I rode the lift to the second floor. I got off and found the floating book. I touched it and it floated away. I looked up and saw it go towards the alcove. I smirked and saw a cardguard walking around with his back to me. I snickered quietly. I knew I shouldn't have been wasting time, but I just couldn't resist the opportunity to sneak up on one of those paper thin bastards. I saw CC appear right behind the guard. I put a finger to my lips. CC nodded and turned to watch the guard. I silently tiptoed towards them. When I was close enough, I released an electrified croquet ball. CC and I started cracking up as he began to fry. After our laughter died down he turned to face me.
"Oh my god, that was beautiful!" CC exclaimed.
"Yeah. He never what hit him. The poor bastard." I said.
CC began laughing again. There were tears in his eyes from hard he was laughing. I smiled. It was nice to finally see someone laugh a genuinely friendly laugh. I walked up to CC and kneeled down in front of him. He raised an amused eyebrow at me.
"Wha... What are you doing, Libby?" CC asked.
"Just hold still for a minute. You won't be able to see a damn thing with all those tears in your eyes." I said.
To be completely honest, I half expected him to either disappear or slink away from me at that moment. To my amazement though, he complied. I lifted my skirt with one hand and gently grabbed the side of his face with the other to hold him still. I smiled and wiped all the tears from his eyes and face.
"Okay Libby, You can stop. I can see now." CC said.
I giggled. I felt a mother cleaning her child up after spilling food all over himself. The look on his face as he tried to inch away from me was absolutely priceless.
"Now CC. You don't want to be walking around and risk anyone seeing you with a tear stained face, now do you?" I asked.
"No." CC said.
"Then hold still and let me finish." I said.
He stopped struggling and I smiled. His eyes held a mix of emotions I couldn't make out, but I could tell he was grateful for my help. After a moment I finally had him dry.
"There you go, all done. Now, isn't that better?" I asked.
"Yes. You were right, my vision was getting all blurry." CC admitted quietly.
I smiled and patted his head affectionately the way Rabbit had done to me moments before.
"I may be a woman on a mission, but that doesn't mean I can't take time out to take care of you guys." I said.
CC's grin widened.
"Thank you, Libby." CC said.
"Don't mention it. It was my pleasure." I said.
"No, I mean for coming here and agreeing to help us. You have no idea how bad things have been here over the last century and a half. I have to admit I'm scared for your safety and your sanity, but you're the only one who can help us and..." I cut CC off as I wrapped him in a hug.
"Like I said, it's my pleasure. Don't worry about me. I'll be alright. I'm one tough cookie, I can handle it." I said.
"You have to be in order to just maintain your sanity here." CC said.
"I know, but that's why I have you guys to help me, right?" I asked.
CC nodded.
"Did Rabbit come and see you?" CC said.
"Yes, he did. He acted so weird though. He kinda freaked me out. I don't know what to make of his bizarre behavior." I said.
"Why? What he did tell you?" CC said.
"Well, first he pushed me into the room because a Boojum was coming and I wasn't paying attention. Then, he said that I shouldn't call on you too often because the queen may suspect something, and I have to wait until you can escape. After he said that a mirror broke and the shards went flying at me. Rabbit had to knock me to the floor so I wouldn't be hit. When I asked about it, he said that it was a warning and to 'beware the mirrors.' After that, he hopped off." I said.
CC's eyes widened and looked around nervously like Rabbit had done.
"Oh no." CC whispered.
"CC, what's wrong?" I asked.
"The mirrors. Libia, you must stay away from the mirrors. Whatever you do, don't look into them." CC said.
"But why! What the fuck is so damn dangerous about those mirrors anyway?!" I screamed.
I didn't mean to snap at him, but I was getting really frustrated about not knowing what was going on. CC looked at me with a hurt expression.
"Oh CC, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scream at you. I'm just so frustrated and everyone giving the run around isn't helping." I said.
CC smiled.
"It's okay, but you've got to keep your voice down, girl. Someone might hear you." CC whispered.
I nodded.
"Alright, just please tell me why I have to avoid the mirrors." I said.
