Interesting Iscribble RP

Todd: ... *he frowns slightly, putting his hand down* ... There were... some times during that that I actually... uh... liked...

Sarah: *narrows her eyes at him* And what were those times, may I ask?

Todd: *he looks her right in the eyes and speaks sincerely* ... Spending that amount of time with you... just... BEING with you while thinking the way I did... it made me feel good...

Sarah: *her glare softens, and she looks away* ...It can't happen again, Todd... It's not RIGHT...

Todd: *he puts his hand on her cheek* PLEASE, Sarah...! *he moves his hand over to comb his fingers through her hair* Please... I need this... I need this so much... I need to be able to get over Key... please... please help me...

Sarah: *likes the feeling of his hand through her hair, but just feels like they shouldn't be doing this. she takes his hand, and gently pulls it away from her head* Todd, I'm sorry, but I can't... *glances past Todd, at Sam's sleeping form* ...future or not, you're still my Dad... and I still love Sam.

Todd: *he is saddened by this, which becomes visible in his expression and voice* ... But does Sam love YOU...?

Sarah: ... *in a tiny, unsure voice* yes....?

Todd: ... Don't lie to me, Sarah... I know he doesn't anymore... I know what's happened between you guys... that he just wants to be FRIENDS...

Sarah: *mumbles under her breath* goddamn karma...

Todd: P-please don't just reject me like this, Sarah... w-we're not... *laughs a little nervously* we're not e-even b-biologically related... i-it's okay if w-we're not related... r-right...?

Sarah: ... *raises a hand and puts it on his cheek* ...Todd, close your eyes and fall asleep...

Todd: *can feel himself getting heavier as he becomes more and more exhausted* ...Sarah... no... please... *he closes his eyes and soon drifts off*

Sarah: *leans him up against the tree* Don't wake up until the rest of us do... *sits back down and again tries to fall asleep, wishing she could simply command herself to do so*

The Next Morning

Harry: *is the first one awake and is startled to see Todd fast asleep* ?? TODD! D:<

Todd: *is startled awake* H-huhwha?? D8

Harry: You were supposed to keep watch! How did you manage to fall asleep?? D8/

Todd: Oh... I dunno...

Harry: *pinches the bridge of his nose* Christ...

Sam: *waking up drowsily* Wass goin' on...?

Harry: Todd fell asleep.

Sam: How? D:/

Iratus: :/

Zorua: *had turned back to her fox form upon falling asleep, unable to maintain her human illusion. she grumbles at the commotion, but otherwise doesn't move*

Sarah: *wakes up when Harry yells* Jeez, Harry... could you not YELL...?

Shidako: *had been up most of the night, and had heard what was going on with Todd and Sarah, but doesn't mention anything*

Claire: *waking up* What happened...? D;

Harry: Todd fell asleep while keeping watch - how do you manage to fall asleep when you're an X-WD, Todd??

Todd: I SAID I don't know, okay?? Just leave me alone... D;>

Sam: Shouldn't we just get going, already? <:/

Iratus: (Yes.) D:

Shidako: Don't be mad at Todd. I stayed awake last night.

Claire: Oh. Well, okay, crisis averted. We leave now.

Sarah: ... <____<

Zorua: *zzzzzz*

up

Todd: *he watches her go to bed and fall asleep, then continues staring out the window for the rest of the night*

The Next Morning

Everyone: *gets ready for the day*

Sarah: I hope it's not as hot out today as it was yesterday... DX

Zorua: Same here... DX

Claire: We should be going through the forest for a good part of our trip, so at least we'll be in the shade...

Shidako: *yawns widely, then looks out the window*

Harry: Good idea. And the forest's so vast - there's less of a chance of us getting attacked.

Todd: Right! :)

Sam: Should we pack anything? Is there anything to pack?

Iratus: *shrugs*

Claire: Well, we weren't really provided with anything...

Sarah: And he didn't give us money to buy food. ^^;

Zorua: Awww...

Shidako: We could always find something in the forest to eat...

Sarah: How will we be able to tell the difference between the things that talk and the ones that don't, though...? D;

Todd: Well, if we catch a griffon, apparently it's red meat. D;

Harry: That still sounds wrong...

*and so they go, exiting the city and entering the forest, walking past the strange blue trees and pink grass*

Shidako: *keeps an eye and ear out for any attackers*

Zorua: *is rather curious about almost everything, looking around at the odd trees, casting wary glances at any branches that look like hands*

Sarah: *walks along quietly*

Claire: *is also rather quiet--she was mostly trying to figure out how in the world they were going to assassinate this guy*

Harry: I wonder why the trees and grass are colored like this...

Todd: *shrugs*

Iratus: (Maybe they are colored that way because they want to be.)

Sam: ... That's... one way of looking at it.

Claire: Considering we're in a completely different world, I wouldn't be surprised if they ALWAYS looked like this...

Sarah: Another way of looking at it. :P

Zorua: I think they're pretty. :D

Shidako: *is... frankly, not very interested*

Todd: Shidako, are you okay? :/

Harry: She's probably just listening for enemies, Todd.

Sam: *is ready for anything*

Iratus: *isn't*

Shidako: Harry's right. You never know what's out here.

Claire: *nods*

Sarah: Well... so far we've seen a snake-tree... and... nothing really threatening. .____.

Claire: Doesn't mean you should let your guard down.

