The Shadow of Grimm (Rewritten)

Chapter 9: Once Upon A Time

WARNING: At one point in the chapter, it's going to contain self harm. If you feel uncomfortable feel free to skip over it.

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-Sometime Ago-

On a cold night of the forest, teams RNJR, CRMS and Roman had set up camp and most of them had been practically next to each other for warmth. They had traveled down the road for at least hours and hours for almost the whole day without stopping. They all passed out the moment they were done with their dinner and instead of sleeping separately they were huddled together just for the night.

Most of them tossed and turned in their sleep, trying to get comfortable, while the others slept still, breathing softly. It wasn't long till Ruby stirred from her slumber when she heard something rather unusual.

It was of someone singing.

Somewhere over the rainbow

Way up high

There's a land that I've heard of

Once in a lullaby

Ruby groaned as she sat up and stretched groaning slightly as she did. She turned in the direction of the recorded voice and saw Roman by the dying fire, keeping it lit as he looked to be holding that of a tape recorder. He had been laying on the log as he had his gaze to the sky. She threw a blanket over her shoulders and approached; the blades of grass crushing under her feet softly.

He had noticed her presence beforehand but chose not to say anything he continued to listen.

Someday I'll wish upon a star

And wake up where the clouds are far behind me

Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops

That's where you'll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow

Bluebirds fly

Birds fly over the rainbow, why can't I?

If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow

Why, oh why can't I?

With a click the recording came to an end and there was silence between them as Ruby sat against the log. All that was heard was the sound of the crickets and wood popping in the fire. Finally after a few moments Ruby broke the silence, "That was a beautiful song."

"Yeah." Roman said as he looked to the sky, "Trinity used to sing it all the time. She even recorded this just in case she was out of town. I found it in my apartment--Well what was left of it. It's a miracle it wasn't broken, but... In some ways, I'm glad."

"Did you often play it for Cristal?" Ruby asked.

"No... It was... Actually for Destiny." He replied, "Whenever she had a nightmare, or was upset about something I played this for her." He let out a sigh, "These days, I play it for myself, just to clear my head."

Ruby soon noticed something in his hand, as he had been holding a photograph which had read, "Our First Date". Her gaze softened slightly at this.