"They are the windows to Wonderland." CC said.
"Windows? What you mean? What windows?" I asked.
"Someone knows you're here. I know it's not the queen because she would have far more heart cardguards running about." CC said.
"The Jabberwock, then?" I asked.
"Possibly. I really don't know who it is, but you know that old saying 'the eyes are the windows to the soul'?" CC said.
I nodded.
"Well, the mirrors are the windows to the very soul of Wonderland which right now rests within you. I can't tell you any else. Believe me, if I could I would, but it's dangerous. Just please, avoid the mirrors." CC said.
"Okay. One things still bothers me, though." I said.
"What is it?" CC said.
"The insane children. They were screaming when they saw looking at the mirror and shattered what was left of it with a big rock and tried to pulled me away from it. Then, the mirror turned to ashes. When I asked the old man about it he was so rude." I said.
CC sighed.
"He didn't mean to be. He knew the danger of telling you and tried to avoid the subject as best he could. Luckily you're not as stubborn as most people believe you to be. You know when to leave something be." CC said.
I smiled.
"Oh, don't let me off the hook that easily. I can be quite subborn, believe me. Well, since he did it with everyone's best interest in mind, he's forgiven. He had better not be so rude to me next time though, or I'll show him just how stubborn I can really be." I said.
CC laughed.
"I should like to see that." CC said.
Now it was my turn to laugh.
"As for the insane children, let's just say one good turn deserves another." CC said.
I smiled and nodded in understanding.
"Well, I've wasted too much time already. I'd better go get that book." I said.
CC disappeared leaving me to ride the next lift alone. When I got to the next floor, I was surprised to find that the next book was right in front of me. I touched it and it floated away. I walked further and noticed 2 cardguards. Rather than try my luck with a sneak attack, I simply got my ribbon and threw it towards them. I pulled until they both broke in half. I collected the metas they left behind and made my way to the third lift.
Two down. Two to go.
I rode the next lift and did the same thing. I was surprised to find no cardguards on this floor, though. I shrugged and rode the lift to the final floor.
Thank god. Last floor.
I touched the book and watched it float away. I saw that the books had made a sort of bridge to the alcove. I cringed at the thought of having to jump through them.
Oh man. I hope I don't fall. I really don't want to have to go through it 100 times.
Something hot hitting me in the back snapped me back to attention. I turned around to find about 10 cardguards running at me with those burning cards. I sighed and took out my own cards. I threw 16 cards from each hand and they staggered back. Then I fried them with a couple of croquet balls. I laughed and collected their meta.
That'll teach them not to mess with a pissed off woman.
I turned my attention back to the floating books. I walked over to the edge. I was about to jump, but as I looked down, I hesitated. Finally, I took a few steps back and after taking a deep breath, I ran to the edge and jumped off. I was relieved to have landed safely in the center of the first book. I closed my eyes and jumped towards the second one. I landed once again in the center, but I wasn't paying attention to my footing, so I slipped and fell face first on the floor. I groaned. After the pain subsided somewhat, I sat up and rubbed my aching head. I looked around and frowned as I realized I was all the way back on the first floor.
Perfect. Just my rotten luck. Now I have to do it all over again.
I whimpered as I got up and saw CC had again appeared.
"Tell yourself 'I have seen at Rutledges and JM.' Prevarication in this instance may help." CC said.
I looked at him with a slight frown on my face, but nodded anyway. I had absolutely no idea what he was saying, but there was really no point questioning him on it. He disappeared and I made my way back up to the book bridge. I jumped and made it to the first book just fine. I had a bit of trouble with the second one, but I made it okay. However, when I went for the third book I slightly miscalculated the jump and would have fallen if I hadn't grabbed the edge. I pulled myself up and sat down in the center for a moment to catch my breath. I looked down again and gulped. Then, I looked at the last book I would have to jump across to reach the alcove. I sighed and got up. After a few breaths to calm my nerves, I jumped to the last book. To my great surprise, I landed perfectly in the middle. I smiled and made the short jump that remained to the alcove. Glad to have reached it, I slumped down and sighed.