Sarah: Riiight.

Zorua: <__<

Todd: There could be ninjas in them there hills, ladies and gents - NINJAS!

Harry: ... Uhuh...

Sam: He could be right. There's a chance, just like everything else having a chance to appear.

Iratus: (I don't like the sound of that...) :(

*They travel for a while, until the sun went down--it was then that they decided to stop for the day*

Everyone: *exhausted*

Harry: We don't exactly have camping supplies, so... we'll have to sleep on the grass. Sorry. Todd, you can keep watch.

Todd: ... Uh-huh...

Everyone: *goes to sleep*

Sarah: *is sitting up against a tree, trying to fall asleep. Unable to, she sighs* ...

Todd: *he scoots over to Sarah, feeling dreadfully lonely. He whispers to her* ... Hey...

Sarah: *whispers back* Hey... *leans her head back against the tree* Ugh... I'm exhausted, but I can't fall asleep... Not that I should be complaining, since you can't even sleep at ALL...

Todd: ... Well... I'm fine... at least I can be helpful... *he touches her arm, feeling her smooth skin* ... I remember when Lucifer forced us into a relationship...

Sarah: *twitches away from him* So do I. And honestly, I don't like to remember.

up

Todd: ... I know you're trying to be positive... and... and I'M usually the positive one... but... not now... I feel like this is it... everyone else... they're trapped on the other side, or dead...

Sarah: *puts an arm around his shoulders* You don't know that. Nobody knows. What if they DID get out somehow? You never know, okay? <:/

Todd: ... Bob's the only one who can get them out... and Bob won't go back... *he glances at Sarah - or at least, he tries to glance, but his eyes linger. She reminds him of Key...*

Sarah: *stares back, genuinely worried about him* We could try to convince him... it's eight of us and only one of him...

Todd: ... You've said that... but the creators would kill him... he wouldn't risk his neck for people he doesn't know...

Sarah: *doesn't really know what else to say. she looks down, away from him, pulling her arm away*

Todd: *he looks at her hand, then takes it and hold it with his own, holding it for comfort*

Sarah: ! *looks back up at him, and squeezes it reassuringly* ...I know she'll be fine. She's stronger than she knows.

Todd: ... I know she'll be fine... I'll just... never see her again... *he scoots over to Sarah an inch*

Sarah: *can tell that he needs comfort--she lets go of his hand and gives him a one-armed hug*

Todd: *he closes his eyes, sighing. He imagines Key hugging him, not Sarah. He has to. It is the only way he can feel better*

Sarah: *smiles a bit, feeling this is helping--she rubs his shoulder with her thumb, oblivious to his thoughts*

Todd: *he smiles a little at this as he replaces Sarah with Key in his mind. He likes this - it makes him feel much better... as if Key really IS there*

Sarah: ...Do you think you can sleep now?

Todd: *quietly* ... Not without my tranquilizers, no, but you've made me feel a lot better...

Sarah: *mentally smacks herself for forgetting* Ack, right... Well, I'm glad to help... If you ever need someone to talk to, just ask, okay? <:/

Todd: *finds himself looking at her again* ...Okay...

Sarah: ... <:( *gets up, and gets back into bed, trying to fall asleep*

up

Mayor: Slim. You're neutral. If you plant the finger they won't suspect you.

Todd: When should we do this?

Mayor: Whenever you want - but the more time you waste with this, the less you'll be paid.

Harry: We're getting paid? :/

Mayor: Well, why not? ^^

Harry: *cannot argue with this* :/

Sam: *same*

Iratus: *doesn't understand* .__.

Claire: ... Alright, whatever you say. We'll give it our best shot.

Sarah: *tries not to show how displeased she is with this decision* ...

Zorua: mmn...

Shidako: *doesn't really seem to care either way*

Todd: ... ... Can we go, then? <:/

Mayor: Sure, sure! ^^

*and so they leave, heading back to their hotel room*

Harry: That was interesting.

Iratus: :/ ?

Sam: ... Right...

Bob: Whowhat?

Sarah: *still displeased* We've just been tasked with killing the leader of Death City. DX

Shidako: *shrugs* There shouldn't be too much of a problem, all we need to do is be discreet...

Sarah: I thought the point of us LEAVING was that we wouldn't have to go around and KILL PEOPLE ANYMORE.

Todd: ... Well, this is just... once. Just once. And then we'll never have to do it again. <:/

Harry: ... And it's for a good cause. I mean, those zombie things are evil, right?

Sam: Right.

Iratus: (So we're doing a good thing!) :)

Bob: ... uh...

Zorua: But what if they're NOT evil?

Sarah: Um?

Shidako: They attacked us. What else is there to know?

Todd: They've GOT to be evil, the way the Mayor keeps talking about them... plus, I've seen my fair share of zombies to know zombies like eating people.

Harry: And that's bad.

Todd: Right!

Sam: We should do this tomorrow at some point - we can't today, I don't know about you guys, but I'm exhausted. D;>

Iratus: (Me too) D:

Claire: We'll head out tomorrow, then.

Sarah: Mnhh... I still don't like this... D;

Zorua: Me neither. :C

Shidako: *sighs*

Harry: We'll be fine. Let's just go get some sleep. <:/

Todd: Right... you guys go do that.

