Chapter Text
The cave was cold and pristine, with clear, blue ice decorating it like crystal. But Jack got the feeling that he wasn’t alone, and Jack knew alone. For the 150 years he’s been around, that’s all he’s ever been. Wind was there, but it wasn’t a physical person. No, Jack had never been hugged or comforted by a kind touch. That may be the reason he caused such destruction: he had no control over his emotions, which meant he had no control over his powers. Jack had taken to fleeing to cold and desolate places when he felt them starting to build. Places that had frequent blizzards, and where any people or animals there knew how to survive them.
That was why he now found himself looking at this crystal Ice cave. He had rung himself out. His feelings of loss and loneliness, sadness and anger, creating a whiteout. Now he needed to rest! The cave was private and offered shelter for him to regain his strength.
That was, until he felt the sense of someone or something there with him. Though he was weak, he’s curiosity overrode his fatigue. But he wasn’t stupid; he explored further but kept a defensive stance, his staff out front.
He soon came to a dead end. The presence was still there, but he didn’t see anything. Jack put some power into his staff, which emitted a slight blue glow, even with the extra light, all he saw were cave walls.
Then a sound caught his ear, like Wind’s gusts and breezes. But this was rhythmic, like breathing! Suddenly, an eye was staring right at him! Startled, Jack jumped back; the eye just quietly stared and blinked. Slowly, the eye moved up, and Jack could now see what he thought to be icy rock was actually a large body of blue and white scales. A head the size of a medium-sized boulder with a pointed snout turned towards him. Without even having to move its body, the creature stretched out and sniffed him. For the 1st time, Jack understood the term “froze in shock and fear!” He didn’t know what to do! The creature continued to sniff him.
Then, in a voice like ice breaking and the colliding of glaciers, it spoke. The language was ancient, sounding like growls and roars, but Jack could understand it.
“You are of the ice and snow, but young. What brings you to my home?”
Jack was lost for words! He tried to speak, but all that came were sounds consisting of “Ahh”, “Ohh”, “Umm”. The sound of water just beginning to freeze over echoed through the cave. Jack saw the creature's head shake ever so slightly and realized it was laughing.
“You have never seen a dragon before, seems you found me by accident.”
Jack nodded in recognition, so the creature continued.
“What is it you are called, young one?”
“Jack, Jack Frost!” Jack stammered as he finally found his voice.
“Hum, I need better light to properly see you.”
With that, the creature stood and nudged Jack onto the back of its neck (well, more like gently tossed him up so he landed there), then walked closer to the cave mouth. Jack was then felt the neck brought to the ground, where he slid off, landing in an ungraceful heap. In the better light, Jack could see the creature, “Dragon,” he corrected himself, was a beautiful sight. Its scales were a camouflage of blues, grays, and whites. If it stood still, it looked like a piece of the glacier or a wonderfully carved sculpture. Its neck stretched 5-6 feet, matched only by its tail. Two crests rose up off its head, giving it a royal look. The dragon, in turn, studied Jack.
“You resemble a human hatchling, and I sense great power in you. But I can tell you have some trouble with control.”
Jack hung his head; of course, the dragon would know that!
“It’s nothing to be ashamed of,” the dragon reassured. “At your age, you’d still be learning.”
“I’m 150.” Jack stated. He wasn’t trying to argue or be disrespectful, but felt he should state his age.
“Really, you smell and look younger.” Was all the dragon said in reply. It then turned its head to the cave opening and the sky outside.