Phew! Finally...Sorry for the wait everyone, had to update a different story. Also, whilst I figured this section would most likely get split into two chapters (which it did), I felt it would be easier to write the entire part out before dividing it *shrugs*.

Before anything, I want to say that I'm not the best with geography, and with knowing things such as different climates or weather conditions between different hemispheres...I know it's only a small thing, but if anything in particular is off, sorry for that.

Not wanting to spoil anything...but just in case, there are times in this chapter that Jack may debate with himself over things...I think I've shown it clearly enough, but if anyone is confused, please let me know.

Well, I don't think there's anything else that needs to be known for this chapter, except many thanks to everyone who's been following this story :) Please enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Rise of the Guardians or any of it's characters...only this fan fiction, the nightmare cat, a couple of Jack's abilities, and a few characters who will be better introduced later in the story...

Chapter 6: Whether you see me or not…

Not that the path hadn't always been narrow, but this was getting beyond ridiculous!

"You guys seriously need to learn the meaning of PERSONAL SPACE!"

Jack shoved a couple of the nightmares as they walked on all sides of him.

They grunted in return, giving threatening movements, but all knew better than to brawl along the narrow path around the cliff face.

He glanced to the creatures; was it really so necessary that this many accompany him to the exit? It's not like he was running away, Pitch had said he could go!

His belly flipped a little as he watched the corner grow closer. Despite his excitement, he couldn't help feeling a bit anxious; no surprise when he'd had to force himself to stay away from here for so long.

Gently hushing his stomach, he took a breath and stepped around the corner.

It was like looking at something for the very first time; the sunlight poured down into the darkness like a golden, misplaced curtain. It had a gentle edge, like that of early morning light.

After a second though, the feeling changed. It became the feeling of meeting a long lost friend that just took a while to recognise…

…and once recognised…

Jack gave no care to the nightmares that he shoved and climbed over. To him, there was nothing but him and the beam of light.

The air was strengthening, wrapping around him softly as it welcomed him back.

But he stopped just in front of the beam, where darkness turned to light without any grey area in between. It almost felt wrong that there was no middle ground to make the transition easier.

'Why…why do I feel…?'

"Scared Jack?"

He flinched and looked around to Pitch, who was atop one of the nightmares, the rest parting way to let him through.

"Not having second thoughts?"

The sight of freedom was strengthening Jacks pride; He couldn't help a frown, but kept it small.

"Never."

Pitch gave a slight chuckle, and came forward to circle Jack, forcing the boy back into the shadows a bit, reminding him of his position.

"You know the rules Jack. I hope I won't have to permit the nightmares to use force to bring you back."

"You won't," Jack answered, looking up to meet the yellow eyes, "I'll return when it's time."

Pitch's words were firm, but he still seemed to be enjoying this too much. He climbed down from the nightmare, and looked to Jack as he patted its back.

The spirit of frost gave a "you've gotta be kidding?" look, for which he received a very harsh frown. He gulped quickly and moved closer to the nightmare. It seemed as displeased about this as him, but neither dared go against Pitchs word.

With a small boost from the wind, he jumped up into the saddle, yelping as he misjudged and almost slipped off the other side.

The nightmare king chuckled again as the boy righted himself, and patted the nightmares neck.

"Go and have fun young guardian," He spoke as he stepped back, "But Jack? Try not to make too much of a spectacle of yourself."

Jack looked to the man sceptically. He'd known from the moment Pitch had made the offer that there had to be something more to it, something his captor had no intention of sharing. But he hadn't a clue what, and without that knowledge, he just couldn't give this chance up.

Pitch raised his hand and clicked loudly. A couple of nightmares flew towards Jack, dissolving into sand that span around him.

At first he panicked, swatting at the sand, and pulling his hood over his face. The nightmare beneath him shifted harshly, nearly throwing him off.

Jack grabbed the reins and lowered his face, keeping his eyes closed. He knew the creature was taking him to the surface, and that the sand was there to keep him from seeing where they were. He'd been through the same process when Pitch had first brought him to the cavern; he'd simply forgotten how unpleasant it was.

