And here we are for the next set of chapters. I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far.

Disclaimer: I don't own any works of fiction, non-fiction, or anything else referenced in these tales.

And now, let's proceed.

Chapter 6

A Plan Formed

Elsa paused, waiting to see Jack's reaction to this rather ordinary news. Jack's eyes grew wide, his breath becoming more ragged by the second. Clearly, this news was a little extraordinary to him.

Elsa didn't quite know what to make of this stranger. He seemed friendly and polite, even though he was a little loose with the proper way to address royalty. That being said, there was something that was a little guarded about this teenager. Almost like he was hiding something.

When Kristoff had come in with Jack a few days ago, Elsa hadn't known what to do. Kristoff had come running in with the boy, getting him near the fireplace, and insisting somebody go get Grandpabbie, the head troll. After a messenger and some soldiers had been sent out, Anna had asked for an explanation. According to Kristoff, the boy had been falling from a rather large height down to the snow below. He hadn't been able to see where Jack had come from, so he must have fallen from the mountains nearby. That was the best explanation Elsa could come up with, anyway.

When Grandpabbie arrived, he examined Jack to see if he was sick, had the plague, or if anything else had caused Jack's hair to turn from white to brown. Grandpabbie took a long look at Jack, moving his head and licking his face, all to say that there was nothing wrong with Jack. The boy was as normal as any other human. He just needed some rest, and he would be right as rain.

That wasn't to say that the boy himself was as normal as his condition. Hair didn't normally turn from white to brown and people didn't just appear out of nowhere. No doubt about it. There was something off about this Jack, and Elsa needed to find out what before telling him too much.

That was why Anna, Kristoff, and Sven were told to let Elsa do the talking when the boy woke up. Elsa hadn't wanted to be as mysterious and regal as she was appearing, but she wanted to be sure that this boy was trustworthy. So, she determined that she would check Jack's character after he woke up and see if he was honorable and noble. If Jack passed her test, then she could be more frank and helpful. If he didn't, then Jack would soon find himself on either a boat or sleigh ride out of Arendelle with a few months-worth of supplies. Tough decision, but anything to keep Arendelle safe.

Jack took a few deep breaths to calm himself, bringing Elsa back from her reflections. Maybe now, he could give some clear answers. "What's the last thing you remember, Jack? It seems you're a little shocked at the year, almost like you expected it to be a different year."

Jack's eyes flicked around, like he was trying to think of what to say. "I don't know. The last thing I remember is seeing snow, then falling. I wasn't entirely sure of the year. I don't keep track of time fully, so I was just a little surprised that 1844 was the year. It'd be the same reaction if I'd heard 1825 or 1813."

Elsa nodded. The explanation seemed to fit, and Jack didn't seem to be giving off any tell-tale signs that he was lying. So, he was either a master liar or he was telling the truth. But Elsa knew that one could tell part of the truth and not all of it.

Elsa also noticed that Jack was shivering a little. "Are you alright, Jack?"

Jack looked down at himself, a little surprised. "I guess I'm a little cold. Feeling a little tired as well, now that I think about it."

Before Elsa could respond, Anna walked over to Jack. "Well, of course you're a little tired. You're recovering in a rather strange place. I'd be happy to walk you back to your room. You'll feel much better when you've rested a little, guaranteed.

Elsa was about to say that Jack should stay here a little longer, but Anna gave her a look. That was a look that politely said to back off. Well, that reaction made sense. Anna hadn't liked the order to stay quiet. It kind of went against her character. But didn't she know that Elsa was only trying to keep her safe?

Still, Elsa didn't want to be rude to Jack. Whether or not she trusted him, he was still a guest at Arendelle. That meant that she needed to treat him fairly. Besides, this whole guarded attitude was really starting to get tiring. Reminded her too much of the years when she isolated herself.

