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a-crash-in-time-collection · 8 months

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Chapter 43: Thoughts In The Sky

It was a little rainy that day. The type that you would barely notice aside from the occasional drop landing on the tip of your nose. It creates a peaceful feeling in the air. It's notably different from your normal, sunny, or cloudy days, yet it isn't a pouring mess that makes you cancel your plans. It would only be an issue if you were spending the day traveling for supplies. This happened to be the case for the group of toppats as they slowly approached the top of the mountain.

They all made this trip at least once before, so it wasn't that much of a change from what you would have expected. It shouldn't even be something to note. Just make sure anything that could be affected by the rain was wrapped up safely. And even then, that could be seen as an overreaction considering how little the rain was. Sven was already prepared for that though, he tended to be. That would be nice as long as no one else commented about it. At least this was the only trip they would need to take for almost the entirety of the next month if his calculations were correct.

As the lift they were on made contact with the mountainside, they all began to head out onto the Skyline ground. They didn't know how they missed this system of transportation in the beginning for so long, but that was beside the point now. Fredrick and Jaques got the boxes they brought out with them as Sven went to find the first place they needed to get to. Calla helped Burt out of the lift. She gave a smile as she glanced out over the distance. It was nice up here…

She and the others sat down nearby to properly rest from the trip from the crashed station to here. They had a chance in the lift, technically, but you didn't want to risk falling to your death with one wrong move because you weren't paying attention. Normally Right Hand Man would be there in case someone fell, but he had.. more important things to take care of that day. A frown came across Calla's face as she thought of that. She still didn't know exactly what happened to Hat Girl, but…

She felt a hand on her shoulder, glancing behind to see Burt looking at her with a hint of concern in his eyes. He pulled back his hand. "Are you alright?" He asked, tilting his head. "It isn't like you to be so…" He gave a faint shrug. "Sad," He said for the lack of a better word.

"I'm fine… It's just." She let out a small sigh as she rested her hands in her lap, drawing the other two's attention to her. She thought about whether she should continue speaking for a moment. Did her thoughts need to be said aloud when they were so obvious? "It's Hattie. Thinking about her.."

"It isn't fair what happened to her," Jaques said with a sigh, glancing to the side as he leaned back. The other four looked at him silently. Noticed the faint shake in his hands. They didn't comment on it, they knew better too. Even if he was one of them in terms of rank now, he was a leader of the clan. “I…don't want to get into it but. It's so easy to tell whatever those, jewel store felines did, it isn't gonna be gone for a long while."

"I just wish I knew what happened. It isn't mine, nor anyone else's place to know but.." Fredrick sighed as he leaned against Burt, the other man holding his hand. "I just.. she's so young. Whatever happened messed her up mentally and it just isn't right!"

Burt was quiet as he nodded. Fredrick had glanced at him when he said that, and both knew why he had. "I don't think we should be talking about this, at least this often," Burt said, looking at the group. Calla tilted her head, but Jaques gave a faint nod. "Everyone's been talking about it behind her and her family's backs," Burt said as he gently helped Fredrick straighten up. "They need the time and proper headspace to heal. You don't think they hear us? Do you think our words help?"

The group was silent for a moment as the rest thought about his words. "He does have a point. Doesn't apply much here since they aren't around, but he does have one." Jaques stated.

The conversation was interrupted by heavy footsteps against the ground. They all quickly shot to their feet and backed up toward one of the buildings as they watched the scene. One of the lazy paw cats jumped into view, dragging along a necklace whose centerpiece was as big as their head. One of the mountain goats was after it. The group didn't even see them yet, they could just see the looming shadow at the end of their sights. The cat jumped next to the lift as the sound of footsteps sped up.

For being half blind, Burt was the first to see what was going to happen as he pushed Calla and Fredrick down.

A loud crash filled the air as the cat just barely dodged out of the way of the charging Goat. As they made contact, the lift and the system attached to it broke, sending wood everywhere.

