“I apologize but may you repeat yourself I am afraid that I didn’t catch that…” the gentle one was asking his tone high and borderline desperate willing all of this to be a misunderstanding.

“I’m sure that you heard me correctly.”

“The sleeping one is supposed to wake up in four years. There has not been a recording in time where it woke up earlier or later than prophesized.” The calm one said and even though it seemed like they were talking to themselves Rue could feel their eyes on them.

“I’m well aware of this fact. We cannot change this fact. You must leave immediately and take care of it. I wish you the best of luck, chosen one. You are all dismissed.” Rue feels a cold shiver down their spine.

They ran out of the throne room causing the blue one to squeak in surprise. Definitely against proper etiquette but Rue doesn’t care. Neither does the emperor, who assumes that Rues fast action is due to their sense of responsibility and knowledge of the threat.

“I have no idea what the fuck is going on.” Rue says back in their room and pacing.

“What your language!” Nyx was right beside Rue and being as helpful as always.

“You... What do you know?” Their eyes zero in on the flying cat and take a threatening step forward.

“WOAH! Cool it, mate. I don’t know more than you.”

“I highly doubt that.”

“Fine. You see as you know and have thrown tantrums about you are not the original hero.”

“Shocker.”

“The thread of fate have become tangled and even snapped thanks to you.” The cat looks unbothered by the new development.

“So, this is my fault…?” Rue started to hug themselves.

“Oh! Don’t feel guilty this wasn’t your fault, mate.”

“I don’t feel guilty.” Rue pouts avoiding Nyx’s eyes. “If anything, it’s your fault. Seriously how did you mess up? Did this ever happen before?”

“Nope.”

“Then why-”

The cat shrugs cutting Rue off. A knock on the door.

After another five minutes all heroes and Rue are ready to leave. They have a carriage with two horses. A white and brown one which Rue immediately started to pet. The calm one right behind her. Someone clears their throat.

“I don’t think that we have time for this.” The blue one interrupts them though Rue could see that she wanted to pet the horse too. It was written all over her face. Shrugging Rue goes inside the carriage. A few seconds later the king was standing on a balcony seeing them off. The journey began.

“It will take you all a while to reach the hole where the sleeping one is living.” Too long and too short. “The Entity itself does not travel far. Why is unknown but it appears somewhat trapped or bound to the surrounding area. This however does not apply to the monsters, and the Entity does not need to travel far to cause chaos. They can reach far enough.” The blue one was rambling.

“Thank you for the history lesson.” The judgmental one sassed. The blue one avoids eye contact simply looking outside instead. After that the ride is mostly quiet. Aside from the calm one and the gentle one’s conversation which the blue one joins occasionally.

“HELP!” They all jump. Outside was someone who looked like a farmer.

“What is the matter?” The judgmental one asks.

“Please! You have to help us-” He cut himself off with a sob. A woman with a limp walk out and stops besides the man. Most likely his wife if their matching rings have something to say Rue notes.

“Who are you?” Her voice is harsh and wary. The others all kind of side eye Rue for a second before the blue one and judgmental one walk forward.

“We are the chosen ones.” They said this in perfect union. Based on their expressions they are not happy with this. The couple looks at Rue despite all the others pretty much covering them.

“I see…” the woman looks contemplative before turning her attention to the others. “We need help. Our daughter was taken by some strange people.” She squeezes her arm either to comfort herself or out of anger.

“They are in the forest, but we don’t know where exactly. Additionally, they are a rather large group and are armed.” A few villagers came outside due to the commotion and started to murmur about this horrid group. Not much was known about them since they all pretty much just repeated the same information.

“We could stay here the night and help them-”

“No.” the gentle one is cut off by the judgmental one.

“If it is not too much trouble then would it be possible for us to stay the night. We would leave very early in the morning.” The gentle one asks they aren’t talking to any specific person. Most villagers avoid eye contact obviously not realizing who this group is and not willing to house strangers.

Rue was completely hidden by the others and had a hand tightly around the necklace. Silently they wondered why the others weren’t taking out their own identification.