Crystal Springs

by SafyreSky

It's been nearly a year since the Thaw and things are looking...not so great. Jack's powers are seemingly gone and the Dome covering the North Pole is melting. The solution? Enacting the Legate Law, bringing Jack and the sister he hurt so many years ago together again. With his powers gone and his sister on the fritz, saving everyone just got a little more complicated. [Rewritten!]

31. Chapter 30: What Comes Next

Chapter 30: What Comes Next

What felt like only minutes later, Elle woke up quietly.

Blinking, she lifted herself carefully off of Jacqueline's pillow, eyes trained on her face.

She was calm. The frown was gone; her temple smooth once more. She looked peaceful.

Elle sighed in relief. She moved to sit up properly, barely able to right herself before a pair of warm arms wrapped around her tightly.

"Elle."

She frowned in confusion. "B?"

"Hey. I was worried."

"Oh! Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you." Hugging him back, Elle looked over his shoulder cautiously.

A small crowd had gathered around Jacqueline's bed. Nurses swarmed; Doc Marten stood on the other side of the bed, diagnostics screens pulled up. Hismus stood just behind Bernard, pen and clipboard in hand.

Oh. Whoops, she thought.

"Sorry Miss Elle!" Hismus chuckled, flashing her a soft smile. "Once Doc Marten told me what had happened and how much time had elapsed, I thought it best to call your emergency contact."

Elle's confusion deepened. "It's only been a few minutes?"

"More like an hour," Bernard said, pulling out of the hug and sinking into the chair beside her. "Are you okay? What did you do? What happened?"

"Yeah! Yeah. I'm fine, B. Stop worrying." Smiling softly, she pressed her forehead against his and switched to their direct line. I mind melded with Jacqueline.

Bernard's eyes widened. You did what?

That's best as I can explain it, she offered, shrugging.

"Brain activity seems to have spiked multiple times in the last hour, and then slowed, and then…oh. Interesting. It's stabilized." Marten frowned thoughtfully. "Did you perhaps go into the mindscape?"

Elle nodded.

Bernard cracked a grin. "Elle, that's amazing!"

"You can thank Jacqueline for the progress. Y'know. When she decides to rejoin the land of the living. Is she okay?"

"From what I managed to…gather when Adria was explaining it earlier, she may very well be. If you have the energy, would you mind sharing what happened while you were in her mindscape?"

"Of course!"

"Are you sure, Elle? It can wait."

"Trust me, B. It really can't." she gave his hands a reassuring squeeze before turning back to Hismus and Marten. "I don't know how to explain it, but it was kind of like she pulled me in?"

"That checks out!" Hismus chuckled. "It's a whole field of magical health sciences, after all! One of the most common treatments for patients dealing with mindscape troubles involves sending someone in directly. This of course comes much easier to those gifted with telepathy!" He chuckled once more, scribbling some notes on his clipboard. "It's no surprise that a magibean as powerful as Miss Frost, with a friend such as yourself, Miss Elle, would be able to do that sort of thing. While I'm not an expert in the mind field, I've been told that the inner selves can be quite persuasive when under duress. Now then! Tell us. What happened while you were in there?"

Taking a deep breath in, Elle told them what had happened.

She started with the goop. How the goop was everywhere; how it was blocking things up and upon closer inspection turned out to be intrusive thoughts. She explained how something had been done to the potion that not only did what it was intended to do, but had managed to block out her mental links and successfully cause specific memory loss.

"That is one heck of a drought! Adria is going to want to hear about this."

"We can tell her later," Bernard said, giving Elle's hand a reassuring squeeze.

Elle squeezed back thankfully. "Yeah, I don't think I have the energy for an Adria level interaction."

"I'll take notes," Marten decided. "You managed to break through the thought-imposed barriers, correct?"

Elle nodded. "I hit them with positive thoughts and made sure to think way louder than them."

Bernard snickered. "A challenge I'll bet, given how loud Jacqueline is normally."

"B!"

"You know she'd agree with me."

"I think she'd snowball you, actually."

"But then she'd agree."

Elle could practically hear the snowball whoosh by and the ensuing that's fair though or you're not wrong that would've happened had Jacqueline been awake. She smiled to herself, glancing down at her friend briefly before continuing with her recounting, explaining how the positive, reassuring thoughts, coupled with the fond memories, helped her to break through the barriers and make her way to subconscious Jacqueline.

"…and after a brief conversation, we faced the snowdrifts that kept hitting her together. Turns out they were her memories of the blackouts. Once we faced them, they kinda like. Turned into snowballs? But they were glowing. Jacqueline grabbed them and the snowstorm and winds and everything just stopped."

"Fascinating!" Hismus exclaimed, Marten's pen furiously racing across her page. "And the mindscape itself, outside of the subconscious. How was that looking?"

"Brighter! Clearer. There were less wispy thoughts. The barrier that had been around the mindscape Jacqueline was gone, and she looked like she was resting peacefully. Then I woke up back here." Elle shrugged.

"Excellent! That's major improvement, and a huge progression for Jacqueline's recovery. If I'm not mistaken, I believe we'll be seeing a turnover in the next twenty-four hours."

"You mean she'll be waking up?" Elle asked, both her and Bernard perking up.

"Not quite!" Hismus chuckled. "She's a sprite. Once she passes through the magical coma, she'll be shifting into sprite sleep mode, most likely."

"Which isn't much different," Marten continued. "Though activity should show all across the board! It will be very slow, though. Sprite sleeps can be like hibernation in some cases. I've never actually seen one! I've been told it can be pretty creepy."

"Is it?" Elle asked Bernard, eyebrow raised.

Bernard shrugged. "The one time I was around when she was having a sprite sleep, she seemed fine. Just slept like a log. Which I guess for some people may be a little creepy, given how still she was and how slow the breathing was."

"But rest assured! Completely natural for a sprite."

"So do we know when she'll be waking up?"

"We won't know for sure until the shift happens. Generally when sprites start rousing from a sprite sleep it's all at once. But, given the potioning and the magical coma…"

"It may be slightly different," Hismus chuckled.

"But! We'll keep our eyes on her, and I'll be sure to update her family as they come in."

"No need," Elle said, getting up. "I'll go tell them."

Bernard shot up, too. "Wait a sec, Elle. Your wrist."

"Hmm?" she looked down at her wrist. The bracelet monitoring her vitals was still wrapped around it comfortably, glowing brightly. "Oh! Right. I forgot all about it."

"Oh, good! That was the goal with the design," Marten said, making her way to Elle's side. "Comfortable enough that you don't even feel it there! Here, let me take care of that for you."

"But is she good to go?"

Marten paused, pulling up Elle's vitals once more. She eyed her holographic screen carefully for a moment, then nodded. "Yep! Everything looks good!" swiping it away, she tapped the top corner. The bracelet deactivated with a small beep, the lights going out. It loosened, Elle sliding it right off of her wrist.

"And no red marks! Great job on the design, guys."

"Don't thank us! R and D were the ones who made our ideas tangible," Marten said.

"I'll pop by on my rounds and give them the kudos myself," Bernard decided. "We're good to go?"

Marten nodded. "Yep! Take it easy though, Elle; if you find yourself feeling any nausea or headaches, OTC medicine should take care of it easily enough! Elfvil or Fae Brand. Whichever you prefer. But if either of those symptoms worsen, or you experience any nosebleeds, let us know, okay?"

"I'll let you know."

"Great! In that case, you're free to go. Wait, sorry, Hismus is technically on the floor now, not me! Dr. Hismus, are they free to—"

Hismus cut her off with a laugh. "Of course! Follow Dr. Marten's orders and you'll be right as rain."

"Of course! Thanks for letting me help her. I appreciate it."

"So do we!" Marten said.

"And I'll bet Jacqueline appreciated it, too," Bernard said, all three of them glancing back at her bed.

Jacqueline did not reply.

---

So off Elle went, happy to update the Frosts on what had happened.

Then off Jack went, beelining for the Elfirmary and staying proper put for the next few days, which somehow managed to both drag on and fly by for him.

He was relentless in his staying put. So much so that he barely took breaks unless absolutely necessary, and even then they were as short as he could possibly manage. He had only popped off once for a proper long freshen up. Apparently, despite his insisting that he smelt perpetually like a bundle of roses and tantalizing spices, Winter still thought he looked like a sort of drowned, mangy cat and that he'd benefit from a bit of a rest and a shower.

She had been right, of course, but Jack had not appreciated the comparison to a drowned cat. He wasn't even a cat person! But, he reminded himself, she was only looking out for him and Jack couldn't fault her for that. (And he had to admit that the mongrel of a cat Jacqueline had adopted, the Dust Bunny himself, was kind of cute.)

Blaise and Winter hadn't left the Pole, either. They'd stayed the entire time, more often than not present in the Elfirmary with him, the three of them keeping their eyes on Jacqueline as they shot the snow.

And though their presence in the Elfirmary was not as constant, the Twins had stuck around, too. Fino bopped out briefly to check on the aforementioned furry mongrel each day, but aside from that they had stayed put with the rest of the family.

Well. As "put" as they were capable of "staying", given their penchant for not sitting still.

They had been a huge help for Bernard and Elle during the first day. They had warmed the shop up in record time, as both head elves had expected. But they were also very helpful with odds and ends as they were lead around the shop. Bernard had happily informed the other department heads and the twins found themselves with no short supply of things to do to keep them occupied. Fiery incidents remained minimal, with the exception of a tiny on-fire archery incident down in R and D. Curtis seemed fine though, and Fiera had had a blast practising her Katniss impersonation, quite literally when her skirt had actually caught on fire, or so the elves said.

"What do you mean, caught?!" Fiera had exclaimed, indignant. "It didn't CATCH. I SET IT on fire!"

Goddess forbid anyone confuse the two, Jack had thought to himself with a chuckle as Fiera went on and on about setting versus catching fire, quite animatedly.

Post "Twincidents", as Jack had dubbed them, he'd find himself in their company as Blaise and Winter bowed out for damage control, or work-related nonsense. The twins were full of questions as per the usual, and very witty, Jack came to learn. He had spent many an hour listening to the two of them debate the soot out of any given subject. It had made for hours of amusement since, y'know, nothing else very interesting was happening, given that Jacqueline was still out cold.

It wasn't until about day three that something changed.

It was mid-afternoon. Fiera and Fino were hotly debating if a hot dog could be considered a sandwich (Fiera thought yes, Fino thought not TECHNICALLY) when suddenly they both stopped short, mouths still open and fingers still in the air. Jack watched as their eyes moved down to look at Jacqueline at the exact same time in the exact same manner, nothing but the flames on their little heads moving. He perked up, leaning forward, not entirely sure how to approach a Fino and Fiera have stopped working situation when suddenly, they erupted. Shouting and laughing they hopped off the bed, hooting and hollering and waving their arms all about, barely containing their sparks.