*and so they do, everyone heading to bed and sleeping - everyone going to sleep almost immediately, as the day was long and exhausting*

Todd: *stares out the window again, forlorn* ...

Shidako: *doesn't sleep well, curled into a ball on the bed--she misses Altodd*

Sarah: *is completely awake, just laying in her bed* ...

Everyone: *Asleep*

Todd: *trying not to cry. He's come to the conclusion that he really WON'T ever see Key again. This was it*

Sarah: ...? *sits up, and looks over at Todd. It rather hurt for her to see him like that--Younger or not, he was still (going to be) her father* ...Todd?

Todd: *he squeezes his eyes shut - knowing Sarah is now awake and paying attention to him, he tries extra hard to not shed a single tear* Y-yeah...?

Sarah: ... *goes to sit next to him* ...I can tell you're not okay.

Todd: ... ... ... No... you're right, I'm not... I know we talked about it last night, but... I KNOW I'm never gonna see Key again...

Sarah: I told you, we can never know for sure... <:(

up

Sam: I guess so. Not that I mind - I mean, the city looks pretty awesome during the day - the gold and crystal and whatnot really works well in the daylight... though maybe that was intended...

Todd: It'd be nice to see who else lives here, too... I mean, we met a tree-snake-branch. Who knows what ELSE is out there?

Harry: Agreed.

Iratus: (Yay! Let's go!) ^^

Bob: I'm gonna stay here if that's cool with you guys... the bed's too comfy. XC

Sarah: Pfft. Lazy. :P

Zorua: *snickers, then turns into her human form* Let's get going, then! :D

Claire: Heheh... Let's just hope we don't get lost.

Shidako: This hotel won't be hard to find...

Todd: Right! So let's go! :)

*and so they go - the group is greeted, as soon as they exit the hotel and pour out into the fresh air and sunshine, by a marching band parading past them in the street. It consisted of elves, people, bipedal animals and whatever else, drumming to a good beat, putting on a bit of a show. Two of the marchers behind the band held up a white flag with a golden sun and two trees - the city's flag. Obviously, the marching band is there for moral support for the citizens about the war effort against the other cities*

Todd: Pretty nice, I think. :)

Harry: This city's rather showy, yeah... let's go look around, as we said we would.

Sam: I second that notion. From here I can see a marketplace-sort-of street.

Iratus: (What is a marketplace?) :/

Sarah: It's a place where you go and buy stuff. :P

Zorua: We should go, looks like there's a lot of stuff to look at. :D

Shidako: But we have no money... D:/

Todd: We can always window-shop. :P

Harry: That -

Iratus: (Sounds like fun!) =^^=

Sam: XD;

*and so they go. They are constantly dodging other people and children (both human and nonhuman) who hop and skip around their legs, giggling with joy. Some people play instruments on the street corners - it seems as if this place is paradise*

Todd: *glancing into a window in a butcher shop* ... "unicorn meat"...

Claire: ...I'm not surprised, but... *looks into the store* Manticore... Gryphon...?

Sarah: Heh... wonder if that'd go under red meat or white meat...?

Claire: *raises her eyebrows at her*

Sarah: Uh... J-Just wondering... >___>;;

Shidako: ...It's red meat. Just so you know.

Zorua: ... .________________.

Todd: Well! Let's... uh... let's move on, then. <:D

*they spend their whole day at the market, it being incredibly interesting. They then head back to the hotel*

Sam: It was really hot out... I need a shower... DX

Iratus: *panting*

Harry: ...

Zorua: *had turned back into her fox form so she could stand in Iratus' shadow* DX

Shidako: *suddenly stops and sniffs the air* ...something's wrong...

Sarah: You mean besides the fact that it's really hot...? D;

Claire: ...

Todd: Hah, yeah, I think my blood is LITERALLY boiling...

Iratus: (No... she's right...) Also sniffs the air* I smell -

A Zombie and Skeleton: *leap out of an allyway, ready to attack. Both of them wear red collars*

Sam: Jeez!! *quickly takes his guns out* D8

Harry: D8

Shidako: *snarls and immediately pounces at the skeleton, tearing at it with her claws*

Sarah: Jesus christ--! D8

Zorua: !! *takes shelter under Iratus--she doesn't know what these things are or how strong they can be, so she doesn't dare fight them* D8

Claire: !! *pulls out her crossbow, and shoots at the zombie*

Zombie: *falls within seconds*

Skeleton: *is torn apart*

Todd: Jeez... D8

Harry: D:

Iratus: (That was scary...) D8>

Sam: ... But why did that happen...?

Soldier: *runs up to them* Oh! Oh no, these Death Soldiers got into the city! You! You group - you seem like you've fought before! You easily took those undead scum down!

Claire: Um--Yes, we HAVE fought before. How can we help? D:

Sarah: *groans inwardly--she thought they came here to ESCAPE the fighting, not run right back into it*

Zorua: ...

Shidako: ...

Soldier: Well... I don't exactly know. The Mayor would, though. You guys are trying to become citizens, right? You ARE new here. Maybe something to do with Death City will do the trick. :)

Harry: ... Right...

Sam: <:/

Todd: :C

Iratus: :/ ?

Shidako: *doesn't like the sound of that*

Sarah: Okay... so we go find the Mayor, then? D;

Soldier: Yes ma'am. I'll come with you to the mayor so I can confirm your assault.

