Chapter 15: Onward to Pencilvania
Jack woke up the next morning with his usual routine. Stretching a bit, doing a couple of push-ups, and finishing off with tying up his tentacles and getting dressed in some pajamas.
Cici sleepily crept out of her box. She was still a pale pinkish green color. She swam down stairs.
Not long after Jack opened the bedroom door and walked down the stairs, but nearly slipped on some ink left on the middle step. He quickly grasped the railing and carefully pulled himself up, his eyes wide and his hearts racing.
Cici looked back at him.
"You okay, Jack?" Callie asked as she sat at one of the booths, Marie behind her and tying up her tentacles for her.
"Yeah, just a little slip. I'm fine." He smiled and put a finger on his wrist.
Cici swam over and wiped the ink with a tissue.
"So...any idea where we are headed?" Marie asked, tying Callie's tentacles up in a bow.
"I don't know." Callie shrugged. "Should we ask Jim?"
"Land of sharp points." Cici muttered before going into a box of tissues.
"Needles? So like a town of Urchins?" Marie asked.
"Like Spike?" Jack raised an eyebrow as he got a bowl of chocolate cereal.
"Jim, where are we going?!" Callie yelled toward the driver.
"The city of Pencilvania!" The middle-aged urchin yelled back.
"Pencilvania?" Adstrum walked into the kitchen area wearing a pair of blue plaid pajama bottoms and a blue shirt that read, 'It's so damn cold outside, I just farted snowflakes.'
"Hm I hear that it's one of the highest mountains here…" Marie muttered, "Guess you better get used to it for a while…"
"Mountains? I think you mean buildings." Jim said, still keeping his eyes on the road.
"Oh, right. I was thinking of Pastelvania. The land of vampires."
"Vampire squids?" Adstrum asked as he put some waffles in a toaster.
"Scary…" Cici muttered swimming on Jim's head. Said urchin just shrugged and kept driving.
"Pencilvania? That sounds fun." Callie smiled before flinching as Marie tugged her tentacles a bit. "Thanks, Marie." She stood up and shook her head a bit, happy the bow didn't come undone.
"I heard the city was named after an old human city from before they went extinct." Adstrum pointed out as the waffles popped out and onto a plate. "At least that's what all the mayors and politicians say."
"Really? That's interesting." Jack said as he tried to carefully pull Cici out of Jim's spines. "Ow. But I heard that the city was named that when the founder went into a nervous panic and rapidly looked around for words to use, spotting a pencil, a van, and the letters 'I' and 'A' on a sign."
Cici nipped his hand.
"Who says that?" Callie asked.
"Everyone else in that city." Jack replied. "Ow! Cici, c'mon. Leave Jim alone. So sorry about her, Jim."
"That's okay." The urchin smiled as he reached up and carefully grabbed the squid in his hand.
She squeaked and wrapped her tentacles around his hand.
"C'mon, Cici. He needs to focus on driving." Jack carefully grabbed her and tried to pull her off.
She wrapped her tentacles around Jack's hand and nipped him.
"OW!" He resisted the urge to shake his hand and carefully lowered her to the floor.
She got off and swam away from him.
"So…" Jack stuck his finger in his mouth. "Anything of interest in this city?"
"The buildings all have sharp points?" Marie shrugged.
"I think he meant tourist traps and stuff like that." Callie chuckled as she pulled out her phone and looked online. "Hm...some shops and stuff. An outdoor stage. Guess that's where our concert will be."
"They have an ancient grove. A bit like the one in Eleede Valley... except smaller…" Marie muttered.
Both Cici and Jack perked up when they heard this, Cici a bit less but it was still noticeable.
"That grove…. Has good material… but it's very dangerous…." Cici muttered.
"Material for clothes?" Jack asked curiously.
"Almost died once. Eleede Valley's grove is a death trap, but it's strange climate is perfect for a rare spider."
His eyes widened and he placed two fingers on his neck, breathing quickly and trying to control it. "At least...you didn't die…" He sighed and calmed down.
Callie and Marie looked at Jack with concern before going back to looking at Callie's phone.
"I like spiders." Adstrum smiled as he put syrup over his waffles. "They are awesome little eight legged creatures."
"She's rather friendly, but the everlasting rain and maze like routes are deadly"
Jack started to panic a bit again.
"HEY!" Callie yelled, getting everyone's attention. "And they have this thing called 'The Gauntlet.' Seems like something Adstrum and Jack could be interested in." She smiled widely and nervously.
"Hmm?" Cici snapped out of her stare, "The battle arena?"
"It's a skyscraper that's been turned into some kind of battle labyrinth. I don't see any rules, but anyone interested in battling should at least try this interesting take on Turf Wars." Callie read.
"I think it wouldn't be fair if I played…." Cici smirked.
"Adstrum, why don't you try it out?" Callie looked up at him and smiled.
"Why?" He asked, half of a waffle sticking out of his mouth.
"Because it could be fun. You might as well do something while we are here. The concert isn't until ten at night. And we'll be there soon. So how else could you waste time?"
"Hmm… There's a tournament there on that day" Marie looked on her phone.
"Perfect! Why not enter? It could be fun! It says it's a free for all. Oh, and it says that you bring your own weapon and gear." Callie said excitedly.
"Alright, I'm in." Adstrum smiled as he swallowed the food in his mouth.
"I want to try… because I'm bored…." Cici raised her hand.
"Cici, you will get murdered…." Marie replied
Jack clutched his chest and his eyes went wide. "If she enters, then I will too."
"Wait, you can't enter. With your gear… it makes you look like a hobo… no offense" Marie chuckled.
"It's a cover up. If they judge me on that they already lost"
"Well, expect no mercy, guys." Adstrum smiled. "I don't see a rule about ink colors."
"Heh… okay." Cici smirked.
"You sure you can enter, Cici