I began to shake as tears fell down my cheeks. I lifted my head up slightly to notice Tooth was crying and Jack, Sandy, North and Bunny looked distressed. The sky above us became overcast and it began to rain heavily.
"Liz…" started Jack but I just let go of his hand and ran. I had to get away, I couldn't face the fact Pitch had done such a disgusting thing. I ran behind a pillar and threw up, sobbing gently into my hands. My mind kept flashing to the images of Pitch's cruel grin, his lustful eyes and his sadistic laugh. Soon, my sadness turned to anger…How could he do that to someone so innocent? The rain began to get heavier and thunder was in the distance. How DARE he think he can just do that to someone and get away with it? Then have the audacity to turn up, steal fairies and make a mockery out of my memory as though it was nothing. I paced up and down in the rain (more like thunderstorm, there was a load of lightning and thunder now), cursing under my breath and clenching my fists. Jack came flying over and we both stood in the rain, I am pretty sure he could see the anger on my face because he looked a bit scared. He then stepped forward and pulled me into an unexpected hug. I didn't want to hug back at first but I couldn't help myself, I buried my face into his chest and grabbed the back of his hoodie as tightly as possible. We stayed like this for a few minutes and as I calmed, the wind and rain seemed to die down as well. There were still a lot of grey clouds above us but at least everything wasn't so manic. I felt Jack kiss the top of my head gently and take in a deep breath before sighing loudly and cupping my face, looking into my eyes. I saw a sudden sparkle of warmth in his which made me melt into him a bit more.
"Ahem…" North appeared out of nowhere and we jumped apart, both of us turning a light shade of pink. "Lizzie, I think we know what your powers are."
My head snapped up and the corners of my mouth turned up into a small smile.
"Really? You do?" looking from one face to the next in excitement. Sandy produced a small cloud above his head and smirked at me, raising one eyebrow.
"It looks as though you can control weather," Bunnymund said, "quite strongly too." Now I come to think about it, I can control weather. Didn't it vary when my emotions changed? I thought really hard about sunshine and sure enough, the sun started to break through the grey cloud. I looked at Jack and grinned.
"This is why we need you as a Guardian," North said, "one, to kick Pitch Black's ass and two, you have an extreme talent. Nothing that we can do, well, maybe apart from Jack who can control snow." I smiled at Jack again.
"When do I start?"
The ceremony took place back at North's and straight after we discussed our plans.
"Why doesn't Lizzie stay with me? I mean, you guys can go and get the fairies and I can help her train?" suggested Bunny, shifting towards me.
"No, no. I will help her, I was the first Guardian after all," North argued back. Sandy began making fingers pointing to Tooth, insinuating she should be the one to guide me.
"Tooth needs to find the fairies, they are hers after all," Bunny commented. I was sitting on the floor watching the two argue over which one is most suitable to help me with my powers when Jack came in on the conversation.
"Why not me? I am closest to her age," he winked at me.
"That's what I'm worried about…" North said rolling his eyes.
"Plus," added Jack, "our powers are rather similar, don't you think?" North pursed his lips and looked at Bunny who was looking at me with pleading eyes. Must have already gotten over the kangaroo comment- or he wants revenge… Neither of them said anything but stared at the floor and then nodded at Jack. "Great!" He grinned. "See you guys later!" and with that, he came up to me, grabbed me by my waist and lifted us into the air. I gasped and clung to his neck.
"I'm going to die you idiot, what if I fall!?" I shrieked, he just laughed.
"I won't let you fall, I promise. And if you do, I will catch you." I raised one eyebrow in suspicion. "Maybe…" he laughed and sped off into the sky.
Jack dropped me off at a small wooden house buried in the rocks. This was obviously his home as it was in a deserted snowy landscape. He had kept his promise whilst flying and after a few minutes, I began to enjoy myself and cling less-tightly to his neck.
"You must be tired so we will start tomorrow. North said we have a week so whenever you're ready, let me know." Jack said.
"Sure thing," I answered, pleased he would make me work straight away, and walked into his house.
"You can sleep in my bed if you want? I will take the couch or something," Jack offered.
"No, no it's fine, I will use the sofa," I smiled at him.
"No seriously, take the bed."
"No, I am using the sofa, you butt."
"Wait," Jack laughed, "did you call me a butt?"
"…maybe. But I am having the sofa," and I sat on it with my arms crossed. Jack raised an eyebrow and said,
"Fine. But don't complain to me later."
"I won't!"
I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow and images of the memory crept into my mind. I felt as though it was real, I was running from Pitch, screaming. Pain stabbing me throughout my body as a fell, stumbled. He's going to kill me again… What do I do? I began to sweat and I could feel myself shaking.
"Lizzie. LIZZIE!" someone roared.
"NO! Don't touch me!" I screeched. I opened my eyes to notice I was fighting a frightened looking Jack Frost, not the ghastly Pitch Black I thought it was. His blue eyes were wide with concern and his breathing was deep and fast-paced. I stared back at him and tried to slow my own breathing.
"I am so sorry Jack," I said hugging my knees. "I don't want sleep alone again…" I said quietly. Jack nodded and sat on the sofa next to me and pulled me gently onto his lap. He stroked my hair and rocked me gently, if I wasn't so scared, I would have found this patronizing, not comforting. We then lay down, me on his chest, and I listened to his heart beat and deep breaths. It wasn't long until I could tell he was asleep and I lifted my head up to look at him. I smiled at his peaceful face; he looks like a god…how is that even possible? I laughed to myself and lay back down on his chest, eventually drifting into a more peaceful sleep.