[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

[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.]

[2cool4guardian]

[Jack may be smiling a bit, but snow keeps falling inside the room, because no matter how many little things are brought up to lighten things up, the main mood stays the same (depressing as hell). A majestic creature like Toothless shouldn't be feeling s regretful, such a good guy like Hiccup shouldn't be having difficulty to smile. Damn Ceres.]

Yeah, just a little. You still wear your kid on your sleeve.

[He starts fidgeting, nervous while thinking of an answer. Because he doesn't want to disappoint Hiccup with his answers, but he knows promising that would be a lie (don't get hurt for me, I won't allow it). So instead he tilts his head and gives that wrist another squeeze - sorry about the frost.]

Before? Before what? [A frown appears on his dark eyebrows. Part of him is derailing, part of him genuinely wants to know.] Hiccup. Has Ceres gotten you more times?

[Because then he'll get even more angrier. At this rate the snow won't stay light for much longer...]

[2cool4guardian]

[Yep, he was right to come, the sight he finds in this room tells him everything he needs to know about Hiro's mood. This boy has been through some serious stuff and he couldn't stop it, now Hiro...

...knows? Oh man, he knows, doesn't he? This isn't supposed to go like this! Hiro isn't the only one fighting emotions - Jack's shoulders fall and for a moment his face does too, but he tries to offer a little smile at least. Big Brother can't fail now.]

Hey, little nerd. I am. [After some hesitation, he ruffles Hiro's hair.] Sorry I left you alone for so long.

[zerotohiro]

[He's used to this trick, Jack. He's used to older brothers holding back emotions to protect younger siblings, older brothers who don't always do a great job doing just that but try their best anyway.

That's what this is. He knows that. There's a small upturn of his lip at the nickname, head ducking under the hair ruffle. His hands are flexing and balling into fists like he's not sure if he wants to back off or hug him. Is it appropriate to hug somebody you've only known for like a month? Maybe when they've just come back from the dead, but maybe Jack's not into that? It's the internal debate he's struggling with and he's gnawing at his lip.]

You didn't come back. Korra and I saw the frozen door, and I didn't see you after we left the tower...and I didn't know where they sent you. So...long time no see. [Jack please assure your tiny nerd it's okay to show affection out of worry.]

[2cool4guardian]

Ooookay?

[He's a bit confused. Powers? He knows powers. Many people in the colony have them. What's the big deal? Rei looks so serious, he can't just ask that. So he goes with a tilt of his head.]

So you have like what-- miko magic?

[2cool4guardian]

[He laughs at that - he likes it playful people, and Athena is always ready for the antics.]

Nice. I'll take you over Freud any day. He didn't like my snowballs. Are hugs part of the treatment?

[2cool4guardian]

[It's not like Jack is that great at affection either. He wants, he needs it, but man, starting it takes practice. The cold hand leaves Hiro's head to rest on his shoulder as Jack crouches in front of him, the "older brother emotional trick" still going on his expression.]

I didn't, but it sounds like you did, and that's what really matters here. [He doesn't know where he was sent either, to be honest - code maybe?] You okay then? Didn't get hurt?

[Bir brother will allow himself to show all the worry now, thanks.]

[faithfulflame]

I have that, yes. But this is something more.

[Standing now, she takes a step away from him. There'll be heat, and he doesn't need that.

And in the quick transformation scene, the flash and not the spinning, Jack will find himself standing in Mars presence. Taller, more radiant somehow, older seeming, a completely different person...]

Mars is the Goddess of Flame and War, in my world. That's a bit more than simple Miko magic. And...it's how I was there, on the raid. I thought...you deserved to know the truth there.

[zerotohiro]

[They're similar that way. There's a small shiver when he feels the temperature shift but he also doesn't mind that Jack's moving or that Jack's still touching him. He's watching closely, staring him in the face for a moment.]