Todd: Alright. Again. :/

Harry: ...

*and so they go*

Mayor: Back again? I see a soldier here - did you get yourself into trouble? :/

Claire: We were attacked on the street--by a skeleton and what looked like a zombie. :/

Zorua: *nodnods* D:

Shidako: ...

Sarah: ...

Mayor: ... Oh dear. I'm so sorry... I never thought they'd get into the city...

Necromancer: *behind the Mayor, he sneers*

Harry: *very much doesn't like this but says nothing* ...

Todd: "They"?

Mayor: One of the groups we are warring with. Those horrible Death City revolting things.

Sam: Jeez. D:

Soldier: I saw them - they were able to take those monsters on by themselves!

Mayor: ... Then maybe you can help me?

Iratus: ?

Claire: What kind of help do you mean...?

Sarah: *reallyreallyreally hopes they won't have to go fight more* ...

Shidako: ...

Zorua: ...

Mayor: Perhaps you could enter Death City... being neutral and all... and kill the leader of that city. Lord Bibentus.

Todd: Uh. D:

Mayor: Doing so would make you all full-fledged citizens. It would also give you special privileges.

Harry: ... I guess we could...

Mayor: And make sure, by the way, you plant this on his body - *hands Harry a rusty iron robot finger*

Harry: WHY? D8

Mayor: Death and Metal City have been thinking of working together. They'd murder everyone in this city.

Iratus: ... D:

Sam: That's... horrible. D:>

Sarah: So we're basically going on an assassination mission...? D;

Zorua: *mumbled* idunlikethasoundofthat...

Shidako: ...

Claire: ...What are the chances of us not coming out of there alive?

up

Altodd: Because they're evil... EVIL EVIL EVIL creatures...!

Key: *nods in agreement, squeezing her eyes shut as she feels the tears start coming on again* ...

Altodd: ... Don't cry... D:> Maybe they'll... I dunno... come back...

Key: ...But what if you're right? What if it's better out THERE than it is in here? Why would they WANT to come back??

Altodd: *he's shaking now* ... m-mayb-be...

Key: *looks up and notices this, then tries to compose herself* Th-They'll come back for us, I'm sure of it... They wouldn't leave us here, right?? D:>

Altodd: Th-they w-wouldn't... b-but that stick man might...

Key: ...a bunch of them got out, they all know us... they could convince him..? D:>

Altodd: ... Or force him... I really hope so...

Key: ... I'm sure they won't leave us... they can't...

Altodd: R-right - y-you're right. They WON'T leave us...

Key: .. *nods, as if to convince herself* Right... maybe we should get some sleep. Make the time go by a bit faster. <:/

Altodd: M'kay... goodnight, Key... <:(

Key: Goodnight, Altodd... <:(

Altodd: *goes to bed thinking about Shidako, and how she might be doing*

Key: *goes to bed doing very much the same as Altodd, wondering if Todd was doing okay, and if he missed her yet...*

The Next Morning In Concordia

Everyone: *wakes up at some point feeling well-rested*

Harry: *gets out of bed and walks over to Todd* Hey... you doing okay? :/

Todd: Yeah, I'm fine, Harry. Thank for asking, though. <:P

Claire: *gets up, and goes to look out the window. The city was just as spectacular during the day as it was at night* ...

Shidako: *sits on her bed, staring out the window* ...

Sarah: Sssso, we're supposed to explore today, right?

up

Todd: *this time he really does smile (though the smile is still tiny)* ... Thank you... *he sighs* ... I wish Key was here... I don't even know if she's alive... *he rubs his arms* it scares me thinking about it...

Sarah: ... I'm sure she'll be fine... she's strong, she's always been. <:(

Todd: Yeah...? *he chuckles a bit, sadly* ... Well I'm weak... we're never going to see the others ever again, huh...?

Sarah: *frowns* We can never know for sure, d--Todd... <:/

Todd: ... Bob can't let us go back... like he said, the creators would murder us... god... just - GOD... I just want to see her - that's all I want - just to see Key... m-maybe also let her be with us... a-and b-b-be with m-me... *he sniffles, moving one of his hands up to cover his eyes*

Sarah: Hey... D:> *puts an arm around his shoulders* I'm sure she and everyone else are fine... Who knows, maybe we'll be able to get them out somehow...

Todd: *he sniffles again, trying to keep himself from crying in front of Sarah* H-how do you f-figure that...?

Sarah: Well, considering we're sitting on an XXXXL-sized bed in a marble-and-gold hotel, I'd say anything's possible... and besides, we got out, there's gotta be SOME way of getting back in...

Todd: *nods slightly - mainly to himself. He wipes a few tears from his eyes* Th-thank you, Sarah...

Sarah: Anytime. <:) ...You know, you don't have to worry about crying in front of me... I won't tell anyone, I swear. ;P

Todd: *smiling slightly, he shoves her a little (though playfully)* Go sleep. |:P

Sarah: *razzes him* Fine, be that way. :P Don't think too much, okay? XP *gets up and gives him a tiny wave as she returns to her room*

Todd: *he gives her a tiny wave back, then goes back to watching the city*

meanwhile

*on the other side of the Between World, it's daylight still, after a long battle*

Altodd: *knocks on Key's door. He needs someone to talk to - he feels empty without Shidako*

Key: *looks up, quickly wiping tears away with her sleeve. she gets up and opens the door* O-Oh... Hey. You doing okay? <:/

Altodd: *quietly* ... Not very good... I really miss Shidako... you?

