A/N: Alright folks, this is the last chapter of this story, I know, sad day, but I like where it ends. I tried to make it go longer, or change it, but this is what I kept coming back to, so yes, it's short and sweet and seems like the perfect ending to this story. But never fear, I have a new story that I am working on right now, per multiple requests - an AU of the 6th chapter of Broken. It will also deal with Wind, so don't worry, she'll still be around.

Anyways, on with the show! Or story...

Disclaimer: I don't own Rise of the Guardians.

~~RiseOfTheGuardians~~

"Wind?"Jack asked quietly. They were flying over a small town in Britain, lights twinkling up at them through the crisp layer of freshly fallen snow.

Yes, Jack? Wind asked as she set Jack lightly on the top of a church steeple. He perched there, looking out over the sleeping town as the sun began to rise in the distance.

"Nothing, never mind," Jack said.

Jack, Wind whispered, whipping at his hair. You have to tell me now.

Jack laughed, batting a hand at Wind as she tugged at his clothes. North had made him new breeches, a darker brown than his old ones with blue twine around the legs, and of course he wore a new blue hoodie. The black shirt Sam Hain had given him was underneath the hoodie, although Jack had been more than happy to get out of those 'crazy, flapping jeans full of inconvenient holes.'

What is it? Wind asked again.

Jack leaned against his staff, staring at the orange that now stained the horizon.

"It's just," Jack began, then paused. "I don't know, it sounds weird."

You are weird, Jack, Wind laughed at her boy.

"Thanks," Jack said dryly.

Oh you, Wind ruffled his hair and settled around him.

Silence stretched between them as the sky melted from velvety black to a buttery warmth. Wind watched as her boy absent-mindedly created frost shapes in the air. First a bunny, then a dolphin, then a cat.

"Its just," Jack finally broke the silence. "I feel like our friendship, well, it feels different than before. More, I don't know, more there? More solid? I mean, we've always been friends, you're my best friend, but, well, I always thought it was my staff that connected us like that, but now it feels more…Oh, I don't know how to explain it."

Wind was silent for a moment, thinking. She knew what her boy was talking about, had felt the difference herself. But she didn't think she could really explain it either.

Jack, Wind said, trying to figure out how to put things into words. You're right. Our friendship is different now. Its…stronger, I suppose would be a good word for it. When I first met you and you stumbled upon your staff, you transferred some of your magic to it, which is what created it and bound it to you. At the same time, it drew me to you, and through your staff, we've been able to connect in a different way than I or any of my winds have connected with any other legend or spirit. But I think, after so many years together, that your staff isn't the only thing that binds me to you.

Jack thought about this for a moment, gripping his staff tightly. "Do you, do you hate it?" he asked quietly.

Hate what? Wind asked, confused.

"Having to deal with me, being bound to me," Jack's voice was little more than if he had mouthed the words instead of speaking them.

Oh, Jack, Wind said, feeling a rush of affection towards her boy. Never. I have never hated it and I never will. You are my best friend Jack and the things you have shown me, have taught me, I would never, NEVER trade them for anything. Nor would I trade knowing you.

"But, it was kind of forced on you, wasn't it?" Jack asked, still staring at the ground.

No Jack, Wind said quietly, brushing at his face. I chose to get to know you. You didn't force me into anything. No one did.

"Really?" Jack asked, looking up, blue eyes reflecting the brilliant reds and oranges of the morning sky.

Really, truly, Wind said.

Jack smiled, a true smile that made Wind laugh in happiness.

"You know what?" Jack asked. "I wouldn't trade it for anything either."

Wind smiled and picked him up, tossing him into the air and causing him to shout in surprise. You better not, she laughed as she whisked him off to chase the fading moon.