"Oh, Apple. Please tell me you have seen Darius at the Mansion. Tell me he's okay, home...safe.... and sound."
"......He....he took any who didn't want to fight, away."
"What?"
"He's protecting them. Making sure there are people left since he can't bear to see two of his lifelong friends going head to head."
"But where is more safe than on the battlefield, entrapped?"
"He told me to remind you about 'Friendly Fire.'"
"Apple, where is he? Where is my son?"
"Maybe it's best we don't know."
"Ruby?"
"Hear me out. Rainbow is set in her way, and whether we like it or not, we have to be too.
Darius is the last person people would expect to make a Safe Haven...but...he is the one I trust most. So, if he says not to worry and that he will be back once Rainbow calms down...…I trust him.
All he is asking is that you do as well."
"I.....but….."
"Everything has been going so well."
"Heartchilds, I know this has been a very topsy year for all of us, especially you. You wouldn't be here had not your son wished me. Nor would you have learned about...…..all of this, but as Mother Nature; I have a duty to protect these people from danger. Once this crisis has been averted, then maybe we could go back to you showing me what your side of the family does."
"I would love that."
"Besides, the first week of School is boring bootcamp anyways. Isn't this more exciting? Live on the site training!!!!!!"
"Ruby!!"
"Sorry.
Could still use a little work."
"Ruby, you told us something, remember?"
"I remember lots of things."
"You told me to let you soar, but also do your best to keep me grounded. Not weak...…but grounded."
"I remember something along those lines."
"So, I may not personally understand what it is you have to do, but I know you have to do it. So I won't even try to talk you out of it."
"Thank you.
You have been more than just a home and a reunion to me. You have been like a family to me. Given me a brother I never had, and a love I could not fathom. Although I rarely came home on your curfews, you have remained patient with me as you figured out what my likes and dislikes are.
I couldn't have wished for a happier family."
"Ruby, stop. You're gonna make us cry…..and we need to be strong...for Darius."
"But...…
*Oof*
"Even grown men can shed a tear once in a while."
"Heartchild, I fully understand if you would like to go with Darius. This is not your fight, and as I said; you shouldn't even be here."
"Ruby, wipe that tear from your eyes and look at us.
Darius did not abandon you, Apple did not abandon you, and even though there's more than just the five of us in this world....we will stick with you through thick and thin.
As parents, we can't just sit by and watch kids hackle; but as friends....more and more kids are assuming the throne thanks to you. I cannot confirm nor deny if your actions were just, but that doesn't change the fact. The only parents here are us, and frankly...we don't even need to be Royals to out age you."
"Haaah."
"Mrs. Hearthchild, may you please go to Natysh and see if she's ok?"
"On it."
"Heartchilds, you really don't have to. You have been wishing for another brother, and yet...now you are the parents of a Nation."
"And we humbly accept.
What do you need?"
".....I just need you to help keep people calm. Tomorrow I want things to proceed as normal. Have School and life go on without a hitch. But...…."
"We will debrief the Kids that the next day they will need to pack their luggage, suitcase; and all their essentials with them."
"Elwin."
"Too…..Decorate their rooms.
Then we close the doors."
"So you want us to make sure the Kids and Parents don't freak? Why not just use River?
That's.....assuming Darius didn't take River with him."
"River wil be more useful out here. I need you two in there so that when you feel it's safe, you can lead the Kids and all else out. None of the Magics can leave the School."
"We got it. "
"Glad I can count on you both."