CHANGE

There was time when spirits and people lived peacefully. To ensure the peace between two lands, the people of the Enchanted Forest and the people of the Royal Kingdom made a dam—a bridge. Although, within time, the people of the forest noticed a little something strange in their land. The winds were unsettling. The waters were rising and falling suspiciously. The grounds were shaking. And the light dimmed slowly. The leader of the forest soon approached the King to reconsider the treaty. Unfortunately, the King refused.

Until one day, the peace they made broke.

The people fought. The yells filled the air. Swords and spears clashed. The reindeers groaned and their hooves padded heavily against the grass. The leaves shook and the winds were unforgiving. Fire lit the forest in anger. The giant ogres throwing boulders around.

To be said, the forest was in pain.

And so, with the forest's magic, a mist appeared and covered the whole place with it. The Enchanted Forest then hidden away from the Kingdom. Until the time comes.

And that time hadn't started for over 20 years.

'Ah-ah ah-ah...'

A spirit turned towards the source of the sound. He was young. His hair frosted white, his skin cool toned and his eyes as grey as silver. He held a wooden staff in his hand. The very staff that could frost anything in a single touch. It held the magic of his spirit.

His name was Jack Frost.

The breeze was refreshing in this spring season. The rain cooled the air and left its scent behind. When Jack breathed in, he could still smell the rain that had settled earlier. He was cozy in the weather. He wore layers of clothing. A white long shirt under a brown vest and comfy brown jeans. Overall, a brown cloak wrapped around his shoulder to keep him warm. But he did not wear any shoes for he had no need. As he could fly in the sky.

Jack was settled on a branch by a park as he hummed a familiar tune. When he looked out in the open, the wind brushed him. He watched a dust of leaves swirl around him happily. He laughed as it tickled his skin and tried to wave it away.

He stood on his feet and jumped off the branch, joining the flying leaves. He twirled in the air, his laugh drifting among the wind. With his staff he threw flurries of frost in the air and dived through it. His laugh was contagious. After all, he enjoyed a little fun.

The travel was far across the waters, but not long. He lowered himself closer over the sea, then ran his fingers through the water as he flew. He wish he could swim in.

"In her waters," he recited a lullaby. "Deep and true. Lie the answers—"

Jack was cut short and was lifted higher in the air by the winds, guiding him along. He hummed contentedly until a castle caught his lign of sight. A castle he knew well.

Arendelle.

He hadn't been here in almost 30 years.

He never thought he'd be back already.

Soon enough, the wind blew hard and shoved him toward the castle. He let out a cry of alarm. The more he was pushed, the more he lost his balance. And he was about to crash in a window. He panicked and tried to take hold of anything in the way and he yelped when he smacked into the window pane. He held onto the frame and carefully placed his feet on the ledge.

He sighed in relief. He thought he was going to get in an accident. He glared out behind him at the sky. Freaking Gale. What was up with her?

A muffled sob caught his attention. He looked back at the window and squinted to see through, but the glass was fogged. In the room, he saw a figure curled up in a ball at the door. He could tell what was happening in there for all he could see was blurs of white from the inside.

Another sob came from within and he frowned. So quietly, he opened the window and to his surprise it was snowing inside. Did he do this? Unconsciously? He shook the thought away when he flew closer.

The figure he saw was a young lady. Her hair white and blonde braided and curled at her head, her dress long and dark—long sleeves. And her eyes were blue as ice and her face shaped like a heart. He couldn't help but stare. For him, she was a very pretty person, probably the most pretty he had ever seen. Except, she was crying. Her hands were gloved and her fingers curled in a tight fists over her lap. A dread of sadness came over him when she let out another heartbreaking sob. He knew not why she cried. He may not been seen by people, but maybe he could do something to help?

With a brush of his fingers over her short bangs and recited the lullaby once more, "Where the north wind, meets the sea..."

He watched as her sobs quietened. He smile a bit. Good. He sang again, "There's a mother full of memory… Come, my darling…"

"H…—homeward bound..." her voice shook but sang along. "When all is lost—"

"—then all is found." He finished with a whisper.

When he pulled away, she calmed down. He was glad. It was better than nothing, he supposed. He may not have given her the fun he would usually deliver, but it was enough to him. So, before he pulled away any farther, he tapped a finger to her button nose and laughed when his finger nipped a tiny frosted snowflake on her skin. The girl jumped and rubbed her nose before letting out a sneeze. He backed away to the large window. He climbed over the ledge. And with a look over his shoulder at the girl one more time, he jumped and flew off, without noticing the bits of swirling frosts his touch left over the wooden ledge in the warm season.

