Chapter 34 - Rue

"Oh hey, welcome back...That...sure took you a while, huh…"

The lamplighter's hand was holding the elevator door open and clearly straining from being there for so long.

I sweatdropped, "You, uh...really didn't need to hold it for us…"

"Well, I didn't want to be rude…"

"We're sorry. We were both really tired after running around so much," Niko said.

He waved off her apology, "Eh, don't worry about it. Hop on."

We boarded the elevator which quickly turned into a rather awkward silence between the three of us. Niko elected to break it the same way we had done before, but I was more focused on something else.

Rue.

The Author had told me to look for her somewhere in the city, and by this point, I think I had a pretty good idea who she was. That fox in the alley...where that tree was growing.

"If...you can find a way to return...please do."

Her words echoed in my mind. She had to be able to remember us if she told me that. The only thing that worried me was that I had no clue what I was supposed to do once I found her. The Author hadn't exactly been specific.

I'll figure it out when we get there. I shouldn't stress myself out just yet, I told myself.

"Well, I guess you're both pretty smart, so you'll fit in fine."

"Huh?" The lamplighter's voice pulled me out of my reverie and back into the conversation. He looked back at me, unamused, causing me to flush with embarrassment, "S-Sorry. I was thinking about some other things…"

"As I said, you'll fit in fine. I don't think I could see myself hanging around all those smart people..."

"I don't think you should be so hard on yourself, Plight," I blurted out.

His eyes widened, "...P-Plight?"

I realized what I had just said and rubbed my neck, "Well...we don't know your name and just know you as 'the lamplighter'. It was just a nickname that came to me."

"Hmm...it's gotta good ring to it..." he hummed. The elevator suddenly stopped and the doors opened, prompting all of us to exit, "Anyway, it was nice meeting you two. Gotta run now!" In a flash, he bolted down the street.

"He seems in a hurry...I guess we should hurry too, Alan. People are counting on us!" Niko said.

My eyes drifted up to the chrome exterior of the Tower as we walked towards the library. So close, yet all I felt was unease. I wasn't looking forward to entering it again, knowing what would happen. As we passed by the entrance to the alleyway, I stopped. Somewhere down there was Rue. Waiting for me, I guess. I was about to continue following Niko to the library before I froze.

It was hard to see at first, but at the end of the alley, just behind the corner, was a fox looking back at me. The yellow orb sitting in its forehead shined dimly in the dark, but it was enough to reveal her face. She quickly noticed me staring at her before vanishing back into the alley.

"Alan? You coming?"

I looked back at Niko, who was looking at me in confusion. I cast another glance down the alley before turning away, "Y-Yeah, I'm coming. I just thought I saw something…"

We continued our trip to the library. I glanced back at the alley one last time, seeing the fox there before disappearing once more. I frowned. Maybe she won't be as secretive once I finally meet her?

"[THAT IS A QUESTION FOR THE HEAD LIBRARIAN, GEORGE. ALLOW ME TO CALL-]"

"Please don't…" I groaned, silencing the robot.

"Well, shoot. What do we do now?" Niko mewled.

I scratched my chin. Around this time was when we were supposed to go to the lab to grab the keycard from Kip. A pang of pain pulsed inside my chest. Kip...yet another that I let die because of me. I had to force myself to unclench my fists and calm down for Niko.

"I think I know a place that might help us," I said after taking a deep breath.

"Really?"

I nodded, "There's a lab not too far from here. We could probably ask someone there if they could help us."

"How do you know that?" she asked as we exited the library.

"I'm a god, remember? I have my ways."

Her eyes widened, "Oh, right! I forgot about that," her ears flattened, "I'm just so used to seeing you as just a normal person."

I smiled, "I mean, you still could. I'd prefer that."

"Oh! You could be like one of those superheroes I see on TV!"

We both started laughing which continued up to the entrance of the alleyway. My laughter quickly fizzled out, replaced by unease as we turned the corner that led deeper. Within a second, the vision of the fox pierced mine and Niko's sight. It sent shockwaves through my head, leaving as quickly as it came. I shook my head to get rid of the ache and instantly went to Niko's side.

"You alright, Niko?"

