Pearl

Dylan

I sit at her side and grab a plate of food, taking a few bites.

Ruby

He sits at my side and I flash a smile. I finish my food and rest my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes for a second.

Dylan

I flash a smile at her when she sets her head on my shoulder, and I finish my food as quietly as I can in hopes of not disturbing her.

Ruby

As he finishes, I end up falling asleep, smiling.

Dylan

She falls asleep and I flash a smile, scooping her up and walking into the hallway. I quietly ask a guard where her room is and silently take her there, drawing the covers over her once I set her down. Not wanting to be creepy or anything, I leave the room and wander on my own afterwards.

Ruby

As I sleep, the castle starts shaking again. Waking, I glance around. I stand and run out, the castle walls cracking. Great. An earthquake.
I don't know what to do, not able to find my dad, and scream as one of the columns on the wall collapse right infront of me, making me back up.

Dylan

The castle walls start shaking, the floor quaking beneath my feet, and I try to steady myself. Ruby screams and I bolt back the way I came, finding a column collapsed in front of her.

"You okay?" I ask, "We need to get out of here."

Ruby

I nod and think of a way out, taking his hand as I push through the emergency doors. I run out with him and watch everything happen, everyone in the palace evactuating.

Dylan

I follow her out and stay close, watching everyone flee. I remember Roan and mentally swear, scanning the crowds for him. When I don't see him, I start looking for Ruby's father, knowing he was around him at the time. C'mon, Ro. Please.

Ruby

My father doesn't come out, neither does my brother, and I glance around for them, "I...I have to go back in for them, Dylan," I warn him before running back inside, running up the stairs to the throne room as fast as I can.

Dylan

What? No! I chase after her, knowing that I'd been contemplating the same thing not even five seconds ago, and catch up just before the throne room.

"Ruby, I've got this," I tell her, "It's not safe though. I promise I won't come back out until I find them, but please go wait where it's safe. Please."

Ruby

I shake my head, "N-No," I reply, trying to figure out the code to get inside, "They're my family too."

Dylan

I take her face in my hands and make her look at me, "Your people need you to be safe. They need you to lead in case something happens. Please... I can do this."

Ruby

I study him for a few moments before setting a hand on the side of his face. I lean in and kiss him while closing my eyes, "Make it out safe."

Dylan

I close my eyes when she kisses me, completely caught off guard. I blink a few times afterwards and nod, promising I will.

"Now, go," I let go of her, "I'll get them."