Yes! I'm finally finished! Enjoy, everyone!
***
Roger sat with his back to one of the walls, hugging his knees, his eyes and expression were shell-shocked. Arnold was hugging Jamie, either out of happiness that his little brother was safe, or because he needed to remind himself that all was not lost today. Brianna was curled up on the ground, the kids sitting around her.Everyone else from their team, as well as them, were sobbing. They had just learned about the losses of Diana, Samson, and Damian, and they just couldn't believe it. Today, each of them had lost something, family members, friends, someone close to them. Now was the time to mourn.
***
Arnold felt numb, desperately clinging to Jamie for warmth. He had just lost three of his friends, his best friend Damian was amongst them. Samson and Diana were gone as well, he would never see them again. He had to try and be strong, as the leader, but that just wasn't possible right now.
He started reminiscing, about how he had first met his best friend;
Arnold had been nine. His mum and dad were alive, and well. They had been at the airport, on a plane, flying to arrive on this island. Looking back on it now, they should never have gone.
His parents, Joshua and Beatrice Carpenter, were talking to the man standing behind the counter, trying to get seats on the plane. Arnold was bored, fiddling with the zips on his mother's suitcase. He had his mother's green eyes, and his father's sandy hair. His mother had always said that he looked like a little bunny. Arnold was more often than not, not amused. He was a very serious child, and his parents were worried that he would never make friends. Arnold didn't really care.
"Ya know, you won't get any fun outta playing with those, right?''
Arnold turned, to see who was talking behind him. It was a boy, around the same age as him. He had raven hair, and blue eyes. He was holding a jack-in-the box in his hands, and had a big grin on his face.''How about playing with my toy?"
Arnold yawned.'' Hello, nice to meet you. But please, a jack-in-the-box? Those things are so lame."
The boy shook his head."Not mine, I fixed it up. Wanna see?"
Curious, Arnold turned the knob, while the song played. When the song stopped, the top opened. But, instead of a clown..
BAM! ROAR!!! A giant monster head came out, and a pair of barrel sized scaly arms came out and clutched Arnold's throat. He could have sworn it was real, and he gasped, nearly screaming, and moved back. The other people in the line looked at him alarmingly.
Arnold pointed a shaking finger at the jack-in-the-box.''Muh-muh-monster!!!''
The boy was laughing. He waved at the others in the line.''Don't worry, it's not real.'' They all relaxed.
The boy showed Arnold the box.''It's just a hologram that I built. It looks and feels real, but it's not.'' He smiles.''Didja like it?''
Arnold heart was stilling pounding from the shock. He glared at the boy, and started chasing him around. They both ran around the lobby, but eventually stopped to catch their breath.
Panting, Arnold turned to the boy.''Ya..know, that wasn't.... such a..bad joke.''Arnold grinned.''It was actually..pretty funny. I'm Arnold.''
The boy said:''Nice to meet you, Arnold, I'm Damian.''
They shook hands.'' Wanna be friends?'' Arnold asks.
Damian's eyes lit up.''Yes! That's what I was planning would happen in the first place!" They high-fived each other, both beaming.
''He-hey, little man, what'cha doin'?" Damian is suddenly lifted off of the ground and held up high in the air by a smiling man that looked like an older version of him. Beside the man was a pretty lady that looked sort of like Snow White,complete with the raven hair and snowy skin. She said: "Ooh, made a new friend, Damian?"
She looked at Arnold, very happily, and stuck out her hand, and "Very nice to meet you. I'm Shaylee Parker, Damian's mom, but you can call me Shaylee if you want. What's your name?"
He shakes her hand,"Arnold Carpenter, ma'am. Umm, sorry, Miss Shaylee?"
She smiles and nods. Suddenly, he feels a playful bonk on his head,heard someone say: "Arnie", and turns around, and sees his dad kneeling behind him, grinning. His mom was behind him.
Joshua Carpenter was a very fun man. His motto was ''There's no point in being mature if you can't be immature ''sometimes''." He treated everyone as an equal, and always kneeled when he was talking to someone shorter, so that he could look them in the eye.
" Gonna introduce me to this young man, Arnie?" Joshua ruffles his son's hair, and grins at Damian.
"Hi, Mr.Carpenter!" Damian presented his hand to Joshua. "I'm Damian Parker, Arnie's new friend."
Joshua's eyes widened as he shook the little boy's hand, with a smile so big it looked like it would split his face in half. He stood up and shook both of the Parker's hands." Hello, I'm Joshua Carpenter, call me Joshua, or just ''Josh'', if you like. Damian's father fist-pumps him, and says: "Nigel Parker, call me Nigel. This, as you might assume, is my wife Shaylee."
''Awesome to meet you!'' Arnold's mom jumps forward and shakes both their hands gleefully, while carrying baby Jamie in her other hand.''Any friend of Arnie's is a friend of mine, and so are their parents!" She then starts playing with Damian, with Arnold and his dad not being able to repress a smile. They also found out that they were all going on the same plane, so Arnold and Damian got to sit together.
Beatrice ''Bea'' Carpenter was like a ray of happiness, energy, and joy. Her hair was golden like sunlight, her eyes blue like the sky. She was always upbeat, always happy. If Arnold was ever upset, she would say: ''Arnie.... fun time!!'', and start tickling him like crazy until he started laughing. Arnold's parents were amazing people.
Which made it hurt even more when he lost them.
***
Arnold sobbed. His parents had died when the monsters broke loose. Damian's dad was trying to evacuating everyone he could. However, one of the Death Hounds, a very large one, had attacked them. Arnold's dad tried to hold it off, even making a long, cross-shaped scar between it's eyes, in the centre of it's forehead, with his knife. But he had been bitten while the mother's were trying to get Arnie and Damian away. As he was bleeding, he had looked back, and given them one last smile, before he passed. The Death Hound had leaped at them, and Shaylee and Bea had just barely been able to push the kids away before they got hit, and were torn apart. He only had his mother's locket left. It had a sapphire embedded in it, and a picture of the Carpenters in it. They had been the only ones to call him ''Arnie'', so every time someone tried to call him that, painful memories of them would come flooding back. Damian still called him that, though. He was the only one Arnold was okay with calling him ''Arnie.'
But Damian wasn't dead. He knew it, but he had to find him..somehow...
***
Brianna, feeling numb, stumbled over to where Roger was, who looked positively shell-shocked. her face was still wet with tears, and so was his. They both needed to talk to someone.
Roger heard Brianna fall down next to him, he felt her poke his arm, but he didn't care. Diana was gone.
''Roger, I know what you're going through, believe me, I do, she-'' he heard her choking up '' she was my best friend. I think we both need to let our feelings out now, or we will never get over this.''
Roger turned his head to where Brianna was. Besides the similar names, they didn't look much alike. Brianna's hair was scarlet red, cheeks slightly chubby, and big, green eyes. Diana's hair was brown like chocolate, and had eyes that shone as blue as the sky. Opposites attract, he guessed.
''What should we talk about? How about how you met Diana. I'd like to hear that.''
Brianna took a deep, shaky breath.'' I first met her back in the 4th grade...''
I was always an outcast. I was mocked and ridiculed by the other kids, because I looked like a nerd. They wouldn't let me sit next to them at lunch, or play with them. I used to cry in the corner, hoping that I would, one day, have a friend. My wish was answered.
It was a Friday, it was my birthday. I had just turned 10. Everyone was teasing me again, but Diana came and stopped them. She was heroic back then too. She then turned to me, and said that it was her birthday too, put on a pair of glasses, took my hand, smiled, and said: ''Now we're both outcasts. And friends.''
Brianna was choking up, with fresh tears pouring.'' She... she was my first and best friend. She made me..made me into the person I am today.''
Roger was deeply moved, and even more tears flowed. Brianna then said: ''Your turn.''
"It's actually rather short, not really as good as your one." Roger shuddered as he took a deep breath, and started: ''My parents, they had just died in front of me. Struck down by a giant Death Hound, with a cross shaped scar on it's forehead. I later learned that this hound was the same one that killed Arnold's parents, and Damian's mom. We hate that thing so much, we've been trying to track it down, we went on a killing spree of those things to find it, hunted for a month for it. But we couldn't find it. I lay against that wall, broken down, crying my heart out, when someone passed me a bottle of water, gave me a hug, and told me that everything is gonna be all right. It was her. Hair like chocolate, flowing down her back like a waterfall, blue eyes like the sea, full of kindness. We became friends, started hanging out, and after a while, while we had just returned from a search mission, she was sad because we weren't able to find the people that we were looking for, so I kissed her. She was surprised, but kissed me back. I held her hand, and told her that everything was gonna be all right. It was going to be our first year anniversary today.''
Brianna rested her head on Roger's shoulder.'' I'm gonna miss her, so much.'' But Roger suddenly said:'' No, you're not.'' And got up, looking really excited.''Look, look, look!! The bands we gave each other, for our first month anniversary. Damian put a tracker on both of them as well as a heart rate measurer, so that we would know what the other was feeling, or how they were. DIANA'S HEART IS STILL BEATING!!!'' Everyone heard, and suddenly rushed to their feet. Arnold tossed Roger a sword, Brianna a crook, and took a hammer himself.'' LET'S GET YOUR GIRL BACK!!'' Everyone dashed, Roger leading the way. They ran around the building, as Roger's band started beeping in one direction, signalling that Diana was close, they all ran in that direction. In their path, they came across three Gas Masks. Not stopping, Arnold swung his hammer in the Gas Mask's mask, crushing it and caving in it's head, falling dead to the ground immediately., while Brianna hooked the crook around the leg of the second one while running, tripping it up, and while it was falling she stabbed it in the throat. Roger jumped forward onto the last one's torso, running it through, then using it as a springboard and bounded forward. Nobody was wasting time, nobody was holding back. The beeping was at it's highest and fastest when they were approaching a caved in wall, meaning Diana was behind it. Without any second thoughts, Roger jumped right into it and crashed through, landing on the other side, with a giant hole in the wall behind him. He saw Diana, lying in a pool of her blood, and a dead Gas Mask lying against the wall with a knife in it's eye socket. Roger rushed forward to Diana's side, and saw that there was a gash in her back. She opened her eyes, and weakly whispered:'' You....came for..me."
Roger smiled:"Always." He kissed the top of her head, and picked her up in his arms.''Now let's get you fixed up.''