'Ugh…I guess this is what Bunny felt like in the sleigh.'

The thought allowed him a small chuckle, but he quickly sunk back into focusing on not getting sick.

Back in the cavern, Pitch watched Jack be carried away through the surface, his hands held behind his back. The nightmares were whinnying anxiously, and once he was certain the winter spirit was gone, he lowered his gaze.

"You all know what to do…" He whispered, though it was loud enough for all to hear, "…move out!"

The roaring of the creatures echoed loudly, as the nightmares took off in a fierce stampede. They raced back through the cavern, breaking into groups that disappeared down narrow tunnels in the walls, whilst others continued further down.

Pitch waited patiently until he felt something brush against his leg.

The nightmare cat meowed quietly as it came to sit at his foot.

"How did it go?" He spoke seemingly to thin air, until someone stepped out into view behind the nightmare king.

"Ninety percent perfect sir," A male voice replied, holding a bloated satchel up.

Pitch held his hand out, waiting until it was placed in his palm.

"Only ninety?"

"There was an unexpected turn…"

"I've told you not to drag out reports," Pitch warned as the cat jumped up to his shoulder.

"A pair of eyes sir," The figure stepped forward a bit, "Eyes that shouldn't have been there."

Pitch turned swiftly.

"So, is this why you're the one delivering this?" He growled.

"She's not hiding sir, in fact, she's waiting for you."

Pitch walked by his servant, the initial anger draining ever so slightly.

"I'll deal with her soon, this shouldn't cause any real set back…"

He paused, his frown hardening in thought as he glanced back, "…should it? Which pair of eyes was it? It's not like any mortal would've seen a thing."

The male shifted uncomfortably, but nodded to the opening in the surface.

"Frostys favourite sir."

The ride wasn't comfortable, but it took so long that Jack adjusted to the rhythm, enough that he'd eventually grown bored.

What he couldn't stand any longer though, was the noise of the sand circling him. His ears were sure to still be ringing when this was over!

Speaking of which…

Jack yelped as he was almost thrown right off the front of the nightmare when it landed on solid ground. He was ready to throw a comment at the creature, when the sand around him suddenly burst away.

White like he hadn't seen in so long stung his eyes, making him cry out and raise his arms.

Having spent so long under the warm earth, he wasn't prepared for the arctic wind that smashed into him, knocking him straight from the nightmares back. The ground that caught him was a lot softer than one would've thought.

'It can't be…no…I'm dreaming again…'

He didn't dare uncover his face to what he knew had to be another nightmare in the making; they always started off so wonderful, only to turn against him the second he dropped his guard.

What would he see this time? The backs of his friends as they shunned him? Jamie no longer believing in him?

…Bunny…changing…?

He flinched at a hot breath over his face. Carefully, he peered between a gap in his arms. Bit by bit, his eyes adjusted to the white landscape, and he found the hot air to be from a nightmare hovering over him.

'Oh, so we're skipping the good part this time?'

Another hot breath in his face earned a frown, but his brain suddenly gave him a large, mental slap.

This was no dream; he knew with certainty that he was awake!

He sat up and looked around properly. It took a little time to recognise the South Pole; barren and pure, formidable to any but those like himself.

The cold air felt like it was seeping into his skin. It was glorious; a refreshing shower that filled him with strength.

His eyes closed and a smile spread over his face. He stood, raising his arms to the side as he welcomed the artic embrace. It seemed to have missed him as much as he missed it.

His laugh filled the air as the wind gave a particularly strong blow, making his hair flail as the strands illuminated to pristine white.

His fingers curled around his staff eagerly, and he welcomed the flow of magic between his fingers and the wood.

The nightmares suddenly screeched as he summoned a gust of wind and blasted away into the sky. Jack just couldn't stop laughing as he flew high, and finally opened his eyes…

…The sapphires glistened as bright and gleefully as in the dead of winter.

