Apology Accepted

Jack turned guiltily to face the Tooth Fairy, clutching his staff tightly as he stared hard at the ground. He shuffled his feet, working up the nerve to admit his mistake before uttering, "I looked at Nat's memories…" The Tooth Fairy gasped, flying close to his face with a shocked expression.

"Jack! How could you?" she scolded, and Jack nodded in understanding before she could go on. He turned his back, running a hand through his hair.

"I know, it was bad… I just wanted to know why she hated me! But she doesn't, and now I'm confused, and…" he sighed, staring off into the blue sky surrounding the Tooth Palace. "I have to go after her," he decided, and before the Tooth Fairy could object he took off on the winds. He sailed across the sky, heading for the familiar sleepy town in Pennsylvania. He flew across the rooftops and down through the streets, startling a few passersby with his out-of-place winter winds, but he paid no mind. He passed right through the town and entered the small woodlands beyond, landing in the soft grass and proceeding on foot. After a short walk, he entered a small clearing with a shimmering lake contained within.

"So you really did look at my memories…" came a soft voice from the lake shore. Nat sat with her knees tucked under herself on the edge of the water, tracing her fingers over the smooth surface and watching as the tadpoles beneath chased it happily. She had adorned her hair with lilies, and Jack thought it made her look quite nice. Focus, he reminded himself, cautiously approaching Nat and fearing she would run off once more. Illithor, who was grazing nearby, snorted at him and flicked his tail disapprovingly. Nat didn't stir as he gingerly sat down beside her, resting his staff on the grass. The tadpoles darted away at his approach, and she leaned back with a small sigh. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have exploded on you," she apologized sadly.

"No! I came to say I was sorry!" Jack exclaimed, surprised by the girl's sudden change in attitude. "I shouldn't have peeked. I just didn't think you would answer me directly if I asked again," he admitted. "… So you really don't hate me?"

"No. I've been frustrated with myself and have been taking it out on you, and I shouldn't have. You've never done anything to me. Even if you do kill my plants, it's not like you can help it. It's your job," she answered honestly, staring out into the lake's surface. "I was afraid if I told you the truth, you would hate me."

"Why would I hate you?" Jack asked in confusion.

"I mean… After a while, I learned that you had no memories. I knew you, before, and… I could have told you about who you used to be… But I didn't," she frowned. Jack thought about it for a moment, then shrugged and smiled down at her.

"Nah. I don't hate you for that. I mean, it was kind of a bummer not knowing who I was or why I was here, but I understand. I mean, it's kind of an awkward subject," he laughed, rising to his feet. "I was a bit surprised to learn that you knew me, though. Who would've thought that the two of us would be like this now?" he frowned, gazing out at the lake. Both of them had lived in these woods, and both of them had died there, in that very same lake. Both of them had come back as immortal spirits of the world. He then grinned, shaking off the morbid thoughts, and held a hand out for her. Nat reluctantly took it. "I have an idea. Stay here," he beamed.

"Jack?" Nat cried as he took off into the winds, sailing over the small forest and into the town of Burgess. He landed at the edge of Jamie's window and knocked loudly, startling the boy off the bed. Jamie hurriedly recovered and threw open the window to let Jack inside, and the white-haired sprite jumped over to the bed and promptly plopped down on it.

"Jack? What's up? I thought you were supposed to be guarding Mother Nature," Jamie frowned.

"I only left her for a minute. I need a favor," Jack smirked.

"What kind of favor?" the little boy asked, and Jack's eyes sparkled mischievously.