"-ere yet?"
"Almost."
"Didn't think Forrest was that far away."
"Well we also had to stop a few times to fight. That took up time."
"Fair enough. Lucky people, being able to sleep."
"I told you you could take a rest Lyn."
"And I said I would use arcane instead."
Another voice chimed in. "That's not healthy."
"You two have no space to talk. How much absinthe did you eat Remus?"
"... irrelevant."
I cracked my eye open. My head was on Neo's lap. Lyn was seated on Remus' lap, pouting as she read a map. Both of them had blue liquid on their outfits.
Neo looked down. "Good morning sleepy."
"Where are we?" I asked.
"Pretty close to Forrest," Remus responded, also glancing at the map.
"You're gonna like it, it's very calming," Lyn chimed in. I nodded, glancing out the window. Outside had a light mist going on, dimming what I assume are usually vibrant flowers.
Roughly 20 minutes must have ticked by before the carriage stopped. We shot a glance at Lyn. She sighed before grasping her sword. I watched as her eyebrows knit together.
"No emotions... So we should be good," she relayed, opening her eyes and meeting mine immediately. I looked away after a moment.
Neo helped me out of the carriage. Lifting my arm to shield myself from the blinding light, I was surprised to see a city of light blues; purples; and whites. There were some children playing in the streets, kicking around a ball. One girl kicked the ball right next to me by accident, making them look at us.
The other girl's face lit up, "Neo!"
"Well if it isn't my favorite twins," Neo started, giving them huge hugs. "Have you been behaving for your father?"
The twins nodded frantically.
They raised an eyebrow.
"And your mother?"
One shook her head bashfully.
Neo tsked, "you two should behave for her too."
"But Neooo," one whined.
"She's so mean and she tells us not to associate with you!" the other explained. Neo's expression darkened before they stood up again.
"Val, if she says those words again please let me know. And Sabine, have you developed your branch yet? I know you were so scared."
I looked up to see Remus and Lyn gone. They were nowhere in sight. Although there was a figure cloaked in blue.
"Neo..." I whispered. They ignored me, probably just not hearing me.
"Neo," I repeated, my throat tightening as the figure multiplied with each step. They still talked to the twins.
"NEO! R! LOOK OUT!" another voice shouted. I jumped into an alleyway, covering my mouth as a flash of blue narrowly missed me. Neo turned, eyes widening. The two girls stood frozen in terror.
Shaking themself off, Neo picked up the girls and flew into the air, dodging each ray that was aimed. I watched as they flew in elaborate rhythms, which was making my head spin.
Vines grew around me, shielding me from another ray. Is... is this my branch??
My surprise turned into shock as I saw a woman with blue-green hair standing beside me.
"Are you alright dear?" she asked. I swallowed and nodded. Her face relaxed.
"I'm Belle. You're safe with me kid."