The spirit of frost took a deep breath as he hovered, finally calm and settled into the new strength. He glanced over his shoulder as he heard the nightmares somewhere below, and a wicked smirk grew over his face.

Flipping in the air, he blasted back down at high speed. He let his energy flow into the staff, and as he came just a few metres above the ground, he sent a powerful blast of frost at the nightmares. Ice grew from the ground at a rapid pace right at them, sending them running to avoid it.

"Later!" Jack yelled out, before turning and flying away. He flew low and dived into the freezing water of Antarctica, before bursting back out a second later.

"YEAH!" He yelled out, punching the air, "If it's summer, then everyone better get ready for a break from the heat, cause Jack Frost is coming to town!"

For the sake of his body and powers, Jack didn't stray too soon from the colder regions of the globe.

When the snow drowned peaks of a mountain range came under his radar, he could do little but relieve them of their burden.

"TITAL WAVE!" He yelled out, before stabbing his staff into the thick snow.

Blue veins of magic shot across the white canvas, before a loud groan sent a wave of thrill through the snow spirit.

He watched with the excitement of a child on Christmas morning, as the 'tidal wave' of snow was released from the cliff face.

"Whoops, there goes my ride…" He smirked and took to the air.

It only took two large bounds to land right on top of the avalanche.

A few seconds to catch his balance, and Jack Frost was riding the snow as skilfully as any surfer on a wave.

"YEAH!" His cheerful cries almost equalled the roar of the snow.

Jack couldn't deny this wasn't the first time he'd caused an avalanche, but he wasn't a fool; he'd seen enough natural ones to know the danger they presented. That's why he'd made sure there weren't any villages near his so called playground.

It was too soon to pat himself on the back though.

Jack fell quiet and squinted. A tiny red dot was dancing in the distance, barely within his vision. As the wave moved down the hill though, it was soon joined by two more.

"Whoa, I really was in the darkness too long. I'm seeing spots before my…" He shook his head and looked again.

The red dots were…flailing? Wow, that looked pretty hilar…

Jack drew a sharp breath; they weren't red dots…they were red jackets…

…people!

Jack took to the air; suddenly the avalanche was moving a lot faster than he would've liked.

'Could really use the cotton tail's speed right no…NO! Idiot, don't go there, not right now!'

Shaking the thought away, he raced through the air, finally over taking his own creation. He could hear the humans screaming now, and caught a glimpse of a brown tent as he landed.

The sight before him would've paled anyone else, but whilst Jack Frost would respect the power of his element, he wouldn't fear it.

Frost magic crackled between his fingers and his staff. The wood charged until it was bright blue, and the boy swung it out.

A mountainous wall of ice rose before the cascading snow. Knowing he had little time, Jack soared across the cliff side, spreading the wall.

As he heard a monstrous crash, he forced the ice to curve. The snow funnelled through the small opening, away from the climbers, and into the clear of the valley below.

Jack rode the edge of the wave, and skidded to a stop at a safe patch of ground. He quickly gazed to his work, which was doing its job, but a sound he was too familiar with alerted him to the fading strength of the ice.

Looking between his staff and the wall, he hastily charged his magic again.

'Please let this work…'

Taking a stronger stance, the energy gathered into the end of his staff, before a bolt of blue shot free like a bullet, knocking him off his feet. It hit the wall dead on, and created quite a show as blue light spread over the wall. The groaning continued, but this time it was the ice repairing and strengthening.

Now the snow had no choice but to take the path given.

He flew over the top of the wall to check the damage; the snow had been on the verge of spilling over the top, but thankfully it seemed the initial avalanche had begun to die down. Now it was just a matter of waiting for the snow to filter through.

Voices drew his attention back to the ground. The humans had stopped to watch the magic happen in complete disbelief.

"Whoops…" Jack mumbled, "…now who went and put that campsite there?"

He directed his anger at the campers, but he was furious at himself for not checking more thoroughly for others.

He frowned as he noticed one of the pair actually filming.

"Oh yeah, because that's everyone's first thought the second they're out of danger. Hey! Let's film the thing that almost buried us alive!" He grumbled as he landed firmly, "…thanks pal, now I have to take a note out of Pitch's book!?"