"Well, two tries and some massive pain later, I'm finally here." I muttered.
Once my breathing and heartbeat were back to normal, I stood up and took a good look at the object before me. It looked like a box of some sort. I went to the other side to see if I could open it or push it, but to no avail. I heard chuckling and turned to find that CC had appeared beside me. I frowned.
"Why the long face, my dear?" CC asked.
"I can't get this stupid thing open. There's no lock or anything. It's as if it's stuck together with superglue!" I whined.
CC chuckled. I cocked my head in confuion.
"What's so funny?" I asked.
"You. You're quite adorable when you whine, you know that right?" CC said.
I blushed a deep red as CC let out a hearty laugh.
"If I didn't better CC, I'd say that you're trying to flirt with me." I joked.
I giggled as he lifted an eyebrow.
"Who's to say I'm not?" CC whispered.
I looked at him with a look of total shock as he he rubbed up againt my legs and let out a rumbling purr. He looked at me with a glint in his eyes I couldn't make out.
"CC, what are you doing?" I asked.
CC smirked. He jumped on top of the shut book and leaned close to my ear.
"You're beautiful, Libia. Surely you can't blame me for wanting to be just a little flirtatious even if I know I can not have you." CC whispered and licked my ear.
I gasped and backed away from him in shock. My face a deep crimson and my body trembling from his silky voice.
CC's grin widened.
"Don't be afraid, dear. I won't bite, hard. Unless of course, you want me to." CC said.
He jumped off the book and walked slowly towards me. He stopped when he saw me backing away from him as my eyes welled with tears. He sighed.
"Libby sweeting, I'm sorry. I was only kidding. I didn't make to upset you, but you left yourself open with the flirting comment. I just couldn't resist the oppertunity to tease you. Please, don't cry." CC soothed.
I closed my eyes and a few tears slipped through. I sighed in relief and sat down leaning against the book.
"Please don't toy with me like that anymore, CC. I've had my emotions toyed with so much I'm surpried I have any left." I whispered.
"Don't say that. You're a wonderful girl with a big heart. I know life hasn't exactly been peaches and cream for you, but you can't live without trusting anyone." CC said.
I narrowed my eyes.
"You can't trust anyone but yourself and a select few now a days it seems." I said bitterly.
CC sighed.
"I'm sorry. Perhaps teasing you wasn't such a good idea after all." CC said.
I smiled and scratched him behind his ear.
"It's alright. I'm sorry for the way I reacted. I should have realized you were just joking instead of jumping the gun." I said.
"Well, I wasn't kidding about you being you being adorable when you whine and you being beautiful. I didn't mean to give you the wrong impression, though." CC said.
"Really? You think so?" I asked.
CC nodded.
"There is no way that a truly ugly person could have a heart as beautiful as yours, Libby. Your mind is a marvel to behold as well." CC said.
I smiled and reached over to give him a hug,
"Thank you, CC. I really needed that." I whispered.
"Don't mention it." CC said.
He wiggled out of my embrace and jumped back on the book. I slapped my forehead.
"Oh right. The book. So, how do I open this stupid thing?" I asked.
"Treat it like a chinese box or a stubborn lid. A tap in the right place might do the trick." CC said.
I sighed in frustration and kicked it as hard as I could. It fell to the floor and opened on its own. I shook my head in embarrassment.
That was all I had to do, but I just had to try and do it the hard way, didn't I?
"You call that a tap? Fortunately, I suggested force. You might have pulverized it." CC said.
I just smiled and shrugged. Exshaustion began to take its toll on me as I reached for the meta in the corner.
"There's an ugly name for those who do things the hard way, my dear." CC said.
"Yeah, and her name just happens to be Libby." I muttered.
"Don't be so hard on yourself, sweeting. It happens to the best of us from time to time." CC said.
I smiled tiredly and began to rub my temples. CC raised an eyebrow at me.
"Libby, are you alright?" CC said.
"Yeah. I fell face first all the way back on the first floor. I feel so sore and I have a massive head ache." I said.
CC winced and cringed.