Yeah, we got out fine. [There are a lot of things he needs to tell Jack, especially after everything Rei told him. There's a lot to update the guy on and questions to ask...but he finally just caves, bodily colliding into Jack to throw his arms around him for a brief (and probably chilly) hug. He doesn't let go for a minute, more gauging Jack's reaction than anything before he speaks again.] But it also matters that you didn't.

[psycholawgy]

[ wait, wait, wait, hold up. that brings athena to the edge of her seat, literally. ]

You knew Freud?!

[2cool4guardian]

[Magic doesn't get a reaction from Jack, but heat definitely does. He appreciates her stepping back, but he will still do the same. You know, just in case.

It doesn't last long though - it's warm, yes, but his curiosity is stronger, and so he decides to hover around her for a better look.]

Soooo you are like-- the personification of Mars? [He shrugs.] It's not like you lied to me anyway.

[allthreefourths]

[ well, he can't make a case for being the poster child of adulthood, not when his curiosity and sense of adventure has him skirting around responsibilities, charting maps, flying on dragons. that's fine.

and he supposes he can't take that non-answer as anything but a declaration that jack hasn't quite accepted his words. hiccup doesn't expect him to; that jack's even dwelling on them is enough, even if the cold suddenly concentrates, increases on his wrist. still, hiccup doesn't flinch (but he does react. at most, a slight, noticeable exhale).

when jack's response does come, it isn't the agreement that hiccup doesn't think is coming--just a focus on the before, and a question of the spirit's own. hiccup's response is an immediate: ]

No. No, this was the-- [ first, last time? he came close several times, as he was wont to do, but of course he'll. not mention that. whether jack's derailing or not, he figures he is, hiccup's going along with it. ] --Before is before here. Think five, six years.

[ so no need for the temper to burst again, jack. though hiccup still feels a little of his own, pulled taut. he shakes his head. ]

Though that's all... details that don't matter right now. [ what's important is that jack gets that when he gets hurt, it hurts hiccup too. that rather than him just being protected, he wants to help protect jack in turn.

so. derail away, but hiccup puts it back on track when he indulges the curiosity directed at him. ] I mean it, Jack.

[faithfulflame]

In a way, it is. But. Yes, something like that. [She smiles gently, breathes out, and shifts back into her normal form. Just to be on the safe side. Though the illusion is permanently spoiled for Jack.]

In my world, I was the ruler of Mars in the distant past. When I change, I'm becoming my past self.

[A small smile follows and she watches him.]

Did you...? Are you okay, Jack?

[2cool4guardian]

[Finally some good news - well, as good as they can be, since probably Hiro still went through some hard shit in there. But Jack can't comment on it because he's being-- oh gosh. He's being hugged. He freezes (ha) at first, not seeing that one coming, but soon he returns the hug, putting a chilly arm around Hiro and once in his life allowing himself to forget about the frost.]

It's alright, Hiro. [It actually isn't, but like hell he's saying that. He rubs Hiro's back instead.] I'm here now. Nothing this old man can't handle.

[A white lie to protect a young boy. Being in the naughty list is worth it because of people like Hiro.]

[zerotohiro]

[The cold is secondary but he shivers a little inside his hoodie, keeping Jack locked in that hug for a minute before pulling back enough to look at him. He's not stupid, Jack. He recognizes that lie. He's hardly offended that Jack lied to him to protect him, but at the same time…]

I talked to Mars. She told us nobody else but her made it out alive from her group…and Korra, Terra and I were the only ones from ours, too. [He's been worried. Very worried. He's been sticking pretty close to Tadashi for the last couple of days but the older Hamada was out for a bit.]

Can you stay a while? There's a lot I need to tell you. [And also he'd just like Jack to stick around for a bit so he's sure he's okay.]

[braavado]

[He's asking for an honest answer, but Korra instinctively tries to dodge around it. Forcing herself to relax, she pieces the answer together. Jack's the one who started the whole thing, it's only fair that he know what happened.]