For some reason, the fact that the girl knew that lullaby never crossed his mind.

All of a sudden, a gut told him something. He wasn't sure what. Yet he knew that it had something to do with the forest. So he flew, far over the sea and the mountains, to the home he was welcomed to many years ago.

Soon, he stopped and hovered in the air. His eyes glued to the large mist before him in a wide meadow. Carefully, he dropped himself onto the grass and looked high as where the mist could reach. He stared out at the fog with a rise of determination.

"Hello, Jack." A voice called behind him.

A voice he knew all too well—but more mature.

He turned around to find a silhouette of a woman. Her body was faded—see-through. She was incorporeal. He frowned. Did he know her? He had to be sure.

"Jack," she called. Her voice unmistakable.

"Iduna..." he whispered. He realized that Iduna looker older. A lovely woman she became. But, the fact that she was all the way here, he knew that moment that she wasn't living anymore. "I'm sad to say that this is not like how I hope to see you again."

The woman laughed. Her voice echoed, "I'm afraid my time came to an end."

He wanted to ask what happened to her, but he couldn't get the words out. He worked his jaw and his throat closed up.

She didn't say anything for a while. She looked unsure, struggling to find the right words to say. Either way, she said, "It's time, Jack."

He tilted his head in question. He did not understand. He was even more confused when a smile settled on her lips.

"She will come soon," she added. "When she's ready."

Now he really didn't get it.

"Wish I knew who you're talking about."

Her eyes met his and they held long. Between her lips, she said, "The Fifth Spirit."

Then she faded away. Completely. Just like that.

He just realized that they haven't spoken much. Just a quick hello and goodbye.

Jack blinked a few times and looked around, hoping to find Iduna anywhere nearby. But when she decided not to appear, he figured it was all he was going to get. His white brows knitted and he eyed at the mist for a bit-mentally searching for the frozen land far away.

The Fifth Spirit, huh...

And suddenly, Jack flew off. Away from the Enchanted Forest. The forest well protected...

...right?

When the years passed, Jack Frost was still in Arendelle. He kept himself locked up in one of the crevices of the castle and slept through the next six years. Just waiting—waiting for anything.

He didn't have the nerve to leave for some reason. Especially since that encounter with Iduna. A part of him told him that he was needed here. To Jack, he was afraid that if he left, he would miss something important.

With that, Jack slept through the Frozen Era of the two princesses in Arendelle. It wasn't merely because of a simple slept-in situation. It was actually because he was in a deep sleep. If there was anything in comparison, it would have been like having a coma.

So in its entirety, he was in a deep slumber. And it was very peaceful.

Until one day—

'Ah-ah ah-ah...'

White lashes fluttered at the soft echo. Then squinted at the sun raying over his eyes. A soft groan filled the space. Opened, heavy eyes shut back quickly. Jack turned onto his side, hoping to get back into his long slumber and relaxed. His breathing evened out. He soon feel back into sleep—

'Ah-ah ah-ah...'

Thick brows furrowed, disturbed of being awoken. He opened his eyes once more, the light brightened up in the crevice he slept in. He sighed then pushed himself off the floor and looked out at the direction of the sunlight. He yawned loudly and rubbed the tiredness in his eyes. With a shake of his head, he brought his legs up and settled his arms over his knees.

When he inhaled, he smelled the cool autumn air and let it out. It felt quite refreshing. He closed his eyes so he could feel the breeze passing through his face and sighed heavily.

It was relaxing.

'Ah-ah ah-ah... ah-ah...'

Jack clicked his tongue and rubbed his head. He was still feeling pretty drowsy with the amount of years he slept through. The echo hadn't even sunk in yet. He glared out through the crack of the sun and said anyway, "Yeah yeah, I hear you."

With that, he snapped out of it and looked out the crevice with uncertainty. He quickly grabbed his staff and stepped out of said crevice, into the cool air. His eyes stared out in the mountains fixedly. He worried.

"What's going on...?" He asked nobody in particular. Jack then hopped off the castle and flew.

It was still morning-closer to the afternoon, judging by the tone of the sun. It was shining bright and almost white. He watched the people of Arendelle walk out while preparing some sort of event. Jack tilted his head to the side and squinted. Was it a celebration? He asked himself what for. He couldn't tell for he had slept quite a few years.