"In that case, you'd better take this meta before you continue." CC said.
I took the meta and found that my soreness did indeed go away, but the headache remained. I sat down tiredly on the floor next to CC. He gently placed his paw on my forehead and neck. I leaned gently against him for support hoping my weight wasn't too much for him.
"CC, I don't feel so good. I'm so tired and hungry." I whispered.
"You lost too much sanity in that fall. It's a miracle you even have any left. You must be careful, Libby. Here, take this. I know you don't like mushrooms, but it'll make you feel better." CC said.
CC held a little yellow mushroom in his paw. Bile formed in my stomach at the sight of it. I closed my eyes and took it. I took a small bite and realized that it tasted just like chamomile tea. That calmed me down a bit and I ate the rest of the small yellow mushroom. When I finished I realized that I did feel much better. I looked up at CC surprised, who in turn only grinned.
"Wow, you were right. I feel so much better now." I said.
CC looked at me with a serious look in his eyes that unnerved me.
"You should go home and rest, Libby. All the mushroom did was ease your pain. Your sanity is still dangerously low." CC said.
"But, what about the old man? He's waiting for me." I said.
"Well, he's just gonna have to wait a little longer, then. I'm sorry Libby, but I refuse to let you go on like this. Look at you. You're starved, exhausted and you're almost of sanity. Remaining here in such conditions could prove very fatal to you. I wouldn't be a very good ally or friend if I let you go on in such a weakened state. Just go home and rest. I'll be back for you in a day or two." CC said.
I sighed. I figured it was no use fighting with him so I just held my hands up in defeat.
"Fine. Just let me jump through the book or into it, whatever it is I have to do and then I'll go. I don't want to see this place again when I come back." I said.
"Fair enough. Would you like me to tell the old man that you'll be a little late?" CC asked.
I nodded.
"Please do so. I really don't want to have any unpleasenties when I return." I said.
"No problem. Run along now, just some rest. I'll see you in a day or two." CC said.
He disappeared again and I looked down at the book. I saw the picture in the open pages change from a picture of the skool to a picture of my room.
I know I should take CC's advise and get some rest, but I feel so bad just leaving like this. But I'm so tired though, I can barely even keep my eyes open anymore. He's right. I can't go on like this. I just hope they'll all be alright until I get back.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. After a moment's hesitation, I jumped.
"Oh my god, that was beautiful!" CC exclaimed.
"Yeah. He never what hit him. The poor bastard." I said.
CC began laughing again. There were tears in his eyes from hard he was laughing. I smiled. It was nice to finally see someone laugh a genuinely friendly laugh. I walked up to CC and kneeled down in front of him. He raised an amused eyebrow at me.
"Wha... What are you doing, Libby?" CC asked.
"Just hold still for a minute. You won't be able to see a damn thing with all those tears in your eyes." I said.
To be completely honest, I half expected him to either disappear or slink away from me at that moment. To my amazement though, he complied. I lifted my skirt with one hand and gently grabbed the side of his face with the other to hold him still. I smiled and wiped all the tears from his eyes and face.
"Okay Libby, You can stop. I can see now." CC said.
I giggled. I felt a mother cleaning her child up after spilling food all over himself. The look on his face as he tried to inch away from me was absolutely priceless.
"Now CC. You don't want to be walking around and risk anyone seeing you with a tear stained face, now do you?" I asked.
"No." CC said.
"Then hold still and let me finish." I said.
He stopped struggling and I smiled. His eyes held a mix of emotions I couldn't make out, but I could tell he was grateful for my help. After a moment I finally had him dry.
"There you go, all done. Now, isn't that better?" I asked.
"Yes. You were right, my vision was getting all blurry." CC admitted quietly.
I smiled and patted his head affectionately the way Rabbit had done to me moments before.
"I may be a woman on a mission, but that doesn't mean I can't take time out to take care of you guys." I said.
CC's grin widened.
"Thank you, Libby." CC said.
"Don't mention it. It was my pleasure." I said.
