Jack shifted unsteadily on his shaking legs, trying to straighten his hunched figure, trying to ignore the pain that blemished relentlessly all over his body, attempting to appear stronger than he felt before the other spirit. Under the masquerade, he was trembling inside, his beaten body too weak to go through another fight and mindless fear and dread had been awoken in him that he had not felt in years at the sight of that glowing blue orb. He never thought he would ever witness that again, at least he had hoped.
Jamie's hand held tightly to his and he offered a reassuring squeeze in return, anything to comfort the young boy he should have been protecting. He didn't need to look down to see his face to know the boy was terrified and he internally cursed himself. This was all his fault. He should have gotten Jamie away. He shouldn't have let his anger control him for once. The spirit had known exactly how to play on his anger, to slowly unwind his emotion so that Jack was acting exactly how the spirit had intended, being pulled along on the thin thread. He had allowed himself to be manipulated like that…and now Jamie was by his side instead of safe at home where he should be. This was all wrong. So wrong. As far as he was concerned, he had failed in his duties as a guardian.
Taking a deep breath to gather his tumultuous thoughts and try to lessen the continuous overwhelming pain, he tightened his grip on Jamie's hand, prepared to move him out of the way of danger for the next strike and brought his focus once again to the other winter spirit who was yet to move from his statue-like stance. He tensed, ready to jump into action against the protests of his body but the spirit still didn't move. It was making him anxious: the waiting.
Maybe they could slip away now? It seemed so easy to just run, grab Jamie and disappear as fast as he could…but there was the chance that would spark the action that he was waiting for, endanger Jamie and that was something he could never do even though he was in danger now. No matter what happened next, he had to keep him safe.
That was when he noticed the expression on the other spirits face. He seemed mildly stunned, unmoving in his stiff stance, dark eyes fixed in wonder, not on him, but on Jamie. Jack was taken aback at the sudden interest and a protective wave took over him which he had to fight so as not to do something irrational. He had been in too many fights to know that rushing in without thinking only ended badly. There didn't seem to be malice in the other spirits gaze- which calmed his nerves- but almost shock. He tried to follow the other's look and found it resting on their entwined hands. Did this have something to do with the change that had come over the other spirit?
His grip tightened, instinctively pulling the small boy closer to him. The other spirit watched the movement and, to Jack's surprise, some of the fight seemed to visibly drain from him, shoulders slumping slightly, some of the tenseness falling from him. After all that had just happened, he couldn't believe that he would just back down but all the signs seemed to point that way and they were still waiting for his move. Maybe it was time to act first for a change.
"Jamie," he whispered under his breath, hating how small his voice sounded, "we're going to get out of this, just…don't do anything stupid."
"That's your job," he heard the faint reply, despite the way his voice shook Jack couldn't help the amused smile that flickered across his lips at the comeback, glad with the hint of normal teasing that convinced him more that this would turn out well.
"Damn right it is," he whispered back, offering one of his customary smirks and managing to get a small smile in return and a hopeful glint in warm brown eyes. He had at least successfully convinced Jamie that he had some wondrous trick up his sleeve and as long as he believed that they would be okay, that was all Jack could hope for. He didn't want to lose that belief from Jamie.
Pulling Jamie closer but this time leaving him open to the sight of the other spirit, Jack cleared his throat to address their attacker, subconsciously giving Jamie's hand another hopeful and reassuring squeeze, "Look," he began slowly, raising the hand that held his staff in a calming gesture, trying not to spook the other spirit, "you've made your point, okay I get it…but he's innocent in all this," he gestured to Jamie, holding out the hand that still held his for symbolism, maybe he could get them out of this. "I know you won't attack mortals and he's just a child so I'll make a deal okay? Just let him go home. He shouldn't have seen any of this and I just want him to be safe. That's all I ask, let him leave safely, go home. We can battle it out until your heart's content but not in front of him."
