Things are a little... crazy right now in the world. Since Spring is the time of rebirth and new beginnings, this Easter we’re doing something a little different. We’re bringing back the Guardians.
One week, with themes of hope, dreams of a better future, to better memories with a sense of wonder and joy. A week to celebrate, and remember what we are at our centers. Starting on Easter with Hope.
Themes to be posted tomorrow. Get ready. Get excited. Share the word. We’ll see you then.
Artwork courtesy of @rinpin, used with permission.
“Would you forgive me if I reached for happiness again?”
Day 2 Memories of @jackrabbitweek
Actually a scene from the next chapter of Unmade Bed we lie in. Bunnymund remembers the loss of his first love as he comes to terms with his feelings for Jack Frost, who is suffering from unknown complications with his magic.
And here is a fic I wrote for @jackrabbitweek with today’s theme being periwinkle! Enjoy all!
Title: Caught
Rating: G
Series: Rise of the Guardians
Characters: Bunny and Jack Frost
Summary: When Jack flew into the warren, Bunny sensed something was amiss.
Bunny felt Jack fly into his Warren. He didn’t bother glancing up from the egg he was painting, but he did give a slight shiver at the cold breeze.
“Careful, mate,” he said as he set the egg down. “I rather not have frost on my tulips.”
He expected a laugh or a joke, but instead he heard a sigh. “Right, okay, I’ll try to be careful.”
Bunny’s ears twitched. He turned around and instantly knew something was afoot. Jack’s hood was up, which was already a clear hint. It hadn’t taken him long to learn Jack only pulled up his hood when he was feeling bad, lonely, grumpy or upset.
He was also rather fidgety as he leaned against his staff and rapidly tapped his fingers against it.
Bunny raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. “Alright, what’s up?”
Jack cleared his throat as he straightened his posture. “What do you mean?”
Bunny counted on his fingers. “First off, you’re as jumpy as an elf who got his hand caught in the cookie jar.” He began to encircle the boy as he examined him closely. “Second, last few days of winter and instead of trying to get every last second in you decided to come here?”
He paused and shook a finger in Jack’s face. “Out with it, Frost. What’s wrong with ya?”
Jack’s eyes narrowed, but then his shoulders slumped as he tugged at his hood. “I let my guard down and they caught me.”
Bunny frowned. “Who?”
“The elves,” Jack grumbled. “Guess I iced them one too many times and they decided to get a bit of payback while I took a nap at North’s place.”
“Alright,” Bunny said slowly as he got more curious, “so why go to me and not North?”
Jack rubbed his neck. “Because he make a big deal and I rather not have the others see me like this.” He glanced to Bunny. “Also, this seems more like your territory.”
“Territory?” Bunny said with a chuckle. “What did the elves do? Give ya bunny ears?”
Jack chewed his bottom lip. “Not quite.” He looked up. “Promise not to laugh?”
“No, but I promise to at least not laugh long.” Jack scowled at him. “Sorry, mate, it’s the best I can offer.” He pointed over his shoulder. “Ya can always go ta North-”
“No, no,” Jack mumbled as he reached for his hood. “Just...look.”
Jack pulled down the hood. Bunny blinked and went quiet. Jack’s hair was no longer the classic snow white he was known for. It was instead a bright colour mixture of blue and purple.
“Periwinkle,” Bunny commented with a chuckle as he fingered Jack’s bangs. “Doesn’t look too bad on ya.”
Jack scowled as he pushed Bunny’s hand away and tugged at his hair. “Well, I want it gone.”
“Would ya rather have it pink?” Jack narrowed his eyes which only caused Bunny to laugh more. “Sorry, just teasin’.” Although, it did explain why Jack came to him. Colours and dyes were more his thing than North’s. “Did ya try washin’ it out?”
“Several times,” Jack grumbled as he tugged at his bangs, “but nothing works.” He looked to Bunny hopefully. “Please tell me you have something to take this out.”
“I should,” Bunny commented as he crossed his arms, “with that said, ya should probably tell North about this. He probably like to know his elves got up ta prankin’.”
Jack sighed and shook his head. “No, it’s not like they hurt me or anything. I just hate being caught off guard. It’s not that big of a deal.”
Bunny didn’t feel as certain, but he knew it was best to respect Jack’s wishes in this case. Besides, to Jack it was more of a matter of pride. Jack was known as one the best tricksters and him being pranked by the elves had to sting the kid’s ego a little bit.
Bunny smiled as he wrapped his arms around Jack’s shoulder. “Come on, let’s get ya hair washed and restored to it’s snowy white glory.”
Jack nodded as he leaned into Bunny. “Thanks.”
