Wakko was starting to get irritated. They'd been walking for what felt like an hour, and they'd seen nothing but more cells and a few guard stations. Jenkins hadn't said anything, there was no sign of any cameras, and the guard kept him from slowing down long enough to get a closer look at anything. His mallet urge was really itching.
Finally, they turned into a corridor leading down to a heavy looking metal door flanked by guard stations on either side. The men inside, wearing the same military style uniforms as the guard, stood inside the booths. Jenkins sighed and made an impatient wave with his hand. One of the men turned and punched some buttons on a panel. There was a loud clanking sound, then an electronic voice chimed through the air.
"Door opening. All subjects stand clear."
The metal door slowly slid open, and Jenkins strode forward. Wakko hesitated, eying the cold-eyed guards uneasily as Jarod slid closer to him. The guard behind them grumbled, but Jenkins turned before he could say anything.
"Well, come along," he said lightly. "No use just standing around."
A cold gust of air chilled Wakko's fur as he entered through the arched metal door. He boldly, yet carefully marched his way through, with Jarod keeping closely behind him.
Wakko's jaw almost dropped when he saw what was behind the large metal door.
He stood before a gigantic dome-shaped room, with vaulted ceilings that had a sun roof. Large tables with long benches for seats were spread throughout the room. The light from the moon beamed through the transparent roof, slightly illuminating the area. It was dark, Wakko couldn't see every detail, but he could see enough.
This place was gigantic. It looked as if this roomed could hold hundreds of kids.
"Pretty neat, eh?" Jenkins smirked.
Wakko didn't respond, but instead give him a nod.
"This is where you will spend a majority of your day. Here you will eat, socialize with the other children, etcetera."
Wakko started thinking. Was this some sort of prison? Did he do some kind of heinous crime that he wasn't aware of? Was this all some kind of punishment? What about Jarod? How could a kid that young possibly commit a crime?
No… he didn't commit any crime. But he was put in here for a reason, a reason that he was yet to figure out. What could it be? Why would a huge organization like this want anything to do with Wakko?
Suddenly he realized that Jenkins was talking. Shaking his head, he focused.
"…specific times for meals and such, but it shouldn't take you long to get the hang of things."
Jenkins turned and crossed his arms, giving them a slight smile.
"I know this must be confusing right now, but don't worry. You'll learn more about what we do here in time."
Wakko glanced at Jarod, who looked just as confused as he felt. Gathering his nerve, he took a deep breath.
"But… w-why can't we know now?"
Jenkins glanced at him and flicked a dismissive hand.
"Oh, it's far too complicated to explain right now. It's quite late, and I'm sure you're tired. Perhaps it is time for you to head back to your cell."
"Wait! Can't you just tell us why we're here?!" Wakko exclaimed angrily.
The guard yanked the collar of his shirt, making him gasp. Jenkins frowned, his tone suddenly cold and stern.
"Listen, boy, if you ever want to get home and see your family again, then I suggest you obey."
Frightened now, Wakko nodded, blinking back tears. Jenkins' frown disappeared.
"Good. There is no need for any of that. I would hate to have to punish you."
Wakko shuddered as he wondered what kind of cruel and unusual punishments this place had. Jenkins turned to the guard.
"Escort these two back. I think we're finished here."
The guard straightened and nodded.
"Right away, boss." He gave both boys a push forward. "C'mon, let's move it."
Wakko obeyed right away, Jarod following close beside him. Confused and scared, it was getting harder to focus on forming a plan of escape. Hopefully he could figure out a way soon. He kept his eyes down as they walked back the way they came, not even daring to glance off to the side. Only when they reached Jarod's cell did he look up. Seeing the younger boy's scared look, Wakko gave him a little smile. Jarod tremulously returned it just before the guard pushed him inside and locked the door. He turned back to Wakko, glaring.
"Move it."
Again, there was nothing to do but obey. Cursing his helplessness for the umpteenth time, Wakko moved down the hall, walking as quickly as he could to avoid being pushed. Finally they reached his cell and he hurried inside as soon as the guard unlocked the door.
"Hmm," the man chuckled. "Guess you're not so stupid after all."
The door clanged shut, then there was a clicking sound as it locked. When the footsteps faded, Wakko felt all the fear he'd been suppressing surge back. Climbing onto his bunk, he curled into a ball and shuddered with muffled sobs as tears streamed down his face.
What's going to happen to me?
Finally, all his terror and weariness caught up with him. Still whimpering, he fell into an exhausted sleep.
Sorry for the rather short chapter, but I haven't had much time to write lately, and I don't want it to be another 2-3 months before I update xD. Kaylamicael wrote a good 70% of this chapter, so make sure you thank her! :)
