The town was small, and by all of the damage done to it, you could hardly call it a town at all. People poked their heads out of their tiny homes, seeing what had strolled into town. A few children giggled as they run up to see the new entertainment. Their dirt covered faces grinning up at you all.

You decide that since you were going to the palace, and there was a chance you weren't to return, you'd give them some food. You manage to get a container out without hurting the crow. You open it out, holding out some.

"Here, you must be hungry." You nod towards one of the kids.

They all let out shouts of joy, grabbing a piece of jerky each and running off. It brought a smile to your face to see them so excited.

Slowly, other members of the tiny village begin to peak out, seeing the food that you were giving out. You smile, gesturing for them to come and share the food.

"(Y/n), you do know we have to make a trip home, right?" Sollux questions.

"Yeah, but I don't want to carry it all up the mountain," you shrug, "and I'll just go and get some on the way home."

You continue to give out your food, getting thanks in return. Kids continue to flock around you, playing with the others as they wait for you. You let out a laugh when you see a young girl jump onto Sollux's shoulder, causing him to fall over. Kanaya had some small ribbons that she begun to tie into the kid's hair. Vriska and Eridan were off to the side, trying to avoid the kids, but ultimately failing as they climb up the trees near them. They tug at their hair and pull faces. Karkat and Feferi sat on the ground, playing patty cake with a few of the kids.

Once your food was all gone everyone gives you one last thanks before heading in before the harsh sun decided to reach out from behind the clouds.

"Alright, let's keep going," Karkat sighs, "hopefully we'll get to the bottom of the mountain by nightfall."

You nod, waving goodbye with your free hand.

The crow let out a low caw, awake from all of the loud noises.

"Sorry buddy." You giggle, petting his head.

His eyes blink closed, nuzzling your hand.

"(Y/n), isn't your arm getting tired?" Feferi asks, walking up beside you.

"Yeah, but this little guy is injured," you hum, "I want him to rest up so he'll be able to fly."

"Well, do you want me to hold him?"

You look down at the once again sleeping crow.

"No, it's alright," you shrug, "I'll just switch arms."

And you do just that, managing to not awaken him.

"So, are you scared?" Feferi asks.

"Of course," you nod, "I just hope we can defeat him."

Feferi doesn't respond, probably not sure how to do so. You continue to look forward at the mountain, continuing to pet the crow with your now free arm.

Your clothes were dirty, and kind of smelt bad, but you were sure that everyone else smelt bad too. You would do anything to find a nice lake to dunk yourself into. But alas, all the water around here was dirtier than you.

Finally you reach the bottom of the mountain, which now absolutely towered over you all. It was cold, but nothing that compared to the chill you'd feel as you ascended the mountain itself.

You drop your bag and staff down on the ground, sitting down and leaning against it. The others all do the same. The temperature as you made your way over here had become hot, but it slowed became chillier. That caused everyone to be sweaty and cold, which wasn't the best combination.

You needed to pin up the tents, but you really didn't feel like moving. Against your body's will you kneel up. You take off your cloak and rest the crow on it, covering it up. You pick up your tent and begin to set it up. The other tent was also being set up by Eridan and Karkat, who couldn't seem to do it alone.

As soon as the tent is done up, all of you shove your stuff in and gather yourselves together to keep warm. Vriska, Feferi, Kanaya and yourself were all kept together, the crow and Rose were in the middle where they wouldn't get squashed.

You lean against the slightly uncomfortable pillow and pass out, completely exhausted.