***
As Damian left, Simon turned to the Sewer Master.'' Do you really think it was wise, telling him the location of the portal?''
They were in a large space in the sewers, free of the dirty water and stench. They had converted it into their own little hideout, complete with beds, chairs, wardrobe, and a TV. Simon was however, reading Game of Thrones on the sofa.
We can't go through it, can we?'' Sewer Master replied.'' Rat Man stopped us from going when he escaped through it, stealing the key that we had and hacking the machine, stopping me from getting through. He apparently hid it somewhere around the island, but I haven't found it. Better him than us to leave.'' He leaned forward, looking at the book's pages.'' I feel bad for Eddard Stark, he doesn't know how close his death is. He knows how much danger he is in, yet is honourable to the bitter end. I feel that I share a kinship to him, as I don't think that I will give up hope on these kids yet. Who do you think you resemble, Simon?''
''Tyrion Lannister, the Imp'' was the reply. Sewer Master chuckled. ''I have never known you to be as sneaky or to perform acts as manipulative as Tyrion, Simon. I do, however, think that some of your murders were ingenious. I pray that giving you the benefit of the doubt and a chance of redemption won't bite me in the end.'' He walked away, into the inner sewers. ''Oh, I can be ''plenty'' sneaky when I want to be." Simon called after him. He smirked, and said to himself quietly:'' Costume time. Have to get to the portal while the time is right.'' He went to the wardrobe, and took out a blue suit that he changed into, putting on a black wig and a fake moustache. He then grinned, as he held the golden key, an emerald set in it, that he had taken off of his last victim, Nigel Parker.'' Peter Slaw has somewhere to be.''
***
Damian was still staggering weakly, as he said into his radio, "Arnie, this is Damian. Please, bring everyone to the north of the island. I found a way out.'' He had been bandaged up by Sewer Master who told him that there was a way for them to get out, but he was still hurt and dizzy. He had been told about the keys, the keys that could open a portal at the north of the island to get them out. He had immediately felt a weight against his neck, but didn't say anything about it. Once had had gotten out, he had pulled out his chain. He had been given it by his father for his fourteenth birthday. On the chain was a golden key, with a ruby set in it. His father had kept one like it, but his one had an emerald. He had not known what they were for, neither of them. but he knew now. They were the keys to the portal.
After walking out of the sewer, he had arrived onto a barren area, full of hills and cliffs, overlooking the sea. But from the cliff's vantage point, he could only see the fortified walls, high as the sky, and the rocky drop below the cliffs themselves. He however, still tried to look beyond the cliffs, but he slipped and fell.
He was rushing towards the ground, but the sound of the wind whistling in his ear had barely started when it stopped, 10 feet from the cliff-side's top. He looked at himself, and he was glowing in a blue aura, floating in the air. He looked up, to the left, and saw a kid of around fourteen,sitting on one of the hills, hand outstretched, and the hand was glowing blue.'' I'm sorry man, but you can't bungy jump without a cord, safety violation.'' The boy had hair as white as snow,and startling violet eyes, and he was grinning like a maniac. He brought his hand up, and amazingly, Damian floated up past the cliff-side and was put down a couple of meters away, moving with the boys hand. Damian stared wide-eyed at the buy, awestruck. " Th-thank you. How did you DO that? Who are you?''
The boy chuckled:'' Well, I'm not a Targaryen, I can assure you of that. The name's Malcolm Grimshaw Braddock , I heard you say that your name is Damian, (nice to meet you, Damian!)and as to how I can do this," suddenly, pebbles starting spinning in a wheel around his hand, all glowing blue, ''genetic experimentation. I can move things ''with my mind"he said spookily, as he wiggled his fingers, the pebbles still spinning.''Also, duck!'' He sent all of the pebbles flying like missiles right above Damian's head, which had ducked just in time to avoid getting hit, as a Wildebeest Monster fell off the side of the cliff, eight pebbles having stabbed the area around his heart.
Malcolm said:''Sorry about that, the Wildebeest was about to trample you. Um,'' he suddenly looked very shy, fiddling with his fingers, head lowered, and the pebbles around started to tremble with a nervous energy,'' Can I come with you, to the exit spot? I, I have to get off this island. There's nothing but bad memories for me here.'''
Damian nodded. Malcolm looked shocked, he raised his head and the pebbles stopped moving.''Really?''
Damian grinned:'' You just saved my life twice in a row, I don't see why not.''
***
Diana slowly opened her eyes, and saw that she was in a warm bed, in Justice's base. She felt a tight grip in her hand, and saw Roger, who had been sitting by her sickbed and fell asleep, holding Diana's hand. She smiled, he looked so adorable. She looked under her blankets and saw that she was wearing a hospital gown,(apparently Justice's group had stopped in the local hospital for a while before it got overrun by Gas Masks), her legs bare while her stomach was wrapped with bandages. She lifted her other hand, which was bandaged up around the wrist as well, and tapped Roger's head, and said: ''Good morning sleepy.''
Roger woke up in a start, an alarmed look in his eyes. Diana patted his arm; ''Easy, silly. Just me.''
The look in his eyes instantly changed from worried to relieved and elated, as a beaming smile broke across his face.'' Diana, you're awake. You're okay!'' He wraps Diana in a tight hug, which Diana returns, but she winces a bit as her wounds were still very sore. Roger notices the wince and lets go of her.'' Um, sorry.''
Diana shakes her head, smiling." Don't be. It's a good kind of pain, it tells me that I'm alive. Where are all of the kids?''
Roger laughed.''You've been out for a couple of hours. As for the kids," he gestured around;''Look around the room, and you will find your answer.'' Diana did as Roger said, and gasped. The kids of both of the groups were all fast asleep in various places inside the room, some in the chairs, some on the floor, and some were asleep with their backs to the wall.'' They all wanted to see you, their ''big sis''; and Brianna; "Roger pointed towards the ground ''had the same idea.'' Brianna had snuggled up on the ground, fast asleep, one hand firmly holding on to the bedpost.,Diana laughed, proud and happy. Roger grinned, and started rummaging in his bag for something.'' But I needed to see you before they did, but I didn't wanna wake you, so i just slept here until you woke up, but anyway, I have something for you.'' Roger pulled out a gift-wrapped box from his bag, it fit in his palm and had a nice, neat little bow attached to it.
Diana raised her eyebrows. ''Is this what I think it is, because we are still under-age, Rogy.''
Roger chuckled.''No, no, it's not a ring. Happy anniversary, Diana.'' He handed her the box, a little shyly.
''Aww, you remembered! Thank you!'' She planted a small kiss on Roger's nose, and then proceeded to open the box, and then gasped when she saw what was inside. It was a locket, hand crafted from the look of it, made of silver and gold, and enamelled with rubies in hearts and stars. It was as big and round as her thumb, and remarkably well detailed, with a crystal embedded in the centre, so that when she held it up to the light the whole thing glowed.'' It's beautiful, Roger,'' Diana murmured. Roger smiled, and said: ''I saved the best bit for last. Open it.'' Diana did as Roger said, and saw that on the inside, it was like a photo album, with ten slots for pictures in it. A few had already been filled in, with pictures of Diana as a child, Diana with her parents, Diana with Brianna, and a recent one, a picture of Diana and Roger, and their first kiss. Tears were falling from her eyes, ''Thank you so much for building this, Rogy.'' Looking quite modest, Roger said: ''Aww, no worries. Damian did help me on a bit of it...' he trailed off, looking quite sad at the loss of his friend.
Diana quickly tried to change the subject,'' Well, time for your present, Rogy!'' She reached into her knapsack, (that had been hanging from her bedpost the whole time), and pulled something out, which she held tightly in her hand. ''I'm sorry I didn't make this, I went on a hunt across the island for it and found it a week ago, and fixed it up. Here,'' she held out her still-enclosed hand with the gift in it, ''Happy Anniversary''.
She opened up her hand. In it lay a pocket watch, with the letters R.R etched on it. Roger moved his hand towards it shakily, not daring to believe it. He picked it up, and opened it. It opened up in three sections, the clock and two covers. On the left cover, there was a picture of a family; a beaming dad, a smiling mum, and a little boy, looking so innocent and happy.'' My dad's pocket watch. Him and mum used to share it.'' Tears were streaming down Roger's eyes.'' R.R, Roy Ridgeway, but after his marriage it stood for Rory and Ruby, my dad and my mom. Heh,'' his lips curved upwards into a half-smile,'' Rory, Ruby, and Roger. Thank you, Diana, thank you so much.And you know what?'' He rummaged in his pocket and fished out a photo.'' I've got something to add to it.''It was a group photo taken at the kids' last camping trip by the lake, which was quite secluded and so no Gas Masks had ever shown up there, but it wasn't safe to risk it. The photo had Arnold with his arms around his little brother Jamie, Damian making rabbit ears on both of them, Philip in the corner, smiling, Sam with a stack of firewood on his shoulder, Justice in the back, beaming broadly, Brianna next to Diana, who was in the centre with Roger, and they both had an arm around the other, and they were all smiling at the camera, the silhouette of a camp-fire burning merrily away in the background. he fitted it into the last remaining cover flap, and showed it Diana, his eyes twinkling at her giggle.''Happy Anniversary, Diana Beauregard.'' ''Happy Anniversary, Roger Ridgeway.'' They moved closer together, and kissed. When they stopped, with their foreheads touching, Roger whispered:'' I love you, Diana. Please never forget that.''''Diana smiled; ''I love you too, Roger.'' They kissed again, but this kiss was filled with emotions. Filled with passion, relief, and happiness. This kiss was shorter, however, as they heard a multitude of voices groaning;''Eeeew!!'' They broke away and saw that all of the kids were now awake, and looked pretty grossed out. Brianna was up as well, leaning on her elbow, and said with a grin on her face:''Why don't you two just get a room?'' Rger's response was:'' We did get a room, but all of you moved into it!'' Everyone started cracking up at that, and they were still laughing when Arnold walked in breathlessly:, radio in his hand.'' Guys, Damian is alive! He's telling us to head the the north of the island as fast as we can, he's found a way out!Oh, and hey, Diana, good to see that you're up,'' he added, as he saw everybody staring at him, mouths gaping.''Well c'mon, guys! According to Damian, the exit's gonna close soon so we have to get there now, no time to change, just grab your stuff and let's go!!;; He dashed out of the room, everybody still gaping.
