changing future: book 1 through time

Chapter 5: A solitary conversation and a notable shift.

Jack flew about, silencing the voices in his head as he focused on the sound of the wind whistling past his ears, the frigid cold of the high altitude that caressed his face, and the scent of freezing water as he reached a mountain top.

He didn't quite know which mountain he had gone to but he didn't care much of it. Allowing his feet to touch the snowy ground, he marvelled at how snow didn't crunch under his feet, much like when he was still Jack Frost.

Sitting down on a frosted boulder on top of the frozen mountain peak, he sighed, looking up at the moon, his eyes conflicted as he thought of his situation.

Just who exactly was he?

While he quite obviously had his memories of being Jack Frost and even his time as Jackson Overland, but now, there were memories popping up at random. Memories that weren't his but were his at the same time.

He didn't understand, but he was trying to. He knew the "new" memories were of his current body- a body that Sandy and Pitch believed was that of a past life of his. But were they really his?

And more importantly, was he stealing away the life of another by simply existing in this form?

No, we are one and the same .

Jack stiffened, looking around for anyone else on the mountain range. Finding no one, he allowed his shoulders to relax once again, his thoughts returning to the identity crisis he was currently having.

Jack sighed, running his hand through his uneven and yet oddly fashionable hair. He kinda liked it. Maybe once he was Jack Frost again, he could maybe play with his hairstyle? That is if his hair could even grow.

His thoughts returned to his current body. Pitch had called it "Nightlight". Was that his name now?

It can be whatever you're comfortable with.

Again, Jack stiffened and looked around. No one. Hesitantly he called out. "Is anyone there?" No response followed. Then he thought for a moment, pondering on the strangeness of the voice, until it dawned on him. It was no voice that was replying, but a thought.

' Hello? ' He wondered tentatively, cringing slightly at the stupidness of the idea.

Hello, Jack.

Jack yelped, startled by the odd intrusive thought that replied back. For a few seconds he blinked, stunned silent by the oddity. "I'm going insane..." he muttered out loud in a quiet whisper.

You are not. The thought seemed to huff, causing the immortal child to physically flinch.

' Okay then, if I'm not going mad, then who are you? '

I am you.

Jack blinked. Then his face morphed into a confused and frustrated scowl.

' Don't tell me you're Nightlight. ' Jack deadpanned, running a hand over his face. There was a moment where Jack thought he could hear soft laughter akin to bells, much like how Sandy's sand twinkled whenever he too laughed.

Not exactly, but if it makes you feel better, you can call me Nightlight.

' Great. So now I have the voice of my "past self" in my head. '

Technically speaking, maybe.

' What's that supposed to mean? ' Jack stiffened up at that, worry flashing through his eyes.

I am you, Jack. Like you, I know the future. Like you I have the memories of Jack Frost. I've always been here, a silent observer. Though I do try to speak up when I must.