"No, I mean for coming here and agreeing to help us. You have no idea how bad things have been here over the last century and a half. I have to admit I'm scared for your safety and your sanity, but you're the only one who can help us and..." I cut CC off as I wrapped him in a hug.
"Like I said, it's my pleasure. Don't worry about me. I'll be alright. I'm one tough cookie, I can handle it." I said.
"You have to be in order to just maintain your sanity here." CC said.
"I know, but that's why I have you guys to help me, right?" I asked.
CC nodded.
"Did Rabbit come and see you?" CC said.
"Yes, he did. He acted so weird though. He kinda freaked me out. I don't know what to make of his bizarre behavior." I said.
"Why? What he did tell you?" CC said.
"Well, first he pushed me into the room because a Boojum was coming and I wasn't paying attention. Then, he said that I shouldn't call on you too often because the queen may suspect something, and I have to wait until you can escape. After he said that a mirror broke and the shards went flying at me. Rabbit had to knock me to the floor so I wouldn't be hit. When I asked about it, he said that it was a warning and to 'beware the mirrors.' After that, he hopped off." I said.
CC's eyes widened and looked around nervously like Rabbit had done.
"Oh no." CC whispered.
"CC, what's wrong?" I asked.
"The mirrors. Libia, you must stay away from the mirrors. Whatever you do, don't look into them." CC said.
"But why! What the fuck is so damn dangerous about those mirrors anyway?!" I screamed.
I didn't mean to snap at him, but I was getting really frustrated about not knowing what was going on. CC looked at me with a hurt expression.
"Oh CC, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scream at you. I'm just so frustrated and everyone giving the run around isn't helping." I said.
CC smiled.
"It's okay, but you've got to keep your voice down, girl. Someone might hear you." CC whispered.
I nodded.
"Alright, just please tell me why I have to avoid the mirrors." I said.
"They are the windows to Wonderland." CC said.
"Windows? What you mean? What windows?" I asked.
"Someone knows you're here. I know it's not the queen because she would have far more heart cardguards running about." CC said.
"The Jabberwock, then?" I asked.
"Possibly. I really don't know who it is, but you know that old saying 'the eyes are the windows to the soul'?" CC said.
I nodded.
"Well, the mirrors are the windows to the very soul of Wonderland which right now rests within you. I can't tell you any else. Believe me, if I could I would, but it's dangerous. Just please, avoid the mirrors." CC said.
"Okay. One things still bothers me, though." I said.
"What is it?" CC said.
"The insane children. They were screaming when they saw looking at the mirror and shattered what was left of it with a big rock and tried to pulled me away from it. Then, the mirror turned to ashes. When I asked the old man about it he was so rude." I said.
CC sighed.
"He didn't mean to be. He knew the danger of telling you and tried to avoid the subject as best he could. Luckily you're not as stubborn as most people believe you to be. You know when to leave something be." CC said.
I smiled.
"Oh, don't let me off the hook that easily. I can be quite subborn, believe me. Well, since he did it with everyone's best interest in mind, he's forgiven. He had better not be so rude to me next time though, or I'll show him just how stubborn I can really be." I said.
CC laughed.
"I should like to see that." CC said.
Now it was my turn to laugh.
"As for the insane children, let's just say one good turn deserves another." CC said.
I smiled and nodded in understanding.
"Well, I've wasted too much time already. I'd better go get that book." I said.
CC disappeared leaving me to ride the next lift alone. When I got to the next floor, I was surprised to find that the next book was right in front of me. I touched it and it floated away. I walked further and noticed 2 cardguards. Rather than try my luck with a sneak attack, I simply got my ribbon and threw it towards them. I pulled until they both broke in half. I collected the metas they left behind and made my way to the third lift.
Two down. Two to go.
I rode the next lift and did the same thing. I was surprised to find no cardguards on this floor, though. I shrugged and rode the lift to the final floor.
Thank god. Last floor.
I touched the book and watched it float away. I saw that the books had made a sort of bridge to the alcove. I cringed at the thought of having to jump through them.
Oh man. I hope I don't fall. I really don't want to have to go through it 100 times.