***
The Sewer Master was on his patrol across the island, seeing if there was anybody he could help, anyone that needed saving. He found that much of the area was deserted, except for bare bodies lying everywhere, human as well as Gas Mask. So much bloodshed, some much death. He passed by a man and wife, lying dead, their hands clasped. Together even in death. He saw a little girl, lying close to them, her eyes shut. She could've been sleeping, stuck in a dream from which she would never wake up from. She would never be able to have her tenth birthday, go to her first school dance, to her first date. Her parents will never be able to help her with her homework, see her graduate, see her get her first job, walk her down the aisle at her wedding. ''Nevermore, shall this happen,'' he thought to himself, ''Nevermore, for life is but a fleeting dream, while death is when you wake up.''
He would walk by, arranging bodies so that they look peaceful, even in death. He put a pair of teenage girls who has obviously died together lying side by side with each other, hands clasped, eyes shut, and face free of torment, relaxed and easy. He realized that this was probably a bit creepy, but if he couldn't help them in life, he still had to try to help them in death. Suddenly, he heard something. A wheezing sound, the sound of a dying person struggling to breathe. The sound was quite weak, but it was definitely there. Meaning there was a living person somewhere, and they too would die if he didn't hurry. He ran at full speed to the source of the noise, a few blocks away, his longcoat billowing in the wind behind him .If it had been anyone else, the person would have died before they got there. He ran to the source of the noise, it was inside a large, abandoned building. Jumping over a few dozen bodies, he saw the source of the noise. A young man was lying face-down on the cold stone ground, a meat cleaver in his hands, and a fair few Gas Mask bodies around him. Sewer Master checked his pulse;nothing. He then pressed his fingers to the young man;s temples, and felt a beating sound. The boy's heart had already failed, but his brain was still functioning. Hmmm....
***
The compass had led Damian and Malcolm most of the way there, but currently it was acting rather wonky, moving very erratically.''Any ideas as to why it's doing this?'' Damian looked back at Malcolm, not really expecting an answer.''Simple,'' Malcolm yawned,'' The island has been cut off from the rest of the world, off the grid, and it seems to be in it's own little pocket dimension, which explains why we need a portal to get out. So, as it is the largest body in the surrounding area, not attached to the rest of the Earth, it's developed it's own little gravitational field. Plus, this used to be a mining area, so it has iron and lodestone in abundance So we're experiencing the same sort of trouble that people face when they approach the North Pole.'' Damian gaped at him. Malcolm shrugged.''Just 'cause I'm quirky doesn't make me unintelligent.'' Damian hurriedly closed his mouth.''R-right''. ''Malcolm just keeps surprising me...''he thought. Damian looked forward, and saw the long trek ahead. They would never make it on time. It was as he was telling this to Malcolm that he heard a powerful roar that literally shook his bones came from right behind him. He turned around, and wished he hadn't.
A huge wolf, as long and big as a bear, stood before them, snarling. It had fur like snow, and intelligent grey eyes. And right now, those eyes were thinking of all the possible ways to eat them.
Damian whispered, as quietly as he could: ''Two things. One, the wolf looks like we could ride on it's back like a horse, and two, how is it so big?''
Malcolm frowned. ''It's probably due to genetic testing, just like my powers. Maybe the guys over at the Cube were trying to create an enhanced beast of destruction.. Also, it looks really heavy, so I don't think that I'll be able to hold it back if it attacks.''
''All right then.'' Damian pulls out what looks like a baton, but he switches it on and it starts crackling with electricity.''Then we gotta tame this bad boy. You go left, Ill go right. Ready.....GO!!''
Both of them sidestepped to their respective sides, as the giant wolf leaped forward. As it passed him while he was still mid-jump, Damian twisted around and grabbed hold of it's ear.By the time it had landed, he had already crawled up to it's neck.
Malcolm was hitting hard with all of the small things around him, especially the rocks. He had constructed a glowing blue baseball bat from his powers, and was now using it to smash things at the wolf.''Before you have us as your main course, how about an appetizer? Batter up!!''
But most of the shots only served to annoy the wolf, who was sporting a 'really, man?'' expression on it's face. However, a particularly large rock hit it square between the eyes, and it got really mad, roaring at Malcolm with such power that the trees actually shook, and was about to maul Malcolm to death before Damian, muttering: ''Pressure points...nerves...ah, a nerve cluster. Perfect!'', jabbed the baton right at the base of the wolf's neck, with the taser function on full power, and jumped off just in time.
ZZAP!! The blue electricity danced across the wolf's body and it's pupils dilated as it was paralysed, and shocked. After the taser had run out of power, the wolf stood still for several moments, Malcolm and Damian waiting with bated breath. Finally, it slumped to the ground, knocked out. ''Yes!'' the boys yelled simultaneously, and high-fived. ''So,'' Damian posed the question, ''what do we do with it?'' ''Him.'' Malcolm said thoughtfully. Then he snapped his fingers,(which caused all of the leaves around him to move back.).'' I got it! You said the wolf's big enough for lots of us to ride on it, right? So we use him as transportation to get to the portal, and our own personal ride! Plus,'' he added, looking at the wolf's unconscious form and patting it's head.''He can be our pet. He is pretty adorable.''
Suddenly, the wolf woke up, and reared his head at them, growling. But Malcolm was having none of it, he used his powers and hit the ground with his hands, causing the wolf's head to slam down to the ground, and he kept it there.''Down, Boy! We have beaten you, stop this!''
''Woah, there, Malcolm! I think he's still mad,'' Damian reached towards the wolf's neck,''Because this is still stuck in him,'' and pulled the taser baton out.
Malcolm released the wolf. Sure enough, it rose from the ground and looked at them, but didn't attack. Both Malcolm and Damian held out a hand, and the wolf let them pat his head. ''He looks to be an alpha wolf,'' Damian explained,'' and so needs to be beaten in a fight to be made loyal. We fought it and beat it, so now it will listen to us, obedient as a....dog, I guess.'' He hopped up on to the wolf's back and motioned for Malcolm to do the same. After they both had gotten on, Damian reminded Malcolm to use the fur as a handle, and to hold on.''C'mon, boy!''Malcolm says, ''GO!''
The wolf listened, and took a flying leap through the forest they were in and hit the ground running, bounding along like a beast of legend.
***
They were panting by the time they got there, Diana noticed. Everyone had their backpacks, and everyone looked exhausted, though they had just run what was akin to a mile to get to the north of the island. The pain from her injuries had flared up again, and she could barely stand up straight. Along with that, it was freezing cold, and she was still wearing the hospital gown, with nothing else but a pair of sandals for comfort, so she was hurting, and cold. Thankfully, Roger offered her his shoulder to lean on, which did help considerably. They had reached a gate, a very large golden gate with a key slot in the centre. They were surrounded by hills, on every side, making their location a mini-valley of sorts. To their surprise, the gate was glowing, with the keyhole radiating the most intensely.
Justice seems both awed and confused.''I don't get it. We've been on this island for years, how have we not found this place before?'' Kumar replies: ''Perhaps we needed the key to be able to see it? Wait, everybody, get down!''
Everyone seemed confused as to why, but they hid behind the closest hill surface anyway. After a few moments, they could see why.
A man emerged from the road going into the centre of the mini-valley, wearing a blue suit, slicked back hair, and a small scar on his cheek.'He had a dozen Gas Masks behind him'That...that's Peter Slaw'' Jamie whispered. Anrold turned his head sharply to look at him.''Really, are you absolutely sure?'' Jamie nodded.''Yes, I'm sure.''
Arnold growled, looking absolutely furious.''The animal that murdered Damian's father,'' he muttered, rising.''Time to return the favour.''
But Brianna stopped him.'' Arnie, no!'' She said.'' We have to see what happens here. I don't think we can get through without that guy's help, even if he knows it or not. Besides,'' she switched to a sad and quiet voice,''killing him won't bring Mr.Parker back.'' Anrold grumbled, and sat back down.
Suddenly, Peter started talking.'' All right, all of you,'' he said to the Gas Masks, ''no one gets past this gate. I do not want my escape from this hell thwarted by anyone, understood?'' The Gas Masks nodded vigorously.''And just for added insurance,'' Peter Slaw added,'' My personal attack dogs are coming with me. I'm leaving one with you as a guard dog, and one with me. All right?'' The Gas Masks nodded again, and Peter Slaw whistled.''Here, boys!''
Under their breath, as silently as they could, they uttered a scream. Two huge Death Hounds were lumbering forward, twice as tall as any of the Gas masks. Roger and Arnold, however, looked as though they had just seen their parents' murderer. They had, in fact. One of the hounds, the bigger, nastier one, with blood red eyes, had a cross-shaped scar in the centre of it's forehead.
Arnold's radio was still on.''Arnie,'' Damian's voice whispered.''What's happening?'' Shaking with rage, Arnold replied: ''Slaw is here. And he owns the beast that killed our parents.'' On the other side of the radio, Damian swore.''I'll be there as quick as possible. I want a shot at this guy.'' Then the radio closed.
Slaw held up a key, the same gold as the gate, a diamond in it's base..''So that key is the reason we can see the gate.'' Diana whispered.
Slaw inserted the key into the lock and turned. A great booming sound was heard. The door opened by itself. Inside was what appeared to be similar to a Stargate. It was a large ring set into a base, in the centre of which was a swirling mass of colour that appeared to be a ''wormhole'', as Damian would call it. He looked back, smiled wickedly, and said:''Well, island, it's been fun.Actually it hasn't it's been horrible. But I'm gonna miss ya. Ah, who am I kidding, I'm psyched to be leaving!! Hasta-la-vista, baby!!!'' Then he and the cross scarred Hound stepped through the portal, to who knows where, but away from here. The gate seemed to disappear, after he left. Everyone knew that they had to get to the gate, and find some way to open it, but they knew that the Hound and Gas Masks would slaughter them before they got there. Then they heard a howl, and someone yell:''Here ya go, Wolfie! PLAY TIME!!''
The hill over the road glows blue, and flattens, connecting with the road to form a slide ramp, with four Gas Masks still on it,as a huge white wolf leaps over it. Damian and a white haired boy were on it. Damian yells: ''Guess what, guys? I got us a pet! And he's AWESOME!!!''
