Once we got to the Pole (for about the third time in the space of two days), it was sunset. North sent out the Aurora Borealis; signalling Tooth and Sandy. When they arrived, I was made to stand in the centre of the room. North had a huge book in his arms, given to him by Phil. "You can now take oath." I was grinning from ear to ear, giggling when I looked at Jack. I took a deep breath to calm myself down. "Will you, _____ Black-Hall, vow to watch over the children of the world; to guard them with your life, their hopes, their wishes and their dreams? For they are all we have, all that we are and all that we will ever be." I looked over at Jack, who nodded in encouragement.

"I will."

"Will you swear that whatever happens to you while you are a guardian, you will never harm or put a child in danger?

"I swear it."

"Are you aware that many children will not believe in us forever? And that almost none of them will live as long as we do? You cannot let it affect your work."

"I understand. I will do everything in my power to make sure that all who need my help will receive it."

"Then, congratulations, _____ Black-Hall, for you are now, and forever more a Guardian!" North concluded. Everyone whooped and cheered, dancing about. Tooth and my mother both hugged me, Sandy raised a glass (out of sand), Bunnymund applauded his large, fluffy paws and North even picked me up and kissed me on both cheeks, much to our amusement: Jack Frost rushed up to me last, giving me a cold embrace and kissing me softly on the lips before pulling away and looking shyly at me. It took a moment for me to react, but when I did, I pulled him towards me and kissed him back, as the other Guardians cheered and Bunnymund grunted in disgust.

"I can't wait to live forever with you, _____," Jack whispered in my ear, "I love you."

"I love you too, Frosty," I replied, hugging him again. Now there was nothing to worry about; no fears, no troubles.

~~~~~

5 Years Later

Jack and I had just returned home to the palace after a long day of flying around and helping children: Jack had made snow days in three different countries; cheering up about twenty people. I had prevented nine children from doing something out of fear, helped at least fourteen with their exams or revision (or just schoolwork in general) and I helped a scared girl interact with a rather large (and excitable) puppy.

Jack and I sometimes went to children together, sometimes we didn't and then we told each other how our days went. Today, we did the latter. We missed each other throughout the day though, so we spent a lot of time cuddling and watching movies. My mother didn't mind: we'd have dinner with her and tell her how our days went, and Sabre adored her, so he was always willing to take her into town to meet her newfound (mortal) friends. Life was very close to perfect, and Jack made me feel as if I was flying even when we were on the ground. Sometimes he'd surprise me with a beautiful ice sculpture that he'd sculpted himself, which we would put in the grand room of ice sculptures. (A palace has enough rooms for one to be dedicated entirely to ice sculptures). The most recent one he gave me was one of him and I, dancing together. It was incredible and it was an incredible moment. It was made even better when I knew that moments like these, moments with him, would never end.

Something I say to children of the world is that times can be tough sometimes, but you always have to be prepared for the best, no matter what. Don't lose your hopes and dreams, don't lose your wonder, keep making memories and having fun, and always be brave.
Your story may not last as long as those of the Guardians, but you can make it count.