❅Chapter 3~ The Guardians ❅
"Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Believe in me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you."
~William Arthur Ward.
The songs last notes play and then a stillness hovers over the crowd. You take your hands off of Jack's shoulder and rub your hands together for warmth. "Sorry I forgot how uh, cold I am." He says, scratching the back of his neck. "Oh it's fine I'm Mother nature I'm supposed to be used to the cold." You point out with a laugh. He smiles widely, which makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. "Well mother nature, it was nice dancing with you I hope your not still mad about me dumping snow on your festival." He smirks. "You should probably know my real name, It's December and I don't worry. I don't hold a grudge." His smile seems to deepen at the sound of your name. "December hey? Like the snowy, winter month?" He snickers and picks up his staff nearby. "Yeah like the snowy winter month." You imitate with your face full of jeering. Once again his eyes flick to your precious snowflake necklace. "Where did you get that?" He asks his eyes full of memory. "I-I don't know actually, I've had it ever since I became... well you know." You admit. "Do you still remember everything about your past life?" He questions with concern." Almost everything, I just don't remember that part."
The sun is almost completely below the horizon as the crowds of people begin to file out of the town square. Jack continues to frost windows and form icicles and you greet the children that come up to say goodbye. You notice a beautiful stream of purple and green lights in the sky over the treetops. "Jack, doesn't that mean-" you begin but he quickly cuts you off. "The northern lights... Somethings wrong, I think I have to go." He says not keeping his eyes off the lights. Your a little sad that he's leaving you so soon but you didn't mean for it to show on your face. "You should come too. The guardians won't mind mother nature stopping by." He assures. Before you can object he already has your hand and your both flying out toward the bright lights.
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You enter into a giant room buzzing with yeti's, pointy hat wearing elves, and a giant globe filling the middle of the room. In front of the globe stands Santa Claus, The tooth fairy, Sandman, And the Easter bunny. They all have concerned looks. Your so in awe at the grand room that you don't even notice your still griping Jack's hand. You quickly let go and turn away to hide your very obvious blush. But Jack just chuckles and rushes over to join the group. "What's wrong?" Jack says immediately. "Why are you so late, Frosty?" The bunny says with his accent strong. "Maybe because it's winter, Kangaroo and if you hadn't notice I'm the spirit of winter!" He argues. "Stop fighting! I think Jack brought friend!" says North, his Russian accent heavy. He points toward you who, despite being who you are, feels small and shy. You clutch your hands behind your back as you rock on your ankles nervously. "Oh yeah!" exclaims Jack who rushes over to you. "This is December, also known as Mother Nature." He introduces and pushes you forcefully closer to them. " And December this is North, Bunnymund, Tooth, and Sandy. You will get a much warmer welcome then I got the first time I was here." He glares back at Bunnymund and north raises a bushy eyebrow.
"So that's why 'e was so late. Hey mate?" Bunnymund whispers to tooth who just laughs and smiles brightly. You quietly take a place between Bunnymund and Jack. Jack puts his arm around you reassuringly and you hold back a lovesick giggle. North clears his throat. " I have bad news, last night lights all over the globe were going out and there only one person who could be responsible for this." Everyone seems to hold there breath and I feel Jack tense up." I'm afraid that Pitch might be back." The tension in the room is so thick you can feel it. "Who's Pitch?" You blurt out. Everyone stares at you and you suddenly feel uneasy.
