Thanks to all the support and encouragement. It makes my day! Oh and I have a very important question! I had noticed like three or four chapters ago how horrible my first chapter is. Seriously how did someone even read that? I was cringing at all the errors there were. I guess somebody's got to start somewhere, right? So do you just replace/update the chapter with another document? Help would be loved!
Disclaimer: Still don't own ROTG
Jamie kicked his shoes off and fell back onto his bed. He stretched out trying to get comfortable. He pulled a pillow, snuggling his face into it. Jamie closed his eyes trying to go to sleep. Just as he started to get sleepy a tapping noise got his attention.
"What?" He mumbled as he raised his head. Jamie looked around his room trying to figure out what that noise had been. When he didn't see anything he lowered his head again. A few seconds later the noise returned.
This time Jamie raised his body up. When the tapping continued he got up and walked closer to where he thought the noise was coming from. He stopped in front of the window. Jamie titled his head trying to see something. What could be causing that sound?
A few seconds later the sound stopped and gold sand swirled in front of the window. Jamie gasped and took a step backwards. What was that? As he looked at it closer he realized that it looked like Sandy's sand. The sand slowly disappeared and Jamie stepped forward to get a closer look. Sandy's head suddenly popped out.
Jamie let out a startled yell as he stumbled backwards. His foot tripped on something that was on the floor. His arms swung around wildly as he fell backwards.
"Ow." Jamie rubbed his neck as he got up. He looked at Sandy giving him a mock glare. Sandy's startled face changed into an embarrassed one. Symbols formed above his head, and after a moment Jamie guessed that he was apologizing.
"It's okay, you just scared me. What are you doing here Sandy?" His excitement rose as he realized that the Sandman was outside his window.
A figure that looked like North, then another one that he assumed was Bunny appeared over his head followed by a sleigh.
"Um, the other Guardians are here?" He asked hesitantly. Sandy nodded. He raised a finger and pointed to him.
"Me?" Jamie asked. Sandy nodded and formed an image of the forest by an image of him. "The forest? You?"
Sandy nodded before scrunching his face thoughtfully. A lightbulb appeared over his head. Footsteps formed followed by a picture of trees. Seconds later a picture of him appeared next to the forest.
"You want me to go to the forest?" Jamie cocked his head to the side slightly.
Sandy nodded enthusiastically. A picture of Sandy appeared next to Jamie.
"You're going to be at the forest?" Sandy nodded. "Are the other Guardians going to be there too?" Another nod.
"Okay, just give me a moment. I have to go tell my mom." Jamie told him. Sandy nodded before flying off. He stared at him for a moment in amazement before running across his room to find his shoes. Jamie stumbled as he tried to shove his foot into his shoe while walking. He opened the door only to hesitate.
He ran back and grabbed his coat. Better avoid getting his mom mad. He made his way down the stairs barely stopping to take a breath. Just as he reached the door somebody stepped in front of it.
"Ah!" Jamie let out a yell as he almost crashed into his mom. He barely managed to come to a stop in front of her. "Mom?"
"Jamie? What do you think you're doing?" His mom asked him.
"Uh, hi mom. I was j-just going out. Y-you know for a walk." Jamie stuttered slightly. He swallowed nervously as he watched his mother's expression. He tried not to fidget as his mom stared at him incredulously. "You know exercise."
"So let me get this straight. You want to go out on a walk to exercise?" She crossed her arms in front of her chest.
Jamie let out a laugh trying to cover his nervousness. "Fine you got me. I'll probably end up playing with my friends." He lied. His mom observed him for a couple more seconds.
"Why didn't you just say that from the beginning?" She asked him.
"Well I do want to go out for a walk. Please mom?" He made sure to give her his best puppy eyes.
"All right, but I want you to stick to known areas. No talking to strangers or going to any unknown places, okay?" Jamie nodded.
"Thanks mom!" As he made his way forward his mom ruffled his hair. "Mom!" He let out a whine as he tried to act as normal as possible.
"Oh and zip up your jacket, I don't want you to get sick. And be back before dinner alright?" His mom looked at him expectantly. With a roll of his eyes he zipped up his jacket.
"Don't worry mom. I'll be back before dinner. Bye." He opened the door and as he was walking out he heard his mom yell out that she loved him. "Me too!"
He tried to walk normally knowing his mom could still see him from inside. Jamie broke into a run as soon as he was out of eyesight. The trees started to blur as he made his way to the forest. He was so excited to see the Guardians. The only thing he was wondering was why they wanted to see him. What could it be?
