Days passed with no change. It felt like the same mundanity that plagued his mind. The same old feeling that he'd never live the exciting life he wished to have. The same bastard feeling that he'd never get what he wanted, what he felt he most rightfully deserved. He was a prince, the highest of royalty apart from a king, the commander of so many. It wasn't right. It felt so wrong. He loathed it. That was the only thought in his mind to the tasks assigned to him and his brother; loathing.

Rose loathed his life. He loathed his status, he loathed where he lived, he loathed the monsters he ruled, he loathed that he couldn't do as he wanted. What he pleased and wished for with all of his heart. It just wasn't fair to him. He deserved better than this, he always did. As the eldest and wisest of the brothers, it was his natural birthright to be the next in line. Even if he and Datura were crowned at the same time, and were treated equally, Rose knew he was far more deserving of it all. The prince wouldn't stand for being ripped of that which was rightfully his.

"Rose…?"

The soft voice of his brother. Rose had been so blinded by his rage he hadn't noticed he was causing a mess of his room. He blinked his discoloured eyes to focus on the state of what he'd done.

His bed was tossed around and brought off the wooden posts that had supported it. The blanket was torn every which way, threads being the only thing keeping the pieces together, strings littering the floor from what couldn't be kept. The pillows were also ripped with the feathers inside spread across the floor and dark mattress. The desk wasn't much damaged apart from indentions from his punches or scratch marks from his fingertips. The objects were tossed away, with some being broken or destroyed in some manner. The worst sight was his jacket.

"Rose….why….? What…what happened?"

Rose watched as Datura went and gripped the darker skeleton's jacket fabric pieces. They were scattered and flung all over the room, leaving nothing to be scavenged for repair. His brother's hands were shaking from seeing the disarray of it all. His voice stuttered and spoke in a softer tone than usual, to hint that he was upset.

"....Datura, I…..I don't know…I was just…I was thinking, and…I suppose I got upset…I went…blind."

"Rose, if there are things that bother you, both Pray and I are here for you. We always have been, we always will be. Please don't feel you must face this alone."

He was taken aback as his brother stood up, pocketing the fabric, then hugged him. At first, he didn't know how to react. This wasn't a normal thing for them. He stood, stock still, confused and bewildered beyond comprehension. Flabbergasted at the thought of this occurring in any sense. Just a moment ago he'd been cursing his brother's name, and now they were locked in sibling affection, as if it hadn't ever happened.

It was slow working progress. Very slow progress. Rose kept fighting in his head of whether or not to do this. He wanted to hug back, but he also felt a compulsion to keep from doing so, knowing it wouldn't end well either way. His anger didn't easily subside. Nor would it. There was a residual hatred still kept within him that ached to act out, to do something, to make something of himself. He was far more capable than this weak, insignificant brother of his. All he needed to do was follow what he'd been told and burn a blaze that showed how great he was. Rose deserved the crown, the royalty, and the love. He deserved all the power granted to kings, and to keep it to himself. Nothing was going to take it from him.

"Rose?"

Datura asked the prince, hoping to grab his attention, but it proved ineffective. Or so he thought at first. As he made an attempt to pull away, the younger was roughly shoved to the wall, an arm to his neck to keep him pinned. It was so sudden and fast that no time was given to react. All Datura let out was a weak gasp, trying to touch the ground while his feet kicked, and pull on his brother's arm so he could be let down. A few tears gathered in his eye sockets at what was happening.

"Do you know….how it feels…to..have all this power….but not know what to do with it? To know that those in charge are flagrantly using it to suit their own needs instead of your own? Time and again we've been pushed aside. I've been pushed to the back while everyone else was granted civility and hope."

Rose glanced up, a feeling of power washing over him, glinting in his colourful eyes. The dark prince gave a smile of finally being granted his wish, if only for a moment. It went right to his head, the great, wonderful feeling that, with just a single flick of his wrist, he controlled the fate of others. He could do as he pleased and nobody could stop him. Rose watched as the other squirmed, unable to speak though he made attempts to. His strength was ebbing away. It was becoming harder and harder to fight back for Datura, the prince could feel it. His smile widened and he pressed more into the other's neck, almost blocking his airway completely, tears now freely flowing down the white cheekbones. Rose didn't much care for that moment in time. Nothing mattered more to him than the feeling of power, the feeling that he had full, undeniable control, and could do as he pleased.

"Do you know what happens when a fire tries to extinguish itself?"

He watched in anticipation. Datura weakly shook his head, barely able to move. The skeleton smirked wider, his teeth beaming a great white, sharp and intimidating.