He flipped his staff around, blue streaks beginning to wind through the wood.

"This is just…I can't explain how amazing…!" The guy tried to narrate as he moved the camera along, taking in the whole wall.

"This is no joke!" His female companion jumped in front of the screen, " There shouldn't have been any problems with snow today, but then that massive avalanche appeared out of nowhere. We thought we were done for, but then this wall just…Steve? Where're you filming exactly?"

The man had slowly…rather robotically…raised the camera to somewhere behind her, but after a minute it suddenly lowered as he stared with his own eyes, mouth agape.

Startled by such an expression, she looked around. Despite being on a mountain side, the wind hadn't been all that strong at their current altitude. Now however, streams of snow were circling through the air, raising slowly in beautiful patterns, until they towered over the campers.

Jack watched from afar, a little confused about his own feelings on the whole situation.

He blew across his palm twice, creating two equal sized daggers of ice. The wind obediently swept them from his hand, and carried them to the whirlwind of snow.

The snow burst apart as the ice pierced the beautiful patterns, before re-joining and swirling fiercer than before. Now it was more like swarming bees.

"S-s-Steve? Are you still g-g-getting…?" She couldn't finish her sentence.

Jacks face was a sort of calm anger, like one might wear before battle.

He raised his free hand, and dragged his fingers through the air across his face, as if stretching a mask over his skin.

The snow stopped swirling and the ice crystals stilled at an equal space from each other. A massive face stretched into existence from the snow, leaving the campers unable to speak, let alone scream, as two frozen, crystal eyes stared down at them.

Jack now drew a deep breath, cupped his hand around his mouth, and let out a deep, slow groan.

The face opened its mouth to release a rumbling roar, sending a gale of snow straight at the humans.

NOW they screamed, and their legs weren't much slower to react.

The camera dropped and forgotten, they raced down the mountain as fast as the terrain would safely allow.

Despite feeling grouchy about it, the comical sight was too much for the fun loving spirit, who suddenly found himself laughing so hard he tumbled over into the snow.

"Hahahaha…!" Jack held his ribs as tears burned the edges of his eyes.

He could barely breathe it was so hilarious!

'Before today, when was the last time I laughed like this?'

The thought finally started to ease the laughter into a gentle giggle fit.

Laughter…tsk! In Pitch's lair, it was a pretty rare treat.

"Well I guess having to find ways to amuse yourself underground for two years has its advantages…" He groaned as he sat up with a sore stomach.

During his existence, he'd learnt plenty of tricks to serve him, whether they be for fun or actual need. But since being stuck under control of the nightmare king, he'd learnt new techniques.

It'd been a struggle considering how weak his powers had been, but out here in the open, amongst his element, it almost seemed too easy!

That particular one…The face of the Arctic, as boredom had provoked him to call it…had been especially difficult. Usually by the time he'd made enough snow to practice, he'd already worn himself out too much to try!

"Eh, it was worth it…" He grinned cheekily as he recalled how angry the nightmare king had been when he'd finally gotten it right, and set it on the nightmares.

He stood and brushed himself off, but looking back to the ice wall, his grin vanished.

"So much for not making a spectacle…" He grimaced, resting his head against his staff, "…I'm so dead for this…"

He could only hope Pitch didn't get word of this too soon.

He gave himself one more berating grumble, before letting it go, and taking to the air. With a quick swipe of his staff, the arctic face was destroyed, and after a light touch to the wall, a blue flash began the slow melting process.

Jack knew how to undo his work, but it was a lot harder to do, and with a creation this big, it would take forever. It would be done before the end of the day for sure, but some snow was still coming through the passage, so it was probably a good thing it didn't go too quickly.

Hovering just long enough to renew his spent energy from the cold air, he took off, finally ready to handle the warmer climates.

Had he stayed just a little longer, he may have recalled just how many red jackets he'd seen racing away from the avalanche.

'I shouldn't be doing this…'

"Forget it! This is my day! I'll do what I want!"

