[Closed] I'm not dead, I'm just floating

[2cool4guardian]

Who: Jack Frost and his hypocrisy his traumatized cr (Hiccup, Hiro, Korra, Rei, Athena)
When: IC 3/17 (aka backdated to three days after the raid)
Where: Their apartments, the shrines
What: After coming back from the death, Jack wants to check on his friends
Rating/Warning: Lots of angst, talk about death, mentions of gory details

[For three hundred years, Jack didn't know who he was or where he came from... but death had always definitely been an option. He had many other theories too, of course, but being dead fit the pattern - spirits had to come from somewhere, right? So when he finally found out the truth, it wasn't shocking. He was delighted to get his story, and even if being dead became a touchy subject later, it was because of its nature more than how it affected Jack.

This time, things aren't as easy.

Death shouldn't be a fear for him. Something to think about when it comes to his past, sure. Worry about belief and disappearing, that too. But facing physical pain with such horror? That shouldn't be a thing for Jack - he may've been hit multiple of times and it hurt, but it's only magic that can truly damage him. So facing that fan and being caught in its blades... there are no words to describe how horrible it was.

That's what he's thinking about when he wakes up in the park. Is this death? Is it Ceres messing with him? Has worldhopping changed his nature? Jack lays there on the grass, frustrated, angry, feeling powerless, and most importantly... scared.

The way to fight fear is fun, and what makes Jack snap out of it is the sound of bright laughter coming from the children running toward him. They're so happy to see him! They missed him, they have been so worried! Jack is buried under hugs and tears and, underwhelming as it is, he'll take this over angsty thoughts everyday.

He can think about his death later. Here he has people to worry about. As long as he is still an eternal spirit, he can go on, coping with pain as it comes. He coped for three centuries after all.

The kids aren't told the truth, but Jack stays with them until his body is less sore and his powers are fully back (what's with that anyway?). Then he sends them home with promises of more fun tomorrow - he has things to do.

A Guardian cares about children, sure, but he also cares about his friends.]



((ooc: I'll add top levels for each character! As I said in plurk, please don't feel pressured to tag right now. I'm just setting up things for organization, you can tag when your own threads are done.))

Comments

for Hiccup

[2cool4guardian]

[Toothless was there too... nothing could've happened to him. Right?

Except Ceres has proven to be the biggest assholes with outstanding resources. The calmness that Jack achieved with the kids is slowly going away to give place to lots and lots of worry that won't leave his mind as he flies through the sky as fast as he can.

If something did happen to his friend it wouldn't matter, because he would come back, just like Jack himself did. That's the thought that he repeats over and over but it doesn't work, it'll never work.

Because even if you can revive, nobody should experience death in the first place.

Nothimnothimnothim, Jack mumbles under his breath as he slams the window open to Hiccup's apartment, part of him still hoping he'll find the nerd cuddling with his dragon and sketching away, unlikely as it is.]

Hic? HICCUP?

[Desperation in his tone? Worry in usually bright blue eyes? You have it all.]

[allthreefourths]

[ cuddling-- might resemble what they're currently doing, though it's more along the lines of toothless desperately nudging hiccup, and hiccup--mumbling reassurances, worriedly looking over toothless as he sits on the couch, mind still reeling. there's-- something morbidly ironic about this whole thing, honestly. dying in the way he almost did in the past.

except this time he didn't escape that fate with just a leg missing and like then, it... still doesn't quite feel real. this time, even being in his own body felt odd-- of course it would be, when the thought that if this weren't the odd place it was, he shouldn't be here in the first place. the thing he used to have nightmares about when he was younger after nearly burning after fighting the red death, the ones that faded away when he was older... it happened.

it was painful. beyond painful, but he still isn't sure what hurt more: dying, or watching toothless possibly going through the same thing, unable to do anything in front of him? thinking the rest of them could be going through that same thing too? ... probably the latter, honestly.

speaking of the rest of them, he normally wouldn't be so surprised when one of the names on the top of the list of "PEOPLE FOR HICCUP TO BE WORRIED ABOUT" bursts in through the window. now, though? considering he's still collecting his bearings and still isn't entirely ready to shove this entire thing to the side for the sake of not worrying jack, for the sake of focusing on jack (that's just... what he did, really), he does jump. ]

Jack--

[ then he stands up to turn to face the spirit, toothless supporting him even if he doesn't need to. at least hiccup's slightly relieved because his friend is-- ]

--You're. Thank Thor, you're okay.

