Chapter Text
Jack could barely sleep as he saw the glittering sunlight dance across the dark ship floorboards. His pulse heightened when another member of the fifth fleet came bounding down the stairs from the upper deck.
"WE MADE IT GUYS! Wake up!!!"
Jack grinned, jumping up with excitement. He rushed to collect his bags and sprinted to the top deck.
The sunrise made Astera look heavenly. Jack smelled the salty breeze with a deep inhale. His new home. A new adventure. His first beginnings as a true Monster Hunter.
As the ship docked and unloaded, he strode out into the central area of Astera. He had a childish gaze of wonder as he looked all around at people transporting and organizing all sorts of food and equipment.
He wasn't looking where he was going and accidentally bumped right into someone.
"A-Ah-?! I'm sorry!"
The larger burly white haired man turned to face him, blue eyes like Jack's own glimmering with joy. The bearded fellow let out a jolly laugh and patted Jack on the shoulder.
"Ah, is fine! Welcome new little one, to our beautiful Astera! How do you like so far?"
Jack beamed.
"It's amazing! There is so much to see and so many people."
The larger man brimmed with pride.
"Yes! Wonderful indeed! Ah, forgive my rudeness. I am Nicholas St. North, commander in charge and leader of the noble Guardians."
Jack's eyes widened and he immediately stood at attention with a salute.
"Sir, Sorry, sir! My name is Jack Frost, of the fifth fleet from the old world."
North nodded and stroked his beard with a sly grin. He slapped Jack on the back playfully.
"A new monster hunter in training, eh? Excellent! We need plenty more to help out around here. Monsters never stop multiplying! No need to be so formal, just call me North."
Jack smiled, really enjoying North's company and joyful nature. The man walked off and motioned for Jack to follow.
"Come, Jack. Let me introduce you to my trusted team!"
Jack quickly trotted along with him.
"Alright! Thank you!"
After a bit of walking and stairs, they enter a stately meeting room with several other people bickering over all sorts of maps and charts on the tables and walls. They paused when they witnessed North enter. A tall silvery-blue haired man with a large boomerang on his back and long bunny ears was the first to huff.
"Bloody took you long enough, North. We've been waiting!"
Another woman in a green feathery outfit smiled charmingly.
"Don't mind Bunny, he's just hungry."
A third short and plump man with golden blonde hair and robe sat on a stool nearby playing with some pushpins on a map nodded towards them with a bright smile.
Jack recognized them all as the commanding group of Astera, the legendary Guardians, and saluted them again hastily. Bunny scoffed.
"Who's this skinny runt?"
Jack looked at all of them in awe.
"It's truly an honor to meet you all! I'm Jack Frost, new monster hunter from the fifth fleet."
Bunnt sighed and rubbed his eyes.
"You brought a total greenhorn to our meeting, North? Jesus..."
North patted Bunny on the back and chuckled.
"Is alright! I have good feeling about him! I feel it in my belly~"
Jack followed North and then frowned a little, not seeing the person he was hoping to.
"If I may ask, where's Mr. Black?"
All of them got wide eyed and eeriely quiet for a few seconds before North broke the tension with a laugh.
"Not to worry, he is out on his own business! Now, let's get back to task at hand!"
Jack wasn't blind, he saw the weirdness when he mentioned their fifth member, but since he wasn't even suppossed to be here it was best he stay silent.
The woman went over to Jack as North discussed things with Bunny.
"Hello, Jack! I'm Toothiana and this is Sandman, or just Sandy. So you want to be a monster hunter too? You're so young!"
Jack nodded and grinned, crossing his arms confidently.
"Yeah! Ever since I could remember I heard all sorts of tales about the legendary Guardians! You five are the best hunter team ever! In fact, Pitch Black is the exact kind of amazing monster hunter I want to become!"
He could again see Toothiana and Sandman's nervous glances when Jack spoke of Pitch. It was even more obvious when she quickly changed the subject.
"That's...great! We're very flattered! Are you hungry? We should all go to the canteen and get some yummy food! Can't hunt on an empty stomach!"
She laughed a little and Jack nodded, feeling he would try to figure this out later. He was very hungry and suddenly realized he didn't have any money.
"I er, uhm...I don't have any zenny..."
North chuckled and waved his hand.
"Nonsense! Will be my treat! Let us go eat, drink, and be merry! Then we will focus on mission."
All in agreement, they walk off together to the canteen where many people and their palicoes were gathered to have a fun time. Jack didn't have a palico, but it didnt bother him. They all sat down at a table as many large plates of food were brought out piping hot and fragrant.
Jack more than happily ate the wyvern skirt steak he was treated to and it melted n his mouth. The honey ale washed it all down perfectly amd he was only ever allowed it on his birthday as a treat by his mother. Jack laughed and joked with the Guardians almost as if he were part of them. He finally felt truly happy. He finally felt like this was a place he could call home.
When they finished, all of them departed back to their duties except North. He downed another mug of ale like it was nothing. Looking at Jack, he smiled.
"Well, there are many things that need doing. You really want to be great hunter, Jack?"
Jack nodded rapidly, meeting the other's eyes with intense determination.
"I'll do anything to be as great as the Guardians!"
North grinned and chuckled heartily.
"That's what we like to hear! I have a mission for you!"
Jack felt his pulse race with a delight he'd only dreamed of. This was his chance to prove himself.
"Yes, sir!"