"It can't. Others have to do it. Fires cannot kill themselves. It isn't what they're made to do. Fires are destructive. They will do all they can to stay alive and kill all they can."

Rose made an orb of fire in his free hand and held it close to the other's face, seeing it make his tears start to steam, and he started to cry more as the tear streams increased dramatically. Rose didn't much care about this. He was going absolutely crazy with power and decided to take it a step forward, pushing the fire to Datura's face, letting it burn and sizzle, the bone turning into a light red. His brother couldn't scream, though he seemed to dearly wish to.

"Datura! Datura, wake up, please! You're having a bad dream!"

The prince awoke with a shock, shaking and convulsing, breathing heavily. His body shook more and more until it became unbearable. He bit his tongue and leaned his head back to avoid it twitching as well, the spasms becoming so bad that his limbs began to jolt uncontrollably, moving about in an erratic manner, the ability to keep still having left him. The panic kept growing and growing until he felt a warmth run over him and it felt as if everything eased up. He collapsed, exhausted, panting still, trying to regain his composure. Datura knew what had happened and hated that he still had to deal with the tremors.

"My prince, are you alright? That's the third nightmare you've had this week. And the tenth seizure. Should we call the doctor?"

He weakly glanced over to the person beside him. While he'd have first thought it would be Pray or Rose, it was simply one of his maids, a gentle and sweet Caribou monster with deep, long red hair tied in braids, chocolate eyes, and her usual attire of a black and blue dress. Though her name was Theria, he called her Cocoa, due to her being very dark in complexion and sweet in nature.

Datura smiled and chuckled a little. Then he nodded his head. He wasn't going to risk dealing with this alone.

"Yes. Please get the doctor, or someone, as quickly as you can. I fear I may have another soon. Do hurry, Cocoa."

Hesitant as she was, she nodded, and raced out of his room. The prince turned his head to look back at his ceiling. It all felt so bleak. Ever since the townspeople started rioting, and the visitor spent more and more time with Rose while Pray was left to keep the fighting to a minimum, it left Datura lonely. Lonely and aching for attention, for affection of some kind. He wanted it so badly. Of course, Pray wasn't gone all the time. They were sharing the same bed now to make up for time not spent together. While he may have considered it awkward at one point, he was now perfectly fine with it, and looked forward to it every day. It was the one highlight to ever make him happy anymore. He and Pray, cuddled together in bed, sharing the stories of their days, remembering the old ones, wishing for the future. At times he'd feel a flicker in his soul; a small light of love that went deeper than friendship. It vanished as quickly as it ever came and he'd not feel it again for a while. Datura wasn't sure what to think of it all.

Slowly, his eyes closed, and he gave in to the draw of sleep in hopes he'd not have the same horrible dreams.

☾•:۞:✷

The smell of bacon wafted through the little house in the wheat field. It was almost like a candle alit among the otherwise sweet aroma, filling the senses of whomever was lucky enough to come across it. Crispy, juicy, tangy with a hint of salt. Just from the scent alone one could imagine how amazing it tasted. How delectable and intoxicating a simple dish was. And the ones making said dishes did it with care and love towards not only their companions, but to the girl that decided to help them, to give all of them shelter and food and to share with them her interesting customs.  It was an odd thing to think of; they all went there for a simple glance around, but a few of them were actually starting to enjoy staying there. Would it come to a point where they preferred this little place instead of their real homes? One of them had thought about it and had come to the conclusion that, if such a thing were to happen, they would do their best to leave before getting any more comfortable.

A soft and tender peach was laid upon the cutting board as one gloved hand kept hold of it, the other holding a knife steadily, ready to cut into the fruit. It gently pressed the blade into the outer skin and, very slowly, pressed forward and down. The knife slid easily along the directed path. Soon it hit a hard part in the middle and was unable to continue cutting, to which both the hands moved to circle the knife around while keeping close to the pit. Once it reached where it had originally cut the knife receded and was put to the side for later use. The hand that originally held the knife went back to the peach, helping to gently pry apart the two pieces and lay them upon the board. The brown pit was now visible, though not very big, which was very perfect for the meal being prepared. It was gingerly removed and set to the side as well; perhaps, if convinced, they could plant it in the field to get a peach tree. It would add to the rather dull wheat around them.

Following this the knife was once again picked up and used to slice along the peach’s form to create long and thick slices. It took about a minute for them to be finished before the knife was laid carefully in the sink to be washed later, with the peach slices being assembled on a plate. Circular and following the pattern of all the other fruit pieces to create a sense of balance within the food. A bit more rearranging later and it was finally finished. Peaches, parts of apples, pears, grapes, carrots, and even celery and lettuce. A beautiful and healthy breakfast for everyone to enjoy, or so one would hope. Though it was delicately made with the best of intentions, not every person may like it. Such was the way of being alive.