Elsa nodded her consent, and Anna went out of the room, followed by Olaf. They would see him safely back, and then she would need to get back to the responsibilities of ruling Arendelle.

Tomorrow, Jack would be recovered. Grandpabbie had said as much after his examination. Just to be careful with how much food Jack ate, and he would be good. Once he was ready, Elsa knew she would be able to better determine Jack's character.

Jack walked back with Anna and Olaf. He still couldn't believe his ears. 1844! He couldn't believe he had somehow gone back at least one hundred and seventy years. He also couldn't believe that he had answered the questions asked by Elsa excellently. Still telling the truth without revealing his Guardian status. Jack was on a roll today.

Jack was feeling tired though. While he had been feeling better before, he was starting to feel tuckered out again. He would probably feel better with a little rest.

"Hey, are you alright, Jack?" asked the girl walking with him.

Jack looked over and gave her a smile. "I'm fine, thank you for checking. Nothing a little rest won't cure. I'll be right as rain after that, that's what sleep helps with."

"I don't really sleep. I just like to walk around the hallways and the village." said Olaf. Jack could tell from the snowman's expression that he was just stating a fact. He wasn't being mean or creepy or sarcastic.

The woman looked down at Olaf. "That's very true, Olaf. However, Jack will need some sleep to get a little better. He's like Kristoff."

Olaf nodded. "So, he also likes to share food with a reindeer and occasionally sleep in the stables?"

Anna sighed. "Not exactly, Olaf. I'll tell you later."

She turned back to Jack. "I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Anna, Queen Elsa's sister."

Jack blinked. This woman was related to the regal ruler back there? Anna seemed completely different than Elsa in terms of personality and appearance.

It must have shown on his face, because Anna commented, "I know that there are some personality differences, and that Elsa can come across as distant and dignified. But she's gone through a lot, and is starting to reconnect with me, Olaf, and the others. It takes her a while to trust others. Just give her some time, I'm sure she'll come around."

Jack coughed a little, trying to cover up his apparent shock. "I'm sure that's the case. Well, maybe I'll win her over once I'm rested."

Anna nodded. "I'm sure that'll be the case. I've got a good feeling about you, Jack. I was right about Elsa when everyone else disagreed with me, and I know I'm right about you. If you need any help, just pull the rope in your room. One of the servants will come over to assist you."

Jack nodded. It was nice that he had two friends here. Both Olaf and Anna seemed nicer than Elsa. H wasn't quite sure what to make of the blond boy. Based on Olaf's comment, Jack assumed that that was Kristoff. Something to check later. Right now, he needed a moment to think and sleep.

After they approached Jack's room and Jack said goodbye, he went in and closed the door. He then sat down to think about his situation. Somehow, he had gone back in time to 1844. The other Guardians wouldn't believe it if they ever found out about it. But that wasn't important right now.

What was important was the question of how Jack was going to get home. He wasn't entirely sure how he got to the past, so he couldn't use whatever route he had taken to get here. He also couldn't reach out to any of the Guardians. Even if he knew how to contact any here, he didn't know how that would affect the space-time continuum. Ever since watching those time travel films with the DeLorean, Jack had always reminded himself to never meet his past self, or any of the other Guardians' past selves for that matter. Occasions Jack had never had to consider before now.

However, there was one Guardian of the present Jack could try reaching. Jack's dreams so far had been of the past. Did that mean time was relative in dreams? If so, maybe he could try reaching to the Sandman in the present through his dreams. Sandy would know what to do, Jack thought. Maybe it was as simple as thinking of Sandy while falling asleep.

Yes, that made sense. Jack would fall asleep, reach out to Sandy in his dreams, and hopefully get a way to get out of here. Those were Jack's thoughts as he got into bed and prepared to sleep. As he fell asleep, he made sure to think of Sandy, how he looked, what he wore, and the way he talked. Ten seconds after getting in bed, Jack fell asleep.

And that is the end of this chapter. As always, please rate and review.