Hey guys I'm baaack! Been forever, huh? I apologize. I have been mainly focusing on my story ' Grey' which has been coming along nicely. Still I aknowledge that this one has been put on the back burner and I apologize. I made this one a long one so hopefully it'll help make up for time lost. So sit back and enjoy! Disclaimer: I own nothing.

The North Pole

The first thought that came to her mind as she set sight on the North Pole for the first time was: Beautiful. The pole was a grand castle which rested on the highest cliff of the land, with massive columns of ice supporting the structure. Stained-glass windows covered much of the outside, which she assumed must be absolutely gorgeous to look at inside with the light play. With the snow breezing about the castle with the wind it looked just like something you would see inside a snow globe. " This is the North Pole?" She asked. Jack smiled at her and chuckled at her amazement.

" Yeah. Pretty cool, huh? Wait 'til you see the inside!" Ahead of them Sandman swerved left, swinging around one large column in his plane then flew in through an open set of double-doors in one of the towers. Jack held on to her waist securely, secretly disappointed that the flight was coming to an end. He liked holding her. ' Wait- I...like holding her?' The revelation, however small was enough to make him blush. Again. Why did he keep doing that around her?! Sensing his slight decrease in speed as they followed Sandy, Snow looked up at Jack. They were only centimeters apart. His suddenly redder cheeks didn't go unnoticed by her. Nor the sudden pounding of her heart-as if a hummingbird had been caged in and was now trying desperately to free itself.

" Jack? A-Are you okay?" She wanted to kick herself. She did not just stutter around him! Jack flashed her a charming smile ( Which she was 99.9% positive few could resist) and uttered a light hearted scoff.

" Me? Oh, yeah I'm fine. So, are you ready to meet the others?"

" As I'll ever be." If by others he meant the Tooth Fairy, Santa Clause and the Easter bunny... Well, she had already met the Sandman-and one Jack Frost himself-all in the span of one night. So why not? They touched down to the ground beside the sandman, who's plane was slowly churning to a stop as the propeller blades slowed. Jack and Snow let go at the same time, Jack being forced to clear his throat again as that annoying lump began creeping back. Snow White nervously ran her hands through her windblown hair then straightened the hem of her dress. " So...do I look okay?" Sandy nodded enthusiastically, giving her a double thumbs-up. Jack smiled at her, resting his staff on his shoulder.

" Yeah, you look great." She was nervous. And excited. Meeting the Toothfairy, Santa Clause and the Easter bunny was not an everyday deal. Even with no memory of her own she knew that. She felt so awkward standing alone. She wanted to hold Jack's hand-or just hold him. But reecent events had her thinking that maybe, for now, they'd had enough physical contact. So instead she clasped both hands behind her back and walked beside him, between himself and Sandman. The little man led Jack and his friend downward through the tunnel which then led them to a series of stairways. She couldn't help looking around as bright colors and sounds called out to her from all angles. Bright, glittering decorative strands of every color in the rainbow streamed the banisters and the ceilings. Music, bells and chattering sounded from above, bellow and around. And she was surprised when the first open door showed a room with three yetis working on a very tall, impressive dollhouse.

Jack noticed her bewildered expression and chuckled. " I know. Bizzare, right?" Snow blinked as she watched the yeti's work on crafting the castle-like craft, a sparkling glass ( Or maybe it was ice?) model standing proud beside it.

" I thought the elves made the toys...?" Sandy laughed silently beside them as Jack chuckled.

" Yeah, that's what I thought at first too. Elves do live here but they're more like...they...uuhhh..." Well they were part helpers, part servants, part cooks, part clean-up crew, mostly the reason why there was a need for a clean-up crew... " They're just here." That seemed like the best response for now. Snow nodded acceptingly and continued to follow them. The next door was a little more strange than the first. A yeti, seemingly female was sitting at a large desk, surrounded by books, filing cabinets and stacks of papers and one wall lined with scrolls. Her eyes looked up at them curiously from a pair of red wing-style glasses. Her hair was styled in a bun, and a bright red bow on her head. Snow's brows rose in surprise. Jack, taking notice decided to run another commentary. " That's Dolores. She's North's librarian. All of his toy plans, world maps and books are kept here with her. And those cabinets hold the naughty/nice record of every child in the world."

Snow nodded, smiling at the yeti when she batted her long lashes at them and waved happily at the trio. Sandy smiled and waved back enthusiastically, Snow White following his example with a small wave of her own. Jack stepped forward and gave another charming smile and a casual salute. " Hey, Dolores!" She smiled, saying something she couldn't understand in...yeti? Yettish? Yetese? She would have to ask later. Jack's mind was on a similar topic. Maybe Dolores had Snow's file. He would have to ask North for permission to look later. They continued along the hallway which then led to what Snow White was sure was the heart of the North Pole.

