Meeting at the Crossroads

Chapter 35

Hiccup, after all that had happened, could not find this impossible, so he kept silent.

"While Celest focused on her prophecies, I became quite attached to the people on the Earth, especially the children. And over the years, I have chosen special people and given them extraordinary powers to protect the children of the world. They give the children things like hope, dreams, wonder, and memories. They are the Guardians.

"I was pleased with what I could do but I wished to be even more involved. When Celest would acquire a particularly important prophecy, I would come down to Earth and try to interpret them and set them in motion. Celest was against this idea, because she thought her prophecies should come to pass of their own accord, but I didn't listen.

"One day, I was searching through the deep catacombs of prophecies, I found one that very much intrigued me. It was the same prophecy I showed you all those days ago. I was determined to set it in motion. The stakes were so high! Chasing away the shadows of fear! I realized it was the prophecy that would defeat Pitch Black, the Bogeyman. The Age of Darkness would be over."

Hiccup had to interrupt. "If you gave the Guardians their powers, where did Pitch come from?"

Lunar gave a sad sigh. "One doesn't become a Guardian right away. Several canidates are given that special gift and they have to prove themselves. Pitch Black was a possibility. I considered him for years to be the one to give dreams and a feeling of safety and comfort to the children."

The old man lowered his head shamefully. "I read him wrong. Pitch grew greedy and bitter. He didn't want to have a responsibility! Why should he? He felt that he could do whatever he wished with his powers and turned dark and evil. He soon became known as the Bogeyman. Creator of fear. The role of that Guardian went to someone else, obviously.

"And so, when I was searching for the people that fit the prophecy, Pitch noticed. He discovered the nature of my travels and began to target the people I suspected. And then I was able to meet all four of them and set them on their quest. Like you, Hiccup, and your friends, I glossed over the last few lines of the prophecy. When the ice is broken and the victim shall fall, and may rise again forever. I didn't see the importance until after it had passed. When poor Jack fell through the ice after saving his little sister, I knew that it was my fault. I should have waited. perhaps things may have been diffrent. Also, I was in awe of Jack's concern for Jenna's safety and none for his own. I knew what I had to do. I gave him new life. As an immortal being with great powers."

"You mean Jack's alive?" Hiccup felt his chest swell with hope. "That's great! Where is he? I have to tell Jenna and their mother!"

"No, Hiccup," Lunar said gently. "You must keep this a secret. How would Jack's family feel if they knew he was alive but could never see him again? It would cause them terrible pain. Also, I doubt you would ever find Jack."

"But-but!" Hiccup spluttered. "He should be around here, right? Its his home!"

"Was. In giving Jack a new life, I had to strip away the old one. Jack's oldest memory is waking up under the ice. He no longer remembers you, your friends, his family, or even himself. I'm very sorry, but that's how it works."

Hiccup's heart sank. "I don't know how to tell Merida and Rapunzel about this."

"My advice, don't. At least don't tell them about me and what I did. The less they know, the better. But if you feel you must, you know them better than I." Lunar sighed, a long sad sigh. "I have come to a conclusion. I will no longer meddle with the world and prophecies. I will remain in the sky and only choose potenial Guardians. I will only warn my Guardians if I sense trouble and leave them to sort it out. Its what they were meant to do."

"Are you sure?" Hiccup asked. "It sounds like you're running away and hiding. Children need you."

Lunar looked at him sternly. "Children need the Guardians. And they need me for guidance. In a way, I'm still helping them all." He looked up at the sky. "I've invaded your mind long enough. Goodbye, Hiccup."

Hiccup knew he should be angry with Lunar. If it wasn't for him, Jack might have lived a normal human life. But he wasn't. "Wait!" he called.

"Yes?"

"Its not your fault," Hiccup said honestly. "You thought you were doing the right thing. I blame Pitch. If he stayed good, the prophecy would have never needed to exist."

Lunar smiled. "Thank you, Hiccup. But I still find the fault in me." He began to glow.

"One more thing!"

"My dear boy! What could you possibly-?"

Hiccup had to know. "Is Jack going to be a Guardian?"

"The old man winked. "In due time. When he has proven himself."

"He can do it," Hiccup said confidently. "I know it."

Lunar smiled again and Hiccup awoke lying next to Toothless. The Night Fury rumbled curiously and rubbed his head against Hiccup's.

"Yeah, I'm alright, bud." He scratched Toothless's chin.

"Everyone is just fine."