Jack could see the kingdom rising ahead, a small glow in the middle of this mountainous terrain. His frosted cape flapped behind him as he flew towards a growing palace, somehow knowing that was where he was supposed to go. But why? he thought. He glanced up at the ever silent sphere shining above. "Why did you bring me here?" he said to no one in particular, already accustomed to not getting answers. Perhaps this was a mistake. Yet he knew what he'd heard. He recalled the moment when a small, child-like voice whispering his name in giggles had haunted his ears. How many times had she said it? He was aware that his tales were told by mothers to their little ones. He'd heard them say Jack Frost. But this one...this one felt different. He had to find the source. He began circling the palace, winding through its towers and turrets and glancing through each and every window. The man in the moon had allowed him to hear the voice. He'd guided him here, yet ceased to reveal any true location.
"Please don't do this," Jack said under his breath. The spirit frowned as he checked the last of the windows to no avail. No, he thought. No, he can't do this to me!He clenched his fists and flew towards the moon that'd led him here, a cry rising from his throat and echoing through the outlying village. He breathed heavily and listened to his voice still ringing through the kingdom. It was as though it wouldn't stop. And it made his insides boil.
"What?!" he roared. "What do you want from me?!"
He waited awhile, even knowing that the answer would never come. Angry tears began to well in his eyes. He looked down, shrugging his cheek against his shoulder to wipe them away. He lifted his chin once more, challenging the moon to answer. But nothing came. He grit his teeth, fury seething in his eyes. "You!" he shouted. "You led me here! You let me hear my name!" A sob shook his chest. "I..." He hung his head, letting a tear run down his nose and over his lips. He watched it fall.
"I'm just so tired of feeling alone." He hung in the air, finally lifting his gaze once more. "Why-why torment me? Isn't existing with no one to talk to...or, or see me enough?" His voice cracked as he slowly descended towards the palace, settling on a window sill and leaning his head against his staff.
"I just don't understand..." He said in a strained whisper. He ran a hand through his hair, accepting this was all for nothing. Was it just a game to the moon? To watch him scramble for anyone or anything that might show him a sliver of their belief? But he'd heard his name...Or...could it be possible that years of wandering an invisible spirit had finally gotten to him? He frowned. But he'd heard it.
He sighed, his anger seemingly deflating as he shook his head and readied himself to take flight once more. But before his feet left the sill, however, he heard that same sweet giggle as before. He froze, then turned abruptly, searching through the window and inside the room behind him for anything, anything that could explain what he kept hearing. He couldn't be crazy if he could just find them. If he could just find the reason why he was here.
And he finally saw it...
Something fluttered in his chest, a feeling of excitement or dread or both as he leaned forward to see better. There was a girl, no older than four, that sat up in bed, a small stuffed bear in her arms. She giggled and began talking to the figure as though it were truly alive.
"Hello," she said, taking on a deeper tone. "My name is Jack Frost. And I make it snow." Jack shoulders tensed at the sound of his name. He put a hand up to the window pane, deeply wishing to be a part of this.
The girl continued her conversation. "Hi, Jack! I'm Elsa and I make snow too. Do you want to see?" Her fingers made the bear tilt its head in agreement. The spirit took in a shuddering breath, disappointed that this was not truly meant for him, but still loving the child's play. But why? he thought. Why bring me here of all places just to see yet another kid who knows about me? Aren't there plenty already? He sighed and brought his forehead to the back of his hand, redirecting his attention to the girl. The girl, Elsa as she'd said she was, lifted a hand.
"Watch," she said and stuck her tongue out in concentration. Jack smiled sadly, shaking his head in appreciation of the effort. But it was then that he saw a tiny, crystalline fragment float up from her palm... He blinked, wondering if it was his imagination or a trick of the light. Surely it couldn't be...
But there was another one, larger and brighter as it wafted and landed on her stuffed bear's nose. His eyes widened. She...she was like him. She had powers. He glanced up at the heavens, knowing now why he was here. But how? How could she? He squinted through the panes, pressing his forehead against them as he waited for more.
The girl was smiling, proud of her feat and hugging the bear tightly as she flopped backwards on her mattress. Jack leaned further forward, wondering if he should approach or leave her be. But the window decided for him as it creaked open, causing him to fall on the floor inside. The girl gasped and sat up. Jack was sprawled on the carpet, taking a moment to revel in his failure. He then glanced up, suddenly worried he'd scared the little girl. He shook his head as he remembered she couldn't see him and floated to a standing position, brushing himself off.