Jaques could barely stubble his way out of the way of some of the debris, falling to the floor in the process. A loud crash came over the other three's heads as a piece of metal slammed into the wall above them. Fredrick took a peek up, and let out a small shiver as part of his hat's top had been sliced off, and the metal was stuck in the hole it had made in the wall. He wasn't going to say he would have died if it hit him, but he didn't have hopes he wouldn't have. It seemed so clear.

The air was silent, except for the breathing of the goat as they stumbled back onto their feet.

"And that.." Jaques was the first to speak up, a small grunt to his voice as he got up from the ground. "Is an example of why I wanted to become immortal." He sighed as he dusted himself off.

"What on earth happened?!" Sven's voice suddenly called, the blonde man appearing with a bag, one of the nomads beside him.

"It wasn't our fault, and I'd argue it wasn't the goats either," Fredrick stated, glaring at the Lazy Paw just in time to catch them turning invisible. "Hey, get back here-"

"I don't think they would help us even if they listened," Calla said, taking a breath as she went over to Sven. The man looked over her for any hint of an inquiry as the Nomad walked up to the lift system to examine the damage. The air both lost and gained some tension. Lost some because everyone being okay, but gaining some from the anger of why that had even happened. "I don't think we're getting back to the station tonight." Calla let out a sigh. "I'm sorry Sven. We should have tried to stop it."

"Oh don't worry, this type of thing happens now and again." The Nomad said, glancing over at the group. "It isn't as bad as it looks, at least compared to the past. It should be fixed before the sun sets. You will still be here for longer than intended though."

Sven was silent for a moment. The group could see the stress building in his eyes but he didn't say anything aloud. Instead, he gave a nod and walked back over to the group, holding Calla's hand close.

No one said anything to him right away as he sat down. They wanted him to have a moment to try and think clearly. It was the least they could offer him.

Jaques went ahead and got the list from him, going over to the nomad and arranging a deal where they would go ahead and gather everything on the list for a bit more payment than usual. He could see Sven giving him a glare from the corner of his eyes but he didn't see any better solution here. They knew Sven wasn't gonna let the stress fade smoothly. Might as well go ahead and take the task of gathering everything off his shoulders. Jaques came back to the group after arranging everything.

"I heard there was a lake here," Calla spoke after a moment. "You think we can head there?"

Sven gave a nod. "Yeah… we can do that."

The lake was calm and peaceful when they got there. There was only a small family of Nomads near the edge on the other side of where they were.

"See Sven, this is nice," Calla said as she sat down on the grass, lending back a bit to glance up at the sky. Sven gave a small nod as he glanced down at her. He kept glancing at his phone to make sure his message to the chief was sent. "Reginald will understand."

"I know he will," Sven admitted with a sigh as he sat down. He glanced at her as she smiled, him offering a small one back. He glanced at the water, it almost seemed to glow like crystals. "It's just.." He sighed as he glanced down at the ground, Calla taking his hand as he turned his gaze back towards her. "It's hard not to worry about, anything."

"I know," Calla said with a sigh as she glanced over the water.

"It's just, so much has happened so quickly," Sven said as he glanced down at the ground again. His hands curled into fists on the ground, tearing off some blades of grass as he did. Calla let out a small 'ow' as he quickly let go of her hand. "Sorry." He said, bringing his hands back to himself before he did anything else. "With the Moonjumper Legend and what happened with Hat Girl.."

"Stress is annoying, we can all agree to that," Burt said as he walked up beside the two, glancing at them. Sven glared at him as he glanced out over the water. "But we can't let it bug us every moment. If we do, we just miss out more on stuff."

"Burt, did you get possessed or something?" Sven asked, getting a chuckle from the rest of the group. Burt even cracked a smile as he shook his head, Sven glaring at him as he climbed onto his feet. "I'm serious! You never speak like this!"

"If you have an issue with how I am now." Burt started with a shrug, before smirking. "Blame Fredrick." He said as he glanced at his boyfriend, who rolled his eyes with a shrug. "Besides, you guys always said to lighten up."

