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Growing Pains	By : Kylee_Phoenix Category: +M through R > Rise of the Guardians Views: 3192 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Rise of the Guardians or The Guardians of Childhood Series, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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           It had been eight years since the Guardians had sealed Pitch away in his prison under the bed, guarded by his own night mares.
           At first, Jack had been so happy with his new found status among the other Guardians. The children could finally see him, and they knew now who was responsible for the snow days and all the winter fun they'd been having.
           He'd stayed close to Jamie as the boy grew older, but when Jamie had begun to retreat into himself as a young teen, he'd shut Jack out of his room, refusing to come out for the snow days anymore.
           Jack was very troubled and saddened by this, and one afternoon when the air had started to warm, he took a trip to Bunny's warren. Bunny eyed him sharply as he approached.
           They had been on much better terms since they'd fought together against Pitch, but Bunny was very protective of his holiday, and he did not forget easily. Besides, though they had an understanding and mutual respect, Jack still enjoyed playing tricks. It was how he showed affection, he'd explained once when Bunny had complained grumpily.
           "What are you doing out this way, Frosty? Shouldn't you be out there playing in the snow with Jamie? Not too much winter left there, eh?"
           Jack slumped a little, and Bunny was instantly concerned. He hadn't seen Jack this sad since before the kids could see him. He thought back with a hint of regret about the well placed digs that had come from him after the Man in the Moon had first chosen Jack. What had happened to make the Guardian look so downtrodden?
           "Actually," he started sadly, "that's kind of what I came here to talk about. Something is wrong with Jamie."
           Bunny pondered this statement and realization dawned about what might be bugging Jack. The fun loving spirit of winter had been frolicking with children for hundreds of years, but he'd probably never stopped to actually watch any of them grow up.
           Bunny had experienced it himself with a girl who had absolutely loved Easter. She'd dressed as him for Halloween, and she always received stuffed bunnies for Christmas. He was her favorite and she his, but something happened over the years, and it all changed.
           "He doesn't believe anymore?" Bunny asked tentatively.
           Jack shook his head.
           "No, no, it's not that. He still sees me. I can see him watching me from his window sometimes, when I'm out with everyone else. But. . ." Jack paused, thinking, trying to puzzle through the odd behavior.
           "Is he sick?" Bunny offered.
           He'd seen kids who had became so horribly ill that they couldn't come out of their bedrooms for months, even years. In fact, sometimes, they never came back out. Bunny shivered at that thought.
           "No, he locks me out. And he always looks sad. He stays in his room drawing all the time when he's not in school. I think some days he even stays home from school because Sophie brings him his homework."
           Bunny thought for a bit, but he looked just as perplexed as Jack felt. He shook his head.
           "I don't know, mate. Maybe this is something North might be able to get to the bottom of.” He patted Jack on the shoulder. “A lot of my kids still believe in the hope and new beginnings of Spring when they grow up." He shrugged. "Of course, they don't necessarily believe in me, but they have faith." He smiled.

* * *
           Jack followed Bunny's advice and visited North in his cold winter home, hoping Father Christmas could offer an explanation for Jamie's recent behavior.
           The jolly Guardian greeted him with open arms.
           "Jack! Preevyet!"
           Before Jack could sidestep it, he found himself in an enthusiastic embrace, his legs kicking in the air as he struggled for breath.
           “Milost',” Jack managed to squeak out.
           North laughed heartily, setting Jack down and complementing him on his Russian. He clapped his hands authoritatively.
           "Elves! Fresh cookies and milk!"
           When the little busy bodies in pointy hats scattered to fulfill the request, North turned back to Jack with a large smile.
           "So, now, tell me, what brings you here, my friend?"
           Jack explained the situation anew to North, and the man listened intently, his bright eyes clouding over a little with sadness when he heard that Jamie was so unhappy.
           "What do you think North? Why is he shutting me out?"
           North shook his head.
           "It is sad to hear our little champion is having troubles in his growing up, but I am not sure why he acts this way. You two are close, yes?"
           Jack nodded in agreement.
           "It doesn't make any sense."
           North stood up excitedly, seeming to be suddenly struck by inspiration, and began to search around his workshop for something.
           "What is it?"
           "Attempting to locate the list from this past Christmas," he answered.
           Jack raised an eyebrow.
           "I thought you remembered it all."
           "It's all up here," he said as he pointed to his head, "until after the presents are delivered, and then poof." North smiled. "Everyone gets a clean slate for the next year." He pointed and winked. "Even you, Jack."
           The elves had returned, one with a plate of cookies rather precariously balanced on its head and the other struggling with a large glass of milk, which it offered up to Jack expectantly. Jack took the glass in order to unburden the tiny elf, but he set it on the table next to him without drinking anything from it. When he waved away the cookies, the elves began to tear into them enthusiastically. As much as he appreciated North's hospitality, he was simply not in the mood for milk and cookies.
           "Ah! Found it! Let me see, this year, Jamie Bennett asked me for. . . art supplies. Hmmm."
           Jack sighed.
           "Nothing useful there."
           North smiled at him supportively, another idea shining in his eyes.
           "Perhaps you should pay a visit to Tooth. Maybe she can help him remember whatever it is that he has forgotten about you."

* * *
           Jack's next stop was Tooth's palace.
           She greeted him, as always, with her baby teeth flitting around her in various states of glassy eyed admiration.
           "Settle down girls!” She'd noticed his lack of smiles right away.
           “What can I help you with, Jack?,” she asked, concerned.
           For the third time that day he explained his situation with Jamie.
           Tooth gasped.
           "Oh no! That's so sad. But we can help him remember the good times, can't we?"
           The baby teeth nodded enthusiastically, flitting away. When they found the teeth that held Jamie's childhood memories, they worked their magic on them.
           "I hope that helps!"
           Jack nodded, a smile spreading across his face, finally.
           "I hope so too. Thanks Tooth, I owe ya one."
           Tooth swooned at the sight of his pearly whites, the baby teeth chattering excitedly and sighing around her.
           She smiled, sheepishly.
           "Think nothing of it," she said dreamily.
           Jack scratched his head nervously, raising his eyebrow slightly at her fawning.
           She smiled widely, a far off look in her eyes as she watched his mouth and waited for another smile.
           “Ahhh, I think I should probably go now, see about Jamie.”
           She snapped out of her daze and nodded supportively.
           “Of course, go make sure he's alright! We'll be right here awaiting the news, won't we girls?”
           They chirped and flitted about his head as he let the wind take him up and away.
           Tooth waved and watched him adoringly.
           "Come back anytime!"
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Growing Pains