Something hot hitting me in the back snapped me back to attention. I turned around to find about 10 cardguards running at me with those burning cards. I sighed and took out my own cards. I threw 16 cards from each hand and they staggered back. Then I fried them with a couple of croquet balls. I laughed and collected their meta.
That'll teach them not to mess with a pissed off woman.
I turned my attention back to the floating books. I walked over to the edge. I was about to jump, but as I looked down, I hesitated. Finally, I took a few steps back and after taking a deep breath, I ran to the edge and jumped off. I was relieved to have landed safely in the center of the first book. I closed my eyes and jumped towards the second one. I landed once again in the center, but I wasn't paying attention to my footing, so I slipped and fell face first on the floor. I groaned. After the pain subsided somewhat, I sat up and rubbed my aching head. I looked around and frowned as I realized I was all the way back on the first floor.
Perfect. Just my rotten luck. Now I have to do it all over again.
I whimpered as I got up and saw CC had again appeared.
"Tell yourself 'I have seen at Rutledges and JM.' Prevarication in this instance may help." CC said.
I looked at him with a slight frown on my face, but nodded anyway. I had absolutely no idea what he was saying, but there was really no point questioning him on it. He disappeared and I made my way back up to the book bridge. I jumped and made it to the first book just fine. I had a bit of trouble with the second one, but I made it okay. However, when I went for the third book I slightly miscalculated the jump and would have fallen if I hadn't grabbed the edge. I pulled myself up and sat down in the center for a moment to catch my breath. I looked down again and gulped. Then, I looked at the last book I would have to jump across to reach the alcove. I sighed and got up. After a few breaths to calm my nerves, I jumped to the last book. To my great surprise, I landed perfectly in the middle. I smiled and made the short jump that remained to the alcove. Glad to have reached it, I slumped down and sighed.
"Well, two tries and some massive pain later, I'm finally here." I muttered.
Once my breathing and heartbeat were back to normal, I stood up and took a good look at the object before me. It looked like a box of some sort. I went to the other side to see if I could open it or push it, but to no avail. I heard chuckling and turned to find that CC had appeared beside me. I frowned.
"Why the long face, my dear?" CC asked.
"I can't get this stupid thing open. There's no lock or anything. It's as if it's stuck together with superglue!" I whined.
CC chuckled. I cocked my head in confuion.
"What's so funny?" I asked.
"You. You're quite adorable when you whine, you know that right?" CC said.
I blushed a deep red as CC let out a hearty laugh.
"If I didn't better CC, I'd say that you're trying to flirt with me." I joked.
I giggled as he lifted an eyebrow.
"Who's to say I'm not?" CC whispered.
I looked at him with a look of total shock as he he rubbed up againt my legs and let out a rumbling purr. He looked at me with a glint in his eyes I couldn't make out.
"CC, what are you doing?" I asked.
CC smirked. He jumped on top of the shut book and leaned close to my ear.
"You're beautiful, Libia. Surely you can't blame me for wanting to be just a little flirtatious even if I know I can not have you." CC whispered and licked my ear.
I gasped and backed away from him in shock. My face a deep crimson and my body trembling from his silky voice.
CC's grin widened.
"Don't be afraid, dear. I won't bite, hard. Unless of course, you want me to." CC said.
He jumped off the book and walked slowly towards me. He stopped when he saw me backing away from him as my eyes welled with tears. He sighed.
"Libby sweeting, I'm sorry. I was only kidding. I didn't make to upset you, but you left yourself open with the flirting comment. I just couldn't resist the oppertunity to tease you. Please, don't cry." CC soothed.
I closed my eyes and a few tears slipped through. I sighed in relief and sat down leaning against the book.
"Please don't toy with me like that anymore, CC. I've had my emotions toyed with so much I'm surpried I have any left." I whispered.
"Don't say that. You're a wonderful girl with a big heart. I know life hasn't exactly been peaches and cream for you, but you can't live without trusting anyone." CC said.
I narrowed my eyes.
"You can't trust anyone but yourself and a select few now a days it seems." I said bitterly.
CC sighed.
