Valencetiger

~Princess Luna, in Canterlot Castle~ All she could do was stare in the same gruesome horror as her sister was currently doing, her eyes wide as she stared at the bizarre creatures out there. Her legs began to shake, and her breathing became ragged. She opened her mouth, trying to work her jaw and to give out orders, but all that came out were murmurs of denial. "Th-this cannot be happening...they were supposed to be gone forever...how have they come back?!" Lunar Cross already had his own sword out, glancing at the Princess before turning back to the disturbing scene before him. His veteran perception picked up on something, something that truly frightened him; one of the fleshy beings was gone. I knew I saw eight of them, but now there are seven. Where did that other one go? He turned around...coming face to face to one of the creatures. This one wore a graceful white suit, and had piercing blue eyes that matched with his blonde mane and facial hair. Luna turned around as well, and gasped, stepping back as her horn began to glow...but the glow instantly died, causing more alarm within the alicorn. The bipedal monster approached them with a warm smile on his face. "...don't make this difficult for me, dear Luna. You are your sister are going to be ours, now. The less you struggle...the better things will be." Lunar Cross snarled as he stepped in between his Princess and the creature, his yellow eyes locking with it. It gave him a disgusted look...like a cockroach underneath his hoof. That look...infuriated him! It didn't matter if he died...as long as he made sure Luna was safe. Diving to the side, he closed the distance like a striking snake, lifting the blade and aiming it straight for the creature's gut. It raised one of it's non-sharp talons...and a beam of light as bright as the sun burst out from it, striking Lunar Cross and blinding him severely, the intense heat and light making him shriek in agony as he crumbled to the ground, smoke rising from his chest and face. A few burn marks lay on his coat, but he was otherwise unharmed. The creature came over and lifted his head painfully by the back of his mane, a cruel smile on his face. "...you have guts, bug, to try to take on the creator of the sun. Remember me as I send you into death, worm...I am called Helios, and I will give you the last bit of sunlight before you die." Lunar Cross, through his blurred vision, glared at Helios defiantly...watching in silence as the god-like being drew back a fist that glowed with the sun's light. A piercing cry broke through the mental void in his mind, and he and Helios turned to look at Luna, who had collapsed into a kneel and was sobbing. "Please...stop, Helios...we beg you! We'll go with you, and we will not cause any trouble! Just don't kill our beloved captain! Let our subjects live!" The guard captain shook his head, muttering softly in despair. "No...Princess...don't...do this..." Helios let loose a cackle that sounded as dark as the bleakest shadow, a complete opposite of what he was supposed to represent. "...excellent. Come, then...once my siblings are done here, I am sure they will love to spend some time with you and your sister after all these years of distance." The flesh-covered demon walked over to the kneeling princess, taking her by a limp hoof as he grinned down at her. A slow, bright glow began to engulf the two as Lunar Cross struggled to his hooves...but to no avail, as he collapsed repeatedly. "Princess..." Tears streamed down his eyes and onto his cheeks, as did Luna's. The glow spreaded further, the light becoming oppressing. "Princess...Luna... No!" Cross sobbed, reaching for her with an out-stretched hoof. She drew back, murmuring 'We're sorry' as the light fully enveloped her. Flicker. In a sudden burst of light, Helios...and Luna...were both gone. Lunar Cross gritted his teeth, streams of burning tears dropping to the tile floors beneath him. He let out a cry of complete misery and emotional agony as he sank to the floor. "LUNAAAAA!!" ------- ~Princess Celestia, on her private balcony~ The dark-coated creature turned to see a bright flash of light go off inside the castle, and he smiled wickedly before turning back to the Princess. "Celestia, none of this ever truly belonged to you. Because of your actions, you have corrupted and ruined everything myself and my siblings struggled so hard to make...now, we will have to begin anew. But first...you will come with us, like your sister has." Upon mentioning the alicorn's sister, Celestia rose up, her fear replaced with complete outrage, her body quivering from hatred as she looked at each of the Time-Lords. "What...have you done...to my sister, you heathens!" The black-garbed Time-Lord's smile widened even further. "We've done nothing...yet. Things will be easier on you, her, and the rest of these lesser beings if you simply...let go, and come with us." He extended his right hand out to her, barely able to contain his amusement as several other Time-Lords laughed, a few snickering with glee. The Princess looked about frantically, but after a moment her haunches sagged, as she lowered her head in defeat. "...very well, Chronos. I will come willingly, as long as you promise you will not harm any of these innocent creatures." She placed a hoof on his out-stretched hand, as he wrapped it with his other hand, drawing her in and smirking. "...of course, Celestia, of course..." Glowing chained coiled around the alicorn's body, tightening around her as she became bound. The guards moved in to try to free her, but a quick glance from her told them to back away...and they obeyed, hesitantly drawing away. Laughing, Chronos turned to address a small, frail looking female Time-Lord. "Gaia. Take care of these...pests, will you?" The blank-faced girl nodded, holding out a hand. Suddenly, magical energy began to form and take shape within her grasp...changing itself into a massive, intimidating warhammer, which she seemed to carry with ease. Lifting it onto her shoulder, she floated to the ground in the middle of the city square...raising the warhammer, and bringing it down, smashing the marble around it apart. At first, nothing happened...but then the cracks began to spread, further and further, until they started growing along the walls and further into Canterlot proper itself. If the crowd wasn't panicking before, they were now...hundreds of ponies began to flee for their lives, trying to avoid the caving-in walls and buildings, trying to escape from the frightening Time-Lords. Celestia snarled and hissed at Chronos. "You said you wouldn't hurt them!" Chronos turned to her and smiled, a cold...dark smile. "I lied. Just as you lied to me thousands of years ago, dear. Either way, come along...we've got a precious schedule to keep, but first..." He walked off the balcony, but seemed to be striding on the air itself, for he hadn't fallen. He climbed further and further up, until he stood over the entire city itself, and raised his voice for all to hear. "Creatures of Equestria! The world you once knew is dead! A new world will be born...and it begins tonight...from the ashes of yours! Run, and despair! The sins your ancestors committed are now to be punished...unfortunately with you. Make your prayers..." He raised a large, crystalline staff into the air, as the sky began to glow. The sun rose high from the horizon, but with it came a mysterious darkness...a twilight. The land became bathed in a sinister glow, as if the life were being drained out of it. Cackling madly, he disappeared in a flash of light...as did the other Time-Lords, with Celestia as their prize. An era of new darkness had begun. (So it begins, my wonderful participants )