"Alright, stop the playful bantering before someone comes to check on us," Jaques said as he came back over after having walked away. He had managed to get ahold of some fishing poles, they all knew better than to ask how. They already knew the most likely answer. He sat one down by the water and did his best to cast one out into it. "Wait, I'm supposed to bait it first." He said, earning a chuckle from behind as he shrugged.

"Fifty-something years in a painting does mess up basic memory, huh?" Burt asked, to which Jaques just glared at him. Fredrick walked up beside the former leader. "Hey, what was.. you know?"

"Lonely, for one," Jaques said with a sigh. "I could see outside the painting but I couldn't.."

"I can't help but think of what would have happened." Sven said as he glanced ahead at the fellow man in blue. "If Burt and Fredrick weren't in that hall that day, or if Snatcher hadn't shown up"

"Oh please, help with my nightmares," Jaques said as he smiled. Sven shook his head a bit as he chuckled as well. He wasn't helping things, was he. At least people started to settle down it seemed. Calla leaned beside him as Fredrick took the other pole, Burt standing on a rock nearby. "It still feels weird to be out sometimes," Jaques admitted. "It feels great, don't get me wrong! And I feel like I am getting used to things again-"

"Jaques, pay attention to your line." Calla quickly said. The man only then noticed it was going deeper into the water and yanked his pole back, grinding his teeth as he pulled.

Frederick got up and helped the man step back as he pulled. It didn't seem to be that big or strong of a fish, Jaques just seemed to be shaky from a lack of practice. "Come on.."

The line was finally pulled up. It was a little bigger than they were expecting. It looked a lot more like a living version of the fish you would see in cartoons rather than an living creature. Then again, you could say that about a lot of this planet. It had purple scales with some red and blue ones spotted about. Jaques began to work on getting the hook free from its mouth without hurting the little thing. It jumped right out of his hands and back into the water.

"What fish is dumb enough to go after a hook that doesn't even have a worm?" Burt asked, Fredrick letting out a chuckle as he led against him, Burt mumbling as he wrapped his arm around him. Jaques shook his head as he cast his line in again. Hey, if it worked once it'll work again. Burt tilted his head as he walked up to the water, glancing in before glancing back at Jaques. "Weren't you fishing with the others the night they got stuck in that storm?" He asked, getting a nod.

"I never said my memory of recent events was perfect, to be fair," Jaques said, Sven, nodding as he glanced away from the lake. He walked up to the edge of the cliff piece they were on, staring below at where they would come from. Being this high up still had his nerves a bit shaken. Sure, it wouldn't kill anyone if they accidentally fell, but it would hurt a lot… He needed to try and cool down, he thought. "You alright Sven?" Jaques called as Sven turned back to the group with a slight smile.

"Yea. I'm fine." He said as he came back over. "Just… I don't know. Never been a fishing guy?"

"Ehh, same here. I just fell into the motions because my family did it so much growing up. Then again you can say that about… a lot of people probably." Fredrick said, glancing out away from the lake to some of the other peaks. His eyes almost seemed to light up when they landed on the Twilight Bell, glancing around to see the lift to that peak was still functional. "I know that light show isn't gonna be happening, but why don't we see what the Bell Realm looks like normally?"

"Did you just call it the bell realm?" Burt asked, Fredrick, shrugging as the others chuckled. Sven glanced over at Calla as he thought of that day in the bell. It was the last time he could recall having a close moment with her. He was sure there had been others since then, like during the cruise, but his mind tended to be so distracted. He didn't understand how she wasn't tired of it, or at least showed it. "I guess we can head there if you all want to. Just make sure we don't end up joining the ghosts in there." He paused as he got some looks. "What, I'm not all positive now."

Sven sighed as he began to head to the closest path to the lift. Jaqeus quickly dropped the pole to catch up with the group. Calla grabbed Sven's hand and smiled at him, and he did the same.