Her breathing was fast while her eyes darted all over the alley, "Alan?! What was that?!

"Easy, easy! We just had another vision," I said, holding her steady.

Her breathing slowly returned to normal, "I...I'm okay. It just was really surprising." She quirked an eyebrow, "Was this one like the others we've had?"

I nodded and turned to look down the alley, to where the fox had run off to in the original run, "...Probably."

I let go of her and started walking to where the fox would be with Niko following silently behind me. Entering the cove brought us face to face with the tree that stood tall under the light that shined from the buildings up above.

"...Hello?" I called out.

I heard a small patter of footsteps before the fox poked her head out from behind the tree. Slowly, she revealed herself fully and came to a stop in front of us. We stared at each other before she spoke.

"So you found a way back after all."

"Eh?" Niko sputtered, "But we've never been here before…"

The fox looked over at Niko before returning to me, "That means…" she fell silent before speaking again, "Have you...met the others?"

"Others? What others?" I said.

"Oh! There's that one plush in Calamus and Alula's house, right Alan?"

I frowned, I don't think that's what she's referring to…

The fox sighed, "...It's not time yet." She started to turn away

"Are you Rue?" I blurted out.

Both she and Niko looked up at me, the latter confused while the former simply stared back at me. She stayed frozen before finally turning back towards us and nodding, "...Yes, I am Rue."

A small shiver trailed down my spine. So I was right. This was who I needed to find.

Before I could say anything else, Rue walked over to Niko, looking up at her with a soft expression, "...You will probably not remember my name in a while...but I would still like to know yours."

"I'm...not sure what you're talking about, but my name is Niko!" she said with a smile.

"Niko…" the kit hummed before smiling in return, "I shall remember that!"

Niko grinned before turning to me, "Hey, Alan? There were some other pathways that we passed by that I wanted to take a look at. Since you two seem to know each other, I was wondering if it would be alright if I explored them while you two talked."

My eyes widened, "O-Oh, sure. Just be careful, okay?"

"I will!" she replied and exited the cove, leaving me alone with the fox.

I waited a bit, watching the doorway to make sure Niko was really gone, before turning back to Rue, "So...you're really Rue?"

She nodded.

I took a breath and continued, "The Author said I needed to find you."

"I know."

I faltered, "Y-You do?"

She nodded again, "I was told that if you were able to return to this world that you would seek me out..." Her gaze fell to the ground, "To be perfectly honest, it may be this way for a while...but in time, that will change."

I raised an eyebrow, "In time for what?"

"For whatever he has planned."

"Can't you tell me what that is?"

I received only silence. I sighed in frustration, "Okay...well, can you at least tell me that whatever it is we're waiting for is behind that big metal door with the countdown above it?"

Her head lifted, "It is."

"And there's no other way to fix the…" I fought to stay in control of myself, "...choice I have to make?"

Rue looked at me with pity, "...No…"

...I should be happy. I should be glad that there's a way to fix all this, but…three months? Niko has to be stuck in this cycle for three months? This world has to constantly relive its last day for three months?

"...Alan?"

Rue's voice made me realize how blurred my vision had become. I quickly wiped away the tears, averting my gaze from the fox.

"I'm sorry. I just…" The moments I shared with Niko, Calamus, Alula, Silver, Plight, and Kip flashed through my mind followed by the sound of shattering glass, "...hate waiting."

She didn't say anything, electing only to look back down at the ground. I dried the last remnants of my tears and faced her, "Is this where you'll be until the countdown ends?"

She nodded silently.

I turned away, "Then I guess...I'll see you later, Rue." I began to walk out of the cove but stopped in the doorway when I remembered something, "Oh, and by the way…" I looked back to see her staring at me, "...Alula says hello."

She stayed motionless, then smiled softly, "...Thank you."

I nodded and left the cove. Walking through the alley, it felt like my mind was in a fog. I had done what the author asked me to, only to realize that there was nothing I could do to fix anything. I had to survive for three months just for Niko and this world to have a chance at a happy ending. The tears from before returned, stinging my eyes so much that I couldn't keep them open.

Stop crying, Alan. I can't lose it now. I have to stay strong for Niko.

