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couldn't deny how pleased he was that his children had managed to survive a rather dangerous experience with relatively little injuries except for the scar on Dib's arm from where the poison had touched him. They hadn't even needed to use their powers since Smidge was able to heal him instantly. Zumwrap had also managed to teach the young children to hide the scars by using a thin layer of skin to conceal the wound. Once they had become accustomed to such tricks he had then suggested that the children use these skills every now and again and make sure that no one else would discover the extent of their powers until they were ready.

Now, Zim and Dib had spent some of the night talking quietly amongst themselves after everyone had fallen asleep. Their conversation was filled with quiet laughter and teasing each other, although they knew that no matter how much fun it was they wouldn't allow any physical contact between themselves in any form. Dib was reluctant to admit it but despite all of the adventures they'd shared together in the past and all the trouble that they'd caused Zim with their antics, Dib still felt somewhat anxious whenever he was alone with his sibling. The fact that they were forced to live in close proximity to each other at times reminded him of all the times that Zim had used his abilities without hesitation while Dib had been unable to stop him or defend himself. However, he couldn't help but think that there was no need for this particular worry since he felt that there was no way that his twin would ever intentionally hurt him; not anymore. Not since he had been rescued by the others and been given a chance to become a member of the family again.

It would have been really nice if their parents were alive right now. He wondered if they would approve of Zim's new identity and of Dib himself. He wondered how his mother was doing as well. Had she already forgiven Zim as much as Dib did or had he still been forced to remain locked away for far too long? Had she been able to cope with her husband's death and with the burden that had descended upon her since it was discovered that she had two children? He hoped that she was alright; he hoped that she had been able to find happiness even though she had suffered greatly during her life.

After spending most of the following morning inside the tent waiting for the others to wake up and getting changed into their clothes, they left the campsite and headed towards a large mountain range nearby that offered good protection against the weather during the day and a wide view of the surroundings in the evening. Although the mountains had been deserted for ages and were devoid of any natural wildlife, Dib was relieved to realise that they hadn't encountered anything yet.

It was a bit difficult walking since it was dark out and a light breeze was blowing against the four of them as they continued their trek through the forest. Every now and then Gaz and Smidge would whisper questions to one another as they tried to decide where they should go next, but Dib remained silent and ignored their whispers, knowing that it was useless anyway. Even when he asked Zim what direction they should take, he got no reply. He sighed softly and looked around for a while. It was starting to get colder and the temperature had noticeably dropped since Mr. Smelti told them to head in the direction that he thought was the best one; so now it was starting to look a lot colder than it had been before. He pulled his cloak tighter around his shoulders. He didn't want to give away their position, but he could definitely feel the chill seeping through his bones, making his muscles stiffen and causing his hands to shake uncontrollably. He clenched his teeth as he tried to will himself to keep moving. He wanted to get away from this forest. Away from his thoughts, his fears, and the memories of his past. It was starting to become painful, suffocating to look around at everything that reminded him of what was happening now. All he wanted to do was run. All he wanted to do was disappear from this world.

end