I guessed that it was about 3 A.M. when we finally made it to Crystalia. It was still very dark, since it was the middle of the night, of course, but there were bright streetlights placed periodically on either side of the streets. When we pulled up to the main gates, the huge lights stationed by them went up a notch brighter. They illuminated the stone in front of the gate as well as most of the gate itself, which was made of long planks of wood and gave the place quite a medieval feel.

There was even a little gatehouse off to the side, and an Animal Crossing monkey with a flashlight stepped out to greet us. By now, my eyes were getting heavy with sleep, but I fought to keep them open. I'd only gotten two or three hours of sleep before... before it happened. He reminded me a lot of Porter, the monkey who ran the train station back in the GameCube game, and he wore a policeman's outfit. "Kapp'n, that you, eek EEK?"

"Keep it down," Kid Cat hissed, pushing down a window and sticking her furry head out.

"Oh, Kid Cat," said the monkey loudly. Something seemed to click in his monkey brain. "Don't tell me it was the Shade again?"

"Yes, another kidnapping." Rover's head popped out of another window. I tried not to yawn. "Her name's Kay."

I resisted the temptation to push Rover's furry butt out the window, which was right in my face as he leaned out the window. At least he had pants on. I would have to push him if he didn't have pants on.

I finally gave in to a yawn and started down the aisle of the bus. Kitt and Kid Cat followed; maybe they lived in Crystalia? I bid my farewells to Rover and Kapp'n, who waved goodbye cheerfully. Exhaustion was taking its toll.

Kapp'n and the monkey exchanged quiet words with Kid Cat, glancing at me. Then the monkey sprinted back to the gatehouse, and the gate shook, groaned, and creaked, then slid up smoothly. Kid Cat, Kitt, and I walked through. The monkey wished us good luck, and the gate rumbled down behind us, stopping with a jolt on the hard earth.

After that, I was practically asleep on my feet. I stumbled blindly after the two animals. Eventually the stone beneath my slippers turned to grass, then stone again, wood, and finally carpet. The pair helped me up some stairs and into a bed, complete with soft sheets and a fluffy pillow.

"Sweet dreams, child," Kitt whispered. I was already half-asleep. Then the door clicked shut and I was free to enjoy dreamland.
_

A/N: I posted this chapter today, to make up for yesterday's Chapter 3 disaster. Well, I hope everyone's still liking the story. I'll run out of pre-written chapters after the next one! ;) So, anyway, see ya next time on Chapter 5!