I brushed away the tears that escaped and locked away the rest. I had to stay strong. Just keep moving forward. That's how I've survived so long. That's how I'll survive this.

With one last deep breath, I calmed myself down and started to look for Niko. I had only passed by where the heating robot was when an epiphany struck me. With a smirk, I made my way down the steps, the heat becoming warmer and warmer with each step. Turning the corner, I found exactly what I had expected.

Niko was curled up next to the robot with other cats surrounding her in a pile. The lightbulb sat next to the wall nearby out of harm's way.

I simply watched as she slept soundly, silently making as many cat jokes I could think of.

"[Oh, hello. Are you lost?]"

"Actually, I was looking for someone and I seem to have found her," I replied, pointing at Niko.

"[I see. Would you like me to wake her for you?]"

I smirked, "That's alright. I can do it."

I got closer to the sleeping Niko, careful not to step any of the cats, and kneeled down next to her.

"Hey, Niko...wake up," I whispered while shaking her slightly.

"Mmm…"

I shook her again, "Niko…"

She stirred, letting out a large yawn before her eyes finally cracked open. She rubbed her eyes and looked around before locking eyes with me. We simply stared at each other before her pupils began to shrink and her face started turning bright red.

"...hi, Alan…" she squeaked out.

I smiled, "Did you get a good rest?"

Her eyes stayed locked on mine as she slowly nodded.

"You did look pretty comfortable." I said, my smile growing bigger, "I guess you could say…"

"Alan, no...please don't…"

"It was the cat's pajamas, huh?"

There was silence. Not even the snoring of the cats could be heard. It was broken by the laughter of the robot which started to grow louder, even waking up some of the cats around us. Niko hung her head and pressed it against my chest in defeat.

"I'm sorry, Niko, but I couldn't resist," I chuckled.

All I heard was a loud groan. My chuckle turned into laughter while I picked Niko and lightbulb up from the ground. I said goodbye to the robot and made my way out of the alley, arriving at the vendor street. I glanced over at Niko, who had moved her head from my chest to my shoulder.

"Niko?"

"Mmm?"

"You know you kind of set yourself up for it, right?"

"Mhm."

"If it makes you feel better, you looked adorable surrounded by all those cats."

"Mmm…"

My smile went away, "...I really am sorry. I know you don't really like people thinking you're a cat."

Her head tilted up towards me, revealing a sly smile, "I know, but you're making up for it by carrying me again."

I playfully scoffed, "Well, maybe I'm starting to like carrying you!"

"Really? Well then, I guess you'll just have to carry me all the time!"

"Oh, no! Please! Mercy!"

We both burst into laughter as we drew closer to the lab, a small respite that I desperately needed.

"Sorry about the weird...security measures," Kip sweatdropped.

"It's okay...We still figured it out, right?" I breathed. Though I wish I didn't have to do it again.

She laughed, "Yeah, I guess you did. Well, since you're here now, is there anything I can help you two with?"

"Do you know how we can get a library card?" Niko asked.

"A library card? You'll have to ask the library for that!"

"We tried already…"

"Let's just say we caught the head librarian on a bad day," I said.

"Heh, that sounds like George alright…" Her face lit up, "How about this? I can just give you my library card! It won't be hard for me to get another one."

"Oh, thank you!" Niko said

"We'll just need to change the picture to one of ours…" I hummed.

"I could always just tape a photo of my faces to your faces!" Kip said with a giggle. Niko and I stared back at her with blank expressions until she calmed down, "That was a joke. If worse comes to worst, I believe there's someplace nearby that can get your pictures taken."

"Then that's where we'll go. C'mon Niko, let's get going," I said.

As we left, Niko looked up at me, "Hey Alan? That lady looked really familiar. Do you think she's related to the robot lady who gave us the amber?"

I frowned as my blood ran cold, "...Most likely."

"Should we ask her about it?"

I glanced over my shoulder. Kip was busy tinkering with a robot head. She looked...happy.

"She...seems busy enough."

Niko frowned, "Oh...ok."

"C'mon, let's get this library card taken care of so we can see the head librarian."