The cold wind stung but he ignored it and kept running. His feet fell into a steady rhythm as he ran. He made it to the forest in record time. Jamie walked a little closer to the edge of the forest. His breath was slightly visible as he gasped for air. His heart was pounding harshly against his chest as he walked around a bit. Sandy had said he would be here, right? After a couple of seconds he swallowed as he decided to take a chance.
"Sandy?" His voice sounded too loud as it echoed through the trees. Jamie winced and looked around nervously. "Are you here?"
Jamie stayed still waiting to see if Sandy would come out. When nothing happened he looked around just as something flew out the woods. He let out a slightly girlish scream as he fell backwards again. He looked up to see a bird fly off. Jamie let out a deep breath as he shook his head. Hopefully nobody had heard or seen that. As he climbed to his feet he heard a twig snap. His head snapped towards the noise.
"Sandy?" He asked anxiously. Another twig snapped and this time Jamie stepped backwards.
"Nah, it's the Easter Bunny." A familiar Australian accent made Jamie relax.
"Bunny. You scared me." Jamie walked forwards as Bunny came out. "Where's Sandy?"
"He went back with North and Jack. We decided that it would be better if I came and explained things to you before we meet up with the others. I know you're wondering why we wanted you to come here." Bunny explained as he stopped in front of him.
Jamie smiled at him, but his grin faltered when he realized what Bunny had said. "Wait. Did you say Jack? Who's Jack?"
He followed after Bunny who had started to walk into the forest. "That's why we're here. You know how in Easter we told you that we're fighting Pitch, the boogieman?" Jamie nodded, and Bunny continued. "Well as you know there's other beings like us, and Manny, he's the Man in Moon, told us that Pitch had one of those people in his hold. His name is Jack Frost."
Jamie processed what Bunny had said to him. He blinked in awe for a moment before a thought came into his mind. He frowned as he mouthed the name. That name sounded slightly familiar. Had he heard it somewhere?
"Oh I know, like that expression. Jack Frost nipping at your nose?" He asked.
Bunny chuckled as he stepped over a bigger rock. "Yeah, expect that he's real. He was chosen to be a Guardian but then we realized that we hadn't heard about him in a long time. We asked Manny what had happened to him. He told us that Pitch had, taken him. You know kidnapped." Bunny sounded slightly uncomfortable as he said the last sentence.
Jamie looked at him startled. Kidnapped? He couldn't imagine getting kidnapped by the boogieman. His mom had repeatedly told him of the dangers he could be at risk of. Which was why she always reminded him not to talk to strangers or to go with them. Jamie always took more precaution when he was with his sister. He didn't want anything to happen to Sophie.
"We managed to get him back but Pitch wasn't too happy about that. He attacked us at North's place and we barely managed to avoid Pitch leaving with Jack. We realized that that place isn't safe for him and we need to keep him out of Pitch's hand. So we came up with a temporarily solution." This time Bunny stopped and bent down so they were eye to eye.
"I know this is going to be a really big favor, and maybe it's selfish of us to ask you this but, we have no other choice. Jamie we need you to help us. We want Jack to stay with you while we go and attack Pitch. You don't have to, and it's okay to say no." Bunny told him.
Jamie let out a shaky breath. That was a lot to take in, in such a short time. The Guardians wanted Jack to stay in his house, while they went and defeated the Boogieman? He didn't know who Jack was but he knew that if he would have been kidnapped by Pitch he would want help.
"What are you kidding me? That's totally cool." Jamie gave him a large smile. Obviously Bunny had thought that there was a possibility that he was going to say no because he let out a relieved sigh.
"Thanks, you have no idea how much that helps us. Before we get there I have to warn you. First thing first, you have to believe in Jack to be able to see him." Bunny warned him as he ruffled his hair.
Jamie pouted as he fixed his hair. "I have to believe in him then?"
"Yeah, and when you see him it might be a bit of a shock. Let's just say that being with the boogieman for such a long time has its consequences. You know how when you're afraid how you act? Jack is like that. Pitch gave him lots of, um, nightmares. He also didn't treat him nicely. Try to take it easy and not do any big movements or talk loudly." Bunny seemed to be thinking as he got up.
Jamie pondered what Bunny had told him. He was really scared of things then? Could he actually be afraid of him? He didn't want to imagine what Pitch could have done to him.