Sven's mind began to clear a bit more. It would be fine, he began to truly realize.

"So… In the off chance something does happen, we're all in agreement not to tell Reginald." He remarked.

"It's not him I'm worried about, it's Right," Jaques stated as he rolled his eyes. "He doesn't say much when anyone does anything dumb, but I swear if looks could kill." He sighed as the group nodded in agreement.

The bell was more quiet and peaceful than the last time they were there. Considering the last time they were in a panic trying to find the teens, it was easy to see why. There were also fewer people in general around to distract from the views. Just the ghostly goats and the strange versions of the dwellers form Subcon. Never got around to asking why they were here. It was almost strange how… it felt like hiking through the forest back on their earth. Expect it to be a ghostly realm rather than your everyday woods.

They looked around for a small while, exploring the parts they felt they could safely access without doing anything dumb. They eventually decided to relax in one of the… fountains. They weren't really fountains, but they were filled with water that seemed to be coming from somewhere. They found one they felt was safe enough, Calla dashing ahead into it with Fredrick following behind a moment later. Almost like kids at a water park really. Then again, did that part of someone ever die?

"Fredrick, be careful! I can't get over there quickly if something happens!" Burt called. "Oh, and you too Calla, I suppose." He added as he sat down on the ground, before leaning back, making sure his hair was still covering his bad eye as he glanced at the dark yet glowing sky. Sven was quiet as he glanced up as well, a little silent as he thought about what to say. "So, what are you two planning to do once we get back home?" Burt asked. "I'm finally going to try a game I fell in love with but never got around to playing."

"I'm starting to wonder if Sven's comment about you being possessed is true." Jaques said as he paced back and forth, hands to his side as he glanced up. "I don't know, really." He said with a shrug, glancing down at the ground, walking almost perfectly in pace with some unheard music. Sven glanced over at him and gave a hint of a frown. Jaques was smiling, though. "I guess I'll see when we get there. Sven?" He glanced over at the blonde.

"I don't know. Knowing me I'll probably just fall into my old habits like we haven't spent, probably a year by that point, on an alien planet." Sven let out a sigh as he looked at the ground, resting his hand against it. He was so used to touching smooth surfaces or paper. There were times where he almost forgot what the ground itself felt like. He glanced up at the sky. "I don't mean too. It's just.. a habit of needing to get work done I can't explain. Even when resting my mind is always thinking about the clan."

"You were made third in command early into your toppat life if I was told was correct." Burt said as he glanced over at him faintly. Sven gave a small nod as Jaques sat on the ledge of the bridge they were on. "I know the feeling of focusing a lot of work. It's not the exact same as you but i can understand." Burt sighed as Sven glanced over with a faint head tilt. "For me it's more numb, just going through the motions of life. For you, I think to your brain it is your life."

"Maybe? It feels like you read me like a book but, I don't know." He sighed. "I'm not trying to be a downer, I just.." He sighed as he shrugged, slowly standing up. He took his hat off his head to more easily wipe away some sweat, and glanced at it. It had been dulled faintly over the years of use, but it was still as good of condition as the day he got it. "I mean… I have been in the clan since a bit before Reginald took leadership… was that, like, a decade ago or something?"

"A decade? How old were you at the time, eighteen? You look great for someone who's gonna be pushing thirty." Jaques said. That earned a small chuckle from Sven, not from the words but from the shock in Jaques voice. He would say Jaques should know, but he was in storage during Terrance's and Reginald's leadership, pre-orbital station. "Look, we all get wrapped up with the clan. It is our life, our family."

"I know, but it's still… hard to balance my work life balance I guess, everyone else can do so just fine." He sighed as he walked closer to where the water was, sitting on the edge. He could catch the shadows of Calla and Fredrick whispering to each other, but didn't think anything of it. Was he even good enough for Calla with how much he struggled with- His thoughts were cut off as he suddenly found himself soaked with a splash. "What the-" He glanced up as Calla garbed his hat.