The boy leaps off the wolf, screaming:''Yippee-kay-yay!'' and starts sliding down the ramp with a lot of speed, and when he gets close to the Gas Masks,(who are holding very large spears), he slides under the spears and scythe-kicks both of the first two, causing them to start falling, clothes-lines the other two with a lariat, and somehow, the spears the first two were holding shine with a blue tinge, and then start moving on their own, running right through all four of the Gas Masks(while the four were still falling, no less) while going towards the boy and he catches them mid-flight, landing at the bottom of the ramp in a fighting pose, duel wielding both of the spears with a crazy grin on his face, at the same time the wolf and Damian land in front of the Death Hound, both dogs snarling. The insanely awesome boy says:''Let's get this party started.''
***
Damian and the Malcolm fought the rest of the Gas Masks on their own, with the wolf fighting the hound, and everyone too stunned to be able to do anything. That's okay. For now, they didn't need to.
Malcolm utilized every advantage he got, using the spears for both offence and defence, using the pole of it to block an attack while using all of it as a weapon, combining naginata, the art of the spear, and staff fighting. Of course, that was just a side effect simulation, he was making it all up as he went along. (Perhaps he had already learnt them, and only thought he was making them up?Question for another day.)
He kept using his telekinesis to his advantage, using every small object around him as distractions and missiles, and using it to redirect and potentially lethal hit that the Gas Masks would land on him. By contrast, Damian was using every weapon he had on him right now. Fire gauntlets, hidden blades, and taser batons being what he had, he put them to good use. Bouncing around like a monkey and hitting them with the hidden blade at vital points whenever he could. Of course, them being zombies, and all, this only served to annoy them. So he used his fire gauntlets to give them hot feet and then electrocute them with the baton, or just flat out incinerate them, with the gauntlets at full power to melt the metal. Depended on how he felt to that particular Gas Mask. he felt the incineration to be more sadistic, but the electrocution to be more painful, as they were coated with metal. But, seeing as how the incinerations had used up the gauntlet's power, he was sort of in the middle. Malcolm was done with his group at around the same time, throwing his bloody and broken spear sticks away. They both went towards the wolf to help, but it didn't really look like as though he needed any. The Hound might, though.
The wolf and the Death Hound circled each other at first, each sizing the other up. Then, they stuck with their claws and teeth, slashing, biting, each trying to keep the other down. The wolf was larger, he did not go down. He did not feel the bites, or the claw slashes of the Hound. The Hound, however, felt differently. It was outmatched from the start, but it did not know that until the wolf body slammed it , causing a powerful tremor to go through the ground. The hound back away, a genuinely terrified look on it's face, as the wolf slowly moving in for the kill, before Brianna, surprising everyone by actually snapping out of her stupor and moving by sliding down the hill and towards the wolf,stopped him by standing in his way. "No, wolf! Bad! you do not kill members of your own kind like that!'' The wolf still looked murderous, it tried to move forward but it couldn't, Malcolm's powers holding it back. He did not know who this person was, but she was about to try something totally insane. He respected that, and wanted to make sure she went through with it. "Uh, Brianna?'' Damian whispered, ''Awesome to see you, by they way, but exactly what are you doing?'' "Making sure this guy lives,'' Brianna replies. Then she goes right back to scolding the wolf. ''I mean, consider this; you've obviously gone through genetic experimentation to get like that, right? Now, that must have been really painful, right? Now, imagine if this hound was genetically tested on to become like this too? It's felt the same way you did, felt the same pain that you did, how can you bear to kill it after knowing that?!Just because it's called a Death Hound does not mean that it doesn't have feelings!!!'' The wolf actually looked rather sheepish, with a lowered head and puppy dog eyes, like a child who has just been scolded. ''Hmph!'' Brianna says, as she folds her arms.'' Now, go apologize!'' Walking like a little hurt dog, the wolf moved towards the Hound(after he had been released from Malcolm's telekinetic hold, of course. He pulled the hound up by the scruff of it's neck, and then licked over it's wounds. The hound did the same for the wolf, and then it and the wolf started licking Brianna, who very soon got utterly soaked with slobber before the Hound left, going into the forest. Brianna, shivering, said: 'Brrrr, so cold, so wet, I need to change at the next stop.'' Diana, not caring about her injuries, leaped ahead down the hill, hospital gown flapping around her legs, and hugged Brianna tightly, not caring about the slobber that got on her.''Thank goodness you're all right, Bree! I knew you could do it, that was amazing!'' Damian came forward and gave Brianna a hug too, saying that she did great, and Roger came down to do the same.Pretty soon, everyone had come down to congratulate her.Malcolm shyly approached her, and stuck out a hand. ''Um, hello. My name is Malcolm Grimshaw Braddock, nice to meet you. You were awesome back there.'' Brianna laughed, and shook his hand. ''Nice to meet you, Malcolm. I'm Brianna Jane Boncear, and you were pretty cool during the fight as well.I would give you a hug too, if I wasn't covered in ...dog spit?.'' It was mid sentence that she noticed that she was actually dry, despite only a few minutes having gone by. She looked at everyone that had hugged her, who were all dry as well. She said" ''How is this possible?'' when Malcolm pointed upwards, where she looked and saw that all of the slobber droplets had floated up and formed a gaint bubble, which moved on it's own into the forest, where it's cohesion stopped and all of the liquid spilled on to the ground. ''I pulled all of the slobber droplets off of you gus and made them float up and join together.You're welcome,'' Malcolm says, grinning. Brianna makes good on her offer and hugs Malcolm, who actually seemed to blush. ''How did you do that?'' she asked. Malcolm waved the question away.''Tell you later. All I can tell you is that I've been holding back quite a lot. Flattening the hill was a little challenging, but still easy. That'll probably be a plot point later on.'' Suddenly, Damian took him by the shoulder and said to the group: ''Guys, this is Malcolm. He's a little wierd, but he's a really awesome guy and he's saved my life twice today, so please welcome him into our group!'' which was recieved by much clapping and blushing from Malcolm. ''Oh yeah, ''Damian added, ''As you can see, we tamed a giant wolf. We've got a new pet. We'll name him later.'' The wolf bowed his head to Brianna, who at first hesitantly touched it, then starting patting it. ''The fact that he's letting you do that means that you have earned his respect,'' Damian starts, ''which you totally deserve,'' Justice continues, ''because that took guts.''
All of this aside, they all turned to where the gate was supposed to be.''All right then, time to get going.'' Damian says, taking the key on his chain out. Arnold looked stunned by this. ''You're dad's lucky charm? Really?'' Damian shrugs.''I couldn't really believe it either, when he told me. I believe the term for this is ''Deus ex Machina'', when some new event, character, ability, or object solves a seemingly unsolvable problem in a sudden, unexpected way. Which would make sense if there was someone sitting at a desk, writing or typing all of this up, and us just being characters in a story or....''he shakes his head, confused.''Something.'' Malcolm, looks a bit flustered. ''Um, about that....'' when Brianna turns to look at him quizzically, he quickly changes the subject and says:''Never mind! Damian, open the gate!'' "They must never know,'' he solemnly thinks.
Damian holds his key up, and slowly, like an artist creating a piece, the gate appears, the whole thing glowing a radiant gold. He inserted the key into the hole, and turned. Again, the gate opened, and the portal was before them. The wind was whipping at their hair and clothes, but it felt like a summer breeze, the promise of a new day.
Jackie, Kumar,Justice, and the kids left first. Justice clasps hands with the others, gives hugs, and pats on the heads and backs.''See you on the other side.'' he says, as he salutes. Right before stepping through, Jackie suddenly runs back and kisses Roger full on the lips, Roger too stunned to do anything.'' I may never get the chance to do that again, so thanks.'' She waved at everyone, "Bye! Sorry about that, Diana!" and leaves with her group. Diana turns to Roger, eyebrows raised. Roger hurriedly stammers, trying to explain what happens, not wanting Diana to assume in any way that what just happened was because of him, But Diana l and pats Roger's arm. ''I'm not mad, Roger.'' Roger looks shocked. ''You're not?'' Diana just laughs and kisses him on the nose. ''No, silly. I think she just thought met you and immediately took a fancy to you, but didn't try anything because I was gone. Now that I'm here, she had the courage to try, knowing that I would figure this out. Can't say I blame her.'' Roger looked relieved, and immediately hugged Diana, who winced a little.'' The ribs, honey, the ribs.'' Apologizing, Roger let go, but still kept an arm around here.
The whole group took a deep breath, (yes, even the wolf), looked back at the island one last time, and stepped through the portal. It's a miracle that the wolf fit.
They passed through, and stepped into a whole new world.
***
Well, there you go. That's my shot at this, let's see how you like it. I've improved the story, brought in two new characters,(I leave the naming rights to you, Charlie), expanded on the old ones, and brought an old one back, and put forward some new ideas. And yes, Malcolm is the only one crazy enough to see through the fourth wall. Blame the experimentations.
Also, a message to Kishalan. I was able to get around your wish of Jackie and Roger, because this happening so soon after Diana's (supposed) death is just not right. I did let her have a consolation kiss, though.
This chapter was, as Kishalan has pointed out, noticably more light-hearted than the last one. This is to balance out all of the death and sadness from the last one, with some funny, some heartwarming, and a fair bit of awesome. This is a time of new beginnings, it needs to be happy.
Now, let the world-jumping begin.All I ask is for you to keep it going until my next turn, because I have an awesome thing in Ancient Rome. And yes, people from the different worlds can join the group if you so wish.
I hand the reins over to you, Charlie. Onward, Allons-y! Forward to the journey, I say, GERONIMO!!
***
Roger sat with his back to one of the walls, hugging his knees, his eyes and expression were shell-shocked. Arnold was hugging Jamie, either out of happiness that his little brother was safe, or because he needed to remind himself that all was not lost today. Brianna was curled up on the ground, the kids sitting around her.Everyone else from their team, as well as them, were sobbing. They had just learned about the losses of Diana, Samson, and Damian, and they just couldn't believe it. Today, each of them had lost something, family members, friends, someone close to them. Now was the time to mourn.
***
Arnold felt numb, desperately clinging to Jamie for warmth. He had just lost three of his friends, his best friend Damian was amongst them. Samson and Diana were gone as well, he would never see them again. He had to try and be strong, as the leader, but that just wasn't possible right now.
He started reminiscing, about how he had first met his best friend;
Arnold had been nine. His mum and dad were alive, and well. They had been at the airport, on a plane, flying to arrive on this island. Looking back on it now, they should never have gone.
