MARVEL: The Guardian chosen by the Moon

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The icy wind blew over the snow-covered rooftops of Toronto as I stared at the Ancient One, draped in her dark cloak, her piercing eyes fixed on me with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. It was an odd feeling. I was used to people not knowing who I was, but she… She was supposed to know everything. Yet she studied me as if I were a mystery she couldn't unravel. 

She raised a hand and traced a circle in the air. Instantly, a shimmering portal appeared, vibrating with golden energy. Through the glowing oval, I glimpsed a landscape far different from Toronto's: rugged mountains, a crystalline sky, and in the distance, ancient architectural structures. 

"Come." Her voice was calm, steady—a command, not a suggestion. 

I hesitated for a moment. But curiosity won out. With a confident step, I crossed the portal, feeling a slight resistance before my body was thrust to the other side. 

**Kamar-Taj, Sanctum Sanctorum of the Mystic Arts** 

The air was pure and cold, a stark contrast to Toronto's winter gusts. Before me lay Kamar-Taj, hidden in the heart of the Himalayas—a place only those truly seeking to master the mystic arts could find. 

The sanctuary's architecture blended Nepalese and Tibetan traditions seamlessly, adorned with mystical motifs that hummed with their own energy. Stone buildings surrounded paved courtyards, their pagoda roofs layered with ancient tiles. Wooden doors were intricately carved with archaic symbols, and murals depicting cosmic battles and clashing invisible forces adorned the walls. 

Inside, corridors glowed with soft light from enchanted lanterns floating gently in the air. Entire rooms were dedicated to ancient grimoires—some resting on golden stands, others sealed behind luminous protective wards. A subtle energy permeated the air, echoes of countless spells cast here over centuries. 

I could feel the immense power saturating the space, a balance between knowledge and danger. Kamar-Taj wasn't just a place of study—it was a bastion against forces threatening this world. 

The Ancient One guided me through a maze of hallways into a vast training chamber overlooking an inner courtyard. Disciples in saffron robes practiced silently, tracing glowing circles in the air, opening small portals, or conjuring shields of pure energy. 

"Welcome to Kamar-Taj, Jack Frost." 

I raised an eyebrow, stepping cautiously. "Impressive. You know my name?" 

She inclined her head slightly. "I know the name of the Jack Frost from my universe—a mere fairy tale… but you are an enigma." 

She stopped at the room's center and turned to me. "You are not what I expected, Jack Frost." 

I smirked. "Oh? And what *did* you expect?" 

She stared at me for a long moment, as if searching for answers within me. "I know the threads of fate. I perceive possibilities, the futures that intertwine… But you—you are a blind spot." 

I crossed my arms, intrigued. "Well, that must be frustrating for you." 

A faint smile touched her lips. "It is… unusual." 

I paused, then chuckled lightly. "Ah… Guess I'm a bit of an anomaly for you." 

The Ancient One didn't reply immediately. She observed me, analyzing every movement. "It isn't just your existence that eludes me. I see neither your past nor your future. It's as if you… exist beyond my reach." 

I shrugged. "Maybe some things aren't meant to be known." 

She arched an eyebrow but stayed silent. Instead, she gestured to a stone table near a central fountain. "Sit. We have much to discuss." 

I obliged, leaning my staff against my shoulder. The Ancient One studied me before continuing. 

"So tell me, Jack Frost… Why are you here? And what do you intend to do now?" 

I took a moment to gather my thoughts. I wouldn't reveal everything—some truths weren't hers to know. But a half-truth would suffice. 

"I'm a winter spirit," I said finally. "A guardian of fun, watching over children and their laughter." 

The Ancient One tilted her head, intrigued. "A Guardian, then. But this world has never known the Guardians you speak of." 

I smiled. "Maybe it needs them." 

Silence lingered. She seemed unconvinced but waited. 

"I fought Pitch Black," I continued, my tone hardening. "He tried to drown this world in shadows by feeding on nightmares. He might try again. But he may not be the only one." 

The Ancient One raised an eyebrow. "You mean others like him could emerge?" 

I nodded. "Yes. This world has its own forces, and I suspect other entities—spirits like me—will rise. We're concepts, ideas. You can't kill or seal us away like extradimensional threats. We're tied to people's beliefs and emotions. The stronger we are in their minds, the more real we become." 

The Ancient One closed her eyes briefly, contemplating. When she reopened them, her gaze sharpened. "You're implying that you and Pitch are immortal, so long as you're tethered to human belief." 

"More or less. We can be weakened, never destroyed. It's not a war with a final victory. It's a balance—a struggle of influence." 

The Ancient One nodded slowly. "And you intend to safeguard this balance?" 

I took a breath. "Someone has to. I might be the only one of my kind here… for now. But if others come, someone must ensure they don't abuse their power." 

The Ancient One studied me before smiling faintly. "You are far more than a winter spirit, Jack Frost." 

I returned her smile. "Maybe." 

She rose gracefully. "This world is unstable, filled with forces even I cannot fully grasp. Rarely does something elude me, but you… are a mystery I cannot solve." 

I stood, gripping my staff. "I like keeping some mystery. Makes things more interesting." 

Her gaze narrowed thoughtfully. "You're not telling me everything, Jack Frost." 

I gave her an enigmatic grin. "Neither are you." 

A weighted, yet not hostile, silence fell. Then she gestured, and another portal opened, revealing Toronto's night sky. 

"Jack Frost, every force has its counterbalance. If more beings like you emerge, there will be a price to pay." 

I nodded, turning toward the portal. Before leaving, I glanced back. "I'll always pay the price… so long as children can dream in peace." 

She inclined her head. "Go, then. Guard this world in your way. But remember… I'll be watching you." 

I gave a final nod and stepped through the portal without looking back. 

I had a role to play here. And it was time to embrace it fully.