"Fredrick, catch!" Calla said, tossing his head to the man before racing back into the area. Sven felt himself blushing as he got back up, quickly taking his shoes and socks off to prevent them from getting wet before jumping onto the watery slope to get it back. He almost slid onto the ground but Calla quickly came by to help him balance, letting out a giggle. "You better hurry." She said playfully as she slid back, almost like she was ice skating. "I.. don't have any other reason."

"And they're acting more like kids at a water park now." Burt commented as he glanced at the group. He couldn't see all that was happening well, they kept jumping in and out of his line of sight as Sven stumbled trying to get his hat back. But he couldn't help but smile. He glanced over as he looked at Jaques, who was watching with a hint of temptation in his eyes. "Go ahead." Burt said as he began to stand up. "I can afford to be the adult here. I can think of an explanation later if need be."

"Well, if you insist, I better help the poor man." Jaques smirked as he just dashed into the water… and had to catch himself from falling face first. Sven quickly stumbled over to help him up, but Jaques was already laughing. Sven found himself smiling despite how annoyed he was. He supposed there was just this hint of a trill he hadn't felt in awhile. Jaques glanced at Fredrick. "You better hope I don't get your hat before Sven gets his, or it's gonna get moldy. Does that… make sense?" He asked as Fredrick backed up.

"Come here and find out." Fredrick started with a smirk as Sven and Jaques went after them. Burt watched from the sidelines with a smile as the chaos formed in front of him. He didn't feel safe joining himself but Fredrick was having fun, and that was all that mattered. Sven seemed to start genuinely having a fun time too though, even as Calla and Fredrick kept playing what was basically a game of monkey in the middle. It didn't stop until Fredrick slipped and fell, his back hitting against one of the sides hard.

"Woah, that's enough!" Calla said, Burt taking Jaques hand so he could get over to Fredrick. The man rubbed his back with a grone, but there was still a bit of a chuckle in his voice. Burt began to scan him over, as Calla handed Sven back his hat. "Sorry, we just wanted you to have fun." She said, Sven smiling at her as he took it. She glanced up, seeing an area they hadn't gone to yet. "Fredrick, do you think you can walk?" She got a thumbs up. "Wanna go higher?"

"I would say that's a bad idea but, as long as we don't start playing tag or something it should be fine." Sven said, glancing up as he went to grab his shoes. He felt more at peace now. Not perfectly, there were still worries and issues dancing around in the back of his mind. But he could try and hold them in for a few minutes at least, he reasoned. He glanced over at the others. "What do you all think?" He got nods from the rest of the group. "What's with us all nodding and not just answering aloud."

"Don't give us a crisis." Jaques said as he helped Burt and Fredrick get off the water platform, Burt making sure his eye was covered again. Sven had caught a glimpse of the eye behind the hair and suddenly had a question, but this wasn't the exact moment. He began to lead the group forward after a moment, wanting to scan ahead in case something blocked their path. "You know, it's strange that places like this are even possible to exist." Jaques said. "I know it's another planet, but.."

"I mean, you should see some of the stuff that happens on our world anymore." Burt said with a shrug.

Jaques seemed to tilt his head as he processed the information.

"Should I be concerned when we begin to head home then?" Jaques asked, getting small chuckles from the group and an eye roll from Burt. "What, I'm being serious!"

After they were all done in the Twilight Bell, the group decided to head to the Lava cake. They had already tested their luck in ways today, what was the worst that could happen here? But in reality, they wanted to get their clothes dried off from the water before they headed back and decided that was the best place to do so. Luckily they didn't need to be super close to the cake to get the heat they needed. They just sat on some benches a good eight-miles away from the cake and that was enough.

It looked like the sun was due to start setting soon, and that did bring some worry back into all of them. They should be about half way home by now at least. But things would be fine, they would reassure themselves. Even if they had to stay here for a night in the worst case scenario, they would at least have each other. A;though knowing they're luck, they were probably missing something amazing at the orbital station. But oh well, it couldn't be helped. That was just life, wasn't it.

