Alaia Skyhawk: Well here's the last chapter of this arc. I'll admit it fell flatter in the middle than I'd imagined, when I decided to use HTTYD characters for this arc, but it's still been fun. It's made it a struggle to motivate myself to use the limited time I've had in recent weeks, to work on this, but the next arc has no such issues. The next one is biiiiiiig, and will come after a single interlude chapter with Sophie :)

Oh, and in reference to the mention in this of a self-sustained immortal extending the life of another person as well as themselves, I've had a head-cannon for it for ages with regards to Katherine and her giant goose, Kailash. I never explained it fully before now though, so I'll do it here. Self-sustained immortals, if strong enough of will, can support themselves and one other. No more than that.

Disclaimer: I don't own Rise of the Guardians, the Guardians of Childhood, or any related characters etc. This story is written purely for entertainment purposes.

~(-)~

Chapter 110: A Norse Conclusion

"Is it really necessary to blindfold me?"

"Come on, don't be a spoil sport."

Hiccup grumbled under his breath as he was manhandled through yet another ice mirror by an insistent Jack Frost. This was the last day of this trip, he understood that, but being unable to see anything when your curiosity is already on overdrive is somewhat infuriating.

Jack rolled his eyes at the grumbles, leading the blindfolded Viking through the thicket of trees on the other side of the mirror. Waiting at the edge of that thicket were a man and women, both dressed for the summer weather, although the man was wearing sunglasses and had his cap pulled low.

Radiant in her daisy-print blue dress, Allienne darted over when she saw the pair come into view.

"Hi, Jack!" Hiccup reached for his blindfold, but was stopped by the Guardian. Seeing that, the red-headed woman put her hands on her hips and raised her eyebrows at him. "Jack, the amusement park can't even be seen from here. Let him take it off, and introduce us properly to him."

Hiccup was already removing the cloth, directing glance at Jack. The Guardian looked a bit embarrassed, and was failing rather at hiding it.

Jack cleared his throat.

"Hiccup, this is my many-greats nephew and his fiancée; Jamie and Allienne."

Jamie removed his cap and sunglasses for a moment, smiling before putting them back on.

"Hi. I hope my uncle hasn't worn you out with all the sightseeing."

Hiccup grinned.

"Not at all. In fact, compared to some of my fellow Vikings, he's quite tame." He peered around. "So, anyone care to tell me what an 'amusement park' is?"

Allienne grabbed him by the hand, dragging him off down the path towards the sounds of music, people, and rides located beyond the tree-line up ahead. Even as Hiccup tried to dig his heels in to slow down, Jack shouted after the pair.

"You might as well give up now! She's from Santoff Claussen!"

All struggles from Hiccup immediately stopped, and he clearly resigned himself to being towed along. One afternoon with the children of that village, had taught him they were pretty unstoppable when they wanted to show you something interesting.

Jack and Jamie watched the pair turn the corner and disappear from view, the former then turning to regard his nephew.

"So, what's with the disguise? I know I need to wear one, but why you? Sure you're a Bennett, but still."

Jamie let out a big sigh

"I was well-known already, but to hang about openly right now would just get me hassled." He nodded the direction his fiancée had gone. "I asked Allienne to keep your guest occupied, so the two of us could talk. I've no known reasons for seeking out amusement parks right now, so I'm not going to advertise my presence here."

Jack regarded him speculatively.

"Government keeping watch for you?"

Jamie winced, heading to and sitting on the nearby bench. He answered as Jack joined him.

"They can't follow me around unless I let them. North's supplied me with a whole load of snow-globes. It's impossible to follow someone who can travel to the other side of the world in a single step. And right now they really want to 'bring me in' and 'talk' to me."

There was a splutter from Jack, whose eyes had widened in surprise.

"They want to arrest you?"

"No, not that bad!" Jamie, waved his hands in emphasis, then shrugged awkwardly. "It's because of the messages I had delivered to all the world's governments. There's no public announcement yet, but they're all worked up by my revelation I'm a new Constellation and my call for a representative for each nation. As far as I know, both Sophie and Kosmotis are working flat-out to keep everyone in those governments calm and thinking clearly."

The Guardian whistled at that, nodding.

"Yep, that has got to be a lot of work. I'll send some extra frostdust out too, that'll help."

Jamie's expression was now determined.

"The deadline for choosing a representative is two weeks from now, and a month from now is when the Floating City of Solaris will be dropped onto the Pacific. That's when the first session of the World Council will be held."

If Jack had spluttered a moment ago, he now literally choked for several seconds before he could speak.

"Whoa whoa whoa, back up! That soon?! Are you crazy?!"

Jamie, suddenly aware of several people walking nearby, slapped a hand over his uncle's mouth to shop the shouting.