'But if he finds out…and he will..!'

"So what? He said to make sure 'I' don't get seen…he never said I couldn't be the one looking!"

Jack fought with himself the entire trip; He knew his destination was the last place he should be, less he invoke the wrath of the nightmare king.

But the call of his home was too strong, not even Pitch could stop him visiting it!

He hovered over the small town of Burgess, sweltering as the summer sun poured over him. Not that the discomfort was nearly enough to deter him.

He took to the streets, watching everywhere in case children were about. He had no idea if children other than Jamie and his friends believed in him, but the boy had insisted that he'd told anyone he could.

He made his way to the child's house, growing more nervous and cautious as he got closer.

His heart wouldn't calm as he floated outside the bedroom window. Taking a deep breathe, he peered in.

The room was currently empty, and the spirit of frost somehow felt both relieved and saddened by that.

He inched the window open and crept in. The nostalgia of this place grasped him like a gentle hand. His fingers trailed over the glass, remembering the patterns he'd once created upon it. Even the floor boards…really no different from any other…brought a warm familiarity beneath his feet.

He gazed to the bed, and reheard the words he'd once longed to hear…

'Jack Frost?'

Certain elements about the room had changed; the items littering the desk, which itself was bigger. The covers on the bed, and even the walls looked like they might've gotten a new coat of paint.

Yet Jack Frost couldn't mistake the place of his first believer.

He glided his hand over the foot of the bed, before moving to the desk. It was covered with pencils and paper, and many different drawings.

A surprised chuckle slipped by as he picked one up.

"He's getting good…" He noted how much Jamie's drawing skills had improved.

The sketches of his friends were much more detailed and neater than the ones Jack remembered.

He flicked through a couple of different pictures, until one made him stop.

It was a sketch of himself. It looked like Jamie had put particular care into it as well, or as much care as one his age could anyway, especially without the spirit there to copy from…

…the paper crumbled in his fingers as he rested it against his forehead.

Jamie was growing. How much longer would it be, before he…?

Laughter from outside made him look up. He skedaddled back to the window, and quickly checked.

At first he didn't recognise any of the kids walking up the pathway, but when the one in front turned around, Jack almost gave himself away as he reached for the window to jump out.

The kids below went quiet as the window upstairs banged open in the wind.

"Aaah…mum's gonna tell me off for leaving that open again. I thought I closed it," Jamie winced.

"Don't worry Jamie," Clyde patted him on the back.

"Yeah, just think about the movie tonight," Pippa added.

"Yeah, it's going to be so cool!" Jamie perked up.

"Right? I can't believe our parents are letting us go on our own!"

"Our own? Pippa's older brother will be there!"

"Just because he's a teenager doesn't mean he's good supervision," Pippa chuckled, "He'll probably sneak off ten minutes in to meet up with some girl again."

The boys all echoed a large "eeewww!" whilst the girls laughed.

"See ya in a couple of hours guys!" Jamie waved and headed inside.

Jack could hear everything from downstairs; Jamie entering the doorway, his mother greeting him and reminding him to wipe his shoes, the boy groaning and doing as he was told before he hurried up the stairs…

…up the stairs!?

Jack stared to the doorway; His first believer was about to enter and see him!

The door swung open as Jamie entered. He threw his bag on the bed and moved straight over to the window to close it. As his fingers reached for the latch though, he found himself pausing to glance over his shoulder.

There was a strange feeling around the room, and yet nothing seemed out of place.

Shrugging it off, he went to turn back, when a rustling caught his attention.

"What the…?" He saw one of his drawings fluttering around a bit on his bed, "Sophie! What did I say about coming in my room!?" He yelled as he ran over and grabbed the artwork before it blew onto the floor, "And don't touch my drawings!"

"Haven't been in your room!" Sophie answered from down the hall.

She soon appeared in his doorway, now much taller and clearly more aware of what was happening, but still young enough to hang off the door handle and stick her tongue out.

"Yes you have! Just look at this!" He waved the crinkled paper in front of her, "Why did it have to be this one!?"

