"Kids, line up, and let me do a head count."
"Yes, Mrs. Heartchild."
"One...…two...…..threee.....four…..five...…six....seven…..eiii…..
Eight?
......Where's Darius?"
"I thought he was with you?"
"No, I thought he was with you."
"Has anyone seen Darius?"
"....He's with Ruby."
"Rainbow…..how...…how do you know? Are you sure?"
"I heard him talking of going to find her, when he left."
"And you didn't stop him?"
"What's wrong with Ruby?
She has never steered him wrong before."
"....But this time it's not 'before.'"
"I hope they're ok."
"Hun, all we can do is pray.
This might even be a good thing."
"Good? How can you say that?"
"If anybody can calm Ruby's rage, it's him.
He's the only one she protects and keeps close.
Do you really think she would abandon him now, when she needs him more than ever? More than she realizes?"
*Huuuu*
"You're right, Hun.
It's in God's hands now.
Please, please, please…....let my boy get through to her. Please bring them home in one piece, unharmed; safe and sound.
Please."
"Their is no more we can do tonight. Let's just get some sleep."
"How?
We're in a house that is not ours, surrounded by Kids that we don't even know."
"We may not know them, but they do know us...…and feel comfortable thus far.
It'll all work out in the morning.
Tomorrow is Elwins birthday. We'll have to swing by and pick him up anyways.
The way Darius talked of Elwin, their is no way she would forget those two.
I promise that if we go to Elwins, then they will too."
"Yeah, but will we make it in time?"
"We have to, Honey.
We have to."
"Kids, go to bed; please.
Sorry, but their will be no bedtime story.
I want you all to get the most restful, relaxing sleep ever, and think about your loved ones."
" It might be the last night you can."
"What?"
"Nothing. My husband said, "Tonight may be your last night in this house."
"Why?"
"Well, if Ruby sits; she will want to take you with her. I just know it."
"Yeaaaaaaaaaaaah.
We will be...…the Royal Guards. Loyal to a fault, and as strong as an Ox.
Nothing can break us, and nothing will get in; for whatever attempts...…..will be repelled by our might."
"Haazaaaa!!!!!"
"Yeaaaaaaaaahhh!!!!!!!!"
"Yeahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!"
"Yeaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!"
"Whatever happens tomorrow, I know you guys and girls will protect us from all enemies. Both far....."
"And near?"
"No matter what…..this...….this right here. This family will never change.
Night Kids."
"Night!!!!!!!!!"