"It has to be soon, or I could spend decades trying to make up for lost momentum. We don't have that kind of time." He frowned, releasing his grip on Jack. "This first meeting and those over the next year or two, aren't about making any big decisions. They're about teaching the world's governments how the council is going to function. Every nation, regardless of its size, will have an equal voice there. I will be the Chairman for the Council, but I won't voice any opinions of my own unless directly asked for one. They need to see that, for all the power they now know I have, I'm only going to be a mediator and advisor. Sophie and Kosmotis with both discretely attend the sessions, to stop the representatives getting worked up over anything."

Jack relaxed a little, but he still looked concerned as he nodded in understanding. Jamie was doing with the world's governments, what he had done with the world's scientists. Albeit with only a tiny lag between revealing first to a select group, and then to the general populace.

"You'll show them you only intend to guide them towards world peace and cooperation. And if tempers and paranoia are kept out of the picture, they should actually be able to get something constructive done. If the first session goes well, it'll capture public imagination and popularity. Especially with all the public optimism right now. A floating city built to promote unity? If you can get it into place without chaos starting up, people will love it."

Jamie grimaced at that, uncomfortable.

"There'll still always be some who aren't convinced, at least not right away. It'll be the hard work of years before the world comes together properly. But when it does, people will wonder why they never did it before. Because in a world that's unified, you don't have to worry about war anymore. You can just focus on living and building a brighter future."

At the mention of the future, Jack glanced towards where Allienne had taken Hiccup.

"And how is Allienne, with all that's happened?"

The young Constellation beside him, smiled.

"Surprised, but happy, and in no way against the idea of being 'Tsarina Solus'. My belief would have extended her life anyway, the way Katherine keeps Kailash going. Allienne was already used to that idea, so beyond the extra responsibilities things won't be too different... Except perhaps knowing that we won't outlive our children."

Jack noticed the hesitation in the last remark, and frowned.

"You're talking about how Constellations 'pass on the baton' to the next generation, and choose a time to die."

There was another pause, Jack's expression knowing and intent, and aware of that Jamie relented and explained.

"Tsar Lunar has already decided that, since he's already lived far longer than any Constellation, after he's had and raised a family he'll take up a permanent role as an advisor for all the other Constellations. His successor will take over as the leader of Constellation Lunanoff. He lived through the mistakes of the previous Golden Age, even if he was just a child, and so he feels it would be best he remains as a reminder not to repeat those mistakes."

Jack raised his eyebrows.

"And?"

Jamie fiddled with the promise-ring Allienne had given him when they became engaged. His expression was wistful.

"Allienne thinks that the two of us will fade out together, and at this point I don't want to break that illusion. But you see..." He took a deep breath. "Just as Tsar Lunar lived through the mistakes and consequences of the Old Golden Age and its fall, I've lived through the battle and events that have allowed a New Golden Age to be worked towards and founded. I understand better than any other Constellation but him ever will, the exact way to keep the Fearlings contained. No successor of mine or his could learn what we know just from being told the history of it."

Jack let out a sigh, gazing up at the clouds.

"So instead you'll pass leadership of your Constellation to your successor, and take up permanent residence here on Earth. You'll be the Fearlings' ultimate eternal jailer; the guard at the gate that they can never get past."

Jamie elbowed him, wearing a wry smile.

"Hey, it won't be all that bad. I'll have you to keep me company, even once Allienne is... gone."

His voice caught on that word, there were tears in his eyes, and Jack thumped him lightly on the shoulder. He didn't want his nephew getting depressed over possibly outliving Allienne, the way he'd once gotten depressed over outliving Emily.

"Hey, that's a long long time away, so don't even bother thinking about it. You've got World Council meetings to worry about."

Jamie laughed half-heartedly at that, but it was clear the talk had eased his burdened feelings.

"Yeah, and all the headaches that go with them."

Jack dragged him to his feet, and started to tow him towards the park just as Allienne had done to Hiccup.

"Come on, enough moping! I want to see Hiccup's reaction to the roller-coaster!"

This time Jamie's laugh was in earnest, ringing out along with Jack's. And somewhere unspoken between them, was the promise that they'd always be a team.

~(-)~

Hiccup was flushed and still on a sugar-high from cotton candy, when Jack finally delivered him back to Berk. It was a fair bet to say that full 'culture shock' had finally kicked in at the park, but the young Viking had been having so much fun that all the sounds, flashing lights, and mechanical rides had probably blurred together. They'd only spent the morning at the park, so as to get him home before night reached the island. But chances were when the sugar-crash hit, Hiccup would be out like a light.

Jack watched him now, as Hiccup showed off the gift the children of Santoff Claussen had given him. It had already been dark there when they stopped by, unlike the late-afternoon here, but the kids had waited eagerly in anticipation of his reaction.

Simply put, he'd adored it. What's not to love about a tiny clockwork dragon the size of your hand? That flies and roars, even if it doesn't breath fire.

The surrounding mass of Vikings in the great hall roared their approval when they were shown it, although Hiccup made it abundantly clear that no one was to touch or mess with it in case they broke it... Or else. He then distracted them with stories about what he'd seen during the tour by North's weapon-smiths. Shiny weapons plus Vikings makes great topic-switch.

