Reverse!¡! || Book One

Chapter VI

     The three moons above their heads waned as they trekked through the thick underbrush of the forest. The creaking of branches, the distant rush of a downpouring stream. Though the trees were illuminating the ground, both Sightless and Mouthless dwelled in an unsettled feeling. Mouthless found that the grass was far too moist for travel. In fact, there hadn't been any rainfall as of late. Nor would there be any reason for the ground to soften during this time of the season. Sightless, too, stepped over the grass with difficulty. He wondered if falling would even harm him.

     Mouthless' eyes wandered to his partner's back. I believe the Twins are not too far from here. I have to admit though, the ground is throwing me off a bit.

     Sightless nodded in agreement.

     "I was just thinking about that." Bending down, Sightless ran his fingers through the purple dirt and was surprised to find that the grass wasn't wet but dry. Sightless bit his lower lip in thought before he stood up, his navy cloak fluttering against his ankles. He lowered his head and nudged the ground with his boot.

     "Something doesn't feel right," Sightless murmured.

   My ancestors once believed that a shift in nature was an omen for a new journey, Mouthless chimed.

     Mouthless' eyes wandered from Sightless' back to stare up at the trees. The leaves, too, were swollen. The young buds were shifting into orange hues and smelled like they were ready to blossom. Again, there was no need for them to behave like this.

     Sightless scowled and wandered over to their initial route. "Tsk. This all just seems suspiciou-"

     Just as he was about to complain, Sightless' boot smacked against a root, catching him off guard. "Shi-"

     Before Sightless fell face-first, however, Mouthless quickly returned his eyes to Sightless and caught him by his cape with his claw. Sightless hung there, held upright by the base of his cloak as his heart raced against his chest.

     After a few seconds of silence, Mouthless settled Sightless on the ground and patted him on the head.

     I look away for one second and you are already tripping over roots. I would recommend that you stick close to me, Mouthless thought to Sightless. His lips quirked into a playful smile. Unless, of course, you want to fall into a pit somewhere. Like last time.

     Sightless rolled his eyes and pulled himself back onto his feet. "That was one time."

     Mouthless silently chuckled but said nothing as they traversed through the trees. No use in hurting his ego.

     Once the silence settled between them, Mouthless' lips drooped down into a thoughtful frown. Mouthless took a moment to evaluate what he was going to say next. It was a touchy subject, after all.

    Say, Sai....

     The white-haired teen stopped to the call of his nickname, quirking his brow. Though he couldn't see it, Sightless recognized the serious tone in Mouthless' inner voice. Rare as it may be, Sightless knew that Mouthless was preparing a deep conversation. Or possibly, a lecture of some kind.

     Mouthless meekly glanced at the ground. After this is all over, won't you settle in Rmersa?

     Sightless stood there, morbidly silent. In fact, Mouthless couldn't tell what he was thinking, his face so blank that Mouthless could only press forward.

     She has an iron hold over Osdewin. I fear that an intervention now would only-

     Sightless crossed his arms over his chest and Mouthless stopped mid-thought.