[center]Sal was much paler than his former self. Of course he had never really been tan but his face just had a dull sunken look. His white hair didn't seem as fluffy and had a sort of dingy grey. The eyes that once had the sparkle of adventure and magic were now hardened and serious from his new position as a protector for what little good was left. The only difference that seemed more beneficial was that his frame though wiry was not that of the scrawny boy he used to be. He was much taller, with a voice that had also grown rough.[/center]

[center]He just looked at her. First with a face of utter shock. He had never thought he would see the day when she came back. All he could do was take the blow and allow her in. “Yes come in, it’s safe here.” Even Sal noticed that he sounded lost in his own voice. “You can stay or go,” he looked to the fairy. “but I will need you to um send out notice of a meeting at the castle ruins sometime tonight or early morning. I need uh help with the others see what they report with. There a little ones here.”[/center]

[center]He sill couldn't believe that she was here and couldn't bring himself to look at her. She was so different. The glimpse he got was bright pink, not the , golden strands he remembered. Was he going insane? Maybe the fog was corrupting him too. Looking at her was the only way to know. He turned around forcing himself to look at her. Sal’s face turned to that of slight disgust at the site of her black crown and worst of all her new attitude. He could see it, see how much she didn't care, how much she didn't even know what her stupid selfishness did.[/center]

[center]“You, don’t even remember so you? You don’t remember me? Sal? Your best friend.” he more so stated than asked these things. They were piercing like accusations. “I mean of course the place is a little more unrecognizable since you left it for dead all those years ago. You left ME for dead. You left ME alone to deal with your mess and fix your world!” Sal was yelling at this point. Staring at her proved himself. He wasn't even sure he was actually shouting at her.[/center]

[center]“Why are you even here?? Why come back now when you have such a great life away from all of us eh? I know it must be so great having REAL friends in that other place. Do they treat you better there? Better than I ever could, better than Sir Sal ever could for you?” He swiped all of his notes off of his desk.[/center]

[center]“Do you know how hard it was to grow up? To be forced into-” Sal let out a heavy sigh. “What’s the point it’s not like you care anyway.” He went over to the closet. “You made me scare them. I hope you're happy with yourself.” He opened the door and talked softly into the blackness. “It’s okay, don’t be frightened. I’m sorry I yelled. I’m not angry at you.” cooing gently, he reached his hand inside and gave a soft warm smile, completely unlike how he reacted to her. Even though so much had changed, especially within Sal as an individual, the light and warmth of his heart was still able to shine on some of the creatures of this kingdom.[/center]