[ though that doesn't mean much in a place like this, a realization which squashes some of the positive feelings. he'd already gotten the bulk of his personal emotions out when toothless and him reunited at the park, but there's so many that he remains a bit uncomfortable about this (understatement). ]

[2cool4guardian]

[They're both there, being their usual adorable selves on the couch, that should be enough. But it isn't, it can't be, no matter how he wants it to because--]

Hiccup!

[--because they speak in the same tone, with the same look in their eyes, the one that shows that they've seen some shit. That's so wrong, Hiccup shouldn't be feeling like this. Wrong, wrong, wrong!

(And you couldn't stop it, what kind of Guardian are you?)

Is he ok? His body is, he guesses, but inside he is mess. Then again, hasn't he always been a mess? When is Jack Frost okay anyway? He's such an old man, it doesn't matter. It is the boy that needs to be worried about now.]

You came out, you-- are you okay?

[Such intelligent talk they're having, huh. But he can't help it, when feelings are taking over, only simple words come out. And he doesn't trust his eyes to make that a statement instead of a question like Hiccup did. He does need better reassurance, and suddenly he gets touchy, at least by Jack's standards. After everything that happened, feeling this to be real is necessary, alright, and so a cold hand reaches out to touch Hiccup's face, then his shoulders and chest, almost in a clingy way.]

[allthreefourths]

[ that's a heavy question, because he isn't sure. it's an odd thing to say, but at times he can still feel the heat on his skin--like that's foreign, somehow. it isn't--it's happened before, and he's fine, but it still bothers him.

jack's touch is a contrast to the temperature he remembers. he'd be more inquisitive about the fact that jack is feeling so touchy, really, but he can't be surprised given what's happened, can he?

he's not so naive to think jack came out of the entire ordeal unscathed. but the yes i'm fine doesn't seem to come out so easily, because with that in mind... wouldn't it be obvious that he wasn't? they both weren't. all three of them weren't--not yet, anyway. ]

... I-- [ the yes never leaves his throat, and he looks a bit frustrated that it doesn't. a-- small sigh. ] I'm not really sure how to answer that. Right now.

[ is this how jack felt? knowing your own death. it's... something. and on top of all that, toothless... ]

Just-- a lot of things happened. [ ha. ha. there's an exhausted wryness here, before he looks to jack. then, there's a more concerned: ] I'm guessing it was the same with you.

[ that's the more terrible thought. ]

[2cool4guardian]

No...

[Thump. Just like that, Jack stops hovering, his friend's words being such a heavy hit that is enough to make him land so suddenly. His shoulders fall, so does his unusually touchy hand, and blue eyes glance at Toothless, looking for... looking for what?

This can't be happening.]

No, noooo, not you too! [He sounds worried, angry-- scared. It's a mix of feelings he hasn't experienced very much, and that makes him even more nervous. The room temperature is starting to lower, enjoy that.] I didn't think-- Toothless was with you and I-- Hic?

[Just a cute little nickname that still carries such a big intent. Because Jack's is begging, asking Hiccup to please tell him all this is a bad, bad joke. It has to be. The cold hand around his staff tightens, and a frown appears, anger slowly getting worse.]

I'm going back there and making them pay for whatever they did to you!

for Hiro

[2cool4guardian]

[Bonding time with his bestie usually does a lot of good to Jack. And he has to admit that hug did wonders, but still... Hiccup died. Does that mean the others...?

If Toothless couldn't do anything, then most likely Baymax wasn't able either. Hiro is too young for this-- all of them are to be fair, but Hiro-- nonono, please don't let it be...

He's not as desperate as before when he crashes the younger Hamada place, but his worry and frustration are still obviously there.]