Her eyes were wide, showcasing icy blue irises, much like his own. He knew she'd just seen a window open by itself. No wonder she was terrified. He felt bad, but knew he couldn't shut it, as that would just make it worse.
Jack instead edged forward, squatting at the base of the bed and staring at the girl's hands, hoping to see more of the familiar magic. But she was frozen in place, her eyes locked on...on him. He cocked an eyebrow, glancing at the still open window then back at the small figure in front of him. He chuckled dryly.
"Heh. Almost thought you were looking at me for a second." He paused, contemplating his next words. "You," he began. "...can't see me...can you?" He'd asked this same question to so many, always accepting blank stares and no answer. It'd driven him nearly mad the first few years of his existence. But after a while, he'd gotten used to it. No one could see him, he knew.
But the girl nodded.
Jack's pupils dilated, his mind reeling at the sight of a response.
"Wh-what?" He exhaled. This had to be a joke. A really cruel joke played by the moon or his own mind or- The girl got up and began crawling towards him. He was rigid, his hands shaking on his staff as he watched her approach. She stopped just before him, looking up with wonder and curiosity, but otherwise staying silent. Jack's whole body was humming with adrenaline, his heart racing and full of hope. So much hope. His hand automatically went out, but quickly withdrew. He couldn't go through the same thing that'd happened every time he'd tried to touch someone. Not again. He'd reach out, and they'd simply melt through his hand. No feeling, no warmth. Just cold, empty air...Why try if he'd only be disappointed? He hung his head, rubbing his eyes with the withdrawn hand, so taken with emotion that he didn't see the girl stand up and grab his elbow.
But he felt it...
He inhaled sharply, caught off guard at this new yet familiar sensation. Her fingers were cool, curling into his shirt sleeve and reaching for his hand that was now open in the air. After little hesitation, he lowered it to her, and she grasped it, turning it over and over as she studied him.
Jack's eyes were wide. His mouth was open and his fingers were numb. Never before had this happened. And he was so afraid of losing it.
"Do you...Do you know who I am?" he asked, watching her release his hand and reach for his face. He knelt towards her, allowing her curious fingers to do as they pleased. She ran them through his hair and over his cheeks. Jack smiled as he leaned into her hand, knowing this felt good. It felt good to be seen. Be heard! Be touched...
Elsa nodded. "You're Jack Frost. You're like me." Jack lifted his head from her hands, still a bit startled to receive an actual answer. But confused at how this small thing new of their connection in power.
"And...how do you know that?" he asked. The girl simply continued to crawl back to her pillow. Jack flew after her.
"Mommy says you make it snow," she finally said after settling into her covers. She then sat up. "Where's Jack?"
Jack looked at himself, briefly thinking he was right about this moment being too good to last. But he soon realized she meant the bear. He searched the room and produced the fluffy white thing, handing it to the sleepy girl. No, he thought. Please don't go to sleep. Don't wake up and forget me..
Elsa yawned, her eyes becoming droopy as she snuggled with the bear. "I make snow too."
Jack nodded, an almost disbelieving chuckle escaping his lips. "Yes, I saw. It was amazing." He backed away, allowing the girl space, though he desperately wanted to feel her hands against his cheek again. She yawned.
"I knew you would come," she said sleepily and smiled. "Will you come again?" Jack wondered if she was serious. He reminded himself that she probably didn't know she was the first and probably only one to ever see him. His eyebrows furrowed in determination as he nodded.
"Of course I will. I'll visit as often as I can." And he knew he would. He'd always be there for this little girl and hope with all he was that she'd never stop believing in him. Elsa sighed contentedly, nuzzling her way deeper into the pillow.
"I uh...I guess I'll go then." Jack stared at the window then back to the girl. Her eyes were closed in a peaceful sleep, reminding him of something...or someone... He couldn't place his finger on it. Shaking away the thought, he rose gently away to the sill, glancing one last time at the sleeping figure.
Who knew the only one that'd ever seen him would be so small? And have similar powers, no less. Closing the window silently, the spirit took flight, coming fast upon the surrounding forests of the mountains. But not before flying high above the clouds, whooping to anyone who could hear and stretching his arms out to the light that'd often plagued him.
"Thank you," he breathed. "Thank you..."