"FINS! DID YOU SEE THAT!"

"I DID! I DID SEE THAT!"

"JACK! JACK! SHE'S DOIN' A SPRITE SLEEP! SHE DID THE SHIFT!"

"LOOK! LOOK AT HER!"

Silently Jack had popped up, grabbed each twin by the shoulder and gently pulled them back. He watched for a moment, trying to see what exactly the pair of them had noticed.

"SHE'S LESS TENSE—"

"AND THE BREATHING—

"AND THE—"

"CALMLY," Jack cut in, hoping he had imitated Blaise's cadence enough to silence them as efficiently as he did.

To his delight, he found that he had.

They both stopped, took deep breaths in, and Fino took the lead, pointing out the loss of tension and the steady breathing. It was a little louder, and every fourth breath was a bit like a tiny snore.

She was still, but sleepy still. Not coma still.

That had lightened everyone's mood considerably.

With Jacqueline on the cusp of waking up (or so they all hoped and presumed), Jack was even more adamant on staying put. So much so that even the twins joined in on Blaise and Winter's self-care strategies, all four of them making sure Jack took appropriate breaks—even if they had to force him.

And the Twins could be very convincing, what with their cute little faces and all the fire. Fire which they had no qualms about using on their older brother, should the need arise. And Jack was fairly certain the bar for said need to arise was so low it was practically non-existent. So the days continued to blur by, now with extra fire.

He sighed, shifting in his chair. Day five had rolled around and with it, lunchtime; he was already mentally preparing himself and bracing for impact, depending on who was going to come by to try to coax him out for food today.

The Elfirmary was quiet; what with it being the twenty-third, toy prep was just about done. The entire day would be taken up by loading the sleigh and the bag, right up until midnight on Christmas Eve when Santa would set off, hitting up the farthest side of the world and making his way around it, to be home just in time for Christmas Day.

Jack wasn't really a Christmas guy. But seeing his sister still passed out, her condition unchanged since she shifted into sleep mode, had him really badly hoping she'd also make it home in time for Christmas.

"Now I really sound like Dad, eh?" he thought out loud.

Jacqueline did not reply.

Jack sighed.

Outside the Elfirmary, Winter walked by. Her voice was low, dress swishing as she passed the doors. The Twins trailed behind her, Fino talking her ear off as they headed down the hallway. One set of footsteps stopped in front of the doors, the soft fwip of the door being gently pushed open tickling Jack's ears.

It stayed like that for a moment, Jack hearing an occasional spark or two, before fwipping shut again, footsteps skipping down the hall. Shoulders sagging, he dropped the tension.

There was mumbling outside in the hall; too far for him to clearly make out. The door fwipped open again, a pocket of warmth moving through the Elfirmary and stopping beside Jack.

"Mind if I join?"

Equal parts confused and intrigued, Jack glanced over at Fiera, head slightly tilted. "Sure. Pull up a chair."

With a bright smile, Fiera looked around, spotting a chair across the room. She skipped over, grabbed it by the top and dragged it across the tiles, loud scraping ricocheting off the vaulted ceiling. The nurses on duty frowned, glaring at the noise as Fiera brought it right over to Jack's side. Looking mighty pleased with herself, she shifted it into place, hopped on it, and scooted it forward, the final few scrapes garnering some actual sneers.

"You," Jack paused to laugh. "You could've picked it up, Fiera."

"I know, but I needed that, you know? A little bit of healthy chaos." She squirmed in her seat, briefly lifting up to fold a leg underneath her before sitting down comfortably. "It's weird here for too long, have you noticed that?"

"I have."

"I feel like I'm turning into an elf."

"Turning into an—" Jack laughed again, straightening up in his seat and facing Fiera fully. "You're not gonna turn into an elf."

"I know that! Bernard said the same thing! But like, it feels that way, you know? It's UNSETTLING. How'd you do it?"

"Do what?"

"Stay up here ALL YEAR and just. EXIST?"

"I frequent the Pole! Even, y'know. Before all this," he said, gesturing around them.

"Did you EVER feel unsettled?"

"On the rare occasion, perhaps. Not recently, of course. But in my younger years, y'know, maybe around Jacqueline's age, yes, there were some extended stays that had me feeling like that. You get used to it, I suppose."

They were silent for a bit, the pair of them watching Jacqueline closely.

"If it was Fino here, I'd be doing the exact same thing as you are."

Jack perked up. "Oh?"

"Of course," Fiera nodded, looking serene. Thoughtful. It was strange to see, Jack thought. "He's my twin, and I love him to bits! If anything like this happened to him, I'd stay by his side the entire time and it'd take a whole entire army to move me."

Jack chuckled. "So, Mom and Dad?"

Fiera frowned, shrugged, then nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, probably." She turned to look at him, with an inquisitive gaze that looked very reminiscent of the twin in question. "You…you know it's not your fault, right?"

"I know. But it's hard to not feel somewhat responsible for it, you know? I really hurt her, Fiera. Like, a lot."

Fiera nodded wisely. "Oh, I know. But you guys are working through it!"

"Seemingly."

"Seemingly?"

"Seemingly. We're seemingly working through it. It's—in light of everything it feels superficial. We're working through it but given everything that happened…are we really making any progress at all?"

"Oh." Fiera frowned thoughtfully for a moment, squirming back in her seat. "Nah, you're doing alright."

"You weren't outside, Fiera. She was…really mad about everything."

"Well no SOOT, Sherlock!" Fiera straightened, her hair flaring as she crossed her arms, glaring at him. "Of course she was! And IS! Can you blame her? Sounds like YOU did a whole lotta fresh nonsense, Jack. But like. You're working through it! You know that working through stuff doesn't happen like BAM, right?"

"Like BAM?"

"Y'know, like, speedy fast? Lickety-split?"

"Instantaneously? Right away? Like that?" Jack snapped his fingers.

"Yeah, dude! It's a PROCESS! You'll talk about some things. A bit at a time. But there may also be other things she isn't ready to chat about, and some things that'll fester for a bit. But you guys are cool! You'll work through it at your own pace. And you are! It's only been like a month. Chill out!"

Jack stared at Fiera, mouth agape.

"What? C'mon dude. Fino isn't the only smarty pants in this family. He's book smart! I'm street smart," Fiera grinned, giving Jack a double thumbs up, her hair brightening.

"Wow," Jack finally said. "I'll have you know, Fiera, that I invented chill."

"Then act like it."

"Oh! Shots fired! You're. You. That was spicy."

She looked very proud of herself. "Thank you!"

"That wasn't a compliment."

"T'was to me," she grinned up at him.

Jack smiled to himself, shaking his head and leaning back in his chair. He sighed, once again watching Jacqueline. Beside him, Fiera shifted closer, her hair simmering at the ends.

"I get it too, you know."

"Hmm?"

"What you guys are going through. I get it."

"Oh?"

"Yeah," Fiera looked away with a frown, rubbing her arm. "I was really, really angry when I learnt about you." Her hair glowed white hot.

"Oh."

"Not BECAUSE of you though, yes, when I finally learnt what you did I was a lil' angry. But I was angry angry because our parents decided it was best to NOT tell us about someone who, in MY opinion, is kinda important to know about!"

"You think I'm important?"

"Well yeah! You were—are important to Jacqueline. And you were Mom and Dad's first so like, you paved the way for the rest of us! I just. It felt WRONG to have them make that decision for us, you know? Like, I get it. We were BABIES and you'd never met us, and they didn't think you ever WOULD. And I know there was a lot of hurt and unprocessed grief and traumas and stuff from you leaving and the whole dee-oh-dee thing. I understand their reasons…but I don't have to like them! And I DIDN'T!" her hair flared, ends arcing out. "And I made sure to FINALLY tell them that when we opened up about all these things last year!"

She sighed. Steam drifted out of her mouth on the exhale. Hair gently dimming to a simmer, she pulled up her legs and hugged her knees, chin resting between them. "It hurts a bit to not feel like people trust you enough to make your own decisions."

Moved, Jack shifted forward in his seat, arms dropping. He reached out, his hand glowing blue before he rested it on Fiera's shoulder. The effect was instantaneous. There was a slight hiss. The redness in her face went down and she smiled, turning her cheek and gazing at Jack. "Thank you. That's nice. Jacqueline does that for me too sometimes! It's refreshing."

"You're welcome," Jack smiled. "I'm sorry you feel that way. You're right. It isn't…it doesn't feel great, to have your agency taken away like that. Even if you were babies. And though sometimes they may be onto something—"

"ONLY sometimes," Fiera specified, head bopping up.

"It still hurts all the same."

"Yeah. Thanks for understanding, Jack."

"Thanks for sharing."

She smiled. "Fino's important to me. And so is Jacqueline. And so are you! I love all my siblings, and knowing them, whether they're there or NOT, is important to me. So yeah. It was kind of sucky to learn why they never told us about you. And like, Frost isn't a common name here! Fino and I both wondered when you came up in conversation, in like, school and stuff! But we never felt like we could ask. And that SUCKED! But Jacqueline…" Fiera uncurled, legs dangling off the chair again. "She came in clutch. She told us all about you when nobody else would. And she was sad, yeah. But more than that, she was excited! She lit up when she told us all about you and the shenanigans you guys did together and how you taught her EVERYTHING even when you weren't there! Fino's been trying to figure that one out for years. He's convinced it's literal, but I think it's like a metaphorical thing, you know? He's not though, and keeps bugging Jacqueline about it but she's as stubborn as the iceberg that sunk the Titanic." Fiera paused for breath frowning in thought. "Uh, what was my point again?"

"Forgiveness is a process?" Jack guessed.

"RIGHT! YEAH! IT IS! So yeah, she's angry about some stuff. And you feel bad about some stuff still, too. And I'm sure you want to talk about all of it and she's only up for some of it and it's not gonna be that easy to fix, Jack. It's gonna be a process. I'm sure there's lots more talks you need to have and that you'll both have, eventually! But she missed you! A lot! And I know that she's happy you're back and yeah it'll take time but you guys will eventually work everything out. You just gotta have a little patience."

"That's funny coming from you."

Fiera cackled, quite literally glowing. "I know! I also know that if the roles were switched, and you were there? Instead of her? She'd be right here by your side doing the exact same thing for you that you are for her."

"You really think so?"

"I KNOW so." She stood in her seat, serving Jack with a look of fierce intensity. "Jack, you shoulda seen her when Fins and I finally asked her who you were. She was really really happy and excited to tell us all about you. You did so much for her before you left! You taught her everything! She loves you a lot. She's not gonna blame you in the slightest. And you shouldn't blame you either."

"You're very silly, you know? But you have a point. It's just. It's very hard to accept that I'm not fully to blame here."

