Frost Vs. Ice (RotG)

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

*Alyssa's POV*

"Jack, back up slowly." I mumbled.

His eyes widened and everyone else froze.

"Now." I whispered almost harshly. He started moving, revealing something I'd almost missed. "Nightmare." I looked it straight in the eye, making a small whimper of fear escape my lips. As soon as I did, it galloped away.

"Has he been watching us this whole time?" Moser asked.

"I don't want to know." I shook my head with a shudder. We were just outside the castle, walking around.

Looking at the full moon overhead, I silently asked Manny to help us. "Tracy, can you talk to him please? Ask him to help?"

She nodded. "You guys go ahead, I'll catch up."

Before I could respond, Jack said, "Buddy system, remember? I can't leave."

I smiled slyly. He didn't seem to hate her as much as he said. Then again, it could just be that he didn't want to face my wrath.

Moser took my hand and we continued on our way back inside.

"When will this end?" I groaned.

"Soon, hopefully." He replied, letting out a long breath.

"Hopefully." I repeated.

"Do you think Tracy and Jack really hate each other?"

I chuckled. "I think they think they're supposed to. But I don't think they really do."

You know how writers get writer's block, well I felt like I had survivor's block. I was supposed to be this great, powerful being that could withstand anything if only to save a single life, but now...the fate of every spirit, every child, rested in my hands. That hit me like a ton of bricks and I stopped walking. If I didn't know what to do next, everyone would die. Children would have no hope, no belief, no spirit inside them anymore. There would be no more happiness, no more joy, everything good would be gone.

"Aly?" Moser questioned.

My eyes flickered around as all the weight settled. I could hardly breathe. My brother, my friends, the Guardians, all looked to me. If something went wrong, it was my fault.

"Alyssa...? What's the matter?"

I reacted to him then, my full eyes looking to his. When he saw me, he didn't hesitate to pull me into a hug. I closed my eyes, a tear falling, and rested my forehead on his shoulder.

"Calm down. What has you so worked up?"

"Ev-everyone's l-lives are in-in my hands." I whimpered out, my voice shaking as I tried to force the tears away.

We stood there for a while, but my thoughts never calmed down, in fact, I got even more worked up. I started full out bawling pathetically on his shoulder.

"Alyssa!" A terrified voice yelled from the door. Moser stepped away from me as Jack ran up. Shooting Moser a grateful look that I didn't catch, he asked, "What happened?"

I couldn't talk and he saw this, so held me. It was more comforting than Moser, which was strange, but I didn't question it. Jack ran his fingers through my hair; he knew that always helped to calm me down, and I could only cry. I was supposed to be strong, I shouldn't have been crying, but I couldn't help it.

"The-the w-weight of the wh-whole world is-is on my sh-shoulders." I stuttered through my tears and his sweatshirt.

"Is that what this is about?" He asked softly, but still with a tone of amusement. "Aly, we're all here to help with that. You don't have to do or handle anything alone."