He could hear the children laughing and he couldn't help but smile. He totally loved kids. They were the sweetest things he had ever played with. It sucked that they weren't able to see him. But maybe one day. He guessed that timing wasn't agreeing with him.

When he turned elsewhere, he saw a young woman. He stopped mid-air and stared at her curiously. She looked familiar a bit. Unfortunately, he couldn't tell from where. But she was a very beautiful woman. She wore a pale pink coloured long sleeved dress and her white blond hair braided over her shoulder. She was looking for someone.

Gliding down, he kneeled over a statue and looked closer. He'd think she was lost but she knew her way pretty well. Although she was going in circles. She looked so confuse, it was adorable. Almost like a puppy.

He chuckled lightly and tapped his staff on the statue. Swirls of frosts soon bloomed down and froze the little flowers nearby that was left for the season-right in front of the young lady. The tiny frosted flowers sparkled and glowed under the sunlight. It was a sight.

Said young woman in pink stopped on her tracks and found the frozen flower. She giggled and knelt at it. She looked at it curiously before brushing a finger against the frosted petals. Jack smiled. He was glad the lady found it. It was his way of being thankful of having to lay eyes on the most beautiful lady in all the lands.

Then all of a sudden, Jack blinked when she quickly stood on her feet and frantically looked around-almost desperately. The flower was plucked off the ground and tucked delicately between her fingers.

He frowned and leaned in, trying to figure out what she was doing. He didn't get to find out when a shout called to his side. Another young lady with ginger hair ran towards the beautiful lady and they hugged. He laughed and shook his head. It looked like to him that the two were friends.

Jack guessed it was time to leave them alone when the wind blew. With a jump, he let himself be pushed and guided by the wind.

He played with the children for the rest of the day. His smile wide and bright. He laughed when the kids laughed. He threw freckles of snowflake at them when they waved their hands in the air. He circled around the little ones when the wind itself tagged along in the little games.

Was he upset that the kids couldn't see him? No. Not really. Was he disappointed that no matter what he did, they still couldn't see him? Maybe just a little. But Jack knew it couldn't be helped. He was a spirit of winter. This place wasn't a land where spirits roamed freely. Was it because spirits weren't believed in? Probably. It was understandable to him. He had a place to call home many years ago where people could see and converse with him. It was one of the best times of his life. But because of an urgent circumstance, he had to leave and shut out everyone. To his surprise, when he found Arendelle nearby, the Arendellians couldn't see him. Never once responded to him. Never once looked at him. It was like he didn't exist at all. He learned the hard way that it was normal out here than his home. It was out of his control.

And since he couldn't exactly go home. He decided to explore the world and spread around some frosts during the winters. After all, that was probably why the man in moon birthed him...

When the evening fell, he sat at the rooftop of the castle and watched the people of Arendelle sing together with the two young ladies he saw earlier. To his surprise, he never knew they were the princesses of Arendelle. Last he heard of someone in the royal family, it was the young Prince Agnarr. Could these two be his descendants? Daughters? Grand-daughters? Or maybe great grand-daughters? Just how many years has passed since he last saw the young Agnarr exactly? He couldn't even recall. He was gone for quite a long time. He never kept up with the time or day or year.

Jack rubbed his chin as he inspected the sisters. They look familiar, sure. Although he couldn't see much of a resemblance to the young Agnarr. Probably got their looks from the mother then. Jack shrugged his shoulders and gave up for the time being, leaning back on the cool tiles of the roof.

He watched the sky darken and the spread of stars shine. He smiled when a gust of wind brushed his skin and shut his eyes for a nap.

He didn't know how long he slept because-

'Ah-ah ah-ah…'

Eyes shot wide open and Jack sprung up to a sit. He looked out at the horizon, searching for the source of the voice. His brows furrowed suspiciously.

Again?

'Ah-ah ah-ah...'

Jack hopped off the roof. Wooden staff clutched tightly in his hand and he landed on the balcony below him. His feet bloomed frosts on the cool wood. While taking a couple of steps forward, he placed his hand on the rail of the wide balcony. His touch leaving speckles of frosts as well. He dismissed it for the time being, then shut his eyes. His ears listening closely to catch that voice out in the open-

"Oh my goodness..."

Jack frowned a bit.

Um...

That wasn't the voice he was looking for. It sounded too close to be supposedly far away. Confusedly, he opened his eyes and turned around to find the beautiful princess he gifted a frosted flower to this afternoon, standing at the open doors of the balcony.