Hiro? Where are you, you little nerd!

[Sorry about that, he isn't in the best mental state at the moment.]

[zerotohiro]

[What Jack's greeted with is actually Baymax first. Hiro had still been staying at Tadashi's place and when the robot sees Jack he gives a cheerful wave before immediately analyzing Jack.]

Hello, Jack. You appear to be distressed. What seems to be the trouble?

[Baymax's patient is currently tucked somewhere else in the apartment and apparently sent his squishy robot out to see what the noise was about.]

[2cool4guardian]

[The robot can have such a soothing effect, it's kinda amazing (not telling Tadashi that though). It doesn't completely calm down Jack -the frown is still there- but at least he isn't slamming things anymore. Neurotransmitter levels: gotta destroy Ceres point nine.]

Baymax. [Such a serious tone.] Where is Hiro?

[zerotohiro]

[It's why Baymax was designed, really, and Hiro's proud of Tadashi for figuring out every piece of Baymax's coding to make the robot as user-friendly as possible. For now though, Baymax is puzzled trying to figure out a real diagnosis for Jack beyond "irritation" but Jack's asked an important question.]

Hiro is also distressed. [Baymax turns his head, looking back toward the bedroom belonging to Tadashi before focusing on Jack again.] He is resting. Would you like to visit him? [And then,without pause:] The support of friends and loved ones has been proven to be helpful in times of stress.

[2cool4guardian]

[Of course he wants to visit him, what else, Jack almost snaps. But then Baymax adds the bit about friends and loved ones and it's hard to be mad at him for long.

He sighs, obviously tired - well, maybe not so obvious for Baymax when his scanners won't find heartbeat or breathing to judge, but hey, the mood is there.]

Yeah, that's-- that's what I'm here for. Come on. [He doesn't wait for the robot, knowing how slow he can be. He just goes ahead and knocks on the bedroom's door, peeking inside regardless of the answer.] ...Hiro?

for Korra

[2cool4guardian]

[Who else was in the raid? Whoelsewhoelsewhoelse... He can't forget anyone. If he does, he'll never forgive himself. So many faces, and he was in such a (hotheaded) hurry.

There's one more - a new face, but still a friendly one. Korra was there too, and so Jack flies to find her next, crashing into the girl when he finally finds her. Oops, someone isn't thinking straight... enjoy the frost all over your hair?]

[braavado]

[With her mind on the raid, the crash that Korra might have been able to spot and avoid if she weren't so distracted nearly knocks her off her feet. She stumbles, instinctively grabbing onto Jack to steady herself before she falls.

The frost covering her is a little surprising, but it doesn't seem to bother her. She brushes the ice off of herself absently, eyes on Jack curiously.]

You okay? I'mmm guessing the crashing thing isn't supposed to happen when you're flying around.


(ooc: still tied up with the raid thread, but I'm tagging in just to make sure it's in my tracker!)

that's fine, take your time~

[2cool4guardian]

[The crash barely bothers him when he can feel her grabbing onto him. Usually he would pull back, still not used to her like he is to Hiccup or Haru, but... today, this kind of thing, overwhelming as it is, can also be reassuring.]

Korra! You are-- [Fine, he wants to say after looking at her up and down, but he can't know that, can he? They come back as if nothing happened, but inside...] --are you okay?

[braavado]

I'm okay. [It's a reflexive answer. She's not, really, when some of the things from their trip into the CERES building still sticks stubbornly to her memory, no matter how much she wants to forget.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Korra examines him just like he did with her a moment ago.]

What about you? We all got separated in there.

[2cool4guardian]

Okay-okay or oookaaay-okay?

[A little frown appears on his face - probably an annoying question, but he needs to know. And then of course she returns the question, which even after all the talking he's done, it's difficult to answer.]

We did, yeah. I'm... here now. Just-- checking one everyone. I didn't want anyone coming with me but... [It's not like Ceres gives them a choice most of the time.]

for Athena

[2cool4guardian]

[So everyone is fine. Well, as fine as they can be considering the circumstances, but at least... they are here. Time will do the rest.

