Rise Of The Guardians - The Life Of A Spirit

Winter: Part 1

Jack examined himself in the full-body mirror, a slight curl of distaste on his lips. North had finally gotten around to crafting him a full suite of thick leather and fur armour. It was much heavier than the clothes he was used to, but was infinitely warmer and he couldn't help but wonder what it was made from. Both the outside and inside were the same white as freshly fallen snow, providing the perfect camouflage against the blizzards Jokul was sure to send their way. North had also provided a full head-mask and thick goggles but Jack couldn't bring himself to wear them. Just the idea of being fully encased in the suit, unable to fully move or even breathe properly caused his heart to start hammering and his breathing to spike.

So, he was using the excuse of examining both the armour, and his new appearance to avoid donning the helmet. It wasn't exactly a lie.

He peered into the mirror, a stranger's face staring back. He looked... unnervingly like the portrait on his Tooth Box. Which made perfect sense, but after living for three hundred years with one face then abruptly changing to something he couldn't quite remember having took some adjustment.

He lifted his hand to twist a small clump of his now chocolate brown hair, the same coloured eyes widening in wonder. More than his hair and eyes, his skin had also changed, now flushed with warmth and life.

While Chūntiān may have assured him that he was not, he still looked and felt completely human. Without that icy core, he didn't know what he was supposed to be. What power did the Guardian of Fun even have? Making people laugh uncontrollably? He had no idea. But he had to have something, otherwise he would not be here after what Jokul had done.

A firm knock at the door made him jump out of his musings and he called, "Yeah! I'm done."

It opened and North strode in, immediately taking in his appearance and nodding in approval.

"Yes. This will do nicely," he decided, "It is not too tight? Too loose?"

"I think it's right. But I don't think I'll be super useful with it on. It's kinda heavy. And... restricting."

"It is supposed to be," North replied, "If it were not, you would freeze in seconds."

Jack frowned at his reflection and remained unconvinced.

"Chūntiān is just about to leave. We should also prepare ourselves."

Jack nodded, scooping up his helmet and goggles before following him back out to the Globe Room where the other Guardians, as well as Pitch and Chūntiān were gathered.

She gave him a once over and nodded.

"That will ensure proper protection against Jokul?" she asked North who nodded confidently.

"Of course. If it can withstand the blizzards of the Arctic, it will be able to stand up to Jokul."

Chūntiān raised an eyebrow, a strangely human gesture on the normally aloof spirit.

"I hope you are correct," she murmured.

"It'll be fine," Bunny declared confidently, "So long as we stick to the plan, right?"

Jack wondered how much of his confidence was bravado.

"The plan will work," Tooth agreed, "If we all play our parts properly, we can do this."

Jack grimaced at the memory of their discussion, or rather, North's reaction to Jack's role in the plan.

"Absolutely not!" North thundered, "There is no way I will ever let you ride on a Nightmare! Never!"