Huh.

He hadn't expected to see her here.

He hummed to himself and his eyes swiped down along her figure. He mentally chuckled to himself. Who would have thought that she looked much lovelier up close? Oh! And how cute. She was now wearing some deep v-line purple dress. Or was it magenta? He wasn't that great with colours. Purple was purple. Quite simple. That aside, it suited her quite well. She looked more like an enchantress if he said so himself. He chuckled again and shook his head.

Then Jack shook his head again forcefully. No. He had to concentrate. He could not be distracted by a beautiful woman. Plus, it was impolite to stare the way he did and Jack had manners... of somewhat. There were more pressing matters to think about. He had to focus again and find the source of the-

"Jack Frost..."

Said spirit jerked a bit at the whisper of his name, causing him to slowly lifted his head. Eyes wide. Shocked.

Did he just hear her say...?

Jack soon slowly turned back to the princess. He was unsure. He was... confused to say the least. It had been years after all since he last talked to someone. It had been far too long. Surely, the young princess couldn't have been calling for him. It was not possible. He was sure that only the people of his home land could see him. That was what he concluded over the years. She couldn't be seeing him. He just didn't believe it.

The two stared at each other for a long time and nobody said anything. Hesitation consumed within Jack, yet he broke the silence. He asked quietly, "Can you see me?"

The young lady gasped and pressed a hand over her mouth in surprised. Through her fingers, she said, "Jack Frost... He talks..."

The spirit's jaw slacked. His mouth dropped and he soon buried his hands in his hair unbelievably—his staff dropped and rolled on the floored wood. He exhaled, exasperated. A burst of laughter left his lips. He let go of his hair and asked again. "You can see me?"

The woman blinked continuously, lashes fluttering over her cheeks—seemingly unbelieved.

Jack burst another laugh with excitement. This was the first time in years someone—anyone could see him. He definitely didn't expect it, but he definitely hoped one day it would happen.

His laugh later faded into silence. Brows knitted, confused. He looked at the woman in purple. He was... astounded, yes. Someone finally saw him—but what bothered him the most was... why?

Out of curiosity, he lifted his arm and stretched out his hand at her. He wanted to know about something—he wanted to confirm something.

It took a while, but she did the same by reaching out to him.

Could she also feel...?

The moment their fingers touch, a spark flashed and a burst of frosts exerted, startling them both.

"Oh!" The woman pulled her hand away while Jack left his own still in the air. He looked at his shocked fingers and examined the thin patterns of frost swirling over his skin. He brought his hands closer for a better look, then looked at the princess. He noted that she did the same, but instead of worry and confusion, she had a smile spreading on her soft white peached face.

He blinked, startled at the given smile of pure excitement and curiosity.

It took Jack's breath away. He had never seen something so beautiful in his life. His heart was racing. He could feel a thrum going to his head.

"Jack Frost." She said his name again. This time, softly.

Oh Manny, how many times had she said his name already?

He didn't know what to do nor what to say. He was still in shock. He had just met someone who could see him. That just left him blank-headed.

The woman brought her hands to her mouth. She was excited and she giggled. Then, she chose that moment to smooth down her purple night gown and give him a small curtsey.

Jack straightened and he panicked, unsure what to do. Was he supposed to bow? Was he going to have to bow too? What to do! Did men still bow these days? He hadn't bothered to keep up with the latest trends! He was a bit of a late bloomer.

Quickly, Jack bowed in return. At least he knew a bit of some proper etiquette. Never thought he would end up using them though. His face felt hot—but the feeling quickly cut off when he heard another giggle. When he lifted his head, she had a shy smile this time. The gesture got him to slowly straighten himself back up and rub his head, slightly embarrassed.

"Uh..." he started awkwardly.

"I'm Elsa."

Jack jumped, startled. "What?"

She giggled again. By the moon, he must looked ridiculous for her to be giggling at him so much.

She paused and placed a hand over her chest. She repeated, "My name. It's Elsa."

Ah. She was introducing herself.

Well what a cute name.

Jack snapped out of it when he noticed her waiting for a response. Or at least a name back.

"Oh! Um-well I'm Jack..." he introduced back. He stumbled with the words. "But you already know that!"

He mentally cursed at himself.

Smooth, Jack.

"Well," the woman—Elsa—started. Her smile softened and all he could think of was how her soft smile could compare to soft petals of a flower. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Jack."