That thought rested in Sven' brain for a moment, bringing some peace. Yea, stuff like that was just life. So were the incidents that happened.

"Hey Jaques, I know we ask you jokingly all the time about the dirt you have on other people, but I have to say I am genuinely curious." Sven said as he glanced over at the man, who had been picking up any small stone in his grasp and tossing them out over the edge. Jaques glanced over with a head tilt as the others looked over with some interest in the topic being brought up. "I know you were in storage for the last few decades but, you know anything about anyone still around today."

"Only bits and pieces. You should have seen Mr. Macbeth when he was younger. He was like Platinum but, calmer." Jaques started with a hum, barely noticing the looks everyone gave each other at the statement. To compare Platinum and Macbeth in the same breath so casually like that was so odd. "I still wonder what happened that changed him. He still looks like he hasn't gotten good sleep in awhile." Jaques sighed as he tossed another rock, with less energy to his throw. "Wonder if being revived helped with that."

"Probably not." Sven sighed as he got up stretching a bit. "If anything, he's probably worried his revival is tied to the.. you know."

"You do have a point, huh." Fredrick said, glancing at Sven who rested his head in his hands for a moment. Had that really never crossed his mind? Of course it wouldn't, he realized. This was his mind he was talking about. Fredrick stood up and walked up beside Calla, giving her a faint glance before beginning to speak again. "For all we know, riches and greatness could be waiting for us." Jaques gave a chuckle as Fredrick shrugged. "Probably not, but I don't think he's gonna cause us any real harm. I mean, why would he?"

"Why are we all so paranoid about the Moonjumper's Second coming anyway?" Calla stated like she had some to some grand realization, sitting up from where she had been leaning against Sven had glanced at the others. Burt went to give some answer or comment but found himself unable to think of either. So he just, gave a shrug with a look of 'isn't it obvious'.

"Yes, our clan or at least Hat Girl being tied to the prophecy is scary, no denying that. But the prophecy doesn't say anything bad will happen."

"He would like to cause trouble. I just get that vibe from those images I’ve seen… I am using that word correctly, right?" Jaques asked as he glanced at the others. They all had to hold in their stickers, they already bugged him enough with painting and being stuck in time stuff. They could afford to show a little respect to him. Jaques shook his head as he adjusted his gloves. "But I don't think he would cause us harm if we don't cause him harm first. So maybe we can just…relax?"

"Yea… If only it was that simple for Hat Girl." Sven sighed. He whispered the final part of that to himself, but he was sure they heard it as well. She was directly tied into the prophecy, where the clan's involvement was just implied. She had a lot more stress on her plate then they did. That wasn't going to mix well with the… no.. no thinking of that for now. "She'll be fine, she's always fine no matter what happens. When the Moonjumper comes, she'll do her part and it'll be over with."

"And in the chance the Moonjumper does try a fight with her or, anyone. We have him outnumbered." Jaques said, glancing at where his gun was held as Burt nodded. Jaques couldn't help but frown, however. Why did he feel some string of guilt saying those words? Why did he have this strange feeling that the Moonjumper wasn't just going to be friendly, but someone the clan already knew? "We'll be fine." He said to reassure himself, and the others. "Let's just try and worry about it when the time comes."

"Which could be any moment" Burt stated as he glanced away from the sun, looking for any hint of the rising moon. You think they would have long since spotted it by now, but alias, no sight. That brought some feeling to Burt. He didn't know if it was unnerved or at ease, or some strange mix of both. He felt it fade as Fredrick sat beside him, instead being replaced by a warmth he tried not to show. "But for now, leave the story for the story people. Let's just… live I guess? I need coffee." He got a glare from Fredrick. "I’ve gone five days without it while having access, what more do you want?"