Name: Dahlia Snow (Known also as 'The Flower Corsair' for past endeavors) Gender: Female Age: Rather young...practically out of college. Species: Earth Pony, I suppose. Although maybe something more. Looks: She has a silky-smooth, peach coloured coat with a flowing blonde mane and tail, and usually always dresses up in casual, sailor-style clothing with a slight touch of feminine style, managing to even pull off plain cotton as sexy. Her eyes are a deep, chocolate-brown that stallions often fall for first about her. (Imagine a ponified version of Elizabeth Swann for PotC then you'll have a good picture of her.) She always wears a dahlia flower, after which she was named, in her mane. Also, she wears special bracelets on her legs that allow her to defy gravity at will, but they cannot be used very long at one time, giving her enough to board other ships or to pursue a flier for a short distance. She always carries a masterwork rapier-rifle on her side; a gift from someone she once knew. Personality: Self-absorbed, confident, and an overall trickster. She cares for little other than herself or those she admires, and always looks down on most ponies, (very different from Elizabeth's personality ) and will often be very aggressive towards those who get in her way. Despite her testy attitude, she has a soft spot for flower gardens and fellow duelists. Dahlia will often use her charms to get what she wants...especially when it involves money. However, what she values the most is her freedom...something she never wants taken from her. Cutie Mark: A pair of rapiers crossed over a dahlia flower. It appeared on her flank after she picked up and fought with a sword for the first time, and symbolizes her skill for dueling. Random Fact: When Dahlia was a foal, she was the school bully. Of course, she didn't have any personal or social issues...she just enjoyed doing mean stuff to other foals. Her cruelest prank was when she threw a colt into a pile of sewage from a sewer...after taking away his new Captain Equestria comic book and tearing it in front of him. Your Ship: The Drakkensteed, Beatrix's airship. Rank: First Mate abord the Drakkensteed, directly under Captain Beatrix. Weapons/Fighting Style: Dahlia is what's known as a 'Grand Duelist', being a master at swordplay, and with her signature rapier-rifle, an expert marksmen. Skillful at both short and long-range combat, she must rely to get in extremely close to an enemy or far away. Her rapier-rifle uses magic energy rounds that automatically refresh instead of standard bullets, and offers the option of 'stun' or 'kill'. Goal: She has always wanted to join an airship crew and became a world-reknowned corsair, constantly sailing the skies of Equestria and experiencing adventure every day. Now that she has that, her new goal is to one day have her own airship...but that is still far in the future. History: Dahlia grew up in a prestigious noble family in Manehatten, raised to become a lady and a manipulator. She became both...but not in the way her parents had in mind. Using her family's wealth upon discovering her Cutie Mark, she acquired many different fencing and swordplay mentors, showing natural skill in every martial artform with bladed weaponry. It was shortly after graduating from her acadamy that she cut all ties from her family and left for Las Pegasus, in search of a new and adventurous life. With her leaving, her family hired bounty hunters to bring her back...and while many tried, all failed in capturing her. Despite the ever-growing price for her return, no hunter dared go after her except for a stubborn few, and it was with these conflicts that she earned the name 'The Flower Corsair'. One night, after fighting off another annoying vigilante, Dahlia visited a tavern to drown herself in fine drink, and the mother of all bar brawls broke out. During the brawl, she met the cynogriffon; Beatrix. Impressed by the cynogriffon's skills, and the other way around, she was given the offer to serve as Beatrix's first mate on her airship...to which Dahlia immediately said yes to. Now, she sails alongside her new Captain on the skies of Equestria...living the life she wanted. (Before you ask, yes, I did check with Eclipse to make sure this was okay )