Oh, thank Manny. For a second, he thought he was weirding her out. But at the same time, he couldn't help it. He didn't want to risk driving her away because of... well, being him—being the way he was. All socially awkward.

He sighed with relief. Yet, he could still feel his heart pounding for he could still not believe this was happening. As much as he long gave up trying to talk to people, it felt nice to have someone to talk to again. It made his world a little less lonely. Less lonely inside of him as well. He almost forgot the feeling.

Jack chuckled a bit with disbelief. With a large smile rested on his face, he disregarded her pinked brightened cheeks. He guessed it was due to the chilly air. Temperature tended to drop at night after all.

Jack then remembered himself and scratched his cheek when he caught the odd expression on Elsa's face. "Sorry. It's just... I forgot what it's like to talk to someone."

"Oh?" Her voice peaked with interest

"Well, it's not much. But yes. Quite." With a flick of his wrist and quick swirl of his magic, he pulled out a frosted flower. The same flower he left as a small gift earlier in the afternoon. He directed it towards Elsa. His grin brightened. "Especially with someone as beautiful as you."

...

A silence.

But alas. Elsa didn't grab the frozen gift. She was just... staring at it. Jack's brows twitched a little when he caught her cheeks reddening even more, then he wondered if the air was getting colder. He sure didn't feel any different than before. He found that the autumn breeze was still a bit warm—well probably it was warm to him specifically. He couldn't really vouch for anyone about it.

By reflex, the frosted flower disintegrated and Jack brought a free hand over her forehead. And within seconds, her skin was warming up his palm. Now, he was starting to worry.

Unfortunately, he never processed the most obvious expressive half-lidded gaze she had on him as she muttered something under her breath. It was so soft and so quiet, he barely—just barely heard it. He could have sworn he heard—

"So handsome…"

Ha! He wished she would say that.

"I'm sorry, but are you alright?"

The woman suddenly blinked curiously. Then—

"Oh! Yes!—yes." The young woman jumped in a startle and stepped back while tucking a loose strand of her blond hair behind her ear. Her sweet voice lowered—had he mentioned that she had the most luring voice? "I'm just feeling a little warm. Do not worry, Jack."

He frowned as she fanned herself with a hand.

Huh. Maybe she wasn't so bothered with the cold as much as he thought. But then again, humans did pump more blood than he—wait, did Jack pump blood too? Well, he didn't know much of his history really. Didn't even remember where he was born. Then again, was he ever human at all? He guessed he felt a little jealous.

Jack then gave a pinked face Elsa the most comforting smile he could make. "If it makes you feel any better. You look positively radiant."

...

Okay.

Apparently that wasn't the right thing to say to a lady.

Elsa suddenly turned away from him, hiding her face. He couldn't even see her expression. He wondered if he said something wrong. He didn't mean to if he did. He took a closer look and tilted his head, noting her ears turning bright red under the moonlight.

For Manny's sakes, Jack Frost. Say any more and she might as well redden her whole entire skin.

Never thought he had the ability to make a person sick.

"Hey..." Jack called out to her, causing Elsa to peek at him over her shoulder and hummed questionably. "Maybe we should get you inside? I worry I've made you fall ill..."

But Elsa shook her head and cleared her throat. She smoothed her hair before composing herself. She turned back to Jack with her hands locked together in front of her and held her head high. She smiled at him. "There's really no need, Jack."

In response, his lips lifted to her sweet smile. She added, "Thank you for worrying."

The two beings stood awkwardly in front of each other at the balcony as a silence stretched. Jack rubbed the back of his head feeling unsure what to say and Elsa took some interest on tugging her braid. This was new to Jack. Normally, he was a talkative guy, but with years of solitude and having no one to talk to but himself, he wasn't sure he remembered how to start a conversation.

"Um..." Elsa's shy voice peaked at his attention. He rose a brow and noticed her eyes wouldn't meet with his when she waved at the large doors behind her. He forgot that they were just standing around outside the balcony with the doors left wide open. She continued, "Would you like to join me?"

"Oh." He breathed out. Then, he picked up his forgotten staff off the ground before taking a step forward toward the doors, frosts trailing after his feet. "Have I interrupted something you were—"

'Ah-ah ah-ah...'

Jack swung himself around at the echo that had been occurring all day and looked out beyond the mountains suspiciously. Another echo and his eyes narrowed. He glared.

What now?

What is it now, for Manny's sakes?

"Do you hear it too?" Elsa's voice interrupted away.