His parents, Joshua and Beatrice Carpenter, were talking to the man standing behind the counter, trying to get seats on the plane. Arnold was bored, fiddling with the zips on his mother's suitcase. He had his mother's green eyes, and his father's sandy hair. His mother had always said that he looked like a little bunny. Arnold was more often than not, not amused. He was a very serious child, and his parents were worried that he would never make friends. Arnold didn't really care.
"Ya know, you won't get any fun outta playing with those, right?''
Arnold turned, to see who was talking behind him. It was a boy, around the same age as him. He had raven hair, and blue eyes. He was holding a jack-in-the box in his hands, and had a big grin on his face.''How about playing with my toy?"
Arnold yawned.'' Hello, nice to meet you. But please, a jack-in-the-box? Those things are so lame."
The boy shook his head."Not mine, I fixed it up. Wanna see?"
Curious, Arnold turned the knob, while the song played. When the song stopped, the top opened. But, instead of a clown..
BAM! ROAR!!! A giant monster head came out, and a pair of barrel sized scaly arms came out and clutched Arnold's throat. He could have sworn it was real, and he gasped, nearly screaming, and moved back. The other people in the line looked at him alarmingly.
Arnold pointed a shaking finger at the jack-in-the-box.''Muh-muh-monster!!!''
The boy was laughing. He waved at the others in the line.''Don't worry, it's not real.'' They all relaxed.
The boy showed Arnold the box.''It's just a hologram that I built. It looks and feels real, but it's not.'' He smiles.''Didja like it?''
Arnold heart was stilling pounding from the shock. He glared at the boy, and started chasing him around. They both ran around the lobby, but eventually stopped to catch their breath.
Panting, Arnold turned to the boy.''Ya..know, that wasn't.... such a..bad joke.''Arnold grinned.''It was actually..pretty funny. I'm Arnold.''
The boy said:''Nice to meet you, Arnold, I'm Damian.''
They shook hands.'' Wanna be friends?'' Arnold asks.
Damian's eyes lit up.''Yes! That's what I was planning would happen in the first place!" They high-fived each other, both beaming.
''He-hey, little man, what'cha doin'?" Damian is suddenly lifted off of the ground and held up high in the air by a smiling man that looked like an older version of him. Beside the man was a pretty lady that looked sort of like Snow White,complete with the raven hair and snowy skin. She said: "Ooh, made a new friend, Damian?"
She looked at Arnold, very happily, and stuck out her hand, and "Very nice to meet you. I'm Shaylee Parker, Damian's mom, but you can call me Shaylee if you want. What's your name?"
He shakes her hand,"Arnold Carpenter, ma'am. Umm, sorry, Miss Shaylee?"
She smiles and nods. Suddenly, he feels a playful bonk on his head,heard someone say: "Arnie", and turns around, and sees his dad kneeling behind him, grinning. His mom was behind him.
Joshua Carpenter was a very fun man. His motto was ''There's no point in being mature if you can't be immature ''sometimes''." He treated everyone as an equal, and always kneeled when he was talking to someone shorter, so that he could look them in the eye.
" Gonna introduce me to this young man, Arnie?" Joshua ruffles his son's hair, and grins at Damian.
"Hi, Mr.Carpenter!" Damian presented his hand to Joshua. "I'm Damian Parker, Arnie's new friend."
Joshua's eyes widened as he shook the little boy's hand, with a smile so big it looked like it would split his face in half. He stood up and shook both of the Parker's hands." Hello, I'm Joshua Carpenter, call me Joshua, or just ''Josh'', if you like. Damian's father fist-pumps him, and says: "Nigel Parker, call me Nigel. This, as you might assume, is my wife Shaylee."
''Awesome to meet you!'' Arnold's mom jumps forward and shakes both their hands gleefully, while carrying baby Jamie in her other hand.''Any friend of Arnie's is a friend of mine, and so are their parents!" She then starts playing with Damian, with Arnold and his dad not being able to repress a smile. They also found out that they were all going on the same plane, so Arnold and Damian got to sit together.
Beatrice ''Bea'' Carpenter was like a ray of happiness, energy, and joy. Her hair was golden like sunlight, her eyes blue like the sky. She was always upbeat, always happy. If Arnold was ever upset, she would say: ''Arnie.... fun time!!'', and start tickling him like crazy until he started laughing. Arnold's parents were amazing people.
Which made it hurt even more when he lost them.
***
Arnold sobbed. His parents had died when the monsters broke loose. Damian's dad was trying to evacuating everyone he could. However, one of the Death Hounds, a very large one, had attacked them. Arnold's dad tried to hold it off, even making a long, cross-shaped scar between it's eyes, in the centre of it's forehead, with his knife. But he had been bitten while the mother's were trying to get Arnie and Damian away. As he was bleeding, he had looked back, and given them one last smile, before he passed. The Death Hound had leaped at them, and Shaylee and Bea had just barely been able to push the kids away before they got hit, and were torn apart. He only had his mother's locket left. It had a sapphire embedded in it, and a picture of the Carpenters in it. They had been the only ones to call him ''Arnie'', so every time someone tried to call him that, painful memories of them would come flooding back. Damian still called him that, though. He was the only one Arnold was okay with calling him ''Arnie.'
But Damian wasn't dead. He knew it, but he had to find him..somehow...
***
Brianna, feeling numb, stumbled over to where Roger was, who looked positively shell-shocked. her face was still wet with tears, and so was his. They both needed to talk to someone.
Roger heard Brianna fall down next to him, he felt her poke his arm, but he didn't care. Diana was gone.
''Roger, I know what you're going through, believe me, I do, she-'' he heard her choking up '' she was my best friend. I think we both need to let our feelings out now, or we will never get over this.''
Roger turned his head to where Brianna was. Besides the similar names, they didn't look much alike. Brianna's hair was scarlet red, cheeks slightly chubby, and big, green eyes. Diana's hair was brown like chocolate, and had eyes that shone as blue as the sky. Opposites attract, he guessed.
''What should we talk about? How about how you met Diana. I'd like to hear that.''
Brianna took a deep, shaky breath.'' I first met her back in the 4th grade...''
I was always an outcast. I was mocked and ridiculed by the other kids, because I looked like a nerd. They wouldn't let me sit next to them at lunch, or play with them. I used to cry in the corner, hoping that I would, one day, have a friend. My wish was answered.
It was a Friday, it was my birthday. I had just turned 10. Everyone was teasing me again, but Diana came and stopped them. She was heroic back then too. She then turned to me, and said that it was her birthday too, put on a pair of glasses, took my hand, smiled, and said: ''Now we're both outcasts. And friends.''
Brianna was choking up, with fresh tears pouring.'' She... she was my first and best friend. She made me..made me into the person I am today.''
Roger was deeply moved, and even more tears flowed. Brianna then said: ''Your turn.''
"It's actually rather short, not really as good as your one." Roger shuddered as he took a deep breath, and started: ''My parents, they had just died in front of me. Struck down by a giant Death Hound, with a cross shaped scar on it's forehead. I later learned that this hound was the same one that killed Arnold's parents, and Damian's mom. We hate that thing so much, we've been trying to track it down, we went on a killing spree of those things to find it, hunted for a month for it. But we couldn't find it. I lay against that wall, broken down, crying my heart out, when someone passed me a bottle of water, gave me a hug, and told me that everything is gonna be all right. It was her. Hair like chocolate, flowing down her back like a waterfall, blue eyes like the sea, full of kindness. We became friends, started hanging out, and after a while, while we had just returned from a search mission, she was sad because we weren't able to find the people that we were looking for, so I kissed her. She was surprised, but kissed me back. I held her hand, and told her that everything was gonna be all right. It was going to be our first year anniversary today.''
Brianna rested her head on Roger's shoulder.'' I'm gonna miss her, so much.'' But Roger suddenly said:'' No, you're not.'' And got up, looking really excited.''Look, look, look!! The bands we gave each other, for our first month anniversary. Damian put a tracker on both of them as well as a heart rate measurer, so that we would know what the other was feeling, or how they were. DIANA'S HEART IS STILL BEATING!!!'' Everyone heard, and suddenly rushed to their feet. Arnold tossed Roger a sword, Brianna a crook, and took a hammer himself.'' LET'S GET YOUR GIRL BACK!!'' Everyone dashed, Roger leading the way. They ran around the building, as Roger's band started beeping in one direction, signalling that Diana was close, they all ran in that direction. In their path, they came across three Gas Masks. Not stopping, Arnold swung his hammer in the Gas Mask's mask, crushing it and caving in it's head, falling dead to the ground immediately., while Brianna hooked the crook around the leg of the second one while running, tripping it up, and while it was falling she stabbed it in the throat. Roger jumped forward onto the last one's torso, running it through, then using it as a springboard and bounded forward. Nobody was wasting time, nobody was holding back. The beeping was at it's highest and fastest when they were approaching a caved in wall, meaning Diana was behind it. Without any second thoughts, Roger jumped right into it and crashed through, landing on the other side, with a giant hole in the wall behind him. He saw Diana, lying in a pool of her blood, and a dead Gas Mask lying against the wall with a knife in it's eye socket. Roger rushed forward to Diana's side, and saw that there was a gash in her back. She opened her eyes, and weakly whispered:'' You....came for..me."
Roger smiled:"Always." He kissed the top of her head, and picked her up in his arms.''Now let's get you fixed up.''
***
As Damian left, Simon turned to the Sewer Master.'' Do you really think it was wise, telling him the location of the portal?''
They were in a large space in the sewers, free of the dirty water and stench. They had converted it into their own little hideout, complete with beds, chairs, wardrobe, and a TV. Simon was however, reading Game of Thrones on the sofa.
We can't go through it, can we?'' Sewer Master replied.'' Rat Man stopped us from going when he escaped through it, stealing the key that we had and hacking the machine, stopping me from getting through. He apparently hid it somewhere around the island, but I haven't found it. Better him than us to leave.'' He leaned forward, looking at the book's pages.'' I feel bad for Eddard Stark, he doesn't know how close his death is. He knows how much danger he is in, yet is honourable to the bitter end. I feel that I share a kinship to him, as I don't think that I will give up hope on these kids yet. Who do you think you resemble, Simon?''