"Is Pitch really mean then? He sounds like a bully." Jamie told him. To his surprise Bunny let out a chuckle.
"He wasn't always like that but now he's mean. Just think of him as a bully. He liked to push Jack around, and beat him up. That's why we have to protect him. I'm sure your mom would be proud if she knew what you were doing. Protecting somebody and helping them." Bunny's words made him blush. "He's a little beat up right now. Try and smile." Bunny told him as they kept walking.
Jamie followed closely. He didn't want to take a chance and get lost. As they kept walking he started to get even nervous. He felt his heart start pounding against his chest. What would Jack be like? Would he like him?
"We're almost there." Bunny told him.
Jamie nodded. He realized that they were getting near a frozen lake. As he stepped onto the lake, he finally noticed the Guardians standing by a sleigh? Was that a sleigh? As Bunny joined his side he looked around trying to find Jack. When he didn't see him he looked over at Bunny. He scooted a little closer to him.
"I-I don't see Jack. What if I can't see him?" He whispered to him. Bunny looked down at him. His eyes softened as he saw how nervous he looked.
"Don't worry. He's inside the sleigh. I can't see him either. Remember what I said, you have to believe in him to see him." Bunny reminded him.
Jamie relaxed. He had been so worried. The only thing he had to do was believe. He could do that. As they walked closer Jamie couldn't keep the smile off his face.
"Hey North and Sandy." He greeted them. As he looked around he realized that he couldn't see Tooth. He hadn't seen her on Easter either. Then again he had only seen Bunny, and Sandy. "Where's the Tooth Fairy?"
The Guardian's faces fell. An awkward silence fell over them. Jamie stared at them awkwardly. After a couple of seconds Bunny spoke up.
"The night that we woke you up we fought Pitch. Tooth protected Sandy and in the process she got hurt. She's healing right now." Bunny's voice was rough as he spoke.
Jamie inwardly winced. He hadn't known that. Bunny seemed to notice his discomfort. He motioned for him to come forward. North smiled at him while Sandy waved. As he got closer he couldn't help but admire the sleigh and the reindeer. He stared at it in wonder.
"Told you everybody loves the sleigh." North whispered to Sandy. Bunny snorted but didn't say anything.
"I'll help Jack out of the sleigh jut stand here. Just remember what I said." Bunny gave him a reassuring smile. He nodded and watched as Bunny slowly approached the sleigh. He made slow deliberate moves as he climbed in. From his angle he couldn't see Jack but he could see Bunny.
Jamie watched in amazement as his face softened even more and Bunny seemed to take on a harmless look. Bunny bent down and only his ears were visible. He could still hear everything Bunny was saying.
"Jack, he's here. I'm going to carry you down the sleigh. Sandy brought crutches along but I don't want you to use them unless it's necessary." Bunny's voice was soft and gentle. It sounded so different from what Jamie had ever heard.
He held back a snicker as he imagined a fluffy cute bunny. A second later Bunny rose and stretched his arms out. He seemed to be putting his arms under Jack. Jamie closed his eyes as Bunny started to rise. He believed in Jack. He was real. His eyes opened, and Jamie let out a sigh as he realized he could see Jack.
As Bunny walked out of the sleigh Jamie got his first look at Jack. Bunny was holding him close to his chest, and Jack seemed to have snuggled his head into his chest. He couldn't see his face but his white hair stuck out. His thin frame also stuck out. He couldn't help but notice how small and delicate he looked in Bunny's arms. He looked like a child.
Jamie noticed the cast that he had on his leg. Could Pitch have done that to him? If he had then Jamie was glad he was going to help him. He didn't want Jack to get hurt again.
"Jack I'm going to put you down. I'll hold onto you so you don't fall, alright?" Jamie noticed how Jack flinched when Bunny spoke. He realized that he was going to have to be more careful. Jack nodded, and Bunny slowly bent down little by little so Jack's feet could touch the ground.
After a couple of moments Jack was finally standing up. Bunny kept his arm behind Jack in case he stumbled. Jack wobbled slightly as he tried to keep his balance. After a he made sure he wouldn't topple over Jack kept the pressure off his bad leg. One thin arm wrapped around his chest and Jamie could see the bandages that were wrapped around it. After a couple of seconds where they watched him, Jack finally raised his head.
