~Ara macao~

 "It happened days ago, on a stormy night. I saw it flying passed me, making a hum I had never heard before. Being the Ruler of Viscaria, if something belonging there leaves, I must bring it back to it's home. So I set off to find it. Along the way I found these two.. When we had finally caught up to it after encountering a Goldenrod patrolling, I had touched it."

Phlox leaned closer to Delphinium, sliding further off of the couch.

After making their way back, Phlox fetched them a warm drink. He urged the Ruler to explain in further detail on what was going on, and he was surprised it was so surreal.

"When I did, there was a bright light, then darkness. I do not know how long I was asleep for, but when I woke, the dead field was blooming with colour. I realized that whatever we were following held much more meaning then I had originally thought. Which is why we must leave to tell the other Rulers. We do not have much time." Delphinium finished as he got up.

Phlox looked up at him, surprised. "Alright," he took a deep breath, "I'll make some calls."

Phlox got up as well, excusing himself before walking out. He clenched his fists after nervously glancing around, then walked around to the back of the house. He pushed open the garage door, locking it behind him. The dim room was the same as before, except for the emptiness in the middle. The bikes he had recently finished were now outside, waiting to be used once more.

He approached the table to the right and extended out his hand, grabbing a hold of a book the colour of a deep red. The front cover had been worn out, apart from the slight gold bits of what used to be a rose. He skimmed through the pages; all the way from the back to the beginning. On the back of the front cover was a name, smudged from the constant use. Phlox ran his thumb over it, rubbing off the specks of dirt. He held his breath as he read over the writing. As soon as he thought the name, he was sent into a state of euphoria. Memories fluttered across his mind accompanied by warmth filling his chest. Phlox quickly shut the book, placing a hand on his chest painfully. He took a couple of steps back, overcome with emotion. Sunlight and flowers flashed inside his mind, laughter ringing in his ears. In a daze, Phlox placed his foot on a book, slipping backwards and into a pile of books.

Quietness fell onto him for a moment before something fell from the top of the pile beside him.

An infant size doll made out of porcelain slid down the books and scraps, landing a foot away from Phlox. It's slightly tanned skin shone as it landed in the middle of the light coming from the window. He turned his head to it without a sound. The doll, a girl, had dark medium length hair that lay beautifully on the ground. Her eyes were closed, but when opened the brown reflected something unimaginable. Phlox slowly reached out and grasped just under her bare armpit and brought her close to his face, examining it. His other hand caressed her right cheek and after a minute, he placed her back down and rested his head on the pile of books. He sighed, suddenly tired. Sitting there, he thought about what was the right thing to do. Of course he knew what it was, he just had to get over his past.

Phlox slowly got up and took slow steps towards the door, where a black phone hung on the wall. H gripped onto the handle, letting out a soft sigh. Finally, he pulled it off of the wall and dialled a number he had tried to forget, but somehow was never able to. When sound was heard from the other side, the name he dared not to utter easily rolled off of his tongue and echoed in the room.

"Juniper.." He took a breath, squeezing his eyes shut.

"Yes? You've reached the Hydrengea Spice Shop, this is Juniper speaking."

Phlox leaned forward, placing an arm on the wall in front of him. "Juniper.. It's me"

There was a pause on the other side, causing Phlox to fidget. He closed his eyes and after a short moment of silence, there was noise on the other side.

"..What do you want Phlox? I have to work-"

"Could you do me this one favour? I-I know what I did was wrong but.. We have to meet, okay? Listen, I'm coming over, whether you like it or not." He interrupted her, quickly hanging up before she could oppose. Phlox let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He looked at the phone, then back at the doll on the ground. He shakily made his way over, picking the doll up and taking another look at her. He brushed the hair out of her face before neatly dropping her down on his desk. With one last look at the doll, he quietly exited the garage and made his way over to the Hydrengea Spice Shop, figuring he could clean up later.

The Hydrengea Spice Shop was located at the north point of Nightshade. It was a small building with beige coloured bricks and a green roof, with green trimmings. The door had become significantly worn out from its constant customers. The large sign on top of the door was welcoming, apart from the cold door knob. Surrounding the entrance was a large ensemble of what used to be bright red roses, now black powder covered them.

