You and Sollux continued to converse as you make your way through the Doom Kingdom. It was mainly both of you complaining about the swampy mush you were walking through and how there was hope that this was the only muck you'd have to go through. And you were right in saying that Karkat would fall back after 20 minutes. You didn't really win anything, except for maybe some sort of pride in knowing how long Karkat's short legs would last.

For the entire walk Eridan had been quiet, even when you asked him something, he'd just give a few words as an answer. You had no idea why he was being so off, he was perfectly fine this morning. But, you decided to just leave him alone. You just hope he's back to normal soon.

You were also pretty sure you were close to escaping the Doom Kingdom, as the trees and muck had slowly began to dissipate.

"So, what's the next kingdom we're entering?" Sollux asks, glancing over at you.

"Um, the Light Kingdom, I think."

"Hmm, never been."

It had only been about two hours before you reach a new type of biome. It seemed to be a forest, but it wasn't as thick as the Hope Kingdom, so hopefully it wouldn't be too difficult to navigate through.

"Finally." You hear Karkat sigh in relief.

"Okay, how about we just set up camp for the night?" you offer.

Your three companions groan and collapse on the ground.

"Okay then, we'll rest and then put up the tents."

After taking a short rest, you get back onto your feet. It was much easier to move now that there wasn't swamp to pull your feet down, and Rose was now happily padding around on the ground.

"Hey Eridan, could you help me with the tent?" you ask.

"Yeah, sure."

You nod and pull the tent out, and look around for a decent spot to place it. You notice a fairly flat area and decide that was the perfect place to put the tent. Without talking, you and Eridan begin to set up the tent. It felt kind of awkward. As you set the tent up, you rack your mind in order to try and find out why he was acting so distant. Eventually you got annoyed decided to just ask.

"Hey Eridan," you begin, "did I do something to upset you?"

Eridan almost looks surprised as he snaps his head towards you.

"No," he grumbles, "what made you think that?"

"Well, you barely talked to me today," you reply nervously, "I dunno, I just thought I pissed you off."

Eridan pauses before he talks, "it's nothing, I just didn't feel like talking."

"Oh, okay." You smile.

You had finally finished to tent and decided to help out with the others.

"Hey (y/n)," Karkat calls, "light this up will you."

You roll your eyes, but walk over to your bag and pick up your staff.

"Okay then." You flick the end towards the pile of branches.

A ball of fire shoots out, nearly hitting Karkat.

"Hey, watch it!"

"Sorry." You chuckle.

"You don't sound too sorry."

"I know."

After everything was said and done you all decide to reside to the tents.

"Well, let's hope that we clear at least a third of the hike through this kingdom tomorrow." You say.

"With Karkat's short legs I don't think so." Sollux snickers.

"Shut the fuck up you irritating prick!"

You chuckle before you slip into the tent. Eridan was already lying down, Rose lying on your bedding. You sigh and take your spot, slipping into the warm blanketing. You close your eyes, hoping to fall asleep as quickly as you usually do, but unfortunately tonight wasn't your night.

"Hey Eridan?" you say quietly, hoping he was still awake.

"Yeah?"

Oh thank heavens.

"Do you think we'll make it? Y'know, to the Rage Kingdom?"

"Of course, why wouldn't we?"

"I dunno," you shrug, "just worrying, I guess."

"Well," you feel a hand grab yours, squeezing it comfortingly, "we'll make it, I'm sure of it."

"Thanks for the comfort," you hum, "goodnight, Eridan."

"Goodnight, (y/n)."