"Bro, Uncle Pyros is MESSED UP. His choices are his own; not yours! You're not responsible for what he did to Jacqueline or dad or even yourself! You choose how you feel, not anyone else! It's not all on you, dude," Fiera smiled, gently punching his arm.

Jack chuckled. "Well, thank you, hotshot. When you put it that way you make a very convincing point."

"No problem, cool guy! I try. Like a lot, actually. Really hard," she admitted, plunking back down in her seat. "I act first and ask questions later like, a lot. But I'm working on it! As best as I can at my wee little age," she sighed, throwing back her head and placing the back of her hand on her forehead.

"Wee little age? Fiera, you're over a thousand years old, that's not. That's not wee or little anymore!"

"You'd think, right?" she sprang up very fast. "But I'm still the SAME SIZE I was when I was like, eight hundred! I cannot WAIT for my growth spurt. I'm gonna be taller than YOU."

"Don't you dare."

"Challenge accepted."

Jack smiled, the pair of them falling into a comfortable silence. They watched the reassuring rise and fall of Jacqueline's chest, the warmth from Fiera's everything oddly comforting.

"Have you eaten or freshened up or anything yet?"

"No, not yet."

"I can hold down the fort for you, if you want! And you can go to the kitchens and grab some lunch! Mom and Dad and Fins are there now. I can tell him if anything happens, and he can tell you! You go take care of yourself, Jack."

"What about you?"

She served Jack with a very conniving smirk. "I snuck into the kitchens earlier for some grub."

"And how'd that go?"

"Pretty well! Until I crashed into Bernard. My sneak was FOILED but he ate with me and told me I wasn't going to become an elf, so that was nice. I was worried."

Jack couldn't help but laugh.

"ANYWAY," Fiera shouted, jumping up in the chair again. "GO! BE GONE! OFF YOU FROST! I WILL WATCH JACQUELINE AND REPORT BACK IF ANYTHING HAPPENS!" she saluted, still standing on the chair.

Jack laughed "At ease, soldier! I'm going," he said, getting up, feeling a lot better than he had been before. "Thanks, Fiera."

"No problem," she replied with a careless wave, hopping back down in her seat. "If she wakes up before you get back I'll knock her out so you can be here when she opens up her eyeballs."

"Please don't knock out our sister."

"DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!"

Stricken by how similar her don't tell me what to do was to Jacqueline's I do what I want, Jack couldn't help but laugh as he made his way out and over to join the rest of the Frosts for lunch.

As soon as the doors fwipped shut behind him, Fiera slid off of her chair, pushing Jack's chair closer to Jacqueline's bed. Clambering onto it, she tucked her legs underneath her, perched on her knees. Being sure to mind her sparks, she leant forward, elbows resting on the bed.

"It's a SHAME you didn't hear that. That was so mature of me. Actually, it was way too much emotional maturity for my me. I think we're all really beginning to lose it up here, Jacqueline." She peered at her sister hopefully, waiting for the next rise and fall of her chest quietly. She sighed. "Everyone misses you. I miss you. Lots! Please wake up soon."

There was the tiniest hint of desperation in her voice. Her flaming hair dimmed, everything but the edges extinguishing. The nurses who had heard her speak shared such sad looks between each other, giving the little sprite space as she watched her sister closely.

Jacqueline let out a little snore.

Fiera couldn't help but giggle. Losing some tension she settled in, eyes narrowing. "I've got my eyes on you, big sis."

---

The kitchen was bustling, last minute cookies and treats and gingerbread houses being wrapped and rushed out as fast as possible. Jack found himself dodging multiple tiny chefs as he made his way to the table, beelining for the brightly lit spot where Blaise and Winter sat, Fino inhaling a bowl of mac and cheese in front of them. He rounded the table, tuning into the conversation as he took the empty seat beside his brother.

"You know what I was just thinking? And I can't believe I'm about to say this—"

"That there are far too many puns here?"

"YES," Blaise agreed, relieved. "EXACTLY that. EVERYTHING is an elf pun here. Everything! I think I'm going crazy. Today I had a thought that was actually for real "I miss City Hall", can you believe it?"

"Oh dear. Maybe you were onto something, Jack darling," Winter joked, watching carefully as Jack sat down, whooshing his jacket out behind him. He grumbled noncommittally, tucking into his plate.

Blaise and Winter shared a look. Winter cocked an eyebrow; Blaise nodded.

"Still the same, then?"

Jack nodded, swallowing his bite. "Not a single change," he clarified, mouth no longer full. "Still the same as ever. This is day five, dad. It's…concerning."

"We'll check in after lunch when today's doctor does the rounds. Maybe they'll have some news. Or have seen something we haven't."

Jack scoffed, focusing on his plate. Blaise frowned, sharing another concerned look with Winter. Beside Jack, Fino looked sad. Placing his fork down, he poked Jack's hand.

"Hmm?"

"She's gonna be okay, Jack," he said, laying his hand flat on top of Jack's. It was very warm.

"I hope so."

"She will be. She has to. For Mom and Dad and Fiera and Me…and you, Jack."

Jack came back to himself in that moment. He looked at his brother, Fino's big golden eyes hopeful. He looked up at his parents, just catching the pair of them share a heartfelt look amongst themselves before looking back at Jack, reassuring smiles on their faces. Blaise's eyes were watery; Winter was actively tearing up, her hand delicately resting on her collarbone.

Jack smiled. "Thanks, Fino."

---

Something was changing.

Fiera wasn't sure what, and while normally she'd ask Fino about it, she didn't want to miss a single detail. She didn't want to cry wolf either; she'd hate to see how crushed everyone would be if she was wrong.

So she sat, eyes growing wider by the minute, so much so that she was sure they'd pop right out of her eye holes, which would really suck because she needed them to see and it'd suck for Jacqueline because that'd definitely be an unpleasant thing to wake up to, wouldn't it?

Fiera pictured it for a moment. Gross. Most definitely unpleasant and maybe even a little horrifying.

She closed her eyes for a moment, rubbing them briefly before watching Jacqueline closely once again. She had been snoozing soundly, still as a board and totally not moving, until about ten minutes after Jack left. That's when she had started to stir.

Fiera had perked up, watching her closely. Jacqueline's eyelids were fluttering every so often, before shutting tight once more. She grumbled. A look of consternation; a bit of a frowny face, Fiera would say. A breathy exhale.

"Ou. Ou. Ouuuuuuuuuuu she's waking up, isn't she?" Fiera poked her cheek. "Jacqueline?" Another poke. "Jacquelineeeeeeeeee."

A hand came up, swatting her away. More grumbling.

"OH IT'S HAPPENING! IT'S HAPPENING!"

Fiera sprung right off the chair, running in place in a circle as she sought out the warm red thread that was her link to her twin. She inhaled mentally, and yelled right over their connection, "HOLY SOOT FINS IT'S HAPPENING! IT'S HAPPENING! GET JACK AND GET OVER HERE, HOLY MOTHER FU—"

---

There was a sticky plunk as a noodle fell off of Fino's fork, splashing into the sauce on his plate.

Still as a statue he stopped, mouth half open, fork halfway up to his mouth. Eyes widening, he gasped, his hair going out completely.

"Fino dear? Are you okay?"

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH," He screamed, hopping up onto his chair. The fork clattered onto the plate. "JACK WE GOTTA. WE GOTTA GO." Hopping down from his chair, he grabbed Jack's arm, pulling him ferociously to the exit.

"What? Why? What's going on—why are you so strong—" Knocking his chair down in an attempt to avoid tripping over it, Jack scrambled to regain his balance as Fino tugged him forward relentlessly.

"FIERA SAYS IT'S HAPPENING, MAN! WE GOTTA GO! HOLY SOOT!"

Something seemed to click then, for Jack. Suddenly serious, he righted himself, Winter and Blaise watching with mounting perplexity as the boys ran out of the kitchens, nearly tripping over several elves, a truck of cookie tins, and each other.

"It's happening? What's it?" Blaise looked around. "Where's Fiera?"

"Already ate. She asked if she could keep Jack company in the Elfirmary and—oh! Blaise, darling, you don't think that Jacqueline is—"

Understanding lit their faces at the same time. They shot up, chairs scraping across the floor as they cleared the table and ran after the boys, hand in hand.

---

Moments later, the Elfirmary doors slammed back, hitting the walls with a loud BANG. Jack rushed into the room, Fino hot on his heels. Fiera was hopping in place; she wasted no time at all in updating them, yelling right across the Elfirmary floor.

"SHE WAS TWITCHING! THEN SHE GOT ALL FROWNY! AND THEN SHE DID THAT THING WHERE SHE SHOOS ME WHEN I POKE HER FACE? AND NOW LOOK, SHE'S DOING THAT THING WITH HER FOOT! AND! AND! AND! WATCH THIS. WATCH THIS." Hopping onto the chair and pursing her lips, Fiera slowly reached out and poked the very tip of Jacqueline's nose.

Her forehead wrinkled; she frowned, swatting Fiera away once more, turning her cheek away.

"SEE? SEE? I CAN DO IT AGAIN—"

"I think he gets it, Fi," Fino said, gently tugging her arm. Nodding in a way she thought to be wise, Fiera hopped off the chair, offering it back to Jack.

"Your seat, good sir."

Jack chuckled. "Thank you kindly little madam." He took his seat, ruffling her hair on the way down. "And thank you for the heads up."

Fiera pouted, shaking out her hair and patting down the top of it. It did absolutely nothing. With an annoyed sigh and a scrunch of her nose, she lit it up instead. "No problemeo, Jack."

Behind them, the sheets rustled. Jacqueline sighed quietly.

The Twins watched as Jack turned his attention to the bed, scooting the chair forward without breaking sight. They glanced between each other.

"Maybe we should give them a moment? And s'plain what's going on to Mom and Dad?"

"Mmm! Good call! I didn't tell them anything. I just grabbed Jack and rushed right over here with him, like you said." Turning around, Fino headed towards the doors, Fiera following right alongside him.

"Right on," she replied, lighting her fist and bumping Fino's similarly lit fist, the two little flames twirling up into the air and extinguishing before they could pass the tippy tops of Fino's flaming tips.

---

Bright. It was bright. It had been so, so dark and now it was so, so bright. Why was it so bright?

She cracked open her eyes. Bright. Blurry. Sunlight. Water. Humid air. Blue eyes.

"…Jack?"

A sharp inhale.

"Oh, darling. I'm so, so sorry."

"Momma?"

She was being crushed. Her tummy hurt. Momma was sniffling.

"But where's…where's Jack?"

She tightened her hold. She didn't reply.

This was wrong. It was bright out. Too bright.

But it wasn't the right kind of bright.

She closed her eyes tightly.

Opened them again.

Squinted.