This...is...going to be...EPIC! I am definitely going to put an app together!

Whoa whoa whoa...easy there, Nova don't get my thread reported! (Although that is ridiculously funny...)

What ze heck? HUMANS?! In Equestria?! How is that possible? (P.S. Playing on the fact that MLP was made by humans...so it'd make sense if the creators of modern-day Equestria are humans too :3)

~Princess Luna, in Canterlot Castle~ "Yes, we did summon Mister Cloud. However, I think there was a misunderstanding on the time." She gave Cirrus a sympathetic smile as she strode past them and further down the hall, Lunar Cross falling in right behind her. "We're afraid our meeting will have to be extended to a later date, perhaps tomorrow night." She turned her head out the window to see Celestia trotting out onto her balcony to address the gathering of ponies outside for the Summer Sun Celebration. It was time for it to begin...the coming of a new day. However, despite what would normally be a happy occasion, she felt a shiver crawl up her spine. She prayed that everything would be well...oh, how she hoped it will. ------- ~Princess Celestia, outside on her Ceremonial Balcony~ The alicorn princess gazed at the oakwood doors solemnly, her mind abuzz with confusing and disturbing thoughts. For several thousand years, her magical power had never drained to such low levels before...for the past two decades, it had been slowly fading, but she couldn't tell why. Even the Elements of Harmony were obviously losing their powers...it couldn't be them, could it? No...no, they were banished forever, never to return as long as the Scepter remained hidden. Taking in a deep, calming breath as she stepped toward the doors, opening them wide to let in the city lights that glowed outside. Squinting, she trotted out...to be seen by a large crowd of cheering ponies. Seeing them put a smile on her face. These are my subjects...my family. As long as I'm alive...I will protect them. Raising her head high and proud as she addressed the gathering. "Greetings, my loyal subjects! Today marks the beginning of a new cycle, a new summer! We gather here to celebrate the years of peace, prosperity, and love that we have claimed as our own, and to honor this joyous occasion, I will raise the sun. Every year, you all try so hard...you work and you struggle to make not just your lives, but everypony else's lives better. I am honored to be your Princess..." The alicorn made an elegant bow towards the throng of ponies, drawing enormous, thundering cries from them. The thrum of patriotism and excitement filled the air, and the Princess rose up from her bow. Spreading her white wings, she flapped them and began to lift off the ground. Her horn started to glow with a soft white light, which grew steadily in intensity with each smooth wing flap. Her multi-coloured mane flowed in streams around her, coiling and embracing her body. Once she was aligned with the edge of the horizon, she summoned the magic to raise the sun, and then...nothing happened. The magic fled her body in a sudden instant, and her horn became dull and without light. She let out a strangled gasp, and the crowd began to make concerned, frightened murmurs. Nothing was happening! She couldn't feel the magic anymore...it was gone! She no longer felt the sun! How could this have happened, and so suddenly? The distraught alicorn glided down onto the balcony, feeling faint as a dozen guards rushed from her chambers to care for her. Something wasn't right...something wrong just happened! "...it has been a long time, Princess. My, how you've grown...it's a shame that we've come to take our toys from you." Celestia felt a chill inch along her spine, and she finally knew why; they had returned. The makers of Equestria as it physically is today, and the ones she and her sister had banished to save their race...the Time-Lords have come again. Lifting her head, she saw a looming figure sitting on the edge of her balcony, and seven other similarly-shaped beings stood amongst the rooftops and walls. They were strange, awkward, bipedal creatures, who possessed hair only on their heads, with the exception of the face on the obviously-male ones. The fleshy being before her was dressed in a multitude of black silk, clean-cut and befitting that of a prince. He was clean-shaven, and his dark, pitiless eyes pierced into her. The black clothing stood out against his pale flesh, magnifying both several times over, and he wore a similarly-coloured, wide-brimmed hat with a violet flower looped inside it. Getting off the balcony's stone rails, he bowed toward her with a flourish of his hat and purple cape, an insideous smile on his face. "My siblings and I are together once more...after millennia of banishment, by you. Now, it is only fair we take back what is rightfully ours. The sun is no longer yours to command, dear Princess." The other bipedal beings laughed as if at some ironic joke...perhaps it was. All Celestia could do was stare in complete horror at what was occuring before her.

