As the dark figure approached, Joy's sparkles flickered with concern. Sorrow's wings faltered, and it leaned into Joy's side.
"Who is that?" Sorrow whispered.
Joy's eyes narrowed. "I don't know," she said, "but I don't like the look of it."
The dark figure drew closer, its presence casting a shadow over the landscape. Joy could see that it was a tall, gaunt being with eyes that burned with an inner fire.
"Ah, Joy," the being said, its voice dripping with malice. "I've been waiting for you."
Joy's sparkles flashed with anger. "Who are you?" she demanded.
The being bowed low. "I am Despair," it said. "And I have come to claim Sorrow as my own."
Sorrow's wings trembled with fear. "No," it whispered. "I won't go with you."
Despair's eyes flashed with anger. "You have no choice," it snarled. "You are mine, Sorrow. And I will stop at nothing to claim you."
Joy stood tall, her sparkles shining brightly. "You'll have to go through me first," she said.
Despair sneered. "You think you can stop me, little spark?" it said. "I am the embodiment of all the darkest emotions. You are no match for me."
Joy's sparkles flickered with determination. "We'll see about that," she said...