It was bright. Way too bright. Artificial bright. She groaned, turning her head to the side.

Blue eyes.

"…Jack?"

---

"Jacqueline?"

On the edge of his seat, Jack watched as Jacqueline's eyes finally opened—only to immediately shut tight once more as she winced at the bright light. She groaned. Wrinkled her nose. Her eyes popped open again, blues meeting blues. She blinked. Smiled.

"You are here."

"Welcome back, little flurry."

"Thanks." Frowning, she attempted to prop herself up. "How long was I out fo—AH." Groaning very over dramatically, she fell back into the pillows. "OUCH! The frost?! I feel like I got hit by a sentient storm! OUCHIE." She closed her eyes again, gently shimmying up against the headboard, grimacing the entire time.

"Well that's what happens when you do something as reckless as, say, throw your WHOLE ENTIRE ESSENCE AT ME."

"Funny you should mention that! I knew I frosted up the moment I did it." Her eyes opened, her face wrinkling with worry. "But you were—"

"It doesn't matter," Jack cut her off. "You could've gotten hurt!"

"So? You were way worse off than me! If I hadn't done that then you could've gotten hurt! You didn't have your full powers, and the Dome, and my me—"

"I know, Jacqueline." She stopped speaking, blinking as the tension left Jack's shoulders. "I know. Thank you. I appreciate it. Really, I do. I just…it hasn't been…pleasant seeing you like this," he held his hands out wide, gesturing at her thawed appearance. Her bruises and scratches were just about healed, the angry red lines from the magic just about faded, "after seeing you like that." He gestured off to the side, towards the windows, as if they were still out there, fighting off Pyros.

"Awh, did you miss your little sister?"

"Yes."

"Oh!" Shocked by his earnestness, Jacqueline slumped. "Oh. I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't mean to taunt. Just tease a little. Did you, like, leave? At all? Eat? Sleep? Use the washroom?" her lips briefly curled in disgust. "Shower?!"

"I did! Just…quickly. I stayed here as much as I was able to. I couldn't…I didn't want to leave your side. In case. You know. You woke up."

"I would've been fine," she assured him with a flippant wave of her hand, wiggling up against the headboard. "You know that, right?"

Jack looked thoughtful. "It's just…" he glanced down at his fingers as he parsed out the words. "The last time you were in a magical coma, I…wasn't there for you. I caused it. And this time, this time I wanted to do it right. To do right by you. I didn't want to leave you. Not again. I just got you back, Jacqueline. I couldn't lose you. Not again. Not so soon."

"Oh! Oh, Jack…" he averted his eyes, feeling his cheeks warm. Suddenly, he was pulled forward, Jacqueline squishing him in a tight embrace. "That's…that actually means a lot to me. Thank you." She squeezed tighter; smiling to himself (absent-mindedly feeling a tear freeze), Jack wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her just as tight. She wheezed.

"Oh, sorry."

"It's okay," she squeezed him back one last time before letting go, falling back in the pillows with a long, long sigh. She yawned, cozying up against the pillow pile. "I'm glad you were here when I woke up."

Jack smiled. "Me too."

She smiled. Then frowned. "Lady ABOVE. Everything hurts. Please tell me my essence at least helped you."

"Did it EVER! But as it turns out, I didn't really need it in the long run."

"Oh?" she glanced down at his hands, then up at his face, excited. "Did you?! Are they?!"

He grinned, nodding proudly. "Back and stronger than ever! Seems seeing you knocked out cold, and Dad being pushed around and losing steam, and Lucy and Elle trapped outside trying their best to hide and help at the same time—well. All I could think was, I needed to do something, to protect them, to protect you…and that seemed to do the trick. Powers came back like that."

Jacqueline snickered and snapped her fingers weakly. "Like that?"

Jack laughed, snapping his back. "Like that."

Jacqueline laughed, leaning back against the headboard. She gazed at him happily, looking as content as he felt.

Try as he might, Jack could not stop the grin from splitting his face. "Welcome back to the land of the living, eh, Jacqueline? We've missed you. Which reminds me!" He shifted in his seat, the usual grandiose back in his voice. "Brace yourself! There's an ambush approaching." He shoved his chair back, clearing the way in anticipation.

"Oh dear." Jacqueline paled as the doors burst open. Winter rushed right into the Elfirmary, making a mad dash for Jacqueline, with Blaise right behind her.

"Oh, my BABY!"

"Hi Mommy—OOF!" the air rushed out of Jacqueline's lungs as Winter threw herself on the bed, wrapping Jacqueline up in a full body hug. "Hi Dad," she croaked, as Blaise wrapped them both up in an even tighter hug. "Ow, ow, could you guys PLEASE tone it down a notch? I. Uh. Everything hurts a lot."

"Oh, I'm so sorry darling!" Gently shrugging Blaise off the both of them, Winter carefully let go of Jacqueline, helping her lean back against the headboard. Shifting, she pulled herself onto the bed further, tucking her legs underneath her. "I'm just so glad you're alright! We both are."

Teary eyed, Blaise wrapped his arms around Jacqueline gently, practically burying her in his shoulder. "I was afraid we'd lost you," he admitted, choked up.

"Awwh, Dad! You can't get rid of me that easily," she joked, hugging him back as tight as she could.

"I wouldn't dream of it." He held her tightly, whispering quietly. "I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry I let this—"

"It's okay, Dad." She cut him off quietly. "It's really, really okay. It wasn't your fault. And I'm fine! Aside from muscle hurty disease, apparently."

Blaise chuckled, their hug suddenly getting much warmer. "Better?"

"Loads."

"Sorry about them, Jacqueline," Fiera said, she and Fino popping up at the base of the bed. Jacqueline peered out over Blaise's shoulder, head tilted curiously. "We tried to hold them back as long as possible!"

"We really, really did, but they are a force to be reckoned with," Fino added, sounding much too jaded for a twelve (hundred) year old.

Jacqueline laughed, squirming her way out from Blaise's embrace. He smiled softly, letting her go and shifting down the bed, anticipating what was going to happen next. "It's okay, hotshots. You two did pretty good. Now! I know you're both dying to tackle me, so—" she made a silly face, wiggling in her spot before suddenly stiffening with a grin. "Hit me."

Lighting up, the twins looked at each other with matching feral grins. They stepped back a few paces, in unison, and booked it, jumping right over the foot board and landing on top of Jacqueline, gently hugging her on either side. Laughing, she wrapped an arm around each of them, pulling them in, the three of them a pile of giggles.

"Alright, that's enough you two. Give your sister some space, will you?"

"You didn't!"

"I'm dad. I don't have to," Blaise joked. "C'mon. Let her breath."

"The both of you are smoking up something terribly," Winter tutted, grabbing them both herself and pulling them down beside her, the smoke dousing as they snuggled up into her area of effect.

"And it'll really put a damper on things if we're all stuck in here for Christmas suffering with smoke inhalation," Jack joked, dragging his chair closer. "Five days is more than enough time in here."

Winter hummed in agreement. "Why Jacqueline, Just today your father was saying he missed City Hall, can you believe that?"

Jacqueline was not paying attention. She was squinting at nothing in particular, very obviously loading. "Five days? Five DAYS? I've been out for FIVE? DAYS?! Lady above," she fell back, bewildered. "That's five days too many. Whew. So!" she perked up, pulling a blanket around her shoulders and getting cozy. "What did I miss?"

"SO much! BUT! Lucky for you I've been rehearsing this recap ALL WEEK!"

"It's true! She has."

"Fins has been editing."

"It's been on replay in my head allllllllllllllllllll week. ALL WEEK."

"I'm very loud," Fiera agreed with a nod.

"Especially mentally."

Jacqueline laughed. "Well don't just keep it to yourselves! Let's hear it."

Fiera glowed. "Ah! Okay, okay. Let me set the scene." She cleared her throat, standing up on the bed nice and tall. "The Workshop was in CHAOS! The doors, LOCKED SHUT. The windows fogged up, steam blocking our views as the fight outside RAGED ON…"

---

As Fiera recounted her thrilling tale (the other Frosts chiming in frequently), lunchtime fast turned into afternoon proper.

After giving the Frosts some time to their selves (allowing Fiera to finish her recap which he had also found rather amusing, and quite informative, to boot), Hismus finally came around for a proper check up. Though everything looked good, Hismus asked her to stick around for the day so they could monitor her, to make sure her magic had settled back in properly, and that there were no adverse side effects from any of the odd magical occurrences she had experienced in the past week.

This was all fine by Jacqueline. She didn't mind too terribly sitting around for a bit longer to make sure she was proper fine. It was completely understandable! Totally cool, she said, moving to push back her hair and freeze it up.

And immediately being told by Hismus under no uncertain circumstance was she to use her powers just yet.

Frost barely even able to graze her hairline, all manner of patience flew out the window after that.

Frosts trickled in and out, Jacqueline complaining about the restrictions she'd been given to each and every one of them, multiple times. It wasn't until she caught wind of the "self-care for Jack" crusade that she stopped, eagerly joining the efforts of her parents and other siblings. In fact, she spent most of the late afternoon working with Winter to convince Jack to finally take a decent break.

"Honestly Jack, she's awake now and perfectly fine! You won't miss anything anymore. Really, darling, take some time for yourself. Go freshen up! I'm pretty sure I saw a little spa out in the square, perhaps—"

"Emphasis on the little."

"Jack."

"Mother."

"You'd do good with some relaxation, you know. Perhaps a nice face mask? Massage? A shower at the very least—"

Jacqueline squinted. "Wait, you really haven't showered?"

Jack straightened up. "I have so!"

"So THAT'S what that smell is!" Jacqueline cackled. She lay vertically across the bed, legs dangling over one side of the mattress, head over the other. The cackling came out a little more menacing than expected given the way she was laying.

"I! Do not! Smell!" Jack got up with a huff. "You know what, I've had just about enough of this. I will go take a break. But not because you both told me too! It's because I want to. The energy in this area just isn't…it."

Jacqueline popped up, grinning at him, her hair an absolute mess. "Right. It's our vibes. And definitely not because I called you STINKY."

"Definitely NOT," Jack lied, getting up and stomping out for a long overdue break. Winter and Jacqueline shared a look, the pair of them dissolving into a fit of giggles the moment the door shut behind Jack.

---

And so the day pressed on. Frosts in and out, poor Jacqueline wanting nothing more than to snow blow her hair. Medical staff checked in every hour or so, double and triple checking vitals, magic levels, and so on, making sure they all stayed stable. Elle swung by for a visit; that had been nice. She had pulled some strings and FINALLY Jacqueline was allowed to use her powers.

This, of course, warranted another round of check ups. Hismus wanted to make sure that they were at normal levels and nothing untoward or adverse had happened between the (or thanks to the) potioning and the essence sharing.