Yay, we has got ze emo. E is for 'emotional, ruins everybody's day!' M is for 'miserable people!' O is for 'on the dark side, because we have some fresh cookies! COOKIES!' teehee, I made a funny.

Sev, dear...you can't just leave it to me to get you immersed into the story! I've got plenty on my plate as it is. It's your job to find a way to put yourself into the action, or get involved with other OC's. It's no fun to make a story completely by myself I may make the main plot points, but it's yours and everyone else's duty to join in how you choose to be, make the story your own.

~Miss Autumn Sunshine~ After several minutes of silence, she turned around and began to move amongst the tables, placing down information sheets on each occupied desk. "These are just some papers for you all to fill out, so I can learn more about each one of you. Since it's the first day of school, I'm sure you all are busy trying to get to know one another, so you can fill these out when you get home, 'kay?" Her voice had a light, almost melodic jingle to it, back with it's vibrant warmth from earlier.

O~Twilight Sparkle, in the Citadel Courtyard~ She looked down tenderly at Replica, and listened half-heartedly as Doppleganger made his explanation. "Yeah...yes, of course, Doppleganger. We can discuss it at the meeting today, okay?" She looked up at the massive clocktower on the Citadel, blinking. "I...if you'll excuse me, Doppleganger, Replica. I...I must attend a few things." Giving one last smile, she hastily trotted off into the Citadel. ------- ~Agent Virginia (Applebloom), within Freelancer HQ with Nova~ She appreciated Nova's comforting words, and after a few moments of silent contemplation, she looked back over at him. "...back durin' the Revolution, I was still just a small filly...but I had been forced to grow up rather fast. However, durin' my 'travels' I...stumbled upon somethin' rather odd." A few images swam through her mind as she came upon the subject, disturbing...bizarre images. "Due to the wide-spread battles, several things were dug up...included a group of ruins I came across. They were advanced...beyond anythin' I had ever seen anywhere then, or since. Ancient machinery, magical artifacts...it looked like one of our own facilities, except more domestic. When I went inside..." She choked on her words, taking a few more moments before she could speak again. "...when I went inside, I was assaulted by...visions? Memories? Dozens of slaughtered alicorns...civilian and military...everywhere, their blood stained the walls. Innocents...foals...it was horrible. After goin' through that, I barely escaped with my sanity...that was when I was found by a Shade Corps operative...the one who created them. He called himself 'Lost One', but it was an obvious ailiase. After he recruited me...he vanished. That's practically how my whole life was changed." She took in a deep, shuddering breath, looking down at her lower legs. "I...I never told anyone that before. Not even 4-6-9er." ------- ~Rainbow Dash, in the 'Harmony's Rest' in Equinia with Chronarch~ Rainbow laughed a little bit at Chronarch's question as a waitress brought them a pair of wineglasses, filling them up to the brim with red wine. Once the server was gone, she answered. "I don't know, actually! I kinda just stumbled upon it a couple weeks ago...I was so enchanted by my first visit, it became my favorite spot in no time. This is where I go in my free-time...whenever I can get it, anyways!" She took a few sips from her glass, eyeing Chronarch warmly. First were the soft, easy drinks...soon the fun stuff would be drunk!