Key: *looking down, speaking just as quietly* I just want to know how Todd's doing...

Altodd: ... I'm sure they're all safe now... after all, they escaped THIS place...

Key: But who knows what's out there...? What if it's WORSE? I should be there with him...!

Altodd: ... I know... we should... we should BOTH be there... with them... god DAMNIT...

Key: ...Why don't the creators just let us GO...? D:>

up

Bob: We've traveled a long ways. In fact, we should just head to Life City right now, so, uh, see you. .__. *walks off*

Everyone: ! *follows*

Nemus: Good luck, strangers... Things are worse than they seem. *returns back to its normal position as a branch*

Sarah: ...Well. That was certainly different.

Zorua: *is sitting back on top of Iratus' head* (...being grabbed by a tree is NOT fun.) D:>

Claire: I can imagine...

Shidako: ...

Bob: We're almost out of the forest - look!

*in the distance, tall spear-like golden towers pierced the night sky. One could clearly see a sparkling lake, golden buildings all about, a few lights twinkling off them, the stars and moon reflecting on everything*

Harry: ... Wow...

Todd: ... I wish Key were here to see... <:(

Iratus: *looks around as they get closer and closer*

Sam: *holds Sarah's hand*

Sarah: *squeezes it reassuringly* Oh wow...

Zorua: *gapes in amazement*

Claire: *quietly* That's incredible...

Shidako: *admires the sight--it seemed somewhat familiar, as if she had seen something like it before, but she can't quite remember when she had seen it* ...

Bob: Let's go! Woo! >:D

Harry: Alright. Maybe we can find somewhere temporary to live.

Todd: ... Right...

Iratus: ^^

Sam: :)

*they fully exit the forest and enter the city*

Necromancer: *is a thin man wearing a large robe, the shadow of the hood concealing his eyes, with the only thing really visible in the moonlight being his ghostly-white skin. If belts weren't tightening the robe around his waist and arms, it would have possibly swallowed the man whole. Finally, this pale hooded man wore a pendant around his neck, it being a golden flat diamond-shape with a small ruby right in the middle. As soon as his invisible gaze catches Todd, his stiff movements become quick and fluid, and he practically runs to the ground, holding a hand up to Todd and speaking in a strange language* Doera usst, kla'ath l' nesst, kla'ath l' ssussun...

Todd: Uh... dude? What's your deal? D:/

Necromancer: *he slowly puts his hand down* ... ... ... *his voice is a dull monotone* My apologies. I did not realize you were alive. We must keep the undead monsters out of this city. I'm sure you understand.

Harry: *doesn't like the cloaked man - in fact, he's creeped out by him* |:(

Sarah: *is also rather unnerved by this man. she mumbles mostly to herself* Life City, right...

Shidako: *recognizes the man as a necromancer--they existed where she was from as well. she immediately knew not to trust him* ...

Zorua: *stays quiet, crouching low on Iratus' head* ...

Claire: *quietly, to Bob* Let's keep moving...

Necromancer: No.

Todd: ... "No"? D:/

Harry: >:/

Necromancer: The Mayor will want to speak with you.

Bob: ... It's kinda late... D;>

Necromancer: The Mayor will want to speak with you.

Sam: I don't think we have a choice...

Zorua: D: ...

Sarah: But--

Shidako: We should go quietly. We don't need trouble right now.

Claire: ... *nods in agreement, then looks at the necromancer* Lead the way, then...

*nods, then leads them to the largest spiraling tower at the very middle of the city. They ride an elevator all the way up to the top. The inside of the place was magnificent, like the inside of a fancy hotel (but here, it is a workplace) They walk to the office at the very end of the hall, a plaque on the door labeling "Mayor Nox Occulta" gleamed warmly at the group*

Necromancer: *knocks three times, each knock pausing in between for two seconds, then opens the door without a word, letting the group in*

*the Mayor's office looked more like a wealthy person's living room - there was a fireplace with a collection of crystal unicorns and centaurs and pegasi decorating the mantle. The long-eared, white-bearded man was fiddling with a tinier crystal horse when the group walked in, and even then, he did not stop playing with it. On the ground was a thick, soft carpet, a deep shade of red. The walls were gold, the desk the Mayor sat at was also gold*

Mayor Occulta: Ah! Guests! *he gives them a warm, friendly smile, the only hint of real seriousness coming from when he sees Todd* ... Necromancer 385, why is this undead savage not wearing his collar? He could be killed by the guards.

Necromancer: This hooded man is alive, Mayor Occulta.

Mayor Occulta: Alive...?? How very curious... how very curious, indeed...

Harry: *doesn't know what to think about this strange man - he seems friendly enough, despite what he has said about Todd, though he wonders why the group was brought here*

Sam: *wonders the same thing*

Iratus: *looking around the office in amazement*

Bob: :/ ...

Sarah: *doesn't really like how everyone keeps saying odd things about Todd--it puts her on edge, like she's afraid something bad might happen* ...

Zorua: *looks around, eyes wide*

Shidako: *remains quiet*

Claire: ... *decides to voice everyone else's thoughts* Why are we here?

