~1~

When Prim opened her eyes her mother was looking back at her, concern etched into her tired features.

"I'm sorry" Prim whispered. "I-I didn't mean to-"

"You don't need to apologize" Her mother sighed. "But this is the third time this month Prim. I'm beginning to worry about you. When did you start having these nightmares?"

Prim shrugged. "It's probably just stress mom. Nothing to worry yourself about"

"Are you sure?"

Prim nodded. "I'm sorry I woke you"

Her mother leaned down and kissed her hair. "Like I said my flower. You have no need to apologize to me"

Her mother then stood and made her way to the door. Before leaving she turned to face Prim one last time. Then the door closed behind her.

Once her mother was gone Prim let out and long and tiresome sigh as she dragged her clammy hands down the side of her face.

Benjamin's death replayed in her mind at all hours of the day, and now it haunted her dreams as well.

She hated it. She had become an entirely different person since their little adventure in the Astral Plane. She hasn't seen Henry or Cress since she's returned, and she knew that they were hurt by that, but she couldn't help it. She couldn't bring herself to talk to anyone really. She felt so alone here. Her true friends here back in the Plane, and one of them she'd never see again.

"You know you might have just thrown your whole life away right? I mean, You have a home. A family...Why did you do it?" Benjamin had once asked her.

Prim was surprised by how hard she had to think about that question.

"Some of us are made for a much bigger purpose then just being daughters or sisters" She shrugged. "What about you? Why where you so quick to throw your life away?"

He shrugged. "I've never had a family. Only people I am related to. And they could care less about what happens to me. And if I die it would be nice to die for something worth dying for"

More silence...

Prim suddenly came to a stop, forcing Benjamin to stop as well.

"I won't let that happen" Prim said. Then she extended a hand. "From this point on we're partners. I've got your back and you've got mine. Deal?"

All the stress from that day faded away when that smile appeared on his face.

"Deal" He said shaking her hand.

They laughed, then continued walking.

"We're gonna need a motto" Benjamin said after another minute of silence.

"Like what?"

he put a finger to his chin while he thought.

How about...partners first, Friends next-"

"And family always" Prim added.

There was that smile again.

"And family always" He repeated.

"We'll work on it more" Prim laughed.

Prim hadn't realized she had started crying. She swiped at the few fallen tears, annoyed. She didn't want to think about this now. Right now she just wanted to sleep, but she knew that even then, she wouldn't be able to escape his ghost.

She sighed again. She knew being angry wouldn't stop him from invading her mind. She just needed time. Because time heals everything...Right?