Pearl

Ruby

I study him and my father comes over, "You alright to travel?"

I nod, "I...Yeah, I think so," I reply, taking a deep breath.

He nods and I stand, yawning as I run a hand through my hair. He tells the guards and I sigh, glancing around at all the destruction.

Dylan

I stand as well and look around for my brother.

Ruby

Dylan starts looking around and my father's guards lead us, telling us we have to travel through the Dark Forest, I freeze and swallow. Oh Jesus.

I take a deep breath and follow, but in the back. Roan is in the middle with my father, talking to him about something. I glance around and realize we'll never be able to replace anything anymore.

Dylan

We start walking and I keep at Ruby's side, finally spotting Roan up ahead. I relax and cross my arms over my chest, missing my sunglasses. I could always hide behind them. No one could see what I was really feeling, thinking... Now, I'm transparent. I hate that.

Ruby

My Mom's pictures...

Stopping, I swallow and glance back at the used-to-be-palace. My father looks at me, "Ru, C'mon."

I shake my head, "But Mom's..." I stutter.

"It's fine, sweetheart," he whispers, and keeps walking. I sigh and shake my head, running a hand through my hair as I keep walking. My whole life...It's messed up. Just kill me now. I beg you to.

Dylan

I study Ruby before slipping a hand in hers, sensing she needs it.

Ruby

Dylan slips a hand in mine and I flash a smile at him before kissing his shoulder quickly, and mouthing - Thanks.

Dylan

I flash a smile and nod, kissing her cheek back.

Ruby

I take a deep breath and try not to be creeped out by the Dark Forest, noises making me flinch. Giggles of nearby elves enter the area and I tense, my eyes growing more blue than purple.

Dylan

I squeeze her hand and watch her, the noises sending me chills as well.

Ruby

He squeezes my hand and I glance up at him before hiding slightly behind him.

My father stops in his tracks, looking back at me, "What are you doing, Ru?"

I just shake my head quickly and close my eyes for a second. Something touches the back of my legs and I scream, spinning around to see an elf. He looks up at me, tilting his head slightly to the side, and wraps both his arms around my legs without letting go. I freeze, swallowing, "What the..."

Dylan

I pry the elf's arms off of Ruby's legs and scoop her in my arms to prevent it from happening again. Moving closer to the group, I swallow and look for Roan, who still stands near the King. Okay, keep moving people. I don't want to be in here anymore...

Ruby

Dylan scoops me up and I rest my head against his chest, closing my eyes as the misty fog starts forming at our feet. They start moving again and I compose myself, shaking slightly from fear.

Dylan

I hold Ruby close, kissing the top of her head once we start moving again. The fog and silence unnerves me more than the elf and noises did, but everyone else seems fine. Even Roan, though the distant look in his eyes tells me there's a story behind his bravado.

Ruby

My father glances back at me as we walk, shaking his head as he looks back foward. Thunder starts above and I open my eyes, glancing up at Dylan. I blink a couple times and compose myself again as close my eyes once more. I hear the elves giggling again and I shivver, resting my arms on my stomach.