Phlox was welcomed with the sweet smell of flowers and spices when he cracked the door open. He closed his eyes, inhaling the sweet goodness, then reopened them when the bell hanging above the door rang, causing the girl at the counter to look up. Her brown hair was tied in a messy bun with a couple of small dried up flowers running from one side of her head to the other, forming a loose sort of flower crown. The painted blue petals brightened her skin, popping the richness of brown in her eyes.

She was an exact copy of the doll Phlox had made.

S frowned slightly, standing tall, then briefly glanced down at the books in front of her before moving them under the wood counter. Multiple scars were scattered on her forearms, causing Phlox to frown. He nodded his head towards her as he approached. "What did I tell you about getting in fights, huh?"

She scoffed, crossing her arms across her chest. She swiped her tongue over her bottom lip, shaking her head. "You've told me a lot of things.” Phlox slowly nodded his head, keeping his gaze down on the hardwood floor. He felt his heart squeeze painfully as the venom in her voice pierced him. "Listen, Juniper-"

The woman, Juniper, stood up, pressing her fists against the counter. "No, you listen. I don't want to talk about how you abandoned be years ago, okay? So could you just tell me why you're here, before I kick you out." She looked at him with a glare.

He took cautious steps towards her, pulling out a small map from his inside coat pocket. Once at the counter, he laid it down in front of her. Phlox then began to explain all the occurrences that have been happening in town, starting with the fact that the Ruler of Viscaria was currently living at his place.

At first, she did not believe him, but once he finished telling her what had happened just this morning she looking up at him with widened eyes.

"You don't mean.."

"Yes! The prophecy is true.. Ruler Delphinium had chased after this sort of light and it brought him here. We can't ignore the signs. Not only that, but the clock is ticking! You know what that means.." Phlox looked at Juniper with a frown. He placed his hands at the edge of the table, the map curling itself up on the surface.

"Just because I so happen to live where he rules does not mean I approve of his ways. Oleander stands no chance going against the other Rulers!"

"Exactly what I'm saying! You must do me this favour and help us get to the other side. We must warn the other Rulers. Please Juniper.. Once Oleander finds out about the prophecy being true, he may just ignore the clock and commence the end of our world!-"

"I will let no such thing happen!" Juniper glared, raising her voice.

Their commotion caused the back door to open, followed by a tall man in a black suit and dark sunglasses to walk into the room. He looked about the room, then stared at Phlox. He looked down at him menacingly without saying a word. After a few moments of silence he turned to Juniper, visually relaxing.

"My Queen.. Is this man bothering you?"

Phlox's eyes shot to the man, then back at the woman. He could not believe his ears.

"'M-My Queen'..? You didn't accept to take the throne.. You didn't! Please tell me you didn't!"

Juniper leaned back, looking at the man in front of him with a slight smirk. "Well, since you weren't here I thought I might as well. It's been a couple of years since father passed. I control most of the ships here, not only that but everything must be run over by me. The clan is growing every day, so when Oleander strikes we will be able to fight back." She nodded her head, quite confident in herself. She had previously learned how to work and was able to build upon what her family had started many generations before her.

"You can't! You know what you'll have to do if you lose a war.. Juniper you cant-" Phlox leaned over the counter, desperately trying to make her understand. After hiding away like a coward, he had finally been able to speak to her only to be pushed aside.

"Shut up. Don't talk to me about the future. I don't see you in my future, not anymore. Get out." Juniper moved backward, her back pressed against the glass jars behind the counter. The tall man in black stared at them with a frown, keeping his remarks to himself.

Juniper frowned, motioning to the door. "Did you hear me? Phlox, get out!"

Once she said his name, he snapped out of his daze. Tears seemed to well up in his eyes as he took a couple of shaky steps back. He muttered softly to himself as the tall man calmly walked towards him, silently encouraging him to leave.

"L-Listen.. Juni-"

"When the clock strikes ten, meet me at the docks. If you're late, you and the others are not leaving Nightshade. You hear me? Now get out of here."

Phlox stood at the entrance with a short smile. He held in his tears and nodded his head, then dashed out.