Destinies collide (Part 1)

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"Just another day's travel and we are at the dark kingdom. Hope we packed our torches." Everyone eyed the princess apprehensively for the terrible pun, "Because the kingdom is dark...is where I was going with that." Eugene and Artemis went back to looking at the scroll pieces, "Are you two okay? You both seem distracted."

"Oh, uh—"

"We didn't wanna make—"

"Light...if the situation." Artemis groaned as Rapunzel sat down, "Look, it's just now that we're so close to the Dark Kingdom, it all feels more...real. You know? I mean crazy rhino man said if we went there, we were doomed, and we have no idea what we're in for. And our only clue as to what's waiting for us is on three stupid pieces of a torn scroll. That we can't even read."

"Well, I can tell you it's not going to be this beautiful place...when mom and I left all those years ago, the palace was just starting to overgrow with these black rocks... it won't be the home I left anymore...but when the Journey ends...neither will Corona." Rapunzel gave a soft smile of encouragement to her friends,

"I know it's scary, you two, but we cannot turn back now. Besides," she turned to Eugene, "You and I have other plans, or at least we should...have other plans." The teen felt heat rise to her face, "You two aren't gonna...you know." She made an obscene gesture with her hands, that made even Eugene blush in embarrassment,

"What? No! no, no, no..."

"Kid, how do you even know about that sort of stuff?"

"Hey! I am 14...I read books. I read A LOT of books...how would I not know about...that?"

"We are going to have a serious conversation about your library time when we get back to Corona." Artemis rolled her eyes,

"I was talking about birthday plans..."

"Oh my gosh, I forgot your birthday."

"How could you forget, Eugene?!" Artemis smirked, "Looks like you're in hot water, Eugene."

"I'm so sorry! You know what, I'm pretty sure that giant firefly scorched my date book. Wait a minute...it's not your birthday."

"Ha ha, got you! Oh, you should have seen your face. Pascal, Pascal, do his face." Artemis and Rapunzel shared in the laughter as Pascal mimicked Eugene's expression,

"You...and you? Okay, you two got me, but then...who's birthday is it?" Artemis just smiled and winked as Rapunzel led him away.

--

"I wonder if things will really be different when the road comes to an end."

"What's on your mind, Kid?" Artemis smiled at her dark-haired companion, "Hey, Cass." she patted the ground next to her and the woman sat down, "I'm just thinking about tomorrow. Do you really think we'll split up?"

"I don't know what will happen, Artemis, there's no telling what we'll encounter. You know, you've grown a lot in the year we've been on the road." She gave the teen a friendly punch on the arm, Artemis smiled, "Eugene was right before...we've all changed..."

"But?"

"But what if...what if we're not the only people that have changed? A year is a long time to be gone. What if I choose to stay?"

"Well, then I know all of us will be sad to see you go, but the choice is entirely your own. In the year we've been out here, and I can't speak for the others, but personally I've started to see you as my sister, and you have been such a fantastic ally, and not just because you can control these rocks." Artemis' expression softened,

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