Finally, finally, finally they confirmed that everything was looking good. Finally. And with Hismus's okay, Jacqueline was more than happy to fill out the discharge paperwork, eager to be out of the Elfirmary.

You see, evening had made its way to the Pole and the excitement in the Workshop was picking up; a delightful magical feeling was in the air as the sleigh was loaded in earnest, the launch party fast approaching. Everyone was heading down that way today. Everyone! Nobody wanted to miss out on the party! Especially not Jacqueline. She had been out cold for five days. Five days! A party sounded like a delightful change of pace.

So, trying not to betray her surprise at how loud the stack of papers had been when they hit the desk, she clicked the pen and got to work.

---

Dodging elves and ducking gifts, Fino and Fiera sprinted through the Workshop. They made their way up the stairs, fiery heads looking left, then right. Coast clear (ish), Fino signalled Fiera forward, the pair of them rushing down the hall, pressing themselves against fresh pillars every time someone came by. The elves would look at one twin, then the other; giggle to themselves (or their colleagues) and continue on their merry way.

Finally, they came to the last set of pillars; the banister gave way to a smooth wall, the doors to the Elfirmary right across the way. Their target was in sight!

"We're almost there!"

"Go, go go!"

The doors were right there, fingertips inches away from pushing them open when—

"Fino? Fiera? What're you guys doing up here?"

The pair of them shot up, hair going out with a puff. Fiera's orange hair poofed up, looking remarkably similar to a scared cat's tail. Lucy immediately pictured the two fluffiest, scraggliest, big orange cats with their hair standing on end and laughed.

"Oh!"

"Lucy!"

"Phew!" Fino nudged Fiera, relieved. "It's just Lucy."

"Just Luce! Okay, cool! Cool," Fiera exhaled, popping up with a grin, hands on her hips. "It's cool. She's cool. You're cool. We're cool. It's all…cool."

Fino snorted. "You sure? You sure about that? Because that was a lot of cools for someone who's being so cool right now."

"Stop it," Fiera said, shoving her twin.

"No, you!" Laughing, Fino shoved back. With matching feral grins, the pair of them lit up fast as they broke out into a play fight, quickly devolving into a fiery cloud of flailing limbs and sparks.

Lucy laughed. "You guys! You're gonna get caught! Or set something on fire! Or both!"

That seemed to do the trick. The pair of them snapped out of it, rolling away and extinguishing, pressing themselves back up against opposite pillars.

"Right! Back to it!"

"Where were we again?"

"SO CLOSE. Is the coast clear?"

Fiera stuck her head out, looking right and left once more. "Aside from Lucy? Yeah! Coast's clear!"

"Well, duh! Everyone's down at the launch party! Or making their way over there."

Fiera crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. "So if everyone's there, and YOU'RE here…what are you doing?"

"I came looking for Jack, actually," she said, heading down the hall. The twins shared a look, following behind her pretty fast. "I figured he'd be here with his sister. Your sister! Jacqueline! I was kinda hoping maybe he'd introduce us, since she's awake and all now."

"Oh! That's funny!"

"Yeah! We were just on our way over to her, actually," Fiera said, hopping in front of Lucy. "We can escort you and introduce you!"

"We were gonna go break her outta the Elfirmary anyway," Fino added, skipping up on Lucy's other side. "Launch party and all. Mom and Dad are already headed down there! No idea where Jack is, though."

"He's not with Jacqueline?"

"She kicked him out a few hours ago," Fiera giggled. "Called him stinky."

"Which is funny because she's been laid up in the Elfirmary for a few days so, you know, she's probably also stinky. Don't tell her I said that."

"I won't!" Lucy chirped.

"I make no promises," Fiera assured.

Fino laughed, running in front of the girls and opening up the Elfirmary doors. "After you, Luce!"

"We insist," Fiera added, gesturing her forward.

"Thanks guys!"

The doors fwipped behind her as the twins rushed past her, looking around briefly before zeroing in on a figure standing at the counter. Focused on the paperwork below her, Lucy couldn't quite see her face fully, but could easily tell who she was. It was pretty easy to pick out features she had in common with Jack now that she was standing still and not fighting for her life. There were even some shared features with the twins, too, Lucy realized, as they rushed over to her side.

"Jacqueline! You're out of bed?! You look better! More yourself."

"And not as stinky as I expected!"

"FIERA!"

Jacqueline laughed. "Yeah! Mom convinced them I'd be fine to shower. She stayed close, just in case." She looked up, delighted as Fino and Fiera skid to a stop by her side. "But yeah, they finally let me freeze dry! Which is great because it's like, really staticky in here and—"

"Are you free? Are they letting you out of the SLAMMER?"

Jacqueline snorted. "Fiera it's a hospital, not a jail."

"That's not what you said earlier."

"Shhhhhhhh don't worry about it," Jacqueline whispered, a light blue hand landing right on Fiera's head. There was a hiss; her hair sizzled out, roots looking a little soggy.

"AH!" Fiera squealed. "Cold water down my back, cold water dOWN MY BACK!" She hopped away, making a silly face as she warmed herself up. The water evaporated as it trickled down her scalp and tickled her neck, steam hissing off her shoulders.

Jacqueline cackled, watching Fiera dance away all silly like, smiling to herself when Fino and Lucy also started laughing. She perked up, eyes landing on Lucy. "Oh? Who's this?"

"Oh! This is our friend! Lucy!" Fino pulled her forward. Jacqueline placed her pen down, turning and staring at Lucy curiously. "She's—uh…"

"Scott's my Uncle. Santa," she corrected, offering Jacqueline a hand. "It's nice to finally meet you, Jacqueline!"

Jacqueline grinned, grabbing Lucy's hand and shaking it in a silly, over enthusiastic way. "THE Lucy? It's a pleasure to meet you!"

"THE Lucy? What do you mean, THE Lucy?"

"Lucy! The magihuman who thawed my brother!"

"Magihuman?"

"Well yeah! Girl, you broke a curse! With a HUG! You're definitely magical," she said, picking the pen back up and signing one last portion before turning the paperwork back to the desk attendant. "And, um. Thank you for doing that, Lucy. I really appreciate it. More than you will ever know."

The attendant leafed through the papers with an expert eye, nodding in approval. "Everything looks good! You're free to go, Miss Frost."

"Thank the LADY."

"Just make sure to take it easy!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, don't worry! Tell both Docs I will."

The attendant laughed. "I'll pass that along. Merry Christmas!"

"Same to you!" With a quick wave over her shoulder, Jacqueline high-tailed it out of there, Fino and Fiera rushing out in front of her. Head tilted curiously, Lucy watched Jacqueline closely as they left the Elfirmary. When the doors closed behind them, she jogged quickly, catching up with the snowy sprite.

"Is it just because you missed your brother?"

"Hmm?"

"You said you really appreciated what I did for Jack."

Jacqueline stopped in her tracks, frowning at Lucy. "We all do, I should think."

"But that's not what you meant, is it? It's different for you. It's not just because you missed him, is it?"

"Not entirely, no. But I did miss him! Lots!" The sprite looked thoughtful for a moment, her face very hard to read. "Let's just say…your hug came at a very good time. Thank you, Lucy. Really. From the very deepest part of my heart," she flushed, a hand resting on her chest.

"Awh. That's sweet of you to say. Thank you!" Smiling brightly, Lucy threw her arms around the sprite and hugged her tightly.

She hugged back just as tight. "You don't need to thank me for being honest, Luce."

"Well thank you anyway!"

Jacqueline laughed over her shoulder. "Of course! Lady ABOVE. You're nearly as toasty as the twins are!"

Lucy laughed. "My hugs are warm enough to thaw even the frostiest of hearts."

"I'll say," pulling back, Jacqueline smiled at her. "It's nice to finally meet you! Everyone speaks very highly of you. I can see why."

"It's nice to finally meet you, too!" Lucy pulled out of the hug, excited. "Jack talked sooooo much about you," she teased, the pair of them catching up to the Twins.

"He did?"

"I had a lot of questions. Like a LOT of questions. And he had a lot of answers! A lot of answers. Some I didn't even ask for!"

"Ha, loser. He loves his sister."

"Yeah! Like, a lot."

Jacqueline smiled softly to herself, warmed at the sentiment. She chuckled. "Guess that makes me a big ol' stinky loser too."

---

Elsewhere, things were moving fast—quite literally!

Every single elf carrying a present or package or parcel had made their way down to the stables, climbing up the back of the sleigh and tossing the gifts up above the bag. The gifts would fly up, hovering until they swirled down, the present disappearing into the Christmassy void with a low but loud POP.

Though there had been a decent lapse in production this past month (this last week especially) recovery had gone smoothly. It had taken only a few minutes for Bernard to reassure the elves, post royal showdown, that everything was set to rights. The disillusioned prince had been taken care of by Governor Blaise and Jack's powers were back so the Deliquesce wouldn't be a problem anymore. Mother Nature and her Seasons were fast on their way to repairing the atmospheric damage sustained so please, mind the giant hole in the Courtyard until such time that they got to it. Succinct and to the point, the elves had been calmed and cheered right up, throwing themselves back into their work happily, everything running like the well-oiled machine it was meant to be.

And it certainly didn't hurt to have some of the more decorated magibeans floating around for the week either.

Having one of the Governors around seemed to help everyone feel quite safe and at ease; and Winter herself, too? A lot of the older elves who had been around way back when she had made the Dome were soothed by her presence. The Twins had been very helpful, too; big bright balls of energy, eager to help out where they could—and more than happy to play with the littlest elves and offer distractions when needed. That combined with Elle's talents? Morale had soared and they were right on track—with perhaps, a few minutes to spare, though Bernard didn't want to confirm it just yet.

A crowd was beginning to gather. Santa's family had come down to see the festivities, offering help with oddly shaped items and the like. Bernard hadn't seen the harm in it. Any help was good! And they were having a blast throwing smaller gifts up, watching them spiral into the bag with delight. Sylvia had packed a whole bag of warm drinks and treats, handing them out to anyone within five feet of her. The bag of treats seemed never ending—it very well may have been, Bernard realized.

"Whew. I'm back!"

"Got things in sorted wrapping?"

"Yep! Tape jam. Easy stuff," Elle said, pecking Bernard on the cheek and standing beside him. She had a spot of glitter on her jacket; ribbon was trailing out of her pockets and hanging on her shoulders.

Bernard chuckled. Shifting his weight he turned to face her, gently pulling some tape out of her hair, flourishing it with a sideways smile. "Easy stuff, huh?"

"Totally! Easy-peasy, even."

"Lemon squeezy?"

"Gingery, actually! I think someone spilled gingerbread tea on the console. That's probably what caused the jam."