Mayor: Well, you're obviously new here. If you weren't I would have seen you before. Since you're new, it means you aren't citizens, and seeing as you are not citizens, it is illegal to be standing right here as you are.

Harry: ... So...

Mayor: *starts writing on a yellow slip of paper* For now, I will give you a two-days pass to be here, explore the city. This is a very generous offer, you see, as we are at war right now, and allowing in potential spies is never a good idea.

Todd: That makes sense. :/

Mayor: ... I trust you all. You don't SEEM like the sort to be spies - you look far too confused for that. Tall pale-green man, could you please come here?

Harry: Me? :/

Mayor: Yes, yes. *takes out a key*

Harry: *steps over to the Mayor*

Mayor: *hands him the key* There is a hotel two blocks from here called the Grand Arx. You can't miss it - it's a very large marble building with a golden roof. That key opens the penthouse suite in that hotel. It's incredibly spacious. *gives Harry the yellow paper* If anyone asks questions, show them this note. You'll be fine.

Harry: Uh... wow. Thanks.

Mayor: Don't thank me yet. ;) You may go. Please enjoy your stay here in Life City!

Harry: ...

Iratus: ...

Sam: .__.

Necromancer: ...

*they leave, heading back out into the city*

Sam: ... I just noticed that the sidewalk is made of crystal.

Todd: I bet they have zero economic problems here. .___.;

Sarah: Yeah, no kidding. D:

Shidako: It's not fun to walk on... ;/

Zorua: (It's so BRIGHT... how do they not go blind?) D;

Claire: I'm pretty sure they're used to it...

*they eventually reach the hotel - like the Mayor said, they have no trouble getting to the penthouse suite at the top of the large tower. Also like the Mayor said, the room is massive - easily able to fit all nine of them - possibly MORE. It is seemingly built for large parties. Art decorates the walls, the beds are huge, there are plenty of bathrooms, a kitchen area, and a fantastic view of the city*

Harry: ... Wow. I've... never stayed in a hotel this nice before.

Todd: ... Me neither... D8

Iratus: (I wish Mother was here to see this...)

Bob: ... Right... <:/

Sarah: *tries not to think of everyone left behind, but fails miserably--so she tries harder by distracting herself with the room* We could all have out own rooms if we wanted to... hell, i think you could fit like... five people on one of those beds. .___.

Shidako: *is in awe--she had honestly never been ANYWHERE this nice* ...

Zorua: Oh my gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooosh... o__________o

Claire: *breathes a quiet "wow," and admires the room before speaking again* Um... since we're apparently exploring tomorrow, I think we should be getting some rest...

Harry: That's a good idea, Claire. C'mon, everyone. Let's sleep.

Todd: ... Harry... I don't have my tranquilizers... D:>

Harry: ... ... ... I'm sorry Todd. At least you have a nice view of the city. <:/

Todd: ... I guess...

Iratus: *wanders off to bed in a separate room (as there were three) to sleep, hopping on one. It is easy for him to quickly nod off, as the beds were extremely comfortable*

Everyone Else: *goes to bed*

Todd: *stares out the window silently, sitting on his bed with his knees up, his head resting on them and his arms wrapped around them. He misses Key already, and it is painful to think that he may never see her again*

Almost Everybody: *falls asleep*

Sarah: *can't sleep. she spots Todd sitting over on his bed, and gets up, quietly approaching him and sitting down next to him* ...hey...

Todd: *looks over at her - he tries smiling, but he fails, and it only returns to a frown* ... Hey... you should be sleeping...

Sarah: Can't... besides, I figured you wouldn't mind a bit of company.

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*Eventually...*

Bob: *waves excitedly at Harry and Claire* C'MON!! D8

Harry: !! Come on, let's go! D8 *he runs over to Bob with Claire, motioning for Todd, Key, Older Todd and Key, Other Claire, Iratus, Altodd, Shidako, and EVERYONE ELSE to follow them*

Todd: *looks at Key, then at Harry, then quickly darts off after him and Claire*

Iratus: *runs after Harry and Claire, to the strange stick man*

Everyone: *runs*

THE RACCOON: NOOOOOOOOOOO!! *MAKES A STONE WALL RIP OUT OF THE GROUND, BLOCKING ABOUT HALF OF THE RUNNING CHARACTERS*

Everyone: !!!! *has to run around the wall*

Key: *tries her best to stay close to Todd* D:

Zorua: *hangs on tightly to Iratus' shoulder, knowing she won't be able to keep up on her own* D:>

Everyone: *approaching Bob*

THE FISH: OHHHHHH NO YOU DON'T. *Suddenly turns into a massive Leviathan-like creature, and slams her clawed arms onto the ground, making enormous cracks that shot across the field like lightning at the fleeing characters*

Bob: GO GO GO!! D8 *forces open a crack in the Between World* Gnnngh...!!

Everyone: *Running aahh!!*

THE RACCOON: *SCREECHES, BECOMING A LARGE BIPEDAL RACCOON MONSTER, SWIPING AT ALL THE RUNNING CHARACTERS*

THE FISH: *SUDDENLY SWEEPS HER TAIL ACROSS THE BATTLEFIELD, WIPING OUT HALF OF THE RUNNERS AT ONCE*

Sarah: !!! *barely manages to avoid the tail--she's the first one to reach the crack. she waits at the opening, shouting encouragement at the others*

THE FISH: *FURIOUS, SHE SWIPES A TALONED HAND AT SARAH*

Mikenno: *swoops in and torches the fin-hand before the attack connects--he wasn't about to let this chance to be free go to waste* D:<

Bob: GO! GET IN THERE, BEFORE THEY STOP YOU!! D8

Harry: *almost there!*

Everyone: *RUNNING!*

THE RACCOON: *SENDS A MASSIVE TIDAL WAVE AT EVERYONE WHO WAS STILL RUNNING, SENDING EVERYONE UNDERWATER*

Harry: *unable to swim, he panics* !!!!!!!