Jamie's eyes widened as he took in his face. He looked like he had boxed. One eye was swollen, black and purple bruising covering the area around it. His nose had white tape on it, and it was also bruised. Jack's cheek was slightly red, almost as if somebody had slapped him. As his eyes traveled around his face he accidently crossed eyes with Jack.
His beautiful blue eyes drew him in for a second. He hadn't seen blue eyes like his before. Especially with white hair. For a moment the only thing they did was stare at each other. From the corner of his eye Jamie saw the other two Guardians scoot a little closer. When the staring got uncomfortable he did the only thing that came into mind.
He smiled.
Jack's reaction was instantaneous. His eyes widened and his mouth opened. His eyes were full of disbelief. When Jack stayed like that Jamie swallowed. What should he say?
"Um, hi." He mentally slapped himself. Out of all the things to say. "My name is Jamie."
He stared at Jack. His eyes were looking him over almost like he couldn't believe what he was seeing. When he realized that he really was there he gasped.
"C-can you s-see me?" His voice trembled but Jamie could hear the hope in it. He gave him a smile as he nodded.
Jack's eyes widened even more and tears started to form. Bewildered, Jamie looked at Bunny. Why was he crying? Was it because he was helping him? But he seemed so surprised when he had asked him if he could see him. Was it because he could see him? Wait. Bunny had told him something about them being invisible if children didn't believe in them. So was that why Jack was so surprised? Was it because nobody believed in him?
"Y-you can see me." Jack's voice was full of disbelief. For a moment his eyes were full of joy and happiness. He seemed to transform in front of Jamie. "I-I can't believe i-it."
Jamie not knowing what else to do just continued to smile. He could feel the other Guardians staring at them. What else should he say? Should he even say anything? What if he made it worse?
He watched Jack crack a small genuine smile. He wasn't sure he had ever seen somebody so happy. As he continued to watch him, his smile became less forced. Something about him made him feel relaxed, and safe. Taking a small risk he took a small step forward. When Jack didn't react he took another, and anther until he was about a foot away. Now that he was closer he could see the injuries that littered his face.
"You're Jack Frost aren't you?" Jamie asked softly. To his surprise Jack tensed and his eyes flashed with fear.
"Y-yes." His voice was so quiet even with him standing in front of him.
"I'm Jamie. Bunny told me that you'll be staying with me for a bit." He said. Jack finally seemed to notice that the other Guardians were there. Especially that Bunny was so close to him. He seemed to shrink into himself. Jack even more defenseless.
"I-I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean t-to." His voice started to die off. Jack's eyes were staring intently at the floor. Jamie looked up at the Guardians questioningly.
"It's alright mate. You're going to stay with Jamie for a bit. Maybe you'll even be able to get another believer. Jamie's sister will be thrilled to meet you." Bunny said. Jack's head snapped up. He looked at him in shock. Confusion was written all over his face.
Jamie looked at Bunny in relief. "Yeah, Sophie would love to meet you. I should probably warn you that she's really clingy."
Jack looked completely confused. His eyes were darting around as he stare at all of them. For a moment Jamie was scared he was going to faint. Jack looked even paler than he had been a couple of minutes ago. When he looked closer he realized that he was starting to breath faster. He didn't know much about health but he was sure that wasn't good.
"Uh, Jack are you okay?" Jamie asked. He watched him flinch but, he still nodded.
"Jamie's right. You're starting to hyperventilate." Bunny started to rub Jack's back. Jamie recognized it as a relaxing gesture. He had seen his mom do the same thing to Sophie on multiple occasions. "Just breathe."
Once Jack seemed to be able to breathe Bunny motioned to North. North stared at him for a moment before it dawned on him. He fumbled inside his coat for a couple of seconds before taking something out from his pocket. He walked closer until he stopped in front him.
"This is for emergencies only. In case something happens and we aren't there use this. Just throw it and say the place you want to go. Hopefully it won't come to that but if it does use it." North stared at him with a serious expression. He nodded and took the object.
He stared at it for a moment before placing it in his pocket. "Don't worry. I'll take care of it and I'll only use it in case of an emergency."
North seemed satisfied and smacked him on his shoulder in a friendly pat. North didn't seem to realize how much force he had put into that pat. Jamie stumbled forward and crashed into Jack. He managed to avoid knocking Jack over but he still bumped into him. For a moment he looked into Jack's surprised eyes before he bounced back. He went backwards slipping on the surface of the lake. Jamie let out a startled yell as he went rushing towards the ground. Out of instinct he brought his arms out hoping to grab onto anything that would stop his fall.