They entered a large, circular room which was abuzz with so much activity it was nearly disorienting. A large, glowing globe dominated the center of the room. Yetis roamed and chattered around the room clusters of them on each level of the spiraled floor. Worktables were set up everywhere, with a wrapping station at the end of each level. Dolls, stuffed animals, books, trains, instruments and games were being assembled along each work station. Planes, Frisbees, helicopters and balloons zoomed, floated, whizzed, and spun all around the room. Balls of every color bounced themselves to the wrapping stations. Toy soldiers shepherded smaller toy cars to painting stations, directing traffic among the hustle and bustle. One yeti was holding onto a small robot, carefully painting in each and every detail. Jack passed his table then paused to admire his work. An assortment of robots stood at attention in every size, shape and color. He smiled as the yeti garbled something at him. " Yeah, I like that color too. Nice job, Dan. Keep it up! Hold on." Jack and Sandy paused mid-stride and Snow stumbled to a stop just behind them. Why had they stopped? Another yeti came along their path, holding a large silver sled over his head. Oh. That was why. " Hey, Phil." Jack seemed to know just about everyone here.

She wouldn't have taken him for such a social butterfly. But then another part of herself was more suspicious wondering if he was showing off for her benefit. Her suspicions were confirmed when he tossed his hair from his eyes to give her a smug smile. " You are such a preening peacock." Sandy tilted his head, a peacock and a question mark forming over his head. Snow giggled as Jack smirked, rolling his eyes at the two of them.

" Never mind, Sandy. First thing's first right?" Sandman jumped in surprise. That's right! They were here to ask the guardians for help. He made a stop sign over his head, a fairy, a pole and a rabbit, then he made the ' Talking' sign with his hand. Jack nodded in agreement. " Okay, um...the guardians are just ahead on the next level up. I'm gonna go on up and explain things first. Can you stay here with Sandy for a minute?" She nodded and smiled.

" Sure Jack. I don't mind. After all, Sandy's such a modest gentleman." Jack didn't miss the jibe and smirked as Sandman covered his mouth and giggled.

" Ha, ha, ha. Funny." It was so easy to kid around with her. It almost made him forget the graveness of the situation at hand. Almost. But now wasn't the time for kidding. Now they needed to find some answers. His face became a little more serious as he steeled himself for the talk ahead.
" I'll let you know when to come up, okay?" Sobering at his soft tone Snow White and Sandman both nodded. Jack inhaled, then let it out in a rush. And then he walked up the curving ramp which would take him to the main floor.

" Bunny, hold still! I swear you're more difficult than a two-year old!" Toothiana scolded as Aster squirmed in his chair. She had her fingers hooked into his mouth, prying his gums apart to better see his teeth.

" Ih wa jus som schoklat, scheila! vack auf!"

" Bunny, eating chocolate day in and day out is so unhealthy for your teeth!"

" An wah abou carruts?" Tooth rolled her eyes.

" Carrots only help so much now hold still! I just wannna check your molars!" Nicolas St. North chuckled fondly at his friends as he sipped his mug of cocoa, his sleeves rolled up to bear his naughty and nice tattoos proudly. He was just as guilty of sweet toothness as Aster. But he knew how Tooth could get. He always brushed and flossed for her. Just the word " Candy" could send her into a tizzy, so when Aster had brought them a basket of peanut butter filled chocolate eggs, and confessed to tasting one...well, you can guess where that led. And this was how Jack found them as he jogged up the ramp, his pace slowing as a frown of confusion crossed his features.

" Hey, guys. North what's-?"

" Ah, Jack. Bunny brought us some treats, ya? And according to him they are pretty good." Jack turned as a gagging noise from Bunny drew his attention. North laughed quietly as Toothiana's wings buzzed to a more irate beat. Jack smiled knowingly.

" He had some before he came?"

" Da."

" And did he brush before he came?" He asked teasingly. North laughed and took another sip from his mug.

" He dodge the question."

"Ack-ACK! Jack heulph!" Normally he would have declined in favor of more tooth torture and humiliation at his friend's expense. But today there was more to deal with than possible cavities.

" Tooth, could you please stop for a sec? I need to talk to you guys." She shot him a surprised look which then turned pleading.

" Jack can you give me just a minute to-"

" No, Tooth. This is serious. I need Bunny's help too." His eyes which had turned from playful to as hard as the ice he commanded was all it took for Toothiana to release her prisoner. Rarely was Jack ever so serious. And this did not go unnoticed by North or Bunnymund. North strode forward, setting his mug down on the table.

" Jack, what is wrong?" Bunny hopped off of the offending chair and ran over to him.

" Is it pitch? If that blighter's been showi'n 'is ugly mug round here i'll-"

" No. At least...I don't think so."

" Well then strewth what is it?" Well, here goes nothing. Jack took in a deep breath then decided to just come out and say it. All of it.