Everyone: !!!!! *RUNS FASTER*

THE FISH: *AUGMENTS THE WAVE, MAKING IT EVEN MORE POWERFUL*

Mikenno: !! *grabs Harry and Claire and practically throws them into the crack, managing to get out a final cry of "RUN!!" before the wave reaches the opening, and washes everyone who hadn't made it inside away with it*

Harry: *enters the crack with Claire* D8> !!???

Todd: *he makes it into the crack before the wave comes* D8

Sam: *makes it into the crack with Sarah* DDD8 !!!

Iratus: *romps in with Zorua, the wave helps by pushing him in forcefully, water washing out everywhere*

Bob: *when he enters after the last person, he closes the crack, drenched, coughing out some water* Ugh... that didn't go so well... D;>

Todd: *looks around - he can't find Key* ... Key...? D:>

Harry: Jesus, no - she didn't make it??

Iratus: (Mother didn't, either! Or Mikenno!) D8>

Sam: ... Or Mr. and Mrs. Huntings... D:>

Claire: *hear heart sinks when she see sthat only nine of them made it* Oh no...

Sarah: *is terrified by the thought that her parents may have been killed by the wave* Oh no... no no no no no no no...! D:>

Shidako: *looks around, panicked* Altodd? ALTODD?? D8>

Zorua: D:> ...

Bob: Hey - we have to keep moving, guys... D:>

Todd: No! We have to go BACK for them! We HAVE too!! D8>

Bob: No-can-do, 'kay? We go back out there and The Creators will kill ALL OF US for sure. Painfully.

Harry: *rests his head in a hand* Jesus...

Sam: ... Where are we, anyway...? D:>

Iratus: (It's a forest of some sort...)

*Indeed, it's a forest. The trees are a light blue, the grass a soft pink color. There is a sky, a wonderful dark blue sky - it is night, and the starts shine even through the thick layer of leaves from the trees. The moon shines full*

Claire: ...We're definitely not back on OUR world...

Sarah: No kidding. D;

Zorua: *stays on Iratus' head. She looks around, trying to see if she has a better view from up here* ... (there's too many trees, I can't see.) D;

Shidako: ...There's a city not too far from here... *points in one direction* That way.

Bob: Then let's head off that way. :/

Harry: Right...

Todd: *depressed* ...

Sam: *notices this*

Iratus: (Who's...?)

Bob: Who's who? - AROOTHIAN!

Aroothian: *has stepped out form behind a tree* Nine. Including you, Bob. Have you helped them escape?

Bob: Yup - as many as I could anyway. D:

Aroothian: ... You'll be heading to Life City, then?

Bob: Yup yup.

Aroothian: ... These people you brought... they won't stand a chance...

Harry: What do you mean? >:/

Aroothian: A war is what I mean - between ALL the cities. You wouldn't want to get caught up in that.

Bob: We've got nowhere else to go. <:/

Zorua: (What do you mean there's a war?) D:

Sarah: I'm pretty sure he means exactly what he said. D;

Claire: *To Aroothian* He's right--if we can't go to this "Life City," Where CAN we go?

Shidako: *is silent* ...

Aroothian: Perhaps you could fit in and gain the protection of the city - it's the safest of the six cities in Concordia. Just be careful. Very careful. *he walks off*

Bob: ... To Life City, then. :/

*they travel through the forest *

A Tree: *suddenly moves a branch, and plucks Zorua off Iratus' head*

Zorua: (AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!) D8>

Shidako: !!? *jumps up and grabs the branch, pulling at it, trying to rip it off*

Tree: AAH WHAT ARE YOU DOING PLEASE STOP.

Iratus: (THEN WHOEVER YOU ARE, PUT HER DOWN!) D8

Todd: That tree talked. D8

Harry: It... did. D:

Bob: .__.

Sam: We could always burn it. :/

Tree: *panicked* OH NO NO NO, PLEASE DON'T. *drops Zorua*

Shidako: ! *catches her*

Zorua: D8 ...

Tree: *one of its larger branches moves to point at them--it resembled a somewhat reptilian face, with hollow eyes* Please don't burn me, I was only curious. D:>

Claire: ...Why is that tree is talking? D8

Sarah: I would say "Between World," but we're kind of not in there anymore. D8

Iratus: *nuzzles Zorua a bit*

Bob: Concordia.

Sam: Whoddawhadia?

Todd: *to the tree snake* What ARE you? D:

Harry: If you don't mind us asking.

Tree: I do NOT mind you asking--I am a tree spirit. You may call me Nemus.

Zorua: *calms down a bit*

Shidako: *puts Zorua down* Why did you grab Zorua? :/

Nemus: I already said why--I was curious.

Sarah: About WHAT? D:/

Nemus: You, of course. I've never seen you before, and I've been here for a long time.