A hand wrapped around his, while another one wrapped around the lower part of his other arm. When he didn't feel any pain Jamie opened his eyes. Standing in front of him with his arms stretched out was Jack. With a start he realized that Jack was the one that had saved him. Jack's eyes were focused on him and there was an intensity to them that startled him.
"Are you okay?" There was no trace of fear or panic in his voice.
Slightly dumbfounded he nodded. With Jack's help he got back up. The other Guardian's faces mirrored his. All of them looked as startled and amazed as him.
"Thanks." He managed to say. His heart was still beating fast and he was a little dazed.
Jack nodded before stepping back to where he had originally been. At that moment he realized all the Guardians were staring at him. All the seriousness was gone in an instant and he immediately started apologizing. Bunny cut him off and told him there was nothing wrong with what he had done. It took a couple of seconds but Jack finally stopped shaking.
"All right I think it's safe to say that we can get going. I'll help carry him back to your house." Bunny said. Jamie nodded.
"Bye you guys. I hope Tooth gets better." He looked at the two Guardians. Sandy came up to him and shook his hand. A smile adorned his face as he went over to the sleigh. North also came over. To his relief he didn't pat him again. He simply thanked him before walking over to the sleigh.
"Jack I'm going to have to carry you. Jamie could you grab the crutches. We'll take them just in case." Bunny nodded to the sleigh.
Jamie complied and walked carefully to the sleigh. Sandy was ready and handed him the crutches. Jamie smiled and grabbed them. Bunny had picked up Jack again and was getting comfortable. He made his way to Bunny with the crutches in hand. Bunny nodded and they made their way back. The silence that surrounded them as they made their way back to his house was slightly tense.
As they got closer to his house Jamie realized that he couldn't go inside with crutches.
"Um Bunny I can't go inside with crutches. My mom would have a heart attack if she saw me come in with these." He gestured to the crutches.
Bunny nodded in understanding. "Leave them outside. I'll come back for them."
Jamie didn't understand him but he did it anyway. He left them on the grass out of sight. Swallowing he walked up to the door. For a second he hesitated as he grabbed the key. A gentle nudge encouraged him and he stuck the key in. After a second the door opened. He stuck his head inside and was relieved to find the hallway empty. He opened the door completely so Bunny could fit.
As soon as they were inside Jamie closed the door. "Follow me." He whispered before leading the way to his room. They were on the way up the stairs when his mom stuck her head out.
"Jamie? Is that you?" She asked. For a moment he froze but then he remembered that she couldn't see Bunny and Jack.
"Yeah, I'm back. I'm going to my room." He answered. His mom agreed and her head disappeared. Jamie let out a sigh before continuing up the stairs. They got to his room without any more interruptions. He was slightly worried that Sophie would end up crashing into them. He wanted to make sure that she didn't scare Jack.
Bunny walked over to his bed and placed Jack on one side. Jack scooted back clutching his side. His face was slightly scrunched up in pain. Jamie stared at him in concern. Bunny also seemed to notice but he didn't say anything.
"I'll go get the crutches." Bunny tapped his foot and a second late he disappeared. Jamie stared at the place where Bunny had been a couple of seconds ago in shock.
"Woah." He muttered. Jamie turned back around to Jack. His face was starting to twist even more in pain. "Are you okay? You look like you're in pain."
Jack looked up at him. "It's okay. I just s-strained my side a bit."
Jamie looked at him suspiciously but didn't say anything. A hole opened up in his floor and a second later Bunny popped up. In his hands were the crutches. He winked at Jamie as he walked over to the bed, and placed them next to it.
"Well I think it's time for me to leave now. Try to take it easy Jack. We'll be back for you it's a temporary situation." Bunny looked at Jack who was starting to quiver on the bed.
"Remember to use the globe only in an emergency. It should only be for a day or two. Thank you again Jamie." A smug smirk appeared on his face.
"Oh and nice scream by the way." With that Bunny disappeared before Jamie had time to respond. His face turned a dark crimson.
"That was sudden." He looked over at Jack who was also staring at the spot where Bunny had been.
When he didn't respond Jamie realized that maybe this would be more difficult than he had originally thought.
So maybe a bit of the old Jack is still in there. At least for the children. Maybe things will get better with Jack. Haha Bunny, teasing Jamie like that. All the support is welcomed and appreciated. And sorry for the longer wait.