One trip to pick up the lenses and a troubleshooting session later, our pictures were taken and ready to be glued onto the card. We made our way back to the library where we quickly scanned in and finally met up with George once again. At first, I thought we'd be dealing with the same narcissistic librarian from before, but I was sorely mistaken.

"Helloooo~! You must be the savior!" she trilled as soon as we walked in, "I'm soooo happy I actually get to meet you!

"It's nice to meet you too, miss!" Niko replied.

I was completely taken aback by the complete 180 in personality and how Niko seemed to go with it before remembering that Niko didn't remember the first time. To her, this was all new.

"And who's your friend?" the librarian asked.

"This is Alan! He's been with me since I got to this world!"

George's eyes sparkled as she gazed at me, "Gosh, you're really THE Alan?"

I sweatdropped, "Er, yeah, that's me…"

"Oh, if I only knew you were coming! I would have cleaned everything up! It must look a mess!"

"It doesn't seem that bad…" I mumbled.

"Well, in that case, I can give you a tour if you'd like!"

"Actually…" Niko piped up, "We need your help to get into the Tower! I think that's where we're supposed to go now..."

"Yup! There's a little room that you can go into, but I don't think ANYONE'S supposed to get inside the Tower! If you want my guess, you'll probably need Alan's help, though I don't know how exactly…" she said, rubbing her head, "In my experience, that kind of knowledge is usually recorded in some sort of cryptic book…"

"Like this one?" I said, already holding the journal in my hand.

"Oh my! Where did you find this?"

"I woke up with it," I swiftly replied. They didn't need to know that I already knew what the book said.

"Is that so!" she beamed, taking the book from me, "In that case, I know what I have to do now! I'll need to borrow this for a while, okay? Gotta translate it, after all! Though, it...might take a while."

"Oh, that's fine!" Niko said which swiftly was replaced by a yawn, "Excuse me…"

"Gosh, you look really tired!"

I smirked, "I'm not sure how. You were sleeping pretty comfortably with those cats back in the alley…"

Niko pouted, "That was different…"

"No worries!" George smiled, "I have a guest room in the attic down the hall! If you want, you can go take a nap...a catnap!"

Silence filled the archives. I simply looked at Niko who was already hanging her head in defeat again. Slowly, she walked over to me and pressed her head against me, "...Alan?"

"Yeah?"

She raised one of her arms, "...Please?"

I chuckled softly and picked her up again, thanking George for her help and heading off towards the guest room.

"It wasn't me this time," I whispered to Niko once we were out of earshot of George.

"That doesn't make it better…"

I smiled, "Well, on the bright side, I'm carrying you again. So you've got that."

Her head lifted slightly, revealing a small smile, "I guess."

I took off her hat once we entered the guest room, placed it on one of the bedposts, and put the lightbulb on the floor at the foot of the bed before slipping her underneath the covers. I moved around to the other side and laid down beside her, letting her curl up into my chest.

"Comfortable?" I chuckled.

"Mhm…"

"Better than being surrounded by cats?"

"A little bit…"

"At least you're honest."

"Mmm…"

"Get some rest. I'll be right here."

Niko nodded and I watched as her breathing slowed until she was fully asleep. I smiled, but it quickly went away. Rue's words continued to echo in my mind.

"To be perfectly honest, it may be this way for a while..."

Three months...why did it have to be three months? I didn't want Niko to be stuck like this. I didn't want this world to suffer like this. I sighed and stared off towards the wall. My mind continued to race, stopping only when I felt Niko stirring in my arms. Her breathing had grown faster and shivers racked her body.

A nightmare. Most likely the same one from the original run. I tightened my embrace around her and pulled her closer.

"It's okay, Niko...I'm here…" I whispered to her.

She slowly began to relax as I continued to whisper to her, doing my best to push out the nightmare. Her shivers soon stopped and her breathing returned to normal. I sighed in relief. At least, I was good enough for something.

I returned to watching Niko sleep. It occurred to me just how natural she seemed to fit in my arms, as if that was where she had always belonged. I felt my eyes begin to sting. The weight of knowing that she would just be sent right back to the beginning without any idea of who I was was crippling, forcing each breath I took to feel like poison coursing through my body.

I deserve this. For all that I've done, I deserve this.

I wasn't going to get much sleep tonight.