Jack blinked, then turned to her confused. His brows furrowed with frustration. He asked, "What?"

The young lass looked unsettled. She squirmed as she looked around with worry. Her hands twiddling and rubbing together, unsure of what to do with them yet also using them as a way of distraction. She whispered so quietly, "The Voice..."

Jack stared at Elsa for a while. Her words slowly processing through his ears. Soon, his eyes widened and his jaw dropped. He definitely wasn't expecting this. He was hearing that Elsa, a person who did not come from his homeland, was hearing the same echoes.

Just as much many times as he maybe.

"You've been hearing it?" Jack asked softly.

Elsa didn't seem like she wanted to admit it. Almost like she wasn't proud of the fact that she as well could hear the echoes of a voice coming from far away.

"Yes. I don't know why, but it's been calling me." She looked nervous. Her eyes glued to the ground before she looked up at Jack through her blonde lashes. Her voice whispered, "Has it been calling you too?"

Jack frowned, then sighed heavily. He turned away from the woman and pressed his arms over the wooden rails. He sighed again. "I wouldn't say calling. Just... there. It's been bothering me since this morning."

A beat.

He continued, "Then again. Yeah, maybe it is calling."

He then looked up at the night sky where the stars were twinkling and reflecting each other. He just couldn't understand why he and Elsa were involved with this—why she was hearing the echo as well. They haven't done anything to cause this. Was there something he missed? He had been hibernating for about 6 years, now that he thought about it. Did something happen while he was asleep?

"Why is it calling us?" Elsa asked behind him. Her voice neared, getting louder as she took steps towards him.

"Wish I knew." Jack just shook his head in response then shrugged. He wished he had the answers to everything. If he knew, then everything would have settled. They haven't even done anything and trouble had already started.

Ah. Everything's a so confusing. He thought to himself.

"I've never figured it out. It all happened so suddenly. Today. I mean—I've heard a call like this before. Years ago. But under a different circumstance. Besides," the young spirit took a deep breath and exhaled hard. He hung his head. He whispered, "It was different. Back then, the… Voice? The Voice, was it you called it?—It was more humane. Now it's like a hypnotic voice luring us to some sort of trap."

Jack used a fist to hit the railing in frustration, startling Elsa. He groaned and turned back to the woman waiting for him. He deflated when he laid eyes on her. Her beauty washed away his frustration and her worry calmed his nerves. He shook his head again and half-heartedly threw up his hands. "I don't even know if we should even trust it."

Elsa took steps forward, closing in the space between them. Her smaller hand took his larger one as he stared at them. It felt cool, but surprisingly comfortable. He squeezed her hand and suddenly thought that it looked perfect within his.

"It'll be okay," she said and tugged him a bit. A small smile lighted the corners of her dark lips. "After all... We can figure this out together. Right?"

Jack looked at her, then subconsciously brought her hand to his lips. Said move brought more redness to the woman's cheeks, which caused him to frown when he caught her colouring cheeks. He smiled weakly.

Oops. He didn't mean to do that.

"Sorry—wasn't thinking." He carefully let go of her hand, missing the eyes of disappointment sent his way. "I just want to apologize for having you dragged in this. But I thank you for not leaving me alone in this. I assure you it is better you do not get yourself involved."

Jack worried that something dangerous lied ahead. He already grew slightly fond of Elsa of Arendelle. He couldn't let anything happen to her now. Especially to someone who could see him. She was his only friend now. So, for sure, he would do anything to keep her out of danger.

He didn't even want to think of the possibilities. He just wanted Elsa safe. Who knew what was calling them and who knew what it would lead them to if they were to go.

But then, what if the danger would have nothing to do with them? What if he and Elsa could help? Well, more like just him alone. There was no way he would let Elsa tag along.

"Then what are going to do, Jack? Just ignore it?" She asked.

Jack shook his head, then said, "No. I don't think it'll leave us alone if we did."

"I'm worried, Jack. Just who is calling us? Is it dangerous?"

Jack sure hoped not. If anything, he would make sure Elsa stayed away. Far, far away.

"I really don't know. Honestly, I don't want to find out."

When he glanced at Elsa, he could tell that she was still bothered by the Voice. He felt bad that Elsa got pulled into this mess. For he, the Voice was an occurrence from his homeland. As for Elsa, born outside from the spirits of the forest, it was something completely out of her control.

The Forest...