Dream wiped his brow with a light sigh and smiled brightly. Regardless of what anyone thought, he enjoyed it, and enjoyed making it. So long as that was true, he hoped to make it all that mattered to him. All that ever should matter. Only his opinion was important. At times he would live by that thought and know it to be true; all the positive guardian would need is himself and his aspirations, nothing more. Yet, deep in his soul he also knew that others needed him and his presence was necessary to keep them happy. Even now he could recall all the times he prioritized the well-being of others above himself and his supposed ‘happiness.’ While as a child he knew better than to let himself be dragged away from his brother in favour of helping them, nowadays he was back to the old habit. Before he went to the curious au that is. Such an interesting place and yet he felt compelled to stay.

He, however, already concluded with Ink and Blue that this would be their last day. It was a time for exploring and lately they’d done very little of it. Aside from the horse rides here and there it seemed rather boring in that endless wheat field. Strenuous, in fact. Dream knew they could be doing more than this. The skeleton wanted to spend more time with Seneca but also wanted to see what this new place was about. After all, it was why they first went there, no?

His companions, Ink and Blue, were busy with the less healthy options of breakfast food. Including the bacon that he had no doubt was waking at least a few of the others up. It would certainly get his attention. Smiling, Dream took his plate and walked to the dining table, setting it neatly on the wooden surface. The sunlight began to glisten through the windows and he heard faint birdsong. A beautiful day to begin like this. Perhaps he could convince Seneca to take one last ride with him before they left. Alone and with nobody else. He’d heard her mention a secret world before and grown curious about the idea. As per usual with Dream, he never turned down the opportunity to see something new. Something exciting within an already amazing au that they’d only begun to explore.

“Hey, Dream. Can I talk to you for a moment?”

Said character felt a hand upon his shoulder and glanced over, seeing Ink. The expression was rather serious so he knew this wasn’t something to pass up. Dream nodded and followed his friend to the living room, leaving Blue to make the food. An unwise decision for the in-training chef. The two sat on the soft couch side-by-side and Dream tilted his head a bit to show his curiosity.

“Is something the matter, Ink?”

“I’m not sure if you’d consider it bad, but it may not be all good either.” Ink said, glancing about the room before looking back at Dream.

“I promise not to judge.”

The guardian smiled softly to try and ease the worries held within the creative skeleton, but it only seemed to worsen the anxiety. He could feel it begin to slowly rise within Ink. Worry; for what, he did not know, but it must have been rather serious to demand such a reaction.

“It isn’t something I’m worried you’ll judge. I’m worried what will happen if the others find out.”

“Find out what, exactly?” A booming voice sounded from between them that demanded their attention. Dream and Ink both looked to find Nightmare now awake, though barely, sleep visible in his cerulean eye. Obvious to anyone that he didn’t wish to be awake nor deal with anything.

As Dream looked out he could see the others waking up as well. And as they left the spare room he did a head count in his mind. It added up to four, not including his companions and brother. He remembered that Seneca and Killer had been getting decently closer the past few days and she spent far more time than before with Cross and Error. Dust didn’t mind her company too much. Likely a mutual thing that they’d silently agreed upon. It bothered Dream just a little bit that Seneca was barely talking to him but as quickly as the feeling appeared, it soon left, the soft remnant of jealousy becoming a memory. One he didn’t much care for, mind you. Dream shouldn’t feel such emotions and shouldn’t have doubts about her.

“Are you going to answer, Dream? Or must I force it out like last time?”

“It’s nothing Nightmare. It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

Ink spoke up for Dream, then got off the couch and headed toward the kitchen. It gave no time for the guardian to try and stop his friend. He stared after with his golden eyelights before looking to Nightmare, who sighed forcefully and went the same way. Dream watched in a bit of silent disbelief at what had just occurred. He then looked down and messed with his golden gloves to drag the attention away. It very well felt as if nobody enjoyed his company anymore. Not even those he considered a friend.

☾•:۞:✷

“Hm? Go for a ride? I-I suppose we can.”