"I swear the only reason you're even remotely positive in the way you’ve been is because of the hype for the third game!" Fredrick said, letting out what suddenly felt like a huff as he covered his face while Burt rolled his eyes. Everyone could catch the faint smile he had though. No one said anything, but they all saw it. Burt suddenly pulled him closely, giving a smirk as he blushed. "Oh come on, now you're just trying to embarass me! Can't you give me a break about this kind of thing."

"Oh, posso romperti." Burt said, and Fredrick pushed him away with an angry look and a small chuckle. He couldn't really hide that he found the situation a little funny. “Hey, you say I drive you crazy sometimes so why..” Burt paused as he glanced back over the view, standing up and walking to the closest view of the main peak he could get. He pulled out his phone and used the camera as a very blurry telescope. "Hey, I think they fixed the lift." He called as the others looked over. "I think they got everything we need there as well."

"Perfect!" Sven said, immediately heading to the exit of this peak. "We can get back home and not have to worry about anything else… Today was fun though, I'll admit. Even if I was on the side a lot."

"No, not a tank. Platinum will take it before we can use it." Fredrick sighed with frustration as Sven opened the door to the lift once they got there, glancing down at the next peak they would have to go too. Apparently there were less of these systems when Hat Girl was first on this planet, Sven had no idea how anyone got around alive. Fredrick glanced at Burt. "You know what, spare some coffee for me tomorrow because I have a weird feeling I won't sleep much tonight despite everything."

"Well, maybe next time you'll be more in the action." Calla said, warping her arms around him from behind as he laughed a little, holding one of her hands. Making sure to be more careful this time. That he didn't hurt her. He didn't want to hurt her or the others. Not after all they did to him. He heard her let out a yawn as she let go, heading up to his side. "I'm not looking forward to walking all that way back though." She said, getting a groan from Fredrick. "We need a tank or something."

"Yes, my plan is working." Burt said with a smirk on his face. Fredrick rolled his eyes at that as Jaques shook his head. "Soon you will know the joy of coffee and bow before it-"

Sven shook his head as he heard the two start to bicker. They were like an old married couple already… Oh well, it would help keep them awake on the way back.

It felt like they were going to pass out as they were finally in the home stretch of the way back. Subcon's haunted purple turned into the orange and brown that had become the forest clearing. They all did everything to keep each other sane and awake, talking about what had happened that day and stopping to snack if they started to feel lightheaded. Despite it all, the conversation four of the five had before the lift was broken was still in the back of their minds. The thoughts about one poor child…

They weren't really expecting too see anyone still up when they finally got back, besides maybe Right Hand Man or Macbeth. It had to be past midnight, maybe somewhere close to 4am. They were met with a slight surprise. Hat Girl, Platinum, and Van were racing around in the dark, all wearing some glow sticks they had found while Reginald, Right, and Macbeth watched. It was the first time any of them had properly seen Hat Girl out of her room. She still had a faint, hurt look in her eyes and the way she moved.

But she was comfortable being out now, it seemed. That was good. Her Rumbi was even out, chasing after her while Alexsandera followed behind.

Right leaded back a bit, and that was when he noticed the group. "T'ere ya are, we were startin' to get worried!" He called out to them, quickly saying something else to Reginald before he got up. Sven tried to straighten his posture to at least appear more personal than he was feeling, but that likely wouldn't have done much help. Right eyed the group as he got close. "Are ya all really ok? Ya look like ye were lost in t'e jungle for twenty years or somethin'. Would 'ave come out-"

"No, it's fine. You had other things to worry about." Sven said, shaking his head. He glanced at the others as Calla sat down on a rock to rub her feet, and Jaques was already heading into the station to sleep. Burt and Fredrick were talking to each other, seemingly just to kill time until one of them decided to head to bed for the night. Sven couldn't help but smile, even as he sighed. "I didn't get a chance to do a proper double check, so we might have to sort out a few things. I can check tomorrow for you though."