Jack smiled to himself, chuckling as Hiccup yawned and his dragon nudged at him. Toothless had been a huge fuss from the moment his friend got back, and like the cat his behaviour resembled, he'd proceeded to cling to Hiccup's side like velcro.

A whistle of wind through the main doors now distracted Jack, when it circled him and then went back outside. There was someone out there, waiting, and the Spirit of Winter obliged with the subtle request for his presence.

Another thread of wind directed his attention upwards once he was outside, and there above him on the peak's edge sat a particular trio.

Jack flew up, crossing his arms and looking smug when he saw who it was.

"Well if it isn't Odin, Thor, and Loki. You here to nag or to praise?"

All three remained quiet, until Loki elbowed Odin in prompt to make him speak. The leader of the Norse Pantheon was a bit reluctant to say anything.

"We're just here to say... thank you. You've done far more that we'd expected." He was elbowed again, this time by Thor, and cleared his throat awkwardly. "More than I expected."

Jack raised his eyebrows, grinning.

"I'm guessing you didn't expect the Vikings to welcome the fact you're not some all-powerful god. Nah, they want you to come around more often, drink ale, and tell stories with them. You given any thought to North's offer to team up? Hiccup was more than impressed by the Yeti weapon-smiths."

Odin seemed to slump in on himself stubbornly, and Loki rolled his eyes.

"What Mr Prideful here refuses to say, is that he's not stupid enough to turn down an offer of a working partnership with a Guardian. It stings to accept, but he'll get over it, and Snoggletog will remain firmly as his festival. It just means Thor doesn't get stuck pounding steel for weapons, and I don't get stuck tracking down sources for half the other gifts." He pointed at himself and the others. "Do you realise us three were making everything ourselves, by hand, every year? Just us three!"

Jack shook his head in amusement.

"But you only have a few thousand Vikings on these islands. If you were sorting your gifts in bulk, it shouldn't have been that bad. North manages, and he delivers to millions."

Thor, now looking rather incensed, flew up to Jack.

"But he has a whole workshop, and all those yetis!"

"But you need to realise I was just pulling your leg."

Loki snorted with laughter at that, earning an insulted glare from his 'brother'. He then signed.

"Cool down, Thor. We both know we needed some changes. Why else did we convince Odin to approach Jack with our problem?" He now glanced at Jack. "Besides, there's no point in getting mad at him for just being himself. He wouldn't be much of a Guardian of fun, if he didn't tease people now and then."

Jack returned the regard, his expression thoughtful. He remained quiet for several seconds before breaking the silence.

"Hmm, I'll admit you've been a royal pain in the rear for me at times, but I think now is the time for clean slate." He drifted over, holding out a hand. "Your 'dad' is about to get his own job security, so how about some of your own. Feel like working for me as a Lieutenant of Winter? My place is a proverbial zoo, all those animals. It'd be good to have someone else who isn't conversationally challenged."

Loki actually gaped, pointing at himself.

"Me? You want me as a Lieutenant?"

Jack was grinning.

"How about it? You still get to keep doing your usual job over the old Norse Territories, but you get to do it without stepping on my toes every few years."

Beside Loki, Odin had begun to splutter, but the younger immortal ignored him and returned Jack's grin with one of his own as he reached out to shake the offered hand.

"You've got yourself a deal."

Jack lifted his staff from his back and touched it to Loki's shoulder.

"Then swear to serve me as a Lieutenant of Winter."

Odin, clearly about to offer a more vocal protest, was unceremoniously shut up with a hand over the mouth from Thor, who also dragged him several feet away.

Loki chuckled, shaking his head in amusement before then nodding to Jack.

"I swear to serve you as a Lieutenant of Winter, so long as you don't stop me playing my tricks."

Jack laughed.

"As if I would, just don't direct too many of them at me. Congratulations on becoming my newest Lieutenant." He now looked at Thor, who was still gagging Odin. "And by the way, I put a good word about you in with Achieng. Her summer warm-fronts tend to set off a lot of thunder and lightning storms, and someone of your skills would be useful to her. If you ask her, I'm sure she'll take you on as a Lieutenant of Summer. Same deal as I've made with Loki. you do your usual stuff in the usual places, you can just do it without annoying her."

Thor let go of Odin, looking rather pleased.

"I think I'll do that. Then me and my 'brother' can have our own little Summer and Winter rivalry."

By now Odin was looking more than annoyed, until he heaved a huge sigh of resignation. Things could have turned out a whole lot worse for him than they had, and to be honest he was pleased... Not that he would admit it... You can't complain when you and your comrades go from low-rank independent Legends, to Rank Two immortals that work for a Guardian, a Spirit of the Seasons, and an immortal that was both of those. Yeah, nothing to complain at, at all.

~(-)~

Alaia Skyhawk: Hehe, I had fun with that last bit, and the bit with Jamie moved the plot forward. I'll see you all again in a few days :)