Harry: We're... new. *points at where Shidako pointed before* There's a city that way, right?

Todd: .__.

Sam: ...

Iratus: ...

Bob: :/

Nemus: *nods* That's correct, Life City. *looks over them, its invisible gaze briefly pausing on Todd before speaking again* Are you fleeing from the war? Or are you form somewhere else entirely?

Sarah: Uhm... >___>

Zorua: <___<

Claire: ...

Shidako: ...

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Iratus: :D (Thank you, Mother!)

meanwhile

Harry: *smiles at her* Why do you think I fell in love with you in the first place? You had me speechless by how well you could take on an entire apocalypse, do your duty, and remain complete level-headed and calm. That takes strength, Claire.

meanwhile

O. Todd: I'd really like you to meet him, Key - you'd really like him. :)

O. Claire: No problem, Ira. :) *(if it makes you happy, it doesn't matter what you ask for.)*

meanwhile

Claire: *smiles back at him* I guess you make a good point. Thank you. <:)

meanwhile

O. Key: I'd love to meet Scott. :D You speak so highly of him, how can I not? ^^

Iratus: *wags his tail* :D

meanwhile

Harry: Don't thank me, Claire - it's the truth. :P *he pulls her into a hug, nuzzling her affectionately*

meanwhile

O. Todd: God - I just feel so HAPPY now, y'know? <:D

O. Claire: *stifles a laugh when she sees this--it was nice to see Iratus this happy*

Zorua: *snickers, then leans over and playfully bites at Iratus' ear* >:3

meanwhile

Claire: *hugs him back, returning the affectionate gesture* If you insist... :P

meanwhile

O. Key: *laughs a little at this* I can tell. :) *puts an arm over him and nuzzles him* I like seeing you happy. :)

Iratus: *nuzzles Zorua in return* :3

meanwhile

Harry: *kisses her* I insist...

Bob: *enters the room* Heyo!

Harry: *lets go of Claire, startled by Bob's sudden appearance* I-I thought you were dead! D8

Bob: Turns out I'm not. :P

Harry: B-but... why are you here?? D8

Bob: Sssshhh! *looks around, then whispers in Harry's ear* I found a soft spot to rip open on the Blank Space. You and your friends could escape.

meanwhile

O. Todd: I like that me being happy makes you happy. :)

Zorua: ruuuu... *lets go of his ear, and nuzzles back*

O.Claire: ^^ Okay kids, time for bed. :P

Zorua: (awww...)

meanwhile

Claire: *is visibly shocked by this bit of news* ...Y-You're serious? We could get out of here??

meanwhile

O. Key: This is just a big ball of happiness, isn't it? :P

Iratus: *nods* (Yes, Mother!) ^^ *hops onto the bed, curling up with Zorua*

meanwhile

Bob: Yup! But The Creators can't know, so shhhh! Tomorrow. I can get you guys out TOMORROW.

Harry: R-right! :D

meanwhile

O. Todd: Yes... *he snuggles against her* it is. X3

Zorua: *snuggles against Iratus, half-hiding herself in his fur, practically purring*

O. Claire: *can't help but smile at the sight. get gets into bed next to them* Goodnight...

Zorua: rruuu... (G'night~)

meanwhile

Claire: Should we tell anyone else?? D:>

meanwhile

O. Key: *snuggles back, nuzzling him* I like the ball of happiness. X3

Iratus: (Goodnight...) *he soon falls asleep, cuddled up with Zorua*

meanwhile

Bob: No! No, we can't risk letting The Creators know... when it's time to run, you run, and you get your friends, okay? You head towards ME, because at that point, after I give the signal, I'll rip open the soft part of the Blank Space, and we'll escape.

Harry: Alright. So then, Claire, we should get a good sleep - we'll really need to be ready tomorrow. :/

Bob: Cool - I'll be off. Good luck, you guys! *he leaves*

meanwhile

O. Todd: I just like cuddling with you. X3 *he kisses her cheek*

Zorua: *falls asleep cuddled up next to Iratus*

O. Claire: *falls asleep with a smile on her face, for the first time in a while*

meanwhile

Claire: *sits down on the bed* ...Whoo. This is HUGE... I'm pretty sure the creators will try to stop us...

meanwhile

O. Key: That too. X3 *nuzzles him*

Harry: Pretty damn sure. I'd hate to lose my other arm.

meanwhile

O. Todd: X3 *nuzzles back*

Claire: *winces a bit at the thought* Yyyeah... I just hope no one gets KILLED...

meanwhile

O. Key: *kisses him* <3

Harry: Right... and with that thought, let's try and sleep. *lies down on the bed, trying to sleep*

meanwhile

O. Todd: *kisses her back*

Claire: *snuggles close to Harry, also having some difficulty falling asleep*

meanwhile

Key: *eventually breaks the kiss, putting her arms around him and hugging him close* <3

The Next Morning

Alarm: BWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!! BWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Harry: *jolts away* J-JESUS! THAT WAS FAST! D8 *quickly gets dressed and whatnot*

Claire: !!! *gets up and gets ready also, knowing what was going to happen today*

Everyone: *pours out into the hall, to the teleporter*

Voice: TELEPORTER ACTIVATED PLEASE STEP FORWARD.

Everyone: *does and fights*

Claire: *fights, and waits anxiously for the signal*

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