Bunny smiled. “Afterwards, ya and I can plan a prank ta get back at the elves.”
Jack blinked and grinned. “Really?”
“Sure, been meanin’ ta get back at them for eating the chocolate samples I brought ta the last Guardian meetin’.” He had spent hours making those, and before he could even bring them out, the elves and decided to help themselves to it.
North had given the elves a firm lecture, but the elves could be slow learners at times.
“Yeah, okay,” Jack said as his face brightened. “I’ve already been planning on some ideas.”
“Figured ya would,” Bunny laughed as he lead Jack away to get clean.
This is... my favorite thing I have drawn in years. Now you know what all those horse and hare studies were about. The only reason this has a decent background is because I’ve been watching Bob Ross videos while working on it. xD haha That man is truly inspiring!
Here are some notes on this AU, taken straight from google docs. I really love this idea and would love to revisit it in the future. ^^
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The story:
The Lunanoff royal family has been slain by Pitch, except for Manny, or Prince Lunar, who grew up in the protective bubble of the Moon Clipper which has completely isolated him from the outside world. While technically still Tsar, he cannot rule over his Kingdom in a necessary capacity, but he's found a way to communicate with his subjects through magic, so every few thousand years, he chooses a Heir to rule in his stead.
The heirs are chosen from a vast court of lesser royalty that still have at least a drop of royal blood flowing through them, and thus the magic that is meant to protect the Kingdom. Everyone wants to be noticed and chosen, so the competition has grown cutthroat over the centuries and the court has been corrupted from the inside.
As the previous Heir falls prey to Pitch's machinations, Pitch uses the distraction to gather his forces in secrecy. He's planning a full-on assault on the unsuspecting Kingdom.
The Guardians are protectors of the Kingdom and are there to support the chosen Heir. While the Guardians sometimes fall and are chosen anew, some, like Bunny and Sandy, have looked over countless Heirs in their lifetimes.
As the ceremony for the choosing grows closer, everyone is speculating who the new Heir will be. To everyone's shock, the Tsar's choice falls on someone no one had expected - Jack Frost, a young princeling barely into adulthood, with a very obscure lineage that makes everyone question if there's any royal blood in him at all.
Of course, Bunny is the most outraged by this decision, because all he's seen of Jack through the years has been nothing but the young princeling fooling around and causing trouble. He has no faith in the new Heir and no desire to serve him.
Jack is as flabbergasted as the rest of them. He'd always felt left out of the court, but he's never wanted to take part in the intrigue and certainly never expected to get the title of Tsarevitch Lunanoff. He doesn't take his responsibilities seriously at first, thinking there has to be some kind of mistake that will certainly be corrected soon.
Everything changes when the Guardians discover traces of Pitch's evil plot. With cryptic silence from Tsar Lunar, the Guardians have no other choice but to school the young Heir in the skills necessary to fight a coming war.
Forced to work together, Bunny gradually learns more about Jack and grows to respect him for who he is. While he may not be like any of the previous heirs, there's something in the young man that sparks joy and laughter in the people around him. Perhaps, this is exactly the ruler their Kingdom really needs.
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Character profiles:
Bunny - an advisor and head of guard in peacetime, he is always by the Heir's side. A scout and spy in wartime, he takes risky missions to sniff out information about Pitch's movements, sometimes quite literally. He is an expert in moving in the shadows or underground, using his speed and quick wits to his advantage.
Toothiana - mistress of the servants in peacetime, she is secretly the Tsar's spymaster, keeping an eye on the court's activities thanks to her servant girls. In wartime, she is a strategist and general. She is used to taking command and seeing the bigger picture, but she's also a proficient sword fighter who is never found on the sidelines, but rather in the midst of battle.
North - a genius and innovator in peacetime, his countless creations are meant to make everyone's lives better, while other times, they are meant to entertain. He doubles as the master of ceremony for the Tsar. In wartime, his workshop produces all the weapons and machines needed to arm the fighters. His creative mind isn't limited to technology, but also helps brainstorm surprising solutions when fighting against the enemy.
Sandy - stable master in peacetime, he provides transportation for all the court's needs. His favorite pastime is looking after the highly priced dreamsand horses and other creatures created by his magic – when he is not found taking a nap. In wartime, his immense magical power has proven to be an obstacle to Pitch time and time again.
For this year, instead of doing a full week, we’re going to just do a day, Easter Sunday.
Post JackRabbit Art, Fic, Costumes, Whatever! Share your love for Jack and Bunny! If you don’t post it on the day, that’s okay, we’ll keep an eye on the #JackRabbitWeek tag all week.