"Wasn't me!" Sophie stomped her foot.

She bit her lip and balled her fists. One might question if she was lying, but thankfully, Jamie knew when his sister was acting, and when she was telling the truth.

"Ok ok, I'm sorry Soph…" He patted her head, "…maybe Mum came looking through my art again."

He carefully put the picture back with the others, though his hands lingered on the paper a bit.

"Jack Frost?"

Outside the window, a certain winter spirit snapped his head around, and peered cautiously into the window.

Jamie had also looked to his sister as she spoke the name.

"Jamie misses Jack Frost?" The little girl spoke, and took her brothers hand.

He smiled a little and squeezed back gently.

"Yeah, I miss him a lot. I wish he'd come back, even just for a short visit. You miss him to, right Soph?"

She nodded.

"No snow days anymore…"

"Or blizzards…" Jamie chuckled, "…not without him. Even winter doesn't feel the same…"

Jacks heart clenched. He wished someone with North's raw strength would put him through the wall at his back for putting the children through this!

Jamie felt his sister gripping his arm. Not wanting her to get sad, he crouched at her level.

"Hey, just remember what the Easter bunny said…"

Jack glanced around again.

"…he said we have to keep hope. We mustn't give up on Jack. I'm sure he knows what he's doing, and he'll come back when we really need him."

Sophie gave a giggle.

"We have to keep hoping, or bogeyman will come…"

"Ha ha, that's right, so don't ever stop hoping, ok?"

"Ok!"

"Great! Now, I bet if we get your room clean, mum might let you come to the movie tonight to!"

"YAY!" Sophie squealed around the room.

"Quick, you go start. I'll come help you in a minute."

Jamie watched his sister set a record as she raced out, before he turned back to his desk.

His smile faded as he glided his fingers over the drawing again.

He was too preoccupied with his feelings to notice the pair of sapphire eyes that cautiously glanced in at him.

"Jack, why haven't you come back? No one's seen you in forever…"

Jack was easing forward, his hand gripping the window sill.

"I know you said you'd always be there, and I believed you. I still believe in you…I always will…but…but…"

The winter spirit hung halfway in the window, ready to pull his leg up, before he realised what he was doing, and jumped back out, pressing himself against the side of the house.

Jamie glanced to the window as it blew around from the wind again, and almost felt angry at it.

"Jack…" The guardian heard over his own rapid breathing, "…you're ok, right?"

The concern in his young friend's voice was the salt on the wound.

Jamie was worried about him, even though he had every right to hate him.

'Say hello!"

"No!"

'Do it! Just tell him you're ok!'

"I can't!"

'He needs to know!'

"Pitch 'will' know!"

'What kind of guardian are you?"

"What kind of friend would I be if I…?"

His waring heart was sending him into a frenzy! He had to leave before he did something he regretted!

'I'm so sorry Jamie…' He bit his bottom lip as he took one last glance to the window.

Inside, Jamie pulled himself away from the artwork.

"Jamie!"

"Ok Sophie, I'm coming!" He called back, trying to sound as excited as he could.

He tried to heave out the sadness in one big sigh, but it did little to help as he turned to the door.

A touch to the back of his head nearly made him cry out. He would've turned straight away if something about the touch hadn't registered first…

It was freezing!

Now he turned, holding the back of his head. Flittering about his room and sparkling in the afternoon sun, were streams of snowflakes.

But…in the middle of summer?

"…Jack…?"

The window being open…the drawing out of place…now this?

Jamie raced to the window, throwing it fully open. The air directly outside felt like he'd shoved his head inside a freezer.

"JACK!"

His cry carried over the air, racing after the winter spirit as he sped away, tears never making it beyond his cheeks before they frosted up.

As always, apologies for bad spelling and grammar ^^'

As I mentioned before, this was split into two chapters, and I'm hoping the next chapter will only be a few days away, fingers crossed :)

I think everything was clear enough, but as always, if anything is confusing, please ask.

Thanks for reading, next chapter will be up asap!