Disclaimer: All rights and characters for The Guardians of Childhood and Rise of the Guardians are owned by William Joyce and DreamWorks Animation. Any original characters are owned by me.

"As for this little key, it is that of the closet at the end of the long gallery, on the ground floor. Open everything, and go everywhere, except that little closet which I forbid you to enter, and I forbid you so strictly, that if you should venture to open the door, there is nothing that you may not have to dread from my anger." - Blue Beard, Charles Perrault.

"Happy Birthday, Jamie!"

Even when he'd made his wish, Jamie Bennett couldn't stop smiling and from the look in his eyes, his sister Sophie and Jack Frost knew their efforts had certainly paid off. For a moment, Jamie could only look, caught as always by the wonder and magnificence of the presents Jack had brought him: a new sketchbook; a small ice statue of the winter spirit standing between Sophie and him; and a Russian nesting doll the spitting image of Jamie. And as Jamie examined the doll, he realised it was staring back at him with an expression of trust.

He remembered the first time, eight years ago, when Jack had created the bunny from ice, bringing it to life, how seeing it hopping around his room filled him with the belief he had almost lost.

"I can't believe we're almost the same age," Jamie said.

Jack couldn't believe it either. He opened another bottle of cola, much to Jamie and Sophie's disapproval.

"One more won't rot my teeth," Jack answered for them.

"Tooth won't like it," Sophie retorted.

When Jack ruffled her tangle of golden hair, she smiled. He returned the smile, eventually realising something was changing in Jamie's demeanour.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

Jamie didn't answer.

Rain splattered against the window, shining in the moonlight as Jamie lowered his eyes.

"Is anything bothering you?" Jack added, giving Jamie a sympathetic look.

"No," Jamie replied, but Jack could tell he was lying.

"Did Pitch come back?"

"No," Jamie repeated.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah." The now sixteen-year-old loosened his fists. "Look…you're still my best friend. But, if someone found out I still believe in you guys…"

"You think you'll have to face bullies."

Jack stopped, giving himself a moment to contemplate the truth. Yes, Jamie was on the brink of adulthood. Yes, high school was rough. Yes, it had been what? Six years? Six years since his friends had apparently stopped believing. They may still be in contact, but it didn't make things any less difficult. The winter spirit took another bite of cake, while Sophie gave her brother a reassuring glance and embraced him.

"Anyone who messes with my big brother will have Jack and me to answer to."

That actually drew a half-hearted laugh from Jamie.

"Thanks, Soph."

"If you're lucky, Jack might freeze someone who thinks messing with you is a good idea. Who knows?"

"I'm not sure I'd wish that on my worst enemy."

"Like Pitch," Jack teased, staring at the presents sitting on Jamie's desk.

In the last few days, he knew working day and night to perfect Jamie's gifts at Santoff Clausen had definitely paid off. Especially when he'd changed his mind about making a few detours and flew straight to Jamie instead.

Now, he reached for the cola, causing Jamie to move it far out of his reach.

"Seriously. When was the last time you didn't drink caffeine?"

Jack hesitated.

"I can't remember. Anyway, it helps me have fun."

"Sure it does," Jamie retorted, unable to hide the grin snaking onto his face.

Sophie and the boys took another bite of cake. She knew Jamie well, which also meant she knew what was happening more than he thought. Jamie fighting to hide his belief was challenging enough, but he was managing to do it. She moved her eyes from them to the small wooden desk – and the draw – concealing the prom ticket, and the finished assignment about their family tree. It had received an 'A+'. Which was terrific, especially since the Bennett siblings had laid awake most nights listening to their mother's phone calls about the divorce.

And the custody battle.

Sophie and the teens snapped to life at the sound of a thud – which seemed more like something hitting the roof – shaking the house, causing the lights to rattle in their shades. She huddled against Jamie and asked, "What was that?"

Jamie drew an arm around her while Jack leapt up, grabbing his staff. When it was securely in its master's control, he rushed towards the window.

"Something hit the roof."

Sophie realised Jamie was reaching down the side of his closet and grabbing something. Jack eyed him.

"What are you doing?"

"Coming with you."

"It might not be safe."

He gave Jack a look and replied, "I'm not a little kid anymore. Besides, I'm not letting you do this alone."

"Okay. Be careful."

Jamie smiled. "I will." Then his expression turned serious. "Come on."

Hard rain gushed over the house, dripping and racing through the pipes as Sophie and the boys stood in the front yard, blinking through the rainfall to see if anything at all – apart from the thick black wisps resembling hair – was lying on the ground. Lightning flashed and Sophie found something motionless in the grass.

"Jack! Jamie!"