He could hear Jamie's feeble protests as he spoke but he ignored him for once, intent to finally do his duty and protect him no matter the cost. Silence fell over the lake, pressing down at them uncomfortably as they waited for the reply. The winter spirit hadn't moved through Jack's speech and seemed to be trying to get words out silently, mouth opening and closing a few time at failed attempts of sentences. It would have been comical had they not just fought and so much was on the line for his one answer. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to the impatient Jack, he came with a stuttered reply.
"That…that boy," the winter spirit motioned to Jamie still by Jack's side, "he can see us?" Jack gave a confirming nod as though the attention Jamie was giving both of them wasn't proof enough. "He…he pushed me away…he saved you." The spirit seemed to have trouble getting his head around the fact but Jack smiled proudly.
"Yeah, he seems to do that a lot," Jack admitted with a smirk and proud glance at his first believer who seemed to stand a bit taller at the compliment.
"And I'll keep doing whatever it takes to keep him safe," Jamie said confidently, the scared tone vanishing from his voice as he spoke boldly out to the other spirit for the first time.
"Likewise," Jack agreed, more like a promise.
Realisation dawned on Jack. This winter spirit had been just like him with no contact from anyone but other spirits, the fact that a child could see him now, even touched him, must be overwhelming and maybe enough for him to let them go.
"He...he shows such loyalty to you. Why does he protect you like that, a mere spirit, when he could have gotten injured himself? What are you to him?"
"Jack's my big brother," Jamie beamed, eyes glowing even in the cold air, warmth seeming to radiate from him, but not the uncomfortable warmth that Jack normally couldn't stand, but filled with so much emotion and love. The same feeling he felt radiate in his heart at these words despite the coldness of his skin.
Jack was taken aback by this sudden statement. Jamie saw him as a brother? Sure they had met up many times since the whole Easter fiasco and played many games and had a few exciting adventures which the other Guardians would kill him for if they found out, but he hadn't believed that they had grown so close. Only now hearing it from Jamie, did he realise that they had become close over their time together, the determination to keep the other safe, the ease at which they played around and interacted. He couldn't help the smile that covered his face as he thought about it.
A disbelieving snort of amusement broke Jack from his thoughts, "Oh, how sweet, Frost," Jack hadn't noticed that the spirit had been slowly circling, subtly making his way closer to them, "you've finally found someone else willing to die for you. Let's hope you don't make them live up to the promise this time." Although the spirit had intentionally hit hard with his comment, there didn't seem to be as much malice in his words as there had been, almost as if he didn't want to be here anymore.
"Leave him alone," Jack growled, protectively pulling Jamie back by his side. He was so close to getting the other to back down, he couldn't let something as trivial as hatred set him back. Jamie needed him. So taking a deep breath he continued, "look at him," every instinct was going against what he had just said, he should be keeping attention away from Jamie so he could escape not willingly pointing him out but this may finally break the resolve. "Seriously look at him, and tell me you want to continue this…"
He could feel Jamie pull away from him and give an innocent hopeful smile towards their potential enemy and he could see the internal debate behind the winter spirits eyes.
"I suppose…" the other spirit said slowly creating the aura of consideration but Jack could see through it now. He wouldn't continue this with a child around. His presence was what had stopped the spirit in the first place. "I've already done what I came here for…" he trailed off, leaving his answer open. He fixed his gaze on Jamie, frowning slightly. For a moment Jack thought he saw something akin to sadness and remorse flicker across the spirit's features but in the next second the spirit launched himself into the air on a powerful gust of wind, high into the darkening sky and disappearing into the clouds. Jack put it down to the trick of the light at what he had just seen.
As soon as the winter spirit was out of sight, Jack's knees buckled with relief. Then he began to laugh, maybe a touch hysterical but it felt so good he couldn't help it. Jamie joined in shakily and Jack realised they must have been a sight, standing and kneeling in the middle of a frozen lake, a partially demolished ice barrier and debris from their battle still visible- the partially destroyed, snapped branches of the trees around the lake, the cracked ice, the small pile of rocks that lay scattered in the snow from where Jack had slammed into the rocks- and the two of them, Jack bruised and bleeding, giggling to themselves amidst it all. Finally, Jack managed to control himself and took a great gulping gasp to steady himself and regain his wits. His expression grew serious and sombre as he glanced up under the locks of white hair at his first believer.