Before either of them could say anything else, an honest to goodness battle cry rang out across the stables. Both elves turned, Bernard stepping back just in time as Elle nearly fell back, a blue and white blur tackling her with a hug.

"I'm FREE!"

"Oh heck yeah, pal! It's nice to see you up and about."

"And it's nice to see you outside of the mindscape," Jacqueline said with a laugh, peering over Elle's shoulder. "Oh hey, B-Man!"

Bernard smiled softly. "Nice to see you too, Jacqueline."

Shooting him a grin, Jacqueline climbed off of Elle, both of them laughing as they dusted snow and sparkles off of themselves. Elle snorted, pulling a stray ribbon out of Jacqueline's snowy hair. The pair of them laughed all over again, nearly doubling over.

Bernard smiled, rolling his eyes fondly. "All sorted, then, Jacquie?"

"Yep! I'm so ding dang healthy. They were like wow Ms. Frost! You are truly a model patient—"

Elle snorted. "I bet they were tired of you languishing and complaining all day," she teased.

"You know, they were really happy when I left the Elfirmary. Like, weirdly so."

"And that's definitely not because it's almost Christmas Eve and Santa's about to launch soon, kick-starting the festivities and winter closure," Bernard joked, checking the time.

Jacqueline hmm'd loudly and over dramatically. "Nah," she decided. "That can't possibly be it. It's definitely the departure of their ah, model patient."

The trio laughed, watching as several elves brought out a rather large doghouse (dog to be sent separately—you couldn't put an animal in a magic bag, that would be downright cruel). Despite almost getting squashed and finding themselves quite literally in the doghouse, they managed to toss it in the air, the magical vortex surrounding the sack pulling it in fast. It disappeared into the bag with a loud vworp, high-fiving as they ran back inside for the next item to be carried, nearly crashing into self proclaimed father-in-law of Christmas, Bud Newman.

"Watch it! We've got some heavy cargo here! That's it, careful, carefully—there we go. Okay, boys! We're coming up to a corner! Pivot! Pivot! Pivot!"

Elle and Jacqueline shared a look of surprise, watching as the old man (clad in coveralls and safety goggles) turned the corner, three elves lifting the back side of a particularly large sled as Bud took the brunt of it on the opposite side. They watched as Bud lifted his end, the elves on the back hefting it up. The magic caught it, gliding it right into the bag, Bud looking on proudly with the three elves beside him.

"Yeah! That's what I'm talkin' about! Give me five guys, all around!" they all took turns high-fiving Bud, the last elf falling victim to the down low, too slow trick. Bud laughed, high-fiving the kid regardless. "Alright, enough of that! Let's keep moving! What's next?"

"Kayaks!" the tallest of the elves said, rushing back into the Shop, Bud in tow.

"He seems very in his element," Jacqueline mused.

"He really is," Elle agreed.

"He made himself right at home," Bernard chuckled to himself. "Figured I'd let him be. 'Sides, he's not harming anyone! We may even be ahead of schedule. Assuming Santa makes his way over on time."

"Where is he, anyway?"

"Popped by the very last class of the year to surprise Carol and the elves with Buddy."

"Awh, cute!"

"I'm sure he'll be by in no time. Carol will keep him on track."

And of course, as Elle suspected, right on cue who should walk in but Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves, Buddy happily tucked away in the baby carrier, bouncing on Santa's belly.

"Santa. Glad to see you suited up already," Bernard said with a terse smile.

"Yeah, I figured I may as well go the whole nine yards when Buddy and I went for our little walk. Isn't that right champ?" Santa played with the baby's fists, making the little guy pump them. Buddy was very taken by this; he laughed, his legs kicking like crazy. "Whoa. Keep this up and you'll tip me over!"

Carol laughed, taking it upon herself to pull Buddy out of the papoose and onto her hip, kissing Santa's cheek as Buddy settled onto the crook of her elbow comfortably.

"Hello, Carol darling!"

"Oh, Winter! Hey! Hi!"

"Ou, look at the baby! He's so CUTE!" Winter rushed up to the pair of them, Blaise close behind her. She cooed at Buddy, smooshing up her nose and making a silly face. Buddy laughed, his little legs kicking about below him. "Look how squishy he is! Blaise dear, remember when ours were cute and squishy?"

Blaise chuckled, kissing the top of Winter's head. "Some of them still are!"

"Oh, he's just precious."

"Precious for now," Santa joked. "Those terrible twos are right around the corner!"

"Try terrible two hundreds," Blaise joked right back. "You think it'll last a century and then a thousand years later and they're still causing all sorts of trouble."

"Which one?"

"All four."

"Excuse you, Dad! I am behaving so nicely right now! Even ask Elle!"

"She's not!"

"ELLE!"

Blaise chuckled, glancing around. Number two was accounted for (currently jokingly chiding her friend while the elf laughed at her over-the-top abhorrence). A quick scan of the stables found three and four across the room, chatting up a storm with Lucy, sans fire. Always a relief in such close corners. But where was number one? He glanced over at the stable entrance.

Ah. There he was.

"Jack! There you are! About time!"

"Never be on time for a party, Santa. Everyone knows that," he scoffed, making his way to the group. He had indeed freshened up! He looked less scruffy; tidier in every which way. Suit was crisp; face was clean. Hair freshly freeze dried, the works. He sniffed, adjusting a cuff link one last time before nodding in satisfaction and giving his trademark grin. "Hi."

"It looks like that break did you well, sweetheart."

"Is that Winter for I told you so? Because that sounds like Winter for I told you so."

Winter giggled. "Well I'm not the one who said it! That's all on you, Jack dear."

Jack smiled to himself. "Mm. I suppose it is, isn't it? Well. You were right, Mom."

"She always is!"

"I always am!"

His parents spoke in unison. They shared a look, laughing quietly between themselves.

"Glad to see you're feelin' better," Santa said, clapping Jack's shoulder. "And glad to see you!"

"Hmm, well. I couldn't miss the supposed premiere event of the season now, could I?"

Santa chuckled. "Good ol' Jack."

Peeling off the baby carrier and passing it over to a stable hand (who promptly and confusedly hung it up in the nearest stall), Santa made his way towards the sleigh. Elves swarmed; a call for LAST GIFT rang through the air. A hockey-stick shaped package launched itself through the air, the bag pulling it in fast and immediately pulling its own drawstrings shut, settling down in the back of the sleigh and shrinking down to size.

"We are LOADED and READY TO LAUNCH!"

Cheers erupted; Santa's family swarmed him, hugs abound. Jack stepped back, watching fondly as Lucy waited for Sylvia to stop fussing with Scott before launching herself at him with one of those toasty warm hugs of hers.

Jack smiled to himself, leaning on the front of the sleigh and watching as finally, Mrs. Claus came in for a hug, squishing Buddy between the two of them.

"Don't be home too late," Carol chided gently. "We have a big old birthday party to have, don't we Buddy?"

The baby laughed, kicking his legs excitedly.

"Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world! Cake that chocolatey? Great way to round out a night of cookies!" Santa pat his stomach. "Yum! I'll see you both soon."

"Don't forget to pick up Charlie!" Laura shouted.

"I won't! I don't think he'd let me." Chuckling to himself, Santa turned to his left, resting his hands on his stomach and surveying Jack.

It was unnerving.

Biting back a snappish what, Jack shifted his weight. "Big, ah. Big night for you tonight, eh, Santa?"

"Ah, you've done one Christmas Eve, you've done 'em all. Bigger night for you, I'd say! Year even! Your family is all here with you, your sister's finally up, your powers are back…" Santa leant forward, drumming his fingers on his stomach and looking at Jack expectantly.

"You know, it-it is a big night for me, isn't it?" Jack straightened out of his slouch. "Thank you for noticing, Santa! You know, it uh, it means a lot, coming from you. I feel like we've really come along in leaps and, and bounds, you know? To be noticed, and, and appreciated—"

"Jack. Buddy. The roof! My roof!"

Jack faltered. "Your roof?"

"Y'know. The ceiling? The melting? The Dome? The Deliquesce?!"

"The dele-OH! Oh! Right!"

"Did you really forget?!"

"Well, I got a little busy, Santa!" Jack gestured to himself, then over to his family. "And, not to mention, that whole thing with my Uncle?" he gestured out the open doors, towards the overlook hanging above Town Square.

"Fair enough. Well Jack, if you wouldn't mind doing me a solid?"

Jack straightened up, clearing his throat. "With pleasure." Adjusting his jacket, he made his way through the elves, over to the launch point. The square bustled with activity, crowds positioned and waiting to see the sleigh shoot up and kick start the festivities.

"How about some encouragement for Jack, everybody! Come on!"

Elves whooped and cheered instantly, egging Jack on, bouncing back and forth. He could hear Lucy yelling "you got this Jack!" followed by Jacqueline shouting "GET THAT DOME, FROSTY!" He chuckled to himself, glancing back at the crowd.

Santa and Carol stood on the step into the sleigh, smiling happily as they held onto each other. Elle stood just below them, whooping and clapping, Bernard beside her. And though he wasn't hollering like everyone else, he clapped as well, smiling on at him.

And beside them?

The people who mattered most to Jack.

Blaise, with an arm looped around Winter, cheering him on as Winter laughed in delight, clapping as loud as she could. Fino and Fiera ran around them, sparks flying as they yelled, too. And just out of range of the twins stood Jacqueline, excitedly, shouting and clapping and cheering as well.

Jack's heart swelled with pride. That was his family! Right there! Cheering him on! He had done it. He had gone back and gotten them back and his insides practically hurt with the fondness he felt for them.

In that very moment, he could not have been any happier.

Core pricking in anticipation, Jack took a small breath in, summoning his icy magic from his core once more. His palm glowed blue, and with a very over dramatic pause, he wound back and tossed his hand up. Blue magic shot up from his palm, snowflakes trailing along the beam of light, dancing and twirling around and around as the light raced up, hitting the top of the Dome with a deep thrum.

The ice shuddered. The Dome lit up; it spread from the very top, rushing out and down the walls, covering the watery ice. Jack could feel the magic work to fill the cracks and crevices. Large ice chunks shot out of the ground around the Dome, little white blobs racing up and sliding themselves back into the Dome, the magic racing over them and freezing them back in place.

Satisfied, Jack cut the magic stemming from his palms, the last of the blue light hitting the Dome and exploding into snow. A small, light flurry begun in earnest, the elves just below the launch point jumping and clapping up at him.

Unable to resist, Jack spread his arms wide and took a bow. And then another. And then another, thanking them and basking as they laughed and cheered below him.

"YOU GIANT HAM!" someone yelled.

Jack stopped, one hand still raised as he zoned in on who had shouted. He laughed.

"THANK YOU, AUNT SUMMER!"

She grinned up at him, her sunlit hair glowing brightly. "ANY TIME!"