The figure they stared at was the body of a girl. Looking sixteen at the oldest. One that seemed like she carried a great strength. A rivulet of blood trickled down her face, most of it hidden beneath unnaturally long black hair, like Rapunzel. To Sophie Bennett, she was something of a fairy tale, with porcelain skin, thick eyebrows, pink lips, dark lashes; all contrasting her long green dress. Much of her raven hair cascaded across the grass. Beside her was a silver locket, the chain broken.

"Who the hell is she?" Jamie asked, catching his breath. "And why is she in our yard?"

Sophie crouched down and realised the girl had fallen perfectly still.

"Where did she come from?" Jack murmured.

For a moment, Sophie's eyes lingered on Jamie and Jack. Then the girl. As she felt for a pulse, the girl opened her eyes. She scrambled backwards, her golden eyes lined with terror and confusion.

"Where am I?"

She spoke with a thick British accent.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold on. Hold on," Jamie started. "Calm down."

Jack remained looking at her, his face creasing as confusion transformed into recognition.

"Emily?"

"You know her?" Jamie asked.

He moved his head to concentrate on the siblings.

"Long before I met you both, she showed me ways of harnessing my powers and we became friends," In a quieter tone, he added, "She's Mother Nature."

She can't be, Jamie thought. She's human.

For a moment all he and Sophie could do was stand there, stunned. A short while later, Sophie broke the silence.

"Is that all you know about her?"

"Yeah," Jack replied.

Emily watched them, uncertain of what to think. She seemed calmer and her breathing eased a little.

"You're safe," Sophie said to her, "We're not gonna hurt you."

The rain stopped as a light breeze came from behind her, accompanied by snowflakes tickling her nose. Her gaze fell on the boy, kneeling the furthest back, wearing a hoodie and dark brown trousers. His eyes were the brightest sapphire blue she'd ever seen. She thought she might be blinded if she looked too long at them. He had white hair, carried a staff and like her, didn't wear shoes. Despite his remarkable features, his face was calm, perhaps even nostalgic.

"Do you remember who I am?"

"No," she said quickly, "Sorry."

"Why don't you start by telling us who you are," Jamie suggested.

"How do I know I can trust you?"

"Because I never make promises I can't keep."

Sophie inclined herself and offered Emily her hand. She pulled herself up, held Sophie's gaze as the latter explained, "We really won't hurt you."

"Besides, you need help," Jack told her. "Badly."

Emily didn't seem that much assured. Jack's words only seemed to unnerve her more.

"We need to get her inside," Sophie said to her brother and Jack. "She's bleeding everywhere."

"Who are you people?"

"I'm Sophie, this is my brother Jamie and that's Jack Frost."

"Hello."

Sophie and Emily looked at each other.

"Do you have another name, Emily?"

"I can't remember."

Jack turned his head so he was looking at her and smiled.

"It's okay. Don't worry, we'll help you."

Emily returned his smile. He thought that now she was beginning to see they were no longer a threat.

"We know you're probably still afraid, but all we want to do is get you inside where it's dry," Jack went on. "You're injured and if you stay out here, you'll get sick."

She hesitated a moment, yet managed a nod.

"All right."

Good, Jack thought, Define progress.

He didn't know what else to say, but felt he had to say something. He was searching for the right words when Jamie and Sophie led Emily into the safety of their house, throwing a towel over her shivering form.

The four of them were greeted by dim lights from the living room. Emily felt her muscles relax. She loosened her fist, placing the locket on the windowsill and reached to brush strands of extremely long hair out of her eyes. In the dimness of the living room, her face looked pale.

A bolt of lightning shot across the window, like a star, snapping Emily to life. Thunder rumbled overhead and when Sophie offered her a tissue, Emily said "Thank you" and removed one from the box. She was reaching for her locket, but left it by the window. The soft radiance of the light made her golden eyes stand out. Sophie caught Jack and Jamie studying Emily's face, glanced at them and asked, "Why are you looking at her like that?"

Jack responded with a low chuckle.

"I thought she reminded me of someone I knew."

Jamie glanced at him.

"Really. Who?"

The look he was given suggested Jack didn't know either. Nonetheless, there was a connection between them. Confused, he looked around the living room to where Emily was sitting. When she caught him glancing in her direction, she inclined herself and remained holding his gaze. At least she wasn't afraid of them anymore.

Jamie and Sophie glimpsed her way too, knowing the last thing any of them needed was for her to be afraid.

"Can you remember what happened?" Sophie asked.

Emily shook her head.

"No."

"Really?"

"Really," Emily repeated.

And as they decided what to do, they missed the sound of an engine being cut off. Even the key rotating in the lock.

"Jamie. Sophie. I'm home!" Mrs Bennett said.