What comes next? The colony has gotten quite better in a couple of days, so that means nobody else got in trouble, right?

A quick check on the communicator shows him how wrong he is. And so Athena gets a quick text.]

ceres sucks big time yep
where are you?
let's complain about ceres together

[psycholawgy]

i'm at work if you want to visit me
at the hospital

[2cool4guardian]

[He doesn't bother answer, he just flies there, showing up at the window with a bad of popsicles and a small, kinda sad smile on his face. After all the stories he's heard today, he doesn't know what to expect anymore.]

Order for Nurse Athena?

[psycholawgy]

[ she has her own room, and she opens the window straight away when she sees jack. the room doesn't look like a doctor's room at all. in fact, it's more reminiscent of a living room because of the stacks of books, as well as some shelves, and of course, comfy couches. ]

That's Doctor Athena to you, [ she says as she gestures for jack to come in. ]

[2cool4guardian]

[It's a nice room, and Jack is thankful for the lack of usual doctor equipment. After what happened, the mere idea of tools like those near his body can get on his nerves. He goes in as soon as he sees that gesture, arching an eyebrow at Athena.]

Oh, I'm sorry, doc. I don't need an appointment, do I? [He approaches Athena with steady hovering, not much of an energetic flier today, and offers her a popsicle.] I saw your long text thingy. What happened?

for Rei

[2cool4guardian]

[Something bothers Jack, and it isn't until he's flied around the whole colony that he realizes what. The platform is gone. Does that mean the spirits are too? Because he should talk to them too, he is thinking now...

Only one option for that, he guess, and so he makes his way to the shrine in the Residential District, which now has more plant life around it than last time he checked, only to find there's someone already there.]

...Rei? A shrine is the place for the miko, huh. [He wants to sound teasing but the truth is, he just comes off as tired and kinda sad.]

/wanders in late.

[faithfulflame]

[Jack will most definitely find Rei in that shrine. It's the nearest one to home, and the only one she can manage to walk to without help. Something about her final encounter in the Headquarters had really, really taken a toll on her, and it's only three days later that she's able to even walk more than fifteen feet.

The shrine though, is quiet. It's peaceful, and the sounds of city life are all gone inside, and it's a place she can focus...a place she can finally get her thoughts in order.

At least, until she feels Jack's approach. More than anything, she can tell he's approaching just by the sense of his aura now, the muted sadness coming through loud and clear.]

It's quiet here. [He'll see her bundled up on the floor, sitting upright under a heavy blanket with a cup of something that looks like it used to be warm. And laid out in front of her is a small red wand, topped with a crystal and a stylized arrow and heart. She doesn't even bother to hide it, leaving the powerful artifact thrumming with heat on the
floor.]

It's...well...I'm glad these places are here now. [She swallows hard and winces.] I'm sorry. I've not been honest with you.

[2cool4guardian]

[Wow, that sure is something. He wants to come closer, but he hesitates. It seems she's seeking warmth, which he can't provide (in fact he'd make it worse) and the wand's heat isn't of his liking either. So he hovers around, nodding along her words.]

Yeah, I like it too. They're like having a piece of-- wait, there's more than one? [He hasn't been able to check with all that happened. Ah, but that's not enough, more information incoming! He tilts his head, suddenly confused.] What do you mean...?

[faithfulflame]

[She's seeking solace, not warmth. Rei's head lifts up to meet his eyes, and she nods stiffly.] Earth, Fire, Water, Air. There are four.

[But...let's not quibble on that. Long fingers reach out for the wand, wrapping around it, and she smiles wanly.]

I told you before I was just a miko. I'm not. I...before the groups were separated a few days ago, do you remember a girl with long black hair and high heeled shoes?

[2cool4guardian]

...of course there are.

[How didn't he notice that? He'll have to visit them later. This one is probably earth, considering the plants... ah, but there's something more important to pay attention to now.

Jack pauses to remember the people in the raid again - that makes him pull a face. Ugh, it should've been just him, dammit.] Long hair... dressed in red? That girl?