''Tyrion Lannister, the Imp'' was the reply. Sewer Master chuckled. ''I have never known you to be as sneaky or to perform acts as manipulative as Tyrion, Simon. I do, however, think that some of your murders were ingenious. I pray that giving you the benefit of the doubt and a chance of redemption won't bite me in the end.'' He walked away, into the inner sewers. ''Oh, I can be ''plenty'' sneaky when I want to be." Simon called after him. He smirked, and said to himself quietly:'' Costume time. Have to get to the portal while the time is right.'' He went to the wardrobe, and took out a blue suit that he changed into, putting on a black wig and a fake moustache. He then grinned, as he held the golden key, an emerald set in it, that he had taken off of his last victim, Nigel Parker.'' Peter Slaw has somewhere to be.''
***
Damian was still staggering weakly, as he said into his radio, "Arnie, this is Damian. Please, bring everyone to the north of the island. I found a way out.'' He had been bandaged up by Sewer Master who told him that there was a way for them to get out, but he was still hurt and dizzy. He had been told about the keys, the keys that could open a portal at the north of the island to get them out. He had immediately felt a weight against his neck, but didn't say anything about it. Once had had gotten out, he had pulled out his chain. He had been given it by his father for his fourteenth birthday. On the chain was a golden key, with a ruby set in it. His father had kept one like it, but his one had an emerald. He had not known what they were for, neither of them. but he knew now. They were the keys to the portal.
After walking out of the sewer, he had arrived onto a barren area, full of hills and cliffs, overlooking the sea. But from the cliff's vantage point, he could only see the fortified walls, high as the sky, and the rocky drop below the cliffs themselves. He however, still tried to look beyond the cliffs, but he slipped and fell.
He was rushing towards the ground, but the sound of the wind whistling in his ear had barely started when it stopped, 10 feet from the cliff-side's top. He looked at himself, and he was glowing in a blue aura, floating in the air. He looked up, to the left, and saw a kid of around fourteen,sitting on one of the hills, hand outstretched, and the hand was glowing blue.'' I'm sorry man, but you can't bungy jump without a cord, safety violation.'' The boy had hair as white as snow,and startling violet eyes, and he was grinning like a maniac. He brought his hand up, and amazingly, Damian floated up past the cliff-side and was put down a couple of meters away, moving with the boys hand. Damian stared wide-eyed at the buy, awestruck. " Th-thank you. How did you DO that? Who are you?''
The boy chuckled:'' Well, I'm not a Targaryen, I can assure you of that. The name's Malcolm Grimshaw Braddock , I heard you say that your name is Damian, (nice to meet you, Damian!)and as to how I can do this," suddenly, pebbles starting spinning in a wheel around his hand, all glowing blue, ''genetic experimentation. I can move things ''with my mind"he said spookily, as he wiggled his fingers, the pebbles still spinning.''Also, duck!'' He sent all of the pebbles flying like missiles right above Damian's head, which had ducked just in time to avoid getting hit, as a Wildebeest Monster fell off the side of the cliff, eight pebbles having stabbed the area around his heart.
Malcolm said:''Sorry about that, the Wildebeest was about to trample you. Um,'' he suddenly looked very shy, fiddling with his fingers, head lowered, and the pebbles around started to tremble with a nervous energy,'' Can I come with you, to the exit spot? I, I have to get off this island. There's nothing but bad memories for me here.'''
Damian nodded. Malcolm looked shocked, he raised his head and the pebbles stopped moving.''Really?''
Damian grinned:'' You just saved my life twice in a row, I don't see why not.''
***
Diana slowly opened her eyes, and saw that she was in a warm bed, in Justice's base. She felt a tight grip in her hand, and saw Roger, who had been sitting by her sickbed and fell asleep, holding Diana's hand. She smiled, he looked so adorable. She looked under her blankets and saw that she was wearing a hospital gown,(apparently Justice's group had stopped in the local hospital for a while before it got overrun by Gas Masks), her legs bare while her stomach was wrapped with bandages. She lifted her other hand, which was bandaged up around the wrist as well, and tapped Roger's head, and said: ''Good morning sleepy.''
Roger woke up in a start, an alarmed look in his eyes. Diana patted his arm; ''Easy, silly. Just me.''
The look in his eyes instantly changed from worried to relieved and elated, as a beaming smile broke across his face.'' Diana, you're awake. You're okay!'' He wraps Diana in a tight hug, which Diana returns, but she winces a bit as her wounds were still very sore. Roger notices the wince and lets go of her.'' Um, sorry.''
Diana shakes her head, smiling." Don't be. It's a good kind of pain, it tells me that I'm alive. Where are all of the kids?''
Roger laughed.''You've been out for a couple of hours. As for the kids," he gestured around;''Look around the room, and you will find your answer.'' Diana did as Roger said, and gasped. The kids of both of the groups were all fast asleep in various places inside the room, some in the chairs, some on the floor, and some were asleep with their backs to the wall.'' They all wanted to see you, their ''big sis''; and Brianna; "Roger pointed towards the ground ''had the same idea.'' Brianna had snuggled up on the ground, fast asleep, one hand firmly holding on to the bedpost.,Diana laughed, proud and happy. Roger grinned, and started rummaging in his bag for something.'' But I needed to see you before they did, but I didn't wanna wake you, so i just slept here until you woke up, but anyway, I have something for you.'' Roger pulled out a gift-wrapped box from his bag, it fit in his palm and had a nice, neat little bow attached to it.
Diana raised her eyebrows. ''Is this what I think it is, because we are still under-age, Rogy.''
Roger chuckled.''No, no, it's not a ring. Happy anniversary, Diana.'' He handed her the box, a little shyly.
''Aww, you remembered! Thank you!'' She planted a small kiss on Roger's nose, and then proceeded to open the box, and then gasped when she saw what was inside. It was a locket, hand crafted from the look of it, made of silver and gold, and enamelled with rubies in hearts and stars. It was as big and round as her thumb, and remarkably well detailed, with a crystal embedded in the centre, so that when she held it up to the light the whole thing glowed.'' It's beautiful, Roger,'' Diana murmured. Roger smiled, and said: ''I saved the best bit for last. Open it.'' Diana did as Roger said, and saw that on the inside, it was like a photo album, with ten slots for pictures in it. A few had already been filled in, with pictures of Diana as a child, Diana with her parents, Diana with Brianna, and a recent one, a picture of Diana and Roger, and their first kiss. Tears were falling from her eyes, ''Thank you so much for building this, Rogy.'' Looking quite modest, Roger said: ''Aww, no worries. Damian did help me on a bit of it...' he trailed off, looking quite sad at the loss of his friend.
Diana quickly tried to change the subject,'' Well, time for your present, Rogy!'' She reached into her knapsack, (that had been hanging from her bedpost the whole time), and pulled something out, which she held tightly in her hand. ''I'm sorry I didn't make this, I went on a hunt across the island for it and found it a week ago, and fixed it up. Here,'' she held out her still-enclosed hand with the gift in it, ''Happy Anniversary''.
She opened up her hand. In it lay a pocket watch, with the letters R.R etched on it. Roger moved his hand towards it shakily, not daring to believe it. He picked it up, and opened it. It opened up in three sections, the clock and two covers. On the left cover, there was a picture of a family; a beaming dad, a smiling mum, and a little boy, looking so innocent and happy.'' My dad's pocket watch. Him and mum used to share it.'' Tears were streaming down Roger's eyes.'' R.R, Roy Ridgeway, but after his marriage it stood for Rory and Ruby, my dad and my mom. Heh,'' his lips curved upwards into a half-smile,'' Rory, Ruby, and Roger. Thank you, Diana, thank you so much.And you know what?'' He rummaged in his pocket and fished out a photo.'' I've got something to add to it.''It was a group photo taken at the kids' last camping trip by the lake, which was quite secluded and so no Gas Masks had ever shown up there, but it wasn't safe to risk it. The photo had Arnold with his arms around his little brother Jamie, Damian making rabbit ears on both of them, Philip in the corner, smiling, Sam with a stack of firewood on his shoulder, Justice in the back, beaming broadly, Brianna next to Diana, who was in the centre with Roger, and they both had an arm around the other, and they were all smiling at the camera, the silhouette of a camp-fire burning merrily away in the background. he fitted it into the last remaining cover flap, and showed it Diana, his eyes twinkling at her giggle.''Happy Anniversary, Diana Beauregard.'' ''Happy Anniversary, Roger Ridgeway.'' They moved closer together, and kissed. When they stopped, with their foreheads touching, Roger whispered:'' I love you, Diana. Please never forget that.''''Diana smiled; ''I love you too, Roger.'' They kissed again, but this kiss was filled with emotions. Filled with passion, relief, and happiness. This kiss was shorter, however, as they heard a multitude of voices groaning;''Eeeew!!'' They broke away and saw that all of the kids were now awake, and looked pretty grossed out. Brianna was up as well, leaning on her elbow, and said with a grin on her face:''Why don't you two just get a room?'' Rger's response was:'' We did get a room, but all of you moved into it!'' Everyone started cracking up at that, and they were still laughing when Arnold walked in breathlessly:, radio in his hand.'' Guys, Damian is alive! He's telling us to head the the north of the island as fast as we can, he's found a way out!Oh, and hey, Diana, good to see that you're up,'' he added, as he saw everybody staring at him, mouths gaping.''Well c'mon, guys! According to Damian, the exit's gonna close soon so we have to get there now, no time to change, just grab your stuff and let's go!!;; He dashed out of the room, everybody still gaping.
***
The Sewer Master was on his patrol across the island, seeing if there was anybody he could help, anyone that needed saving. He found that much of the area was deserted, except for bare bodies lying everywhere, human as well as Gas Mask. So much bloodshed, some much death. He passed by a man and wife, lying dead, their hands clasped. Together even in death. He saw a little girl, lying close to them, her eyes shut. She could've been sleeping, stuck in a dream from which she would never wake up from. She would never be able to have her tenth birthday, go to her first school dance, to her first date. Her parents will never be able to help her with her homework, see her graduate, see her get her first job, walk her down the aisle at her wedding. ''Nevermore, shall this happen,'' he thought to himself, ''Nevermore, for life is but a fleeting dream, while death is when you wake up.''
