Outbreak

The Forgotten Warning

Day 4̷͔̮͂6̴̪̋̈́

M's P.O.V.

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"Hey Red Apprentice!" I turn to wave to the little kid, who is tightly clutching his parent's hand. The kid's expression is normal, open and friendly. The parent, however, seems embarrassed, a little intimidated, even. A month ago, I wouldn't have understood why. Now, however, I recognize the behavior. Despite the Red Leader's return, the kingdom still views me differently. Not as the Red Apprentice, but as the Future Red Leader.

I try not to think about that too much as I continue on to my house. Several Red Steves cast curious glances at me, being extra respectful when I turn to them. It's a little unnerving, but I am used to it by now. I think it's the Red Leader who has trouble understanding the difference. He wasn't there for those tense weeks when I had to take care of the kingdom on my own.

Thankfully, most of the kingdom has calmed down over the last few days. With neither myself nor the leader missing, there's no reason for them to panic. No steves practically knocking down my door or clamoring to ask questions. In fact, it's been so quiet recently that I have time to visit Sabre again.

I head back to my home, which I've missed after so long at the leader's house. Slowly, the steves on the streets dwindle away, leaving me alone with just the rose bushes for company. I wonder if I'll have this much solitude when I do become leader, or if I'll need to be in the kingdom at all times. The thought makes me kind of sad.

I shake off those fears as I arrive indoors and prepare to teleport. The important thing now is to check on Sabre, and the progress of the Rainbow Kingdom. After hearing that the Professor was the cause of the sickness spreading beyond our walls, the Red Leader agreed that I could check up on what is, admittedly, our fault.

In moments, I'm back in Sabre's house, the familiar blues and greens spread out around me. The lights are off, leaving only the dim sunlight to illuminate the room. He must not be home. Although it's kind of obvious that he wouldn't be, something whispers at the back of my mind. I feel like someone should be here.

I shrug it off, going outside instead. The Colorless Guards jump as they see me exit, but quickly lower their spears. They know me well enough not to hurt me, even if they question how I arrive at Sabre's house with no warning. I approach them without worry.

"Good morning, guys! Do you know where Sabre is? He doesn't seem to be home." Usually, the chances of the guards, (of anyone, really) knowing where Sabre is are low, but it doesn't hurt to try.

I don't know if the guards knew or not, because at that exact moment, Sabre goes running past.

I stare after him, confused, as he approaches the gate of the kingdom. Even without seeing his face, I can tell that his hoodie is soaked with sweat, and he's gasping for air. I glance behind him, expecting to see some villain, but I can only make out a very bewildered-looking Yellow Steve.

"Is he alright?" I ask his pursuer, who has a chainmail helmet over his bright golden hair.

"He just- fell out of the sky?" the Yellow Steve replies. "And then started running. I don't know why." I frown, turning back to watch Sabre, who is yelling at the gate guards.

Cautiously, I approach my friend.

"Um, Sabre? Is there something I can- Wha!- Sabre, get down from there!" I rush to stop him as Sabre, fed up with the gate not opening, begins to scramble up the side of the wall, fingertips digging into the tiny crevices between the stone bricks. "You're going to fall!"