Jack couldn't understand why her of all people could hear the Enchanted Forest calling. She had no relation to it. She was just an innocent dragged into this.

…

Was she?

He observed Elsa as she watched the waters nearby. The moonlight illuminated her skin as she faced out the balcony. She was still and quiet. Jack felt like he had involved her into something that had nothing to do with her.

He wondered whether he regretted even talking to her at all. Maybe it wouldn't be so problematic.

Elsa suddenly pointed out at the waters. "Let's go talk some more over there."

Jack blinked and nodded. "Oh. Sure. Hang on."

Elsa turned to him with her eyes furrowed and lips parted, prepared to ask why. But before words came out, Jack took her hand and pulled her, swiftly lifting the woman in his arms before stepping onto the railing.

"Wha—Jack!" She yelped.

Jack laughed. "Hold on tight!"

"Hold on tight?—OH!"

Jack jumped off the railing, right when the wind caught them—swifting them towards the water.

"JACK!" Her voice filled the air.

His laugh grew louder as Elsa screamed her heart out. Her arms were tightly wounded around his neck as her eyes shut and her face hiding somewhere underneath his jaw.

When the gust of wind slowed down, he flew down to a land. When his feet softly pressed to the ground, he carefully put Elsa down, his hands on her waist when she wouldn't let go of his neck. He chuckled softly.

As Elsa finally felt the ground beneath her, she pulled away and swatted his chest—quite hard. Hard enough to get Jack jump back a little.

"Ow! What was that for?" He pouted and nursed his chest by rubbing it.

"That was for not warning me," she hissed at him. Suddenly, Elsa grabbed the collar of his cloak and tugged him closer to peck her lips to his cheek, catching Jack by surprise. When she pulled away, her eyes darted anywhere else but his before tucking her hair behind her ear. She waved at him. "That was… for not letting me fall."

He blinked at her blushed cheeks and blushed hard himself. Subconsciously, he pressed his fingers against his kissed cheek and smiled at her. He tapped her button nose.

"You're welcome," he said softly.

He stared as he noticed a snowflake bloomed on the tip of her nose, which caused her to let out a small sneeze. Elsa blinked at Jack owlishly, then looked at him with wide eyes. Her hands covered her mouth, looking quite stunned.

Jack frowned and slowly touched his face. Did he have something on him? Or maybe his hair? His ran his fingers through his white messy hair. So far, he couldn't feel anything different.

If there wasn't anything, he hoped that he hadn't made her uncomfortable.

All of a sudden, a bubble of laughter escaped his lips. He cleared his throat to stop the laugh and looked away. He coughed again. He couldn't help it. He just processed her odd expression and if he had to be honest, it was kind of funny.

But, he was a gentleman. He couldn't laugh at a lady.

...

Yeah. Well, forget it. He already laughed at her screams when they flew off the balcony.

"It's you..." Elsa whispered at him.

He looked back at her and hummed. His brow raised in question. Just what about him?

Elsa continued on as a smile growing along her face, "Six years ago. In my room. You were there, weren't you?"

Jack tensed a bit. He felt like he was caught stealing some candies from kids even though he was pretty much invisible to everyone.

Six years ago?

What had happened six years ago?

All he could remember recently was singing to a sad young woman back at the Arendelle castle—

Wait. This was the Arendelle castle.

Did that mean Elsa was...?

Well, wasn't this quite a fateful day.

He sagged with a smile. "Alright. You caught me. So, it was you, wasn't it? Sorry. You were looking so bummed so I decided to cheer you up. Even for a little bit. The gentleman part of me couldn't leave a lady crying to herself. It hurt me to see you like that."

Jack's smile softened at the memory.

Elsa smiled just as softly. Then then looked down at her hands, thoughtfully. "That night, I found frosts all over my window. And I knew... I knew that something—or more like someone was there for me."

He didn't know what to say really. He was rendered speechless. Well, he was glad—extremely glad that he was acknowledged... somewhat.

"You sang to me too, didn't you?" she said softly. Her blue eyes still on her twined hands. Her voice sweet and shy. "I've always wanted to meet you ever since, Jack. I'm so grateful that I get to properly meet you now. You were my hero."

Elsa's eyes watered and she quickly wiped her tears with a curl of her finger. Within a blink, Jack pulled on his white sleeve and used it to dab on her eyes, causing the woman to give out a broken laugh.

"This is so much like a dream come true," she said when she finally looked up at him.

His eyes softened at her expression. "It's just as much as a dream to me for you to see me, Elsa."

