly settled on her knees. "Jack?" She whispered. The animal took a few more tiny, slow steps...when a whine poured into the air behind him. All turned to see the wolf pack standing in the shadows of the trees. One of the smaller trotted forward. A female, she had chocolatey brown fur and matching eyes. The strangest thing was, there was a small black splotch beneath her eye, where a beauty mark would be on a human. She appeared to be quite young, an older pup. She yipped again, and looked back to the restless pack, waiting for their leader. The white wolf looked back at her, then at the four immortals in front of him. He gave than what they swore could be a grin before turning and trotting over to the brown female, touching his nose to hers. She bumped him affectionately, treating him almost like Sophie acted around Jamie. She growled playfully before galloping into the trees, the rest of the pack following her. A black/gray/white male hung back briefly, giving his snowy counterpart a bark. Come on! He seemed to say. Come!
He received a growl in return. I'll come. The shadowed wolf melted into the trees.
The guardians had watched this play out, never speaking, never moving. Afraid to believe what they saw. As the rest of the pack vanished into the gloom, Jack turned to his second family. He gave them another wolffish grin. It was all he could do. In his new state, Jack could feel emotions from anything, tenfold more than as a human or even spirit. He sensed the guilt, the anguish, the grief, that weighed his friends down. He told Mitchel to go ahead, even his child hood friend wanted only to help him. A least Emily, his dear sister, understood.
He concentrated for the second time that night, willing his thoughts out of his very mind and into theirs. Thank you. That itself was draining. For being my family. The connection was fraying. I'll be alright. It was almost gone! I love you guys.
The blessed mental pathway faded. Had it gone through? Yes, by the looks of their faces. Oh, he wanted to go to them so badly. He wanted to rush into Tooth's waiting arms, squeeze North as hard as possible, catch Sandy in a bear hug, he even would hug Bunny if he could, yell stupid, poorly played insults at the kangaroo for thinking he had ever been gone.
But the only thing he could do was give them what he hoped was a reassuring smile. He had his pack, his family now. The Guardians would always be his family, and so would the wolves.
Comprised of people from his past, he had the support of dark haired, practical Mitchell, his best friend, the one who laughed as he hung upside down from that tree branch. They were ying and yang, polar opposites, but like brothers.
He had love from his parents, Isaac and Mary, guiding and advising him as elderly but vigorous protectors.
Giving unending compassion and understanding was Emily, his wonderful little sister. She was wise beyond her mindset, and he couldn't be prouder.
More friends and family were there, finally reunited under their leader. He would never, ever be alone.
He gave the Guardians one last look, one last smile, before turning into the woods to meet his family.
North knew that Jack would always be there to help protect the children. As a former warrior himself, he understood Jacks need to go. Bunny and Sandy did as well, even if they would never stop wondering. But he had to put a hand on Tooth's shoulder to stop her when she opened her mouth, about to ask him to come back. It wouldn't be fair to him.
Jamie stared at the spot where Jack had vanished. He was so sad, but something told him he'd see Jack again.
A/N: Do you want a sequel? ?