I meant it with love, Nova

Language, sunshine <.<

Hehehe...that's okay, love. I'm sure someone will get the 'rebound' as RJ Burger would put it...speaking of which... Anyone notice we don't have a bad-boy? Nova wouldn't count...he's like the ROTC Nazi in the school :3

D'awwwwww! Isn't that moment between Silver and Pinkie just PWECIOUS?!

~Lunar Cross, in Canterlot Castle's Throne Room~ The veteran guard had withdrawn into his own private thoughts on the current events occuring within Canterlot and with the Princesses lately, barely noticing the questions being cast at him. Finally regaining his state-of-mind, he eyed Cirrus Storm up and down before replying in his normal, emotionless drawl. "...Master Storm, I'm afraid we must know your intentions before letting you into the Princesses' chambers, until we have been told otherwise." After saying that, he looked over at Shadow Flare with an expression of equal concern. "Everything you've heard about is, unfortunately, true. However, I have little doubt that this mystery mare is of no threat to us. All we can do...is sit back and wait to see what happens. But believe me, Sargeant, that everypony has been feeling the same thing as you." ------- ~Princess Luna, within Celestia's Chambers in Canterlot Castle~ The thin, graceful alicorn moved deftly amongst the piles of books that lay scattered across the floor of her sister's bedroom. For several days, Celestia had been trying to find the reason to their failing magic, but she had been unsuccessful so far. Luna hoped her sister would find the answer soon...otherwise, something terrible might happen. Sneaking over to her sister's bed, she peered over to find Celestia still sleeping. Making a wicked grin, she decided to use the 'royal voice'. "GOOD MORNING, SISTER! RISE AND SHINE!" The sudden boom of the alicorn's voice caused Celestia to practically jump from her bed in fright, panting as she looked around. Finally, after regaining her composure, Celestia affixed a tired glare onto an innocently-beaming Luna. "...what time is it, Luna?" "Why, it's almost dawn. Everypony is awaiting for you to raise the sun." Celestia groaned softly, rubbing her cheeks with her hooves. "...give me a few minutes to get prepared." Luna nodded, swiftly exiting the chambers to find her two guards suspiciously staring down Cirrus Storm. Blinking, she gave them searching looks. "Is something the matter, Captain Cross? Sargeant Flare? Mister Storm hasn't done anything...wrong...has he?" Lunar cross shook his head, standing aside and offering a servile bow.

I...completely forgot about that...

Pansexual, huh...? Intriguing. Doesn't matter which gender for him, eh?

~Ruby and Garnet Gleam~ When Cloud placed his hands on hers, Ruby looked scandalized and drew her hand back as if it had been burned by acid. "...I don't need your pity, Cloud. Do me a favour, and leave me alone." Her tone was cold and distant, and she looked away. Garnet glared at her sister angrily, then back at Cloud with an apologetic smile. "...I'm sorry, I don't know what has gotten over her. She's normally less...rigid."

~Silvertongue, Private Quarters, Imperial Palace, Ashen Gate~ Silvertongue listened with a slight frown on his face. He had heard of many accounts about the 'Demon of the Frozen Mists', ironically named Anemoi. It seemed that any creature named after one of the Heartless was, no doubt, doomed to a similar fate. To become a monster, a creature fueled by evil. "...the assassin you've associated with Anemoi may have been an avatar of him. There have been...cases...over the past three thousand years of those who took upon themselves the names of the Heartless, and committed horrible crimes. Most of them associated with the Nightchildren. It's speculated that when Anemoi of the Kori no Yurei was born...he was purposely influenced with dark energy. Of course, this is speculation...but all reports agree on one thing; your clan comprise of descendants of Anemoi, which would explain your natural affinity for...the arts of Ice and death." He took out a pipe and some tabacco leaves, placing them in the end of the pipe and lighting them as he took a few puffs. "...the one who assassinated the Emperor maybe an imposter, but who can know? His...power was convincing enough to make be believe he is the one, true, Anemoi." He took another few puffs, before standing up and moving away from the desk. "...onto a more light subject. I can assure you that financial and agricultural aid can be given to your clan...but something must be given in exchange. That's just how things work, unfortunately."