I don't know. I mean, Hiro and I got out alive, but the rest of our group... [Korra shakes her head.] And it's not your fault. We all wanted to get answers, too. I just wish I had been better about helping the others.

[There's the touch of guilt in her expression again, accompanied by a shudder that she can't quite suppress. Watching people get electrocuted isn't something she ever wanted to see.]

[2cool4guardian]

Yeah, he was pretty boring. [A shrug.] I met lots of famous people, who are you a fan of?

[2cool4guardian]

[Five, six years? Oh hey, that would be younger Hiccup, and trying to imagine that does help Jack calming a little bit. The snow doesn't disappear, but at least is light again. Blue eyes are bright with curiosity, but a pout appears when Hiccup says it doesn't matter right now.]

Awww, come on! I wanna hear about little Hic--

[It's not the use of the nickname. Jack is genuinely interrupted by the return of the subject he's been trying to avoid. He finally lets go of Hiccup's wrist and he looks down, fidgeting like crazy. He doesn't want to go against Hiccup's wishes, but he can't promise something he won't do either.

Why are friendships so hard?]

Yeah, well. [He shrugs. Not a big deal, right? Yeah, they're totally fine. Not.] I meant it too. So I guess that makes us even?

[He doesn't know what he's saying anymore, he's just trying to roll with it... and failing, because this isn't sass. This is true feeling talk with an emotionally messed up spirit. That can only end up well, right?]

[psycholawgy]

I can't believe he was boring! [ he also thought about penises a lot. ] What about Carl Jung?

[ smiles expectantly :D!!!! c'mon jack, give her the dirt. ]

[2cool4guardian]

...reincarnation?

[Now that's one area of the supernatural world he doesn't know much about. Give him ghosts, he knows how to handle those.

At the question, he shrugs.] ...I came back today.

[faithfulflame]

Just so. But...that's a long story. Not fit for right now.

[With the heat gone, Rei sets down the rod and offers Jack her hand, if he'd care to take it. Eyes sympathetic, she watches Jack for signs of fear, or nervousness, her own face pensive.]

I'm...I'm so sorry, Jack.

[2cool4guardian]

[The hug was really nice and all, but Jack still sighs. As much as he likes these creative nerds, at times like this he wishes they wouldn't be so damn smart and notice so much.]

I'm not sure what happened to my group. We kept splitting, and-- [He doesn't want to say, but Hiro knows already, so what choice does he have?] ...I went down, just came.back today.

[Hiro is definitely not the only one worried. That's why Jack is here for after all, both as a Guardian and as a friend. He's noticed the lack of Tadashi with quite disapproval, but he isn't starting an argument now of all times.]

Of course I'm staying - I came to visit, didn't I? Unless your marshmallow nurse is afraid I'm giving you a cold...

[zerotohiro]

[Sorry Jack, it's much easier to call other people on their shit than yourself, especially when you're this particular creative nerd.]

Three days. [He nods to himself.] I think Baymax likes you, actually, so you're safe. [He tries to make a joke out of it. He steps away, gesturing for Jack to follow him. He's busy curling up in a corner of Tadashi's bed again, but Jack has a few places he can sit. The confirmation that Jack had actually died renders a disapproving look (and his own brother had scolded him and reminded him that he could have easily died, too) but it answers the question of what happens when people die here.]

Have you seen anybody else yet since you've been back? ["And what have they told you?"]

[2cool4guardian]

You're not hurt so-- that's ok. That's fine, I-- I am sorry you had to see all that.

[Jack finally lands in front of her, his expression matching hers. He knows that guilt, he's been feeling since he woke up. The weather around them is definitely starting t get chilly now. Blue temperature for blue mood...]

...you did help. You rescued the Bridge, right? Hiro told me.

[2cool4guardian]

[She may be smiling expectantly, but Jack is a little disappointed. Pouting a bit even.] Seriously? Come on, I met The Beatles and James Dean and you ask about boring old men? [Never mind he met them while young.]