"Thank you Jamie," he told him steadily.
"You did what you always do," Jamie replied calmly after he had regained control of himself, but still smiling warmly down at him, "You saved me."
"No, I think this time you saved me." Jack admitted seriously and brightened at the way the boy's eyes lit up at his words and he beamed with pride.
"Now, come on." He laboriously pulled himself back to his feet, giving himself a moment for the world to stop spinning, before offering one of his lopsided smirks that he had grown used to handing out, though this time there was some honesty behind it. "Let's get you home."
The walk back through the forest had been mostly silent, both boys too absorbed within processing what had just happened to put up much of a conversation. Jack stumbled every other step, an arm wrapped tightly around his side and leaning heavily on his staff. He could feel Jamie's concerned glances every now and then and tried his best to present a stronger appearance than how he felt. Jamie had worried enough about him today. It wasn't right for him to still be scared.
Inevitably, it was Jack who broke the silence, albeit sheepishly. "Is there any chance you can keep quiet to the other Guardians about this?"
Jamie's chestnut eyes widened in surprise at this and of course the sensible protests burst from his mouth before Jack could explain himself. "But why? What if this happens again and you're on your own? They won't even know that you're in danger. What if no one comes to save you this time?"
"Jamie, Jamie," Jack interrupted the flowing train of frantic worries that were being thrown at him, ignoring the throbbing in his head and throat. "I've survived on my own for three hundred years remember? I think I can still handle myself now." Jamie seemed to open his mouth to object but conceded at the truth behind his words. "Just leave the Guardians to me. I don't want them to fret over nothing and you know how they can be, they worry too much as it is, if they find out about this they'll fuss over me and probably confine me to the North Pole to keep me safe and by then, I'd probably die of boredom than from the other spirits who hate my guts. Not to mention I wouldn't be able to come down here and see you, and if I did it would probably be with an entourage because they still can't get into their thick skull that I can look after myself. That would mean we couldn't have half the fun that we would normally have."
Jamie considered his argument, debating over Jack's safety and ability and of course the opportunity of more adventures that were being promised if he kept his mouth shut. In the end it wasn't that hard a decision. Jack was living proof that he was indeed capable of looking after himself and Jamie had seen how powerful he was to be able to fight off a couple of spirits. There was also the added bonus of more adventures and trips to amazing places that was being offered. How could he say anything else?
Jack could see the conclusion grow in his eyes and smiled at his well placed words. At least he could always rely on Jamie to stick by his side.
"Okay," Jamie replied slowly, pretending to still be wavering on his decision, "I guess you have a point…" Jack grinned broadly at him. "But aren't they going to realise that themselves when they see you?" Jamie pointed out and indicated to Jack's battered state.
"Ah, hopefully I won't see them so soon which will give me a chance to heal the worst of these up or at least cover them up," Jack waved off. He had no idea how he looked but he could imagine it was pretty bad. Right now, he really needed to find a stream or something to clean himself up with. "Just leave it to me. I might end up telling them if they need to know but we don't need to worry about it now. Right now, we need to get you home."
They had come to the edge of the forest by now and Jack scanned the rapidly darkening sky that was washed with deep indigos and pale freckles of stars beginning to peek through the dark canopy.
"How's about we take the quick route?" Jack suggested with a smirk, indicating to his staff. However Jamie seemed hesitant.
"Are you sure?" he shifted nervously, "I mean, are you sure you can manage it?"
"Hey I much prefer flying to walking," Jack countered, "I think it would be better and not to mention quicker."
It didn't take long for the boy's resolve to crumble. After all, it wasn't everyday that you were offered the chance to go flying. Well, unless you were friends with Jack Frost.
Jack crouched down to allow the boy to clamber onto his back. Maybe not the best idea as he felt his bruised ribs and exhausted and wounded back flare in protest but he definitely wasn't liking the idea of walking when each step jolted his injuries. He preferred flying anyway. He was used to the Wind carrying him weightlessly, cushioning him with its gently currents and right now all he wanted was to fall into the comfort that the Wind provided, relish in the freedom and confidence that it bestowed him.