~Princess Luna, within Canterlot Castle with Shadowblaze~ Luna gazed out one of the halls' many windows at the descending moon. Soon, the sun would rise...with a brand new day behind it. It should be a wonderful, glorious day...but for some reason she felt an odd forebodding. Lately, her magical power and slowly fading, along with her sister's. Something was coming, she could feel it in her bones. A voice called her away from her private thoughts, making her turn her head to see who it was. Seeing the guard's outfit, she recognized him immediately. "Ah, Sargeant Shadow Flare. We've been expecting you." When he made his report, she sighed. "Yes, yes...we know. However, we are concerned about Celestia. She hasn't felt very well these past couple of days. Still, though, the show must go on, mustn't it?" The sound of doors opening drew her attention, as Lunar Cross marched in with a grim look on his face. Once he was in front of her, he bowed respectfully before looking at her. "Princess, something has occured thatt you must be made aware of. Just an hour ago, a bright flash had erupted in the sky, with a falling star. Only, it wasn't a star...but a mare. She crashed out in the countryside, and was miraculously unharmed...but she was unconscious. The mare is currently in the infirmary." Luna listened intensely, interested in what her guard captain was saying. A mare...falling from the sky? That was bizarre... Nodding, the Princess looked further down the hall at her sister's chambers. "...we'd better go awaken our sister. If you'll excuse us." She smiled at two Night Watch guards before trotting off. Lunar Cross glanced at Shadow Flare a moment. "...Sargeant, you noticed the flash as well, I take it?"

~Silvertongue, within his private quarters with Sub-Zero and Decimus~ The elder nightinggale sat in quiet contemplation after Sub-Zero's tirade, his narrowed eyes focused on the assassin before him. After a few moments, he noticed Decimus and frowned. "Decimus, please...rest awhile. Seems I am going to speak the rabblings of a mad stallion." Chuckling a bit, he leaned back, and then his expression became serious once again. "...the Prince came here to validate your knowledge on the assassination. Since you appear to have no knowledge on it, aid for your clan is sure to be secured... I may be old, but that day will always be burned into my memory. You want a name, yes? I'll give you a name...does Anemoi mean anything to you? I've remained close-mouthed about it...due to it's implications." He shivered at the name, pushing one of the letters on his desk aside. "...Anemoi, master Ice Sage, former Warden and a member of the Heartless...great servants of the Specter and bound in the Pit alongside him till the end of creation. It took me many years to discover this, reading ancient scriptures...but if it is true..." He shivered once more, instinctively feeling the Qai'Maga charm he had on his side. "...if it is true, then the Darkest Days are coming, and that means the Lightbinder...has been reborn." ------- ~Prince Rubyn, in the Diamond Halls~ Seeing Dusk's slow descent into insanity, he turned toward him with an expression filled with pity. So...this was a unicorn who is subjected to the tainted magic for so long. It was said that the effects of madness were different for each unicorn, it could occur in a few weeks to several decades...how far had this Dusk fellow fallen? Suddenly, from the corner of his eye, the EVA soldier charged and barreled right into the Bel'Rahmane, knocking the knife out of Dusk's grasp. Surprised at the suddenness of the attack, he gritted his teeth. "Stand down, soldier! Stand down, I say!" He approached them, trying to separate the two fighting equines.

Check the previous page, Shadowblaze

Teehee...that's how I roll.

For an earlier topic on the 40-post boost overnight; Ashy, the twins are still able to be competed over :3 you might have the advantage and get one, or maybe even both, but it's still fair game for anyone (male or female) to try!

~Ruby and Garnet Gleam~ Garnet gave Cloud a sympathetic look after hearing about his parents' passing, and took his hand to squeeze it gently for comfort. "I know how you feel, Cloud. When my sister and I were only babies, our parents disappeared without a trace...we don't know what happened to them. We were raised by our grandmother ever since." When he mentioned that he was glad he met herself and Ruby, she blushed a bit, realizing she was still holding his hand as she withdrew it. "I-I'm glad I met you too." Meanwhile, Ruby was eyeing the two of them askance, feeling a bit of anger...and jealousy? Ridiculous, what did she have to be jealous of? Her sister would never choose that creep anyway...right?