Jamie loved visiting Jack's lake. He loved how even in summer months, the water remained frozen, the air around it crispy. Usually, in Jack's off-season, the boy would come to be relieved from the blistering heat of Summer. In Fall, he waited here to try and glimpse Autumn as she frolicked adorably spreading her season with mirth.
Today however, was the middle of winter. Today he was waiting for the Guardian of Fun to arrive.
As the boy paced, a low growl reached his ears. He stiffened, listening carefully. It was the unmistakable sound of an angry beast. Jamie knew that Burgess had its share of wolves, and wandering the woods at night without Jack around was a forbidden activity to all the children. The sound worried him, for it was still the middle of the day.
Out of the trees, four snow/ice wolves leaped out at him,, teeth bared and mouths drooling. He jumped back and yelled, running for all he was worth, the strange creatures gaining ground fast. One latched onto his leg, and the boy fell, terrified, trying to curl up as the beasts began to pounce on him, teeth ripping into his arms, legs and back. A wolf got in his face ans snarled, jaws open to eat him alive.
Suddenly the beast was hooked by the crook of a shepherd's staff and thrown into the snow. Another followed, and the next two found themselves caught by their scruffs as a roar, like thunder, erupted out of the mouth of Jamie's rescuer. The wolves yelped but attacked the new prey, only to get their tails handed to them. The leader made a rush towards the boy, but the staff hook choked him as it yanked him back, to shatter against a tree. Seeing this the others howled in fright and ran deep into the woods to lick their wounds.
Jamie was surrounded by a chilling embrace, and he leaned into it, frightened and crying, but relieved that the Guardian had found him before it was too late.
"Shhhh. It's alright." The soothing voice of Jack Frost whispered "It's alright. You're safe now, Jamie. Hey bro...you're safe." The Guardian kicked himself mentally as he looked over the wounds the beasts-his beasts he reminded himself bitterly-had inflicted on the believer he considered to be his little brother.
"Jack..."His voice weak and scared wimpered, but he didn't care, "You came.."
"I always will, kid. You should know this by now." Jack chuckled "Now let's get you home."