~Fathom
By the time the sun was rising, Fathom was glad to see that Darkstalker had listened to his suggestions, and had even took off his immortality and invincibility spells (without further argument or complaint, might he add). When all was said and done, and the friends said goodbye, Fathom walked back out to Indigo.
"You shouldn't trust him." She warned him. "For all you know, he's putting his spells back on again."
"For all I know, he isn't." Fathom replied, somewhat immune to her accusations after hearing them the day before. "I know you're trying to do your job; but I also know that you could've gone home already. If you hate Darkstalker so much, why don't you?" He started walking back to the cave he now shared with Indigo. It wasn't as nice as the island or a normal house, but there was plenty of small ponds and rivers, so he couldn't complain.
Indigo sighed, following him. "You know the answer to that, squid brain. Besides, you'll be unguarded if I left; the queen wouldn't like that, would she? Her last animus, the only dragon who could go insane…" She said.
"Except for Darkstalker." Fathom finished for her. "And I think, no matter what the cost, he would do anything for Clearsight, or his sister, maybe even me. And he would do whatever it takes to see his father die."
"Which is why he can't be trusted." Indigo replied. Fathom looked over his shoulder at her, and she had a smug expression on her face. He noticed that no matter how hard he tried to make Darkstalker seem innocent, she always shoved it back at him with a single sentence that chances the whole meaning of what he said. It was annoying…but he couldn't stay mad at her.
There was movement somewhere beside them, and Indigo instantly looked around and stood up straighter. She didn't have anything to fight with, but Fathom knew that wouldn't stop her. She would fight someone to the death if she had to, which is what normally worried Fathom the most about her.
A SeaWing walked into view, and looked at Fathom. "Ah, Prince Fathom! Finally. I have searched everywhere, I had thought you disappeared!" He said. He handed Fathom the letter that he was holding. "From Queen Pearl, Your Highness." He bowed, then started flying away again.
Once he was gone, Fathom opened the letter.
Dear Fathom,
I thought that I would receive a report by you or your guards, but I haven't heard anything. Since you're reading this, you must be live, so as you queen I ask that you come back to the palace for a report.
Wharf and Lionfish came back weeks ago, and all they told me was that you disappeared. I want you to come back and tell me where you've been. Wharf and Lionfish also told me that Indigo disappeared as well—if you're hiding anything, I need you to tell me.
I'll wait a week after the messenger returns. He'll tell me your location, and if you don't come back home then I'll send someone to escort you.
Yours truly, Queen Pearl of the SeaWings
Fathom sighed. He folded the letter back up, and continued walking back to his temporary home. Indigo walked beside him. Suddenly, close to the cave, she spoke. "I read the letter over your shoulder. What are you going to tell her?" She asked. "I mean…about your magic, your vow."
"I guess I just won't tell her." Fathom replied. "The better question is what to tell her about you. If you went back with me, she might think that I hid you from everyone else, which could either be seen as insanity or…treason, in a way."
"If she tries to kill you, I want to be there." Indigo said defensively.
"And give her the idea that I've been spending the last month with you?" Fathom said. "No. I know it's the truth, but it's bad enough that I already broke one vow. She knew I loved you before I knew it, and no matter what she does, I still will."
"Well, we'll think of something." Indigo replied. "Who knows, maybe one of your friends will be able to help? Come up with a believable lie." While Fathom didn't like the idea of lying to his queen (and his sister), he also didn't quite like the idea of telling her the truth, either.
"I'll leave tomorrow. I'll tell Darkstalker and Clearsight, and then I'll be gone." Fathom said. "And Indigo, I need you to stay here. Like I said, Pearl shouldn't know that I've been with you. I told her I'd never talk to you again; I can't break any more promises."
Beside him, Indigo sighed. "Fine. Just don't die. I'll watch over your friends for you, make sure they don't die."
"I'll write if she wants me to stay." Fathom said. "Or if she decides to kill me, I'll make my dying words 'Make sure Darkstalker and Clearsight know.'"
"Or leave Darkstalker out." Indigo said. "He might kill her if you die. I know I will."
"Thanks for your support, but you do realize that your supporting a treasonous prince?" Fathom asked.
"Yes, I do, but he's got good reason to be treasonous." Indigo replied. "Like stopping the world from becoming an evil dragon's playground."
"I'll make sure to let my sister know that if she ever finds out." Fathom half-joked. But to be completely honest, he wished she didn't. Things would get a lot worse, for Indigo, for his friends, or everyone, if she did.