"Dome's all fixed, then?" Mother Nature shouted up. She stood beside Summer, Spring and Autumn excitedly chatting behind the two of them.

With a flourish, Jack pointed up at the very tip of the Dome. Right on cue, the top shifted, the round, icy cork floating down gently as the Dome lit up with colours, the borealis dancing brightly once more.

"Oh wow!" Spring said, clapping excitedly. "Look at all the colours! Nice job, Jack!"

"Give us another bow!" Autumn teased, laughing when Jack obliged. Summer let out a wolf whistle. Jack snorted, watching as Spring and Autumn doubled over in laughter.

"Ladies," Mother Nature chided gently.

"Sorry, sorry. We'll stop puffing up his ego."

"DON'T STOP ON MY ACCOUNT!" Jack shouted.

Now Summer was doubled over in laughter, leaning on Spring. Mother Nature rolled her eyes fondly, turning back up to Jack. "Your Mother and Father are around, I presume?"

"Yep! Twins too! And Jacqueline's up."

"Oh, good! We'll be right up—for now, though, I think we'll stay put. Best seats in the house for the launch," she winked.

Chuckling, Jack stepped back, making his way back to Santa with a grandiose flourish. "Ta-da!"

"You did it, you did it!" Lucy squealed, excited.

"What, you didn't think I could?"

Lucy smiled. "Nah. I knew you had it in you the entire time," she said, hugging Jack. He laughed, squeezing her back briefly and wiggling his way out when he felt something dripping down his temple.

"Easy, Miller! I just freeze dried! Do you know how long it takes to achieve such perfectio—AH! MOTHER!"

"Oh, you did it Jack! My baby boy. I'm so proud," Winter had nearly bowled Jack over with the force of her hug. She squished him very, very tightly. He wheezed.

"We both are!" Blaise boomed, Jack feeling himself lifting off the ground, Winter included.

"Blaise!" Winter laughed, her cheeks flushed. "Put us down—"

"What was that, love? I couldn't hear you over the giggles," Blaise squeezed tighter; Winter's giggles intensified.

"DAD! I can't feel my ribs!"

"I'm sure they're fine! If anything, they'll grow back!"

"I am not a medical practitioner but that's definitely not how that works—" Blaise hugged harder, the ensuing crush cutting Jack's spiel off with a SQUAWK.

"Look at him," Santa chuckled, giving Carol one last side hug. "He's thriving."

"Being crushed, more like it," Carol laughed. "Hey, we should ask the Frosts to stay for Christmas dinner. Do you think they would?"

"I'm getting the sense that they may have other plans this year," Santa said fondly, watching as Jack's siblings crowded around them, throwing themselves into the hug now too. "Maybe next year? Heh. That'd be an interesting supper, wouldn't it?"

"You can't even imagine, Santa," Bernard said, appearing by the base of the sleigh. "The Twins? Yeah, they play with their food. Every meal. Every meal." He cleared his throat. "Right. Any more boohoos and goodbyes? If there are, make 'em snappy, Santa. Need I remind you we do have a schedule to keep?"

"Right you are, number one! Alright, Frosts, clear the runway! We are approaching liftoff." Santa chuckled to himself, giving Carol a quick peck before helping her down and getting comfortable at the reigns.

"You heard the man, Blaise darling. Do put us down."

"Or at least move to the side," Jack wheezed. "I don't want to be run over by a reindeer!"

"Then you would have a song about you," Jacqueline teased.

"Excuse me! Are you calling me a grandma?"

She shrugged. "I mean, if the nightgown fits—HOOF—"

Jack smirked as his snowball hit its mark (Jacqueline's face), cutting her off completely. She coughed for a moment, inhaling very deeply when she finally managed to get the snow off of her face.

"I'm gonna," she took another deep breath in. "I'm gonna get you back for that one."

Jack smirked. "We'll see about that." Spinning on his heel, he turned to face Santa. "And what are you waiting for, mister? I've got the stage all warmed up and you're sitting here lollygagging—"

Santa laughed, a hearty ho-ho-ho. "Alright, I hear ya Jack! Right-o." he jostled the reins. "Ready boys?" The reindeer stomped their hooves and snorted. "Then let's get going!"

And, with the traditional belting of each reindeer's name, Santa flicked the reigns. With a loud YA, the sleigh shot forward, and they were off! Sailing through the sky, Santa waving below him as the crowd in the square whooped, bottles of cider popping. Looking back one last time to see the crowd from the stable surge forward and wave, Santa flicked the reigns again, and the sleigh disappeared out the top of the Dome.

Then the party really began.

---

An hour later and festivities were in full swing all across the Pole.

Loud music blared from the speakers, a healthy mix of hits through the decades and the usual Christmas tunes. Tables were set up all over the square, filled with treats and snacks and very tall fountains of endless cider. Hot cocoa was being freshly brewed, some of the elves topping theirs in ways that'd make the local dentist very happy come the New Year.

Jack had partaken in the festivities, showing off the snow business, putting everyone to shame on the ice—until Winter had hopped on, that is. He had mixed some mean drinks and sung a tune here and there before stepping away for a moment, taking a quick little breather. Now, he stood on the balcony he and Santa frequented, elbows on the railing, watching the festivities in the square.

Blaise was behind the bar now. Mixing in the flashiest way possible, he was chatting up a storm with Neil, the man trying his best to follow Blaise's lead—and failing quite a bit. Blaise caught an errant tumbler, the lid popping off as liquid sloshed out, landing on Neil's sweater. Laura laughed, grabbing a serviette and passing it to her husband. He took it, only to find the liquid disappearing as he looked down, Blaise having snapped it away. Laura clapped; Jack chuckled to himself—who was the ham now?

Across the way, Bud and Sylvia stood with Mother Nature. She and Sylvia seemed to be having a very animated conversation, laughing with one another as Bud gazed on, looking very much like he had just short circuited. Tilting his head, Jack picked up their conversation.

"She came home with a bloody nose, but from what I heard, the other boy looked worse!"

"Kids will be kids. You should see the scraps my kids would come back from in their youth. Not as bad as the fights they'd get into with one another, of course, but—"

"Kids?" Bud suddenly yelled. "You have kids?"

"Why, yes. Four of them. The Seasons? You met them earlier?"

He paled even more. "Four?!"

Mother Nature and Sylvia shared a look before promptly bursting into laughter.

Jack chuckled to himself, tuning out. His eyes drifted over the square, gaze landing on the ice rink. Two flaming blurs skated circles around one another, Lucy laughing between them as they raced around her. The three of them were getting along all too well; it was concerning for reasons Jack couldn't quite articulate, but was sure would come back to bite him in the butt one way or another.

He frowned. The little hotheads ran hot; the ice should've been taking a toll. But it seemed impeccable still; why, if he didn't know any better, Jack would've assumed a Zamboni had just levelled out the ice. His eyes drifted further along. Sure enough, at the opposite edge of the rink, Winter stood beside her sisters, chatting animatedly with them with one hand, while the other hand hovered behind her, glinting white as she kept the ice surfaced.

Jack chuckled to himself. It looked like Winter had taken it upon herself to introduce Mrs. Claus to her sisters; they coo'd over baby Buddy, the little man enjoying the attention—and Carol enjoying the company, it looked like. Good, Jack thought to himself. Quite frankly, both Claus's could use more friends that weren't elves.

Things all around looked to be going quite smoothly. So much so that even Bernard, the head grump himself! Was out strolling through the festivities with his Belle, hand in hand—though both elves held a walkie talkie in their other hands. Jack chuckled to himself. Then he frowned. If Elle was out and about with Bernard and no longer on the ice with Jacqueline, then where was—

Crunch. Crunch.

Ah.

"Little flurry."

"Big bother."

Jack quirked an eyebrow. "Big bother, eh?" He shifted out of his lean and stood up, one hand on the balcony still, the other hand on his hip as he surveyed Jacqueline. "How long did that one take?"

Jacqueline paused on the first step up to the balcony, smiling softly at her brother. "Not long at all!" climbing the last few steps she stopped beside him, hands on her hips, her smile now ever so slightly sardonic. "I've been sitting on it for a hot minute, actually. And it is pretty accurate, I'd say."

"I digress."

"And I do what I want." Grabbing the top of the newel and twirling herself off it, Jacqueline stuck herself right between Jack and the banister. Resting her elbows on the railing, she shifted into a lean, holding her head in her hands.

"Sure, pop on in! Have a lean! I'll just scooch over, shall I?"

"That'd be lovely, actually! Thank you!"

Jack rolled his eyes, sliding ever so slightly to the side. He watched as Jacqueline gazed down at the square, her face content. He smiled warmly to himself, watching her for a moment before resting his elbows on the balcony and slouching over it once more. The pair of them stood together silently, watching the festivities below them.

"So. Why are we hiding? Gran and the Aunts?"

"No. Is that why you're here?"

Jacqueline pulled a face. "Oh, no. It's wayyyyyy too late for me. They got me the moment I stepped into the square. I don't even think I managed to touch the ground before they descended."

"Ou. That must've been a lot in one go."

"Oh, a little bit of a tackle from Spring and Summer, but Autumn reminded them to be gentle and Mother Nature called them off before everything started hurting again."

"What happened to Ellington?"

"Hmm?"

"The two of you were tearing it up on the ice when I got over here! Why'd you stop?"

"Oh! She wanted to check up on things with Bernard, so I figured I'd come and check up on you," she shrugged.

"Oh." Oddly warmed at the sentiment, Jack turned his head and smiled at her.

She frowned, confused for the briefest of seconds before colouring and tensing. "Oh! Sorry! If you'd rather be alone, I can go find someone else to bother." She perked up. "Oh! Maybe I can convince the Legates to crash the party."

Jack found himself laughing. "Would they really?"

Jacqueline nodded enthusiastically. "Oh yeah, one HUNDRED percent. Not a single one of them would say no. I mean, Spring's already here and I didn't even suggest it!" she gestured out towards town hall, where Spring stood with the other seasons, cooing over Buddy. She grinned, wiggled her fingers, and petals fell down from her palm, gently landing on a very giggly toddler.

"Oh, right. I sometimes forget she's a Legate."

"So does she," Jacqueline scoffed. "Look at her down there, acting all sweet and sunshine and roses. Two months from now she's gonna be a HUGE pain in our butts. That is, if you are...I mean. If WE'RE, Uh. If it's like. Y'know..."

"Jacqueline Winter Frost. Are you stuttering?"

Jacqueline shot up, shoulders as high as her ears. "Uh, maybe? I just." She puffed up her cheeks. Steadying her resolve, she let out the breath she had been holding, losing the tension in her shoulders. "You're back."

Jack nodded.

"And your powers are back."