" I found someone who needs our help. I found her wandering around my pond and...she has amnesia. She doesn't know who she is or why she's here. She's...dead." Gasps filled the room as the others took in this information. North's jaw dropped, Toothiana gasped and her hands flew to her mouth. Bunnymund's ears pressed back against his skull as he sat back on his haunches. " She's a lost soul. She doesn't remember how she was killed or why. She says all she knows is that she just died, and that she's supposed to do something. But she can't remember what. That's why I need your help. Tooth, I need access to your tooth bank to see if her memories are stored there. North, Bunny, maybe you two have seen her during your rounds on the holidays. Can you help?" The response was immediate. North strode over to clap both of his huge, warm hand onto Jack's shoulders-nearly making his knees buckle with the weight of them.

" Of course, Jack. We will help. All in favor?" Tooth fluttered over to Jack and offered him a warm hug which he gladly accepted.

" Oh, Honey. Of course we'll help. That girl...it's so awful. How old is she?" Jack pulled away scratching the back of his head uncertainly.

" She's about my age I think. Sixteen-ish. Maybe a year or so older. She doesn't know." Aster hopped over to the group and crossed his arms.

" What about a name? What's the Sheila's name?" Jack shrugged.

" We don't know. She can't remember. So, I've just been calling her Snow White." Toothiana smiled.

" Like the princess?" She asked. Jack smiled at her and nodded.

" You'll understand when you meet her. She's just below." That statement seemed to jolt everyone. Bunnymund straightened, Tooth gasped In surprise and Nicholas sent Jack an indignant glare.

" What?! Lady is here and you keep her waiting? Neicht, neicht Jack. You never keep lady to wait. Is not like the gentleman."

She paced back and fourth as the time seemed to drag on, even though she was sure it had only been a few minutes. But within seconds of Jack's departure she had felt her nerves come back and the playful banter from before was gone. What if they didn't like her? What if they couldn't help her? Before, none of this had mattered. When she woke up at the pond she'd regarded her own existence as utterly inconsequential. But the more time that passed the more that she began to feel that sense of not belonging. She knew she wasn't supposed to be dead. She knew that she was supposed to be somewhere else doing something else. Something important. But this sense of not knowing what or why was beginning to wear on her more and more as the time passed. More than not knowing who her family was, where she was from, how old she was or even her own name. None of those mattered in the face of this feeling of not belonging.

Sanderson Mansnoozie watched her with sympathy as she paced back and fourth, her heels clicking on the marble as she walked. Being a lost soul was the most horrible thing next to children not believing in his mind. He had heard horrible stories of lost souls-people who die and awake to the spirit world only to forget who they were or why they were. Some simply wandered aimlessly, looking for that reason to exist at all. Some lashed out in anger at their own deaths, cut off from life before their time to become violent spirits. They hurt and scared to not only punish the living for possessing what they no longer had...but just to prove they weren't gone nor were they ready to be so. Then there were ones who drowned in such sorrow and confusion that they drove themselves mad, becoming confused spirits who knew nothing of the boundries of life or death and haunted the earth as wraiths who fed unconsciously on life. Looking at Snow White Sandy could only feel great gratitude to The Man In The Moon for sending Jack to her. He simply couldn't bear the thought of such a kind, beautiful young girl becoming another one of those poor, mad souls.

" Hey, Sandman?" He shook himself from his thoughts to look at her, smiling kindly. " What if...they don't like me?" Sandy waved this away and floated over to her. He opened his arms and she bent down so that she could wrap her arms around him in a comforting hug. Somehow he had just known that was what she needed.

" Hey Guys! Sandy, Snow!" That was Jack. The two parted to look up. Jack was leaning over the banister of the level above them. " Come on up!" The Sandman nodded and gave Jack a firm salute. Then he took Snow White by the hand and tugged her forward.

" No going back now, huh?" Sandy smiled at her and she felt herself calm. He just had a soothing effect on her. She supposed he was like that with everyone. One of his qualifications as a Sandman she supposed. The two walked upward to what she felt like was the main floor of the are. A large decorative red and gold rug covered the floor. A large fireplace crackling with warmth stretched the height of the room. She noticed Jack stood a ways away from the heat. Large, plush red velvet chairs and couches were placed around the room in a circle, with dark wood tables supporting candelabras and teacups here and there. And standing in front of her were the guardians. A large, impressive looking rabbit stood on it's hind legs, his chest crossed with leather. A beautiful fairy who looked part woman, part exotic hummingbird hovered above the ground, her amethyst eyes shining with kindness and curiosity. And at the forefront was a tall man with a long white beard, a red shirt, black pants and fur-lined boots. The words ' Naughty' and ' Nice' were tattooed over his muscular arms. Somehow, even with the loss of her memory she knew the tree of them were nothing like she would have expected.

Sandy bobbled over to the group, holding out his hand to her as if presenting her to them. Jack walked over to her side and took her hand in his, his cool touch comforting to her. " Guys, this is Snow White."

Done! So she's finally introduced to the guardians! Yay! Next chapter: Conversation, revelations, and we'll see more of Jamie! Tune in next time and Bless your happy happiness!