He would walk by, arranging bodies so that they look peaceful, even in death. He put a pair of teenage girls who has obviously died together lying side by side with each other, hands clasped, eyes shut, and face free of torment, relaxed and easy. He realized that this was probably a bit creepy, but if he couldn't help them in life, he still had to try to help them in death. Suddenly, he heard something. A wheezing sound, the sound of a dying person struggling to breathe. The sound was quite weak, but it was definitely there. Meaning there was a living person somewhere, and they too would die if he didn't hurry. He ran at full speed to the source of the noise, a few blocks away, his longcoat billowing in the wind behind him .If it had been anyone else, the person would have died before they got there. He ran to the source of the noise, it was inside a large, abandoned building. Jumping over a few dozen bodies, he saw the source of the noise. A young man was lying face-down on the cold stone ground, a meat cleaver in his hands, and a fair few Gas Mask bodies around him. Sewer Master checked his pulse;nothing. He then pressed his fingers to the young man;s temples, and felt a beating sound. The boy's heart had already failed, but his brain was still functioning. Hmmm....
***
The compass had led Damian and Malcolm most of the way there, but currently it was acting rather wonky, moving very erratically.''Any ideas as to why it's doing this?'' Damian looked back at Malcolm, not really expecting an answer.''Simple,'' Malcolm yawned,'' The island has been cut off from the rest of the world, off the grid, and it seems to be in it's own little pocket dimension, which explains why we need a portal to get out. So, as it is the largest body in the surrounding area, not attached to the rest of the Earth, it's developed it's own little gravitational field. Plus, this used to be a mining area, so it has iron and lodestone in abundance So we're experiencing the same sort of trouble that people face when they approach the North Pole.'' Damian gaped at him. Malcolm shrugged.''Just 'cause I'm quirky doesn't make me unintelligent.'' Damian hurriedly closed his mouth.''R-right''. ''Malcolm just keeps surprising me...''he thought. Damian looked forward, and saw the long trek ahead. They would never make it on time. It was as he was telling this to Malcolm that he heard a powerful roar that literally shook his bones came from right behind him. He turned around, and wished he hadn't.
A huge wolf, as long and big as a bear, stood before them, snarling. It had fur like snow, and intelligent grey eyes. And right now, those eyes were thinking of all the possible ways to eat them.
Damian whispered, as quietly as he could: ''Two things. One, the wolf looks like we could ride on it's back like a horse, and two, how is it so big?''
Malcolm frowned. ''It's probably due to genetic testing, just like my powers. Maybe the guys over at the Cube were trying to create an enhanced beast of destruction.. Also, it looks really heavy, so I don't think that I'll be able to hold it back if it attacks.''
''All right then.'' Damian pulls out what looks like a baton, but he switches it on and it starts crackling with electricity.''Then we gotta tame this bad boy. You go left, Ill go right. Ready.....GO!!''
Both of them sidestepped to their respective sides, as the giant wolf leaped forward. As it passed him while he was still mid-jump, Damian twisted around and grabbed hold of it's ear.By the time it had landed, he had already crawled up to it's neck.
Malcolm was hitting hard with all of the small things around him, especially the rocks. He had constructed a glowing blue baseball bat from his powers, and was now using it to smash things at the wolf.''Before you have us as your main course, how about an appetizer? Batter up!!''
But most of the shots only served to annoy the wolf, who was sporting a 'really, man?'' expression on it's face. However, a particularly large rock hit it square between the eyes, and it got really mad, roaring at Malcolm with such power that the trees actually shook, and was about to maul Malcolm to death before Damian, muttering: ''Pressure points...nerves...ah, a nerve cluster. Perfect!'', jabbed the baton right at the base of the wolf's neck, with the taser function on full power, and jumped off just in time.
ZZAP!! The blue electricity danced across the wolf's body and it's pupils dilated as it was paralysed, and shocked. After the taser had run out of power, the wolf stood still for several moments, Malcolm and Damian waiting with bated breath. Finally, it slumped to the ground, knocked out. ''Yes!'' the boys yelled simultaneously, and high-fived. ''So,'' Damian posed the question, ''what do we do with it?'' ''Him.'' Malcolm said thoughtfully. Then he snapped his fingers,(which caused all of the leaves around him to move back.).'' I got it! You said the wolf's big enough for lots of us to ride on it, right? So we use him as transportation to get to the portal, and our own personal ride! Plus,'' he added, looking at the wolf's unconscious form and patting it's head.''He can be our pet. He is pretty adorable.''
Suddenly, the wolf woke up, and reared his head at them, growling. But Malcolm was having none of it, he used his powers and hit the ground with his hands, causing the wolf's head to slam down to the ground, and he kept it there.''Down, Boy! We have beaten you, stop this!''
''Woah, there, Malcolm! I think he's still mad,'' Damian reached towards the wolf's neck,''Because this is still stuck in him,'' and pulled the taser baton out.
Malcolm released the wolf. Sure enough, it rose from the ground and looked at them, but didn't attack. Both Malcolm and Damian held out a hand, and the wolf let them pat his head. ''He looks to be an alpha wolf,'' Damian explained,'' and so needs to be beaten in a fight to be made loyal. We fought it and beat it, so now it will listen to us, obedient as a....dog, I guess.'' He hopped up on to the wolf's back and motioned for Malcolm to do the same. After they both had gotten on, Damian reminded Malcolm to use the fur as a handle, and to hold on.''C'mon, boy!''Malcolm says, ''GO!''
The wolf listened, and took a flying leap through the forest they were in and hit the ground running, bounding along like a beast of legend.
***
They were panting by the time they got there, Diana noticed. Everyone had their backpacks, and everyone looked exhausted, though they had just run what was akin to a mile to get to the north of the island. The pain from her injuries had flared up again, and she could barely stand up straight. Along with that, it was freezing cold, and she was still wearing the hospital gown, with nothing else but a pair of sandals for comfort, so she was hurting, and cold. Thankfully, Roger offered her his shoulder to lean on, which did help considerably. They had reached a gate, a very large golden gate with a key slot in the centre. They were surrounded by hills, on every side, making their location a mini-valley of sorts. To their surprise, the gate was glowing, with the keyhole radiating the most intensely.
Justice seems both awed and confused.''I don't get it. We've been on this island for years, how have we not found this place before?'' Kumar replies: ''Perhaps we needed the key to be able to see it? Wait, everybody, get down!''
Everyone seemed confused as to why, but they hid behind the closest hill surface anyway. After a few moments, they could see why.
A man emerged from the road going into the centre of the mini-valley, wearing a blue suit, slicked back hair, and a small scar on his cheek.'He had a dozen Gas Masks behind him'That...that's Peter Slaw'' Jamie whispered. Anrold turned his head sharply to look at him.''Really, are you absolutely sure?'' Jamie nodded.''Yes, I'm sure.''
Arnold growled, looking absolutely furious.''The animal that murdered Damian's father,'' he muttered, rising.''Time to return the favour.''
But Brianna stopped him.'' Arnie, no!'' She said.'' We have to see what happens here. I don't think we can get through without that guy's help, even if he knows it or not. Besides,'' she switched to a sad and quiet voice,''killing him won't bring Mr.Parker back.'' Anrold grumbled, and sat back down.
Suddenly, Peter started talking.'' All right, all of you,'' he said to the Gas Masks, ''no one gets past this gate. I do not want my escape from this hell thwarted by anyone, understood?'' The Gas Masks nodded vigorously.''And just for added insurance,'' Peter Slaw added,'' My personal attack dogs are coming with me. I'm leaving one with you as a guard dog, and one with me. All right?'' The Gas Masks nodded again, and Peter Slaw whistled.''Here, boys!''
Under their breath, as silently as they could, they uttered a scream. Two huge Death Hounds were lumbering forward, twice as tall as any of the Gas masks. Roger and Arnold, however, looked as though they had just seen their parents' murderer. They had, in fact. One of the hounds, the bigger, nastier one, with blood red eyes, had a cross-shaped scar in the centre of it's forehead.
Arnold's radio was still on.''Arnie,'' Damian's voice whispered.''What's happening?'' Shaking with rage, Arnold replied: ''Slaw is here. And he owns the beast that killed our parents.'' On the other side of the radio, Damian swore.''I'll be there as quick as possible. I want a shot at this guy.'' Then the radio closed.
Slaw held up a key, the same gold as the gate, a diamond in it's base..''So that key is the reason we can see the gate.'' Diana whispered.
Slaw inserted the key into the lock and turned. A great booming sound was heard. The door opened by itself. Inside was what appeared to be similar to a Stargate. It was a large ring set into a base, in the centre of which was a swirling mass of colour that appeared to be a ''wormhole'', as Damian would call it. He looked back, smiled wickedly, and said:''Well, island, it's been fun.Actually it hasn't it's been horrible. But I'm gonna miss ya. Ah, who am I kidding, I'm psyched to be leaving!! Hasta-la-vista, baby!!!'' Then he and the cross scarred Hound stepped through the portal, to who knows where, but away from here. The gate seemed to disappear, after he left. Everyone knew that they had to get to the gate, and find some way to open it, but they knew that the Hound and Gas Masks would slaughter them before they got there. Then they heard a howl, and someone yell:''Here ya go, Wolfie! PLAY TIME!!''
The hill over the road glows blue, and flattens, connecting with the road to form a slide ramp, with four Gas Masks still on it,as a huge white wolf leaps over it. Damian and a white haired boy were on it. Damian yells: ''Guess what, guys? I got us a pet! And he's AWESOME!!!''
The boy leaps off the wolf, screaming:''Yippee-kay-yay!'' and starts sliding down the ramp with a lot of speed, and when he gets close to the Gas Masks,(who are holding very large spears), he slides under the spears and scythe-kicks both of the first two, causing them to start falling, clothes-lines the other two with a lariat, and somehow, the spears the first two were holding shine with a blue tinge, and then start moving on their own, running right through all four of the Gas Masks(while the four were still falling, no less) while going towards the boy and he catches them mid-flight, landing at the bottom of the ramp in a fighting pose, duel wielding both of the spears with a crazy grin on his face, at the same time the wolf and Damian land in front of the Death Hound, both dogs snarling. The insanely awesome boy says:''Let's get this party started.''
***
Damian and the Malcolm fought the rest of the Gas Masks on their own, with the wolf fighting the hound, and everyone too stunned to be able to do anything. That's okay. For now, they didn't need to.
Malcolm utilized every advantage he got, using the spears for both offence and defence, using the pole of it to block an attack while using all of it as a weapon, combining naginata, the art of the spear, and staff fighting. Of course, that was just a side effect simulation, he was making it all up as he went along. (Perhaps he had already learnt them, and only thought he was making them up?Question for another day.)