Jack nodded again, fingers gently touching the balcony. The slightest blue glow and the handrail frosted up, ferns twirling down towards Jacqueline. Laughing as the frost tickled her fingertips, she gave her own fingers a little wiggle, her hand lighting up now, too. Swirls began to creep across the ferns, the patterns twirling together and racing down the rest of the balcony. Now the railing was covered in frost, the elegant ferns swirling at the edges, the jagged tips softened, the swirls neater than usual.

"So…what now?"

"I need a vacation," Jack answered eagerly.

Jacqueline laughed.

"No, stop laughing! I'm serious! This whole month has been insane even by my standards! I need a break!"

"What like, on a beach? A touristy vacation? Like, with an itinerary and landmarks and everything?"

"GODS no. I am WAY too tired for that kind of getaway. I think after Christmas I'll go back to the condo. You know? Just. Just chill out, sleep, maybe hit up the slopes." He glanced over at Jacqueline; she looked…he wasn't sure if it was sad or disappointed, but it was somewhere between the two—and was trying very hard to not show it. He cleared his throat. "You could come too, if you'd like."

She perked up, eyes alight with excitement. "Really?"

"Sure. I have a few spare rooms. I'm sure you'll find one of them comfortable enough. And I won't say no to the company. But no bothering me!" he snapped, pointing at her. "Really, I mean it. When I say vacation, I mean it. I am doing NOTHING productive. You and Mom'll have to pick up the wintertime slack."

Jacqueline laughed. "That sounds really nice, actually. Just doing a whole lot of nothing for a bit. Then what?"

Jack side eyed her suspiciously. "What do you mean?"

Jacqueline opened her mouth. No words came out. Her brow wrinkled; her eyebrows drew downwards. Conflicted, she closed her mouth, biting her lip briefly before blurting out, "ARE YOU GOING TO COME BACK?"

Jack stood up slowly, blinking.

Jacqueline squeaked, drawing herself up as well.

"So that's what you're on about!"

She flushed darker than Blaise's reddest suit. She looked away fast, avoiding eye contact completely. "DON'T LOOK AT ME! IT'S EMBARRASSING! I can't believe I blurted it out like that, LADY ABOVE." Hands glowing light blue, she patted her cheeks to no avail. "GODDESS OF THE SPRINGS. I'M SO RED I MAY BURST INTO FLAMES—" she dropped her hands, looking at Jack with big eyes. "Oh my god. Could you imagine?!"

"If you could suddenly wield flames?" Jack laughed. "I think that'd be too much chaos for any of us."

Jacqueline smiled, the slightest dimple appearing on her cheek as the embarrassment ebbed away. Eyes downcast, she grabbed her arm, squeezing it very close to herself. "I'm sorry."

"What on earth for?"

"Everything," she admitted, throwing her hands down and resting the small of her back against the balcony. Stretching her legs, she stared down at her worn boots and sighed. "Everything with the blackouts. The big fight especially, the things I said and did, taking out my Frostmas related anger like that? I—"

"Well, c'mon. I mean. I did do all of that. And we hadn't really talked about it at all."

Jacqueline sighed. "Yeah, I know. It's just. I am very embarrassed about it all. Lady ABOVE I was the WORST."

"But did you enjoy your Frostmas-sponsored spiral into some semblance of villainy?" Jack asked, placing an elbow back on the railing and leaning as he waited for her answer.

"You know what? I actually kind of DID, thank you. Heh. I was a HUGE pain in your side."

"HUGE," Jack emphasized with both hands.

"HUGE. And it was awesome," she admitted, cackling to herself.

Jack chuckled. "That's my sister, alright." He punched her shoulder gently. "Time heals all wounds, you know. When you're ready, we'll talk about it and work through it together. If you want, of course," he finished, his hands briefly opening up.

She looked up at him, tilting her head slightly. "I'll…keep that in mind. Thanks, Jack." Placing her palms on the railing behind her, she hoisted herself up and flipped around, seating herself on the banister and staring out at the square. "Still need a moment? Dad's getting everyone skates, so if you'd like…"

Jack hummed noncommittally. "I'll think about it."

"Ah yes," Jacqueline smirked over her shoulder. "Goddess forbid I show you up, eh?"

"You? Show me up?" Placing a hand on his chest, he stood up, looking at Jacqueline completely aghast. "Please. I could skate circles around you any day!"

"I'll believe that when I see it."

"Is that a challenge, little flurry?"

"It sure as frost is, bud!" Sliding off the banister and landing on the ground below him, she looked back up at him, devious to a fault. "Race ya," and, before Jack could even reply, Jacqueline booked it, flying towards the warm fire that was Blaise's hair in the distance.

"Hey that's, that's CHEATING!" scrambling, Jack rushed to the steps, running down them and pursuing Jacqueline as fast as he could. "FALSE START, FALSE START! FOUL PLAY! PENALTY!"

Laughing in reply, Jacqueline turned and blew a raspberry at Jack. Before she could flash him the very rude gesture they were both thinking of, she lost her footing as the snow below her turned to ice. Arms sticking out wildly, she slid right into Blaise with a solid thunk, Jack crashing right into her.

Blaise laughed, a deep belly laugh. Grinning, he grabbed the two of them, steadying them by way of a hug. Beside him, Winter laughed, grabbing Blaise's arm and pecking his check, doing her best to lean against the two eldest as Fino and Fiera came flying off the ice, ramming right into Blaise's other side.

Squished between Blaise's arm and nearly cheek to cheek with Jacqueline, Jack stood, surrounded by his crazy family and trapped in their loving embrace, grinning so hard his cheeks hurt. He glanced at each of them in turn, jovial enough that a tirade of laughter was beginning to bubble up.

And as the laughter surged, deep in his mindscape (though Jack wouldn't see it until New Years or perhaps in the next few days), things were looking much better.

The snowy landscape was back. Framed by large, long windows, the slopes of Gstaad sparkled in his mind once more, the borealis of the Dome now reflected just above it, the tips of tall evergreen trees just brushing the bottom of the windowsills. The furniture stood in place, neat and tidy even with the new crooked angles, a delightful mix between his condo and his room at the family home.

At the centre of it all stood the fireplace.

It was cream with light brown accents now; it roared, the fire crackling merrily. The mantle was lined with all sorts of trinkets: new ones from the last month dotted between older ones with new meaning thanks to freshly thawed eyes. Intermingled between them were little photos, each one a cherished memory from the last little while.

Above the mantle, still taking up most of the space, the blank portrait had gone from a stark white to a glossy grey.

It began to fill in.

The colour blossomed to life, oranges and blues and whites and yellows and reds blooming into existence. As Jack stood, wrapped in the warm embrace of his family, burning every detail into his memory, the picture took form.

He captured every detail; the lines in his parents' faces. The exact way the fire was sparking on Blaise's head. The way Blaise's suit sort of matched Jack's, the Legend appreciating the solidarity via pinstripes and admiring the way the lines glowed like magma moving below the earth's crust. The salt and pepper in Winter's hair; the intricate, icy details in her dress. The way the snowflakes twirled and swirled, reminiscent of both his and Jacqueline's frosty signatures. The way the little white snowy bits between the flakes looked a bit like sparks. The way her skirts reflected the light of the borealis above them. His sister's laugh as they found themselves squished right together, the tips of her snowy sideburns poking Jack's face. The crow's feet faintly lingering by the corners of her eyes as she laughed, blinking in delight. The warmth from the Twins on his other side; the way Fiera's hair went from regular orange locks to a fiery burn down her sides. The way Fino's was fully lit, reminiscent at times of a mullet. The identical sideways smiles he and Fiera had, every single freckle they shared sprinkled across their cheeks as they smiled toothily, squishing themselves right up against him.

With each detail, the photo bloomed to life; the moment captured forever in his mindscape as Jack decided right then and there that there was no place else he'd rather be.

---

A/N: AHHH AND THAT'S THE END!

BABE WAKE UP, NEW CORE MEMORY JUST DROPPED! For both Jack AND my me given that finally, after like SIX YEARS, my edit turned rewrite turned rewrite AGAIN of this PIECE of WORK (affectionate!) is FINALLY finished! Started in 2017, and then picking up again in 2020/2021 ish after a brief pause in 2019 due to, y'know, THE HORRORS, she's finally complete 😭😭😭😭

Sorry for the delay here! Fell behind in writing! Mental health do be mental health-ing! And I really, really, REALLY wanted to make sure this chapter did a LOT of things, including (but not limited to):
-Wrapped up every single detail nicely
-Kept the absolute silly bits from the OG 2014 version of the story, but had them WORK BETTER
-FLOWED WELL, which proved to be a HUGE issue for me and me alone (tbh everything from Jacqueline waking up to Santa taking off STILL reads as choppy to me-but I asked the jury and the general consensus was, given the nature of the chapter-it being the last one-and all the characters coming to the same spot and the story closing up, it was probably going to sound/feel a little fast paced AND THAT'S OKAY)
-And, of course, met my incredibly high standards for posting so that everyone reading could have a LOVELY final chapter

And at 15.4k words on it's OWN, I think this chapter's got a good amount of CONTENT for everyone to chew on! I think I've managed to close all the plot threads that I MEANT to close, leaving some dangling for future purposes

Also, this chapter has made me realize how much I dislike that Doc Marten is named Doc Marten. That's what I get for yoinking elves from the series! some of them just have my whole entire heart, y'know?

ANYWAY, TY SO MUCH FOR ALL OF THE LOVE CRYSTAL SPRINGS HAS GOTTEN HERE, ON AO3, ON TUMBLR-THE FANART! YOU CAN CHECK OUT THE FANART ON MY HELLSITE BLOG! Tagged it all as "cs fanart" :D

It's just, really nice to see all the mclovin, and I can't wait for you all to meet the other Legates and see more of Crystal Springs itself! We'll see how the rest of the year goes.

In the MEANTIME, crossposting over to ao3 continues! Frostmas is presently getting a tidy up as it makes its way over to ao3. You can check everything CS related out over there under the penname safyresky-it's still me! Yay :3.

AND TY TO THE GUEST REVIEWS HERE! You are all very sweet. I think there were like 6? Between this update and the last one! WELL, HERE YOU GO! Rest assured I did NOT abandon CS! Just wanted to make sure the final chapter was the best it could be for you all!

RIGHT. SO. Review, fave, print it and EAT IT, whatever you do I appreciate any and all support for this bad boy! I love it so much. I love the world I built, EVERYTHING about it. I HOPE ONE DAY I CAN PUBLISH MY OWN ORIGINAL SHIT JUST ABOUT CS STUFF :D

And thank you all for joining me in this crazy ride! If I ever say "I'M GONNA REWRITE CRYSTAL SPRINGS AGAIN"please stop me immediately. I am out of control.

PS: Fun fact: This is going up one day before Jacqueline's birthday! ICONIQUE