Dream had caught Seneca outside as she was getting ready for the daily run with her horses. He could sense hesitance from her. Great hesitance; such that he could tell she had other things planned to do and wanted to do them before it got too late, or too hot. Summer wasn’t too far away and it meant that the days would be much warmer than usual. It also meant that they’d spend more time inside to compensate for the dramatic temperature change. Her house, though nice and quaint, severely lacked in the entertainment quality. It wasn’t her fault and he wouldn’t blame her for such a thing. It only meant that Dream and them would need to leave sooner rather than later. Much sooner if the weather kept as it was. Clouds were piling in the sky and he could sense a storm brewing. Though, strangely, it never became much of anything. The most that he’d noticed were slight rain droplets on the windows and roof. He’d never heard an actual storm there before and began to wonder if such a thing was possible in the au. Perhaps their weather patterns were just that different to other places.

“Perhaps we should leave now. If we do, we may be able to beat the rain and get back without getting soaked.”

He watched as Seneca nodded to his statement and continued getting the horses ready. Dream felt compelled to ask that they go somewhere different than before, just to sate his curiosity.

“Do you mind taking me to that special place you talked about?”

“Special place?” She looked at him, confused for a moment before perking up and nodding, a soft and sweet smile on her lips. It made Dream want to faint just looking at it. “Oh, yes. My special place. We may go there if you want to. I don’t mind.”

The horses were soon saddled and Dream mounted Eclipse, with Seneca getting ready to get on Petunia, before he motioned for her to join him instead. She was quite hesitant it seemed and reluctantly climbed up behind him. This left the other horse to stand about with the saddle and bridle but no soul to guide her. Dream thought for a moment before he snapped his fingers and clicked his tongue for Eclipse to start moving. The stallion jogged out of the barn with Petunia closely following, then the skeleton dismounted and smiled at Seneca. He put the reins in her hand gently then motioned to the door, as if to say he had an idea. She nodded complacently despite her deep confusion.

He went inside the house and over to Ink and Blue who currently busied themselves with a card game between them and Error, Dust, and Cross. This set back Dream’s plans immensely as he wasn’t one to ruin a game that others seemed quite into. His eyelights scanned around for someone else to take their place. The only one who didn’t seem too occupied with anything was Killer. He didn’t seem to be doing anything but staring up at the ceiling, possibly bored or possibly holding off his urges. The guardian wasn’t sure which it was. He went over and got Killer’s attention as gently as he could though the other groaned in annoyance at his time being disturbed.

“Sorry, Killer. I deeply apologize. But I have a favour I need to ask of you.”

“Ugh…what is it?”

“Well, Seneca and I were going for a ride on one of her horses, but the other one can’t go with us. I was going to ask if you minded helping.”

Dream backed up some as Killer sat up and yawned, a hand covering his mouth. It went to his side and they sat in silence for a moment. Not complete silence, as Dream heard Error curse loudly. From the sound of it he could vaguely sense that Ink was beating him. The guardian held back a chuckle. However Killer noticed and got off the couch, stretching his arms and legs out, the bones popping into place. Dream unintentionally blushed deeply from the sound alone.

“I guess I can help you. And her. Just don’t expect me to be all lovey-dovey to it.”

Dream nodded and the two left the house. The clouds, he noticed while looking up, only got more crowded and frequent. It was most definitely going to storm; or, at the very least, be a heavy downpour. He helped get Killer situated on top of Petunia. The mare snorted and shook her head in a sort of defiant manner. Dream made a motion to act before Killer would get the chance, but Seneca spoke up before either could even blink, her soft voice oddly stern. It didn’t sound as soft as usual.

“Petunia. Don’t act like that. Be a little nicer. He won’t do anything to you.”

The skeleton was a bit stunned and stared at Seneca with raised brows and an open mouth, hearing Killer chuckle, as if he’d already seen this before. It would make sense for him to, considering how much he and Seneca spent time together lately. It took a few minutes for Dream to get his bearings, blushing deeper from embarrassment, and he got back on Eclipse. He felt Seneca wrap his arms around his waist and went a little stiff from the touch, hardly blinking or moving despite needing to for them to go anywhere. He heard Killer chuckle once more and get off Petunia to walk over to them. Killer extended a hand to Seneca with a smile, to which she reluctantly accepted, stepping down from Eclipse and letting go of Dream. The guardian relaxed and silently thanked the other skeleton for his quick thinking.

“Well, Dream. I don’t think it’s best if you go with her. At least for now. But don’t worry, we’ll be just fine on our own. You go on and enjoy your time. I’ll take this doll with me for a little ride.”

His heart sank a little as he watched Killer and Seneca mount Petunia, and start to ride off to an unknown place. Maybe it was for the best, he thought. He just needed to get more comfortable with her. That’s all. Once he did, then he’d see that special place she seemed so eager about.

It was so on his mind he neglected the promise he made to his friends; to leave right after that evening and start exploring the island.