Another hearty laugh and she pressed a hand over her chest. She tried to calm while taking deep breaths. "I wanted to thank you."

When Jack raised a brow, she continued, "For being there. For cheering me up. I just wish that I knew it was you sooner or I would have looked for you."

Now Jack felt his face burn. He pursed his lips and felt embarrassed. He had never been praised like this before. Not in years, he believed. Jack rubbed his head shyly. "Ah well... I didn't really do much—"

"You've done plenty, Jack. And I can never thank you enough." Her pearly white smile was back, but shy. "I'm happy to have met someone like me."

Jack suddenly snorted at the thought. He laughed, "Someone lonely and isolated from the world?"

The blond laughed too, but she shook her head.

Jack's brows knitted when Elsa twirled her fingers. Then came a swirl of frost glowing and forming a thin icy snowflake. Four diamond shapes positioned across from each other and countless needles of ice formed them together in a unique shape of a snowflake. It hovered and sparkled over her palm.

Jack's eyes widened slowly.

"Someone who can created snow and ice..." she replied back.

Jack stared at the snowflake in shock and took a hesitant step forward, reaching over to touch the snowflake nervously.

But how...?

At the touch of his fingers and ice, he felt the cold and its solidity. He almost believed that he made it himself by accident. But he already knew that he could never make something like this since his powers were a bit different even though similar.

He swallowed, choking on his own tongue and looked at Elsa. "You... you made this?"

At the look of Elsa's face. She was shy about it, but seemed a little excited to have shown her powers to the spirit of winter. And oh boy did Jack feel the pride within him. He smirked at her and observed the snowflake once more. He was completely fascinated by the detail of it.

But he was also fascinated by the artistry and the fact that never in his life would he meet someone non-spirited with these kind of powers. Never would he thought there was someone out there like him this entire time.

This was not something he had coming.

"I was born with it," she said softly.

He placed his hands underneath hers and pulled the snowflake closer for a better look.

He frowned suddenly when he noticed the familiarity of the snowflake. He looked even closer.

Why does the pattern look so familiar…?

"You lifted my spirits when I was down." Elsa's face settled in an expression of disturbance and looked at the ground. "When my parents died. At first, I thought the frosts were my doing, but then I remembered mama telling my sister and I some bed time stories of a spirit responsible of snow and frosts."

Jack couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Is that all you know about me? I hope they were good stories."

Elsa giggled back, "Oh. No! Mama told wonderful stories. But ever since I remembered those stories, I hoped it was you. Except it took me a while to realize that."

Jack couldn't help but smile bashfully and rub the back of his neck, looking anywhere but at Elsa. He was really grateful. He didn't think the people knew anything about him. And right now, Elsa was the first to see him in decades.

He guessed that he should be thankful to her mother. It was pleasant to feel acknowledged, especially to a woman who created snow and ice.

"I think you are a remarkable woman, Elsa of Arendelle," he told said woman and was rewarded with another shy smile.

The two of them looked at each other, their cheeks flushed. Both standing by the lake and the lights shining at low light and crickets heard from a distance. In anyone else's eyes, the setting could look a little romantic.

Jack watched Elsa for a while. She suddenly looked anywhere else but at him. He chuckled on the inside, using his staff to set his chin on the base of its hook. It was ridiculous when he did the same earlier, but it was endearing to see her do it. It was cute.

As he watched Elsa fiddle with her hair, he couldn't help but wonder. He had been feeling something for a while today. Especially since he met Elsa. He didn't know how to put it in words for he had never felt it before—okay he had once. But this was different. It wasn't as big as it was now. It was close enough.

When he caught eyes with Elsa, his heart swelled within his chest. It swelled so big, he felt like he couldn't breathe. It sort of hurt, actually. He never felt this kind of pain—but it was a good pain. AT least, that was what he thought? Now he felt pretty confused about it.

Like, was he supposed to do something about it? If these feelings were to be place in his hands, he wouldn't know what to do with it. His first thought might as well be keeping it close.

He carefully looked at Elsa and admired her. There was no denying she was a real beauty. Maybe that was why he felt this way?

But no. It couldn't be. He had seen many beautiful women over the years and he was shy around them. If he felt attraction to Elsa because of her beauty, he would have fell for the others. Although, Jack wasn't that kind of guy. He cared of having fun and sharing it with the kids he passed by.

It was a big change to him.

So, what was it about Elsa that got him this way?