"I'm sorry. Perhaps teasing you wasn't such a good idea after all." CC said.
I smiled and scratched him behind his ear.
"It's alright. I'm sorry for the way I reacted. I should have realized you were just joking instead of jumping the gun." I said.
"Well, I wasn't kidding about you being you being adorable when you whine and you being beautiful. I didn't mean to give you the wrong impression, though." CC said.
"Really? You think so?" I asked.
CC nodded.
"There is no way that a truly ugly person could have a heart as beautiful as yours, Libby. Your mind is a marvel to behold as well." CC said.
I smiled and reached over to give him a hug,
"Thank you, CC. I really needed that." I whispered.
"Don't mention it." CC said.
He wiggled out of my embrace and jumped back on the book. I slapped my forehead.
"Oh right. The book. So, how do I open this stupid thing?" I asked.
"Treat it like a chinese box or a stubborn lid. A tap in the right place might do the trick." CC said.
I sighed in frustration and kicked it as hard as I could. It fell to the floor and opened on its own. I shook my head in embarrassment.
That was all I had to do, but I just had to try and do it the hard way, didn't I?
"You call that a tap? Fortunately, I suggested force. You might have pulverized it." CC said.
I just smiled and shrugged. Exshaustion began to take its toll on me as I reached for the meta in the corner.
"There's an ugly name for those who do things the hard way, my dear." CC said.
"Yeah, and her name just happens to be Libby." I muttered.
"Don't be so hard on yourself, sweeting. It happens to the best of us from time to time." CC said.
I smiled tiredly and began to rub my temples. CC raised an eyebrow at me.
"Libby, are you alright?" CC said.
"Yeah. I fell face first all the way back on the first floor. I feel so sore and I have a massive head ache." I said.
CC winced and cringed.
"In that case, you'd better take this meta before you continue." CC said.
I took the meta and found that my soreness did indeed go away, but the headache remained. I sat down tiredly on the floor next to CC. He gently placed his paw on my forehead and neck. I leaned gently against him for support hoping my weight wasn't too much for him.
"CC, I don't feel so good. I'm so tired and hungry." I whispered.
"You lost too much sanity in that fall. It's a miracle you even have any left. You must be careful, Libby. Here, take this. I know you don't like mushrooms, but it'll make you feel better." CC said.
CC held a little yellow mushroom in his paw. Bile formed in my stomach at the sight of it. I closed my eyes and took it. I took a small bite and realized that it tasted just like chamomile tea. That calmed me down a bit and I ate the rest of the small yellow mushroom. When I finished I realized that I did feel much better. I looked up at CC surprised, who in turn only grinned.
"Wow, you were right. I feel so much better now." I said.
CC looked at me with a serious look in his eyes that unnerved me.
"You should go home and rest, Libby. All the mushroom did was ease your pain. Your sanity is still dangerously low." CC said.
"But, what about the old man? He's waiting for me." I said.
"Well, he's just gonna have to wait a little longer, then. I'm sorry Libby, but I refuse to let you go on like this. Look at you. You're starved, exhausted and you're almost of sanity. Remaining here in such conditions could prove very fatal to you. I wouldn't be a very good ally or friend if I let you go on in such a weakened state. Just go home and rest. I'll be back for you in a day or two." CC said.
I sighed. I figured it was no use fighting with him so I just held my hands up in defeat.
"Fine. Just let me jump through the book or into it, whatever it is I have to do and then I'll go. I don't want to see this place again when I come back." I said.
"Fair enough. Would you like me to tell the old man that you'll be a little late?" CC asked.
I nodded.
"Please do so. I really don't want to have any unpleasenties when I return." I said.
"No problem. Run along now, just some rest. I'll see you in a day or two." CC said.
He disappeared again and I looked down at the book. I saw the picture in the open pages change from a picture of the skool to a picture of my room.
I know I should take CC's advise and get some rest, but I feel so bad just leaving like this. But I'm so tired though, I can barely even keep my eyes open anymore. He's right. I can't go on like this. I just hope they'll all be alright until I get back.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. After a moment's hesitation, I jumped.