Once his passenger was securely settled on his back, Jack straightened slowly, shifted the weight so it was more evenly distributed and launched effortlessly into the air. He cringed against the pain as Jamie's small hands tightened instinctively around his neck at the sudden burst of speed. This wasn't the first time that Jamie had flown with Jack but he was always amazed at the effortlessness at which Jack controlled the wind and was struck by awe at the view from the air, not to mention the fact that he was flying.
Jack did his best to keep the pace relaxed so as not to overthrow his passenger but he couldn't help showing off slightly. He could feel Jamie's grin and startled gasps and wonder as they circled the houses and manoeuvred through the streets and buildings. The night air was icy, only a thin layer of clouds trying to trap the little heat that had come during the day.
He was almost as disappointed as Jamie when they touched down on the path before Jamie's house. Only when Jamie had climbed down from his back did he realise the pain and pressure that it had caused as it flared within him as Jamie's weight was removed and he straightened. He managed a strong smile towards Jamie as the boy watched him as he made the way to his front door, ready to disappear and take a long rest in a snow drift somewhere.
He had backed up, ready to fly off on the wind once more but he faltered when he saw Jamie hesitate with his hand on the handle. Frown covering his face when he saw Jamie's anxious expression when he turned back to face Jack.
"Can you…" Jamie hesitated, hand falling loose on its place on the door handle, trying to fix the winter spirit with a nervous glance, "Is there any chance…could you not leave yet?"
"Of course, Jamie," Jack spluttered, confused at the hesitancy of his believer. It was understandable that he was still a bit shaken and Jack would never have refused his request. There was also the worry that Jamie wanted to keep Jack close for as long as he could so that he knew he was safe and reassure himself that the winter spirit was alright.
Jamie visibly relaxed at his response, "My window should be open still. I'll meet you up there, you know, once I've dealt with my parents."
Jack cringed again, this time not with the pain but in shame at being the reason he had kept the boy out so late and probably made his parents worried sick, causing the lecture that was sure to follow.
"Good luck," Jack muttered before flying around the side of the house to climb inside through Jamie's window, which, as he had been promised, was open a crack.
That was when he first caught sight of his appearance in the reflection of the window pane, wincing at the sight. No wonder Jamie had been concerned.
The left side of his face was caked in dried blood from a gash on his head, framed with a purpling bruise. Another stormy bruise rested on his temple and deep and dangerous around his neck, not to mention the countless ones that would lie across the rest of his torso, the largest of which he could feel grudgingly taking its place on his right shoulder from when he had smashed into the rocks. He could already feel a lump beginning to form on the back of his head. Glancing quickly towards the door to make sure that he wouldn't be disturbed- he could already here the raised reprimanding voices from downstairs- he decided this would be the best time to assess his injuries and maybe clean up a bit.
Gingerly, he gripped the bottom of his hoodie, afraid for what he would find, and pulled it carefully up, flinching at the pain even this simple movement caused. He glanced down at the main problem, the source of the burning pain in his side. Deep black swept over his side, across the ribs that were definitely fractured, if not broken. The sight caused him to wince, his eyes unable to leave the spot, biting his lip to keep from crying out and in worry. This wasn't good. He could handle it- he had dealt with worse before- but healing would take longer and more painful. Just as carefully, he lowered the material once again to cover the damage. Out of sight, out of mind, a familiar voice chanted in his head.
He briefly considered taking the time to also check on his shoulder but after barely twisting to reach the fabric, agony blazed from his ribs and he abandoned the idea. He debated sneaking to the bathroom to clean himself up but didn't want to draw any more attention to himself so instead summoned a handful of snow and scrubbed it over the side of his face to get the blood off, gritting his teeth as he antagonised the bruises on his face.
He threw the now scarlet stained snow out the window, wrinkling his nose at the affronted colour and settled himself down on the windowsill to wait for Jamie. By the sounds of the angry tones that still pierced the calm night, he was in for a long wait.