He kept using his telekinesis to his advantage, using every small object around him as distractions and missiles, and using it to redirect and potentially lethal hit that the Gas Masks would land on him. By contrast, Damian was using every weapon he had on him right now. Fire gauntlets, hidden blades, and taser batons being what he had, he put them to good use. Bouncing around like a monkey and hitting them with the hidden blade at vital points whenever he could. Of course, them being zombies, and all, this only served to annoy them. So he used his fire gauntlets to give them hot feet and then electrocute them with the baton, or just flat out incinerate them, with the gauntlets at full power to melt the metal. Depended on how he felt to that particular Gas Mask. he felt the incineration to be more sadistic, but the electrocution to be more painful, as they were coated with metal. But, seeing as how the incinerations had used up the gauntlet's power, he was sort of in the middle. Malcolm was done with his group at around the same time, throwing his bloody and broken spear sticks away. They both went towards the wolf to help, but it didn't really look like as though he needed any. The Hound might, though.
The wolf and the Death Hound circled each other at first, each sizing the other up. Then, they stuck with their claws and teeth, slashing, biting, each trying to keep the other down. The wolf was larger, he did not go down. He did not feel the bites, or the claw slashes of the Hound. The Hound, however, felt differently. It was outmatched from the start, but it did not know that until the wolf body slammed it , causing a powerful tremor to go through the ground. The hound back away, a genuinely terrified look on it's face, as the wolf slowly moving in for the kill, before Brianna, surprising everyone by actually snapping out of her stupor and moving by sliding down the hill and towards the wolf,stopped him by standing in his way. "No, wolf! Bad! you do not kill members of your own kind like that!'' The wolf still looked murderous, it tried to move forward but it couldn't, Malcolm's powers holding it back. He did not know who this person was, but she was about to try something totally insane. He respected that, and wanted to make sure she went through with it. "Uh, Brianna?'' Damian whispered, ''Awesome to see you, by they way, but exactly what are you doing?'' "Making sure this guy lives,'' Brianna replies. Then she goes right back to scolding the wolf. ''I mean, consider this; you've obviously gone through genetic experimentation to get like that, right? Now, that must have been really painful, right? Now, imagine if this hound was genetically tested on to become like this too? It's felt the same way you did, felt the same pain that you did, how can you bear to kill it after knowing that?!Just because it's called a Death Hound does not mean that it doesn't have feelings!!!'' The wolf actually looked rather sheepish, with a lowered head and puppy dog eyes, like a child who has just been scolded. ''Hmph!'' Brianna says, as she folds her arms.'' Now, go apologize!'' Walking like a little hurt dog, the wolf moved towards the Hound(after he had been released from Malcolm's telekinetic hold, of course. He pulled the hound up by the scruff of it's neck, and then licked over it's wounds. The hound did the same for the wolf, and then it and the wolf started licking Brianna, who very soon got utterly soaked with slobber before the Hound left, going into the forest. Brianna, shivering, said: 'Brrrr, so cold, so wet, I need to change at the next stop.'' Diana, not caring about her injuries, leaped ahead down the hill, hospital gown flapping around her legs, and hugged Brianna tightly, not caring about the slobber that got on her.''Thank goodness you're all right, Bree! I knew you could do it, that was amazing!'' Damian came forward and gave Brianna a hug too, saying that she did great, and Roger came down to do the same.Pretty soon, everyone had come down to congratulate her.Malcolm shyly approached her, and stuck out a hand. ''Um, hello. My name is Malcolm Grimshaw Braddock, nice to meet you. You were awesome back there.'' Brianna laughed, and shook his hand. ''Nice to meet you, Malcolm. I'm Brianna Jane Boncear, and you were pretty cool during the fight as well.I would give you a hug too, if I wasn't covered in ...dog spit?.'' It was mid sentence that she noticed that she was actually dry, despite only a few minutes having gone by. She looked at everyone that had hugged her, who were all dry as well. She said" ''How is this possible?'' when Malcolm pointed upwards, where she looked and saw that all of the slobber droplets had floated up and formed a gaint bubble, which moved on it's own into the forest, where it's cohesion stopped and all of the liquid spilled on to the ground. ''I pulled all of the slobber droplets off of you gus and made them float up and join together.You're welcome,'' Malcolm says, grinning. Brianna makes good on her offer and hugs Malcolm, who actually seemed to blush. ''How did you do that?'' she asked. Malcolm waved the question away.''Tell you later. All I can tell you is that I've been holding back quite a lot. Flattening the hill was a little challenging, but still easy. That'll probably be a plot point later on.'' Suddenly, Damian took him by the shoulder and said to the group: ''Guys, this is Malcolm. He's a little wierd, but he's a really awesome guy and he's saved my life twice today, so please welcome him into our group!'' which was recieved by much clapping and blushing from Malcolm. ''Oh yeah, ''Damian added, ''As you can see, we tamed a giant wolf. We've got a new pet. We'll name him later.'' The wolf bowed his head to Brianna, who at first hesitantly touched it, then starting patting it. ''The fact that he's letting you do that means that you have earned his respect,'' Damian starts, ''which you totally deserve,'' Justice continues, ''because that took guts.''
All of this aside, they all turned to where the gate was supposed to be.''All right then, time to get going.'' Damian says, taking the key on his chain out. Arnold looked stunned by this. ''You're dad's lucky charm? Really?'' Damian shrugs.''I couldn't really believe it either, when he told me. I believe the term for this is ''Deus ex Machina'', when some new event, character, ability, or object solves a seemingly unsolvable problem in a sudden, unexpected way. Which would make sense if there was someone sitting at a desk, writing or typing all of this up, and us just being characters in a story or....''he shakes his head, confused.''Something.'' Malcolm, looks a bit flustered. ''Um, about that....'' when Brianna turns to look at him quizzically, he quickly changes the subject and says:''Never mind! Damian, open the gate!'' "They must never know,'' he solemnly thinks.
Damian holds his key up, and slowly, like an artist creating a piece, the gate appears, the whole thing glowing a radiant gold. He inserted the key into the hole, and turned. Again, the gate opened, and the portal was before them. The wind was whipping at their hair and clothes, but it felt like a summer breeze, the promise of a new day.
Jackie, Kumar,Justice, and the kids left first. Justice clasps hands with the others, gives hugs, and pats on the heads and backs.''See you on the other side.'' he says, as he salutes. Right before stepping through, Jackie suddenly runs back and kisses Roger full on the lips, Roger too stunned to do anything.'' I may never get the chance to do that again, so thanks.'' She waved at everyone, "Bye! Sorry about that, Diana!" and leaves with her group. Diana turns to Roger, eyebrows raised. Roger hurriedly stammers, trying to explain what happens, not wanting Diana to assume in any way that what just happened was because of him, But Diana l and pats Roger's arm. ''I'm not mad, Roger.'' Roger looks shocked. ''You're not?'' Diana just laughs and kisses him on the nose. ''No, silly. I think she just thought met you and immediately took a fancy to you, but didn't try anything because I was gone. Now that I'm here, she had the courage to try, knowing that I would figure this out. Can't say I blame her.'' Roger looked relieved, and immediately hugged Diana, who winced a little.'' The ribs, honey, the ribs.'' Apologizing, Roger let go, but still kept an arm around here.
The whole group took a deep breath, (yes, even the wolf), looked back at the island one last time, and stepped through the portal. It's a miracle that the wolf fit.
They passed through, and stepped into a whole new world.
***
Well, there you go. That's my shot at this, let's see how you like it. I've improved the story, brought in two new characters,(I leave the naming rights to you, Charlie), expanded on the old ones, and brought an old one back, and put forward some new ideas. And yes, Malcolm is the only one crazy enough to see through the fourth wall. Blame the experimentations.
Also, a message to Kishalan. I was able to get around your wish of Jackie and Roger, because this happening so soon after Diana's (supposed) death is just not right. I did let her have a consolation kiss, though.
This chapter was, as Kishalan has pointed out, noticably more light-hearted than the last one. This is to balance out all of the death and sadness from the last one, with some funny, some heartwarming, and a fair bit of awesome. This is a time of new beginnings, it needs to be happy.
Now, let the world-jumping begin.All I ask is for you to keep it going until my next turn, because I have an awesome thing in Ancient Rome. And yes, people from the different worlds can join the group if you so wish.
I hand the reins over to you, Charlie. Onward, Allons-y! Forward to the journey, I say, GERONIMO!!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe main reasons I gave Malcolm the telekinesis and made him crazy are:
ReplyDeleteTelekinetic reasons:
1. Gives him something to set him apart from the others.
2. Psychic powers are AWESOME.
3. He's my personal creation, dammit!( Of course, so's the Wolf, but I share credit with whoever names him.)
4. It will make the action sequences AWESOME to write, since he combines physical combat with his powers. Redirecting everything thrown at you, using random objects to fly out and defend you, etc An example of what it could be like is this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63zO34ZSXL8
, and yes, those are telekinetically powered punches, and this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBilT83Uq4A.
Well, minus the fact that the guy is summoning those swords from hyperspace,the realm where people summon objects from, (who knows, someone could add hyperspace as one of his, or someone else's powers) and that he can teleport.(Also possible power, for him or someone else, because that power is SO spammable and awesome for trolling.)
Why he is crazy
1: Is very plausible given his experimentations, which could have driven him to it)
2. Makes him fun to write.
3.Gives me someone to make fourth wall breaking references.
3. CRAZY AWESOMENESS. He can and WILL do things others deem to insane, like jumping of planes and cliffs, taking on an army on his own, fighting people with guns with no protection and weapons, or in other words be a Jack Sparrow taken up to an eleven.
(This is the second time I am doing this comment, I removed it the first time to correct an error.)
(this is not the first comment) hey Charlie are you continuing from this point or are you writing a prequel?I found so many interesting openings from these 2 stories for a prequel and i really want to write one.
ReplyDeleteFor the wolf's name, might I suggest "Garurumon", or just "Garuru"? The wolf seems to look like Garurumon without the purples stripes. See?
ReplyDeletehttp://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100503202851/digimonserbia/images/5/57/Garurumon.jpg
Also, Char. If you have read it, can you please post a comment about what you think?
ReplyDelete(this is not the first comment)lets wait till the first meeting of term4. if Charlie doesn't read it by then i'll take over. what do you say Hassan?
ReplyDelete.....Damn I should've answered that a while ago.
ReplyDelete