"Sven! I was wondering where you guys were." Hat Girl said as she came up to him and Right, Rumbi bouncing and beeping by her feet. Sven gave a polite smile. Her voice had less energy than normal, her movements were slower. But they couldn't blame her. He just gave a wave as Hat Girl picked up Rumbi as he went to bump into one of the boxes, letting out a small chuckle. "How were the Skylines? Did you see Adalyn?" Sven shook his head. "Huh, kind of a surprised actually considering how much she appeared lately."

"Yea, things just happen." He let out a yawn as he glanced over at Calla, who was rubbing her eyes as she glanced at him. He let out a small chuckle as he looked at the two. "I'm going to head to bed before I lose any brain cells. I'll see you two tomorrow?" He asked, Hat Girl giving a faint shrug. At least she was being honest. He walked over and offered his hand to Calla, helping her up as they began to head back into the station, the other couple following not long after. Once they had left, Macbeth walked up to the father and daughter.

Hat Girl let out a bit of a yawn before she sighed, holding her Rumbi closed. The air got quieter, and Van and Platinum stopped chasing each other to glance over at her.

"Alright, it's already way past w'en yer supposed to be asleep, Hattie." Right said.

"I know, I know… Before I head off, can I ask something?" She looked at him, a more serious tone to her voice. It was faint, but it was enough for the group to pick it up. Reginald placed a hand on her shoulder, having started to come up once the group that came back from skyline left. "I, been thinking for a bit about it."

"What is it?" Reginald asked, trying his best to hold in his concern.

"Do you remember that stone piece I showed all of you? The one with… you know?" She asked, getting some nods. "I want to head back to those ruins, see if there's anything I missed. I know I should just let things happen naturally but, I feel like I missed something. And, I dunno. Maybe It could help me feel more at peace?"

The group was silent for a moment. Macbeth waved over Alexandra to get him to focus on something else, or appear to at least. This was between the leaders and their child after all.

Reginald and Right both shared a look for a moment. It was kinda funny, how just a look and basic body gestures could be all that was needed to communicate without words. Both were worried, maybe even scared about what would happen if she did. But at the same time, both knew that she had a point. And anything that might give a chance to put their daughter's mind at ease after everything, it would be the best thing they could do.

"We can't, say for certain yet. But we'll talk about it… You just head to bed and we'll see you at breakfast tomorrow?" Reginald asked, Hat Girl giving a nod. "Good.. Platy, can you-"

"She's old enough to take herself you know." Platinum said with a chuckle, but still walked up and took his sisters hand before leading them away from the adults. Van watched the two for a moment before making the briefest of eye contact with the leaders, before beginning to head to their own room.

"If s'e is gonna go back to t'at place, I'm goin' with 'er." Right assured once the group was out of earshot, crossing his arms. "I can't risk somet'in' like t'at broken tower fallin' with 'er in it again."

"I can come too." Macbeth offered, glancing at the two. They both glanced at him and he was silent for a moment, before sighing as he let Alexsandera rest in his arms. "I just.. I want to know more about the Moonjumper. I can't, describe why but it feels like I'm supposed to know more. Like it's the real reason I was brought back. Besides," He patted the Dweller on their head. "My child is from Subcon. I feel like they deserve to know everything they can."

"I'll see if I can find a day with both of you clear to do that." Reginald sighed. He was too tired to add much more to the conversation right now, and he could discuss any extra details with Right the next morning. "Could be sometime next week, could be a month from now, who knows… I just want you all to be careful."

"When am I not careful?" Mr. Macbeth asked, earning a small shrug from the chief. Alexsandera's movements slowed, warping the lower part of their tail around his arm. "I'm gonna take Alex to bed now. You can let me know if any arrangements are made after the next meeting." He said as he went back to the station.

Reginald let out a sigh as he rested his head in his hand, Right wrapping his arm around his husband. Partly as support since the cyborg thought Reginald might just collapse at any moment. "I don't want things to get worse.." he said as he leaned against him.

Right took Reginald's other hand and held it. "Trust me, love, I know."

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