Jack had almost dozed off by the time Jamie skulked in through the doorway, guilty and ashamed with his head hung low. He offered a sheepish half smile at his friend who had startled back into awareness at the sound of the door snapping shut.
"So," Jack asked slowly, customary smirk in place, "How'd it go?"
"I'm grounded," Jamie replied glumly, making his way to his bed and grabbing the neatly folded pyjamas on his pillow, "Until I can 'act like a grown-up' and not disappear without telling them where I'm going. They were more worried than anything else."
"Act like a grown-up?" Jack frowned in disgust, "You don't want to do that."
Jamie offered him a smile then his eyes flickered over Jack's face. "You look better now," noting the lack of dried blood on his friend's face.
"Wish I could say the same to you," Jack shot back with a grin, eager to take the attention away from his condition again. He had hidden the worst of it and had no intention of admitting it to Jamie.
Jamie rolled his eyes at the goad and nodded to the clothes in his arms, "I'm just going to get changed." He disappeared down the hallway to the bathroom and Jack pushed himself onto the ground.
Jamie returned minutes later and clambered beneath the covers of his bed, sinking deeply into the pillow immediately and eyes growing heavy.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Jamie's brown eyes still swam with concern as he examined his friend again.
"I'm fine," Jack assured, smiling down from where he stood beside the bed. "And I'm sorry. That shouldn't have happened, not when you were there. I should have just gotten you home as soon as he showed up."
"S'not your fault," Jamie mumbled tiredly, eyes fluttering, "Who was he anyway?"
"No one of your concern," Jack told him firmly, unconsciously pulling the covers further around the boy's shoulders.
"Don't leave," the request was more muttered through sleep as Jack pulled his hands away.
"I'm not going anywhere." A sad smile crossed his haggard features that no one was there to see. He watched over him, feeling his heart swell and for once feeling so very lucky in his long life. Gold sand swirled above the chocolate hair, twirling into a small scene of snowball fights and snow days. For once Jack felt content.
It was a while before he began to quietly pull the window back open for his departure which seemed to be glowing in the dull night. Jack groaned. No, the window wasn't glowing, the sky was. Vibrant green and a faint purple flickered back and forth, deeply contrasting the darkness of the night sky, overshadowing the faint wisps of stars.
He rubbed the back of his hand over his eyes, cursing his luck and suddenly feeling drained. Perching on the window ledge, he cast a forlorn look at the lights, dreading facing the rest of the Guardians so soon. He threw his strangely exhausted body into the air…but the wind didn't catch him.
He felt the Wind whip past him as he plummeted back down; crying out to catch its winter spirit but Jack's eyes had grown so very heavy. He was unconscious before he'd even hit the snowy ground.
Hope you enjoyed Chapter 2. I didn't plan on uploading this chapter yet but I was productive and got 2 more written down which made me feel better about posting this. Thanks to people who followed/favourited/reviewed. I really appreciate it. Let me know what you think about this one.
I forgot to put the disclaimer on the last chapter so I'll just add it here: I do not own Rise of the Guardians. It's pretty obvious, it wouldn't be nearly as good if I had wrote it. Hopefully I am close to finishing this so I can get more chapters out quicker and have time to edit them as I was only happy with the first few, the rest will need some work. Thought that it would be good to explain that Jamie and Jack have grown close since they met and I like the whole sibling bond between them which is why I added it here- I go into it a bit in a later chapter but thought I should explain quickly now, though they have been on a few of their own adventures. Anyway, hope you enjoy and please review. :)
Storylover (Guest)- Thank you, glad you like the first chapter and hope this one doesn't disappoint. The mysteries are still to be uncovered.
so. in. her. own. head- Thanks, you've reassured me now and my OC comes in next chapter. Glad you like the chapter, I give imaginary cookies for nice review. Yay!
Iwovcats101- Update! I'll try to update again soon. :)
coral. iturbe - (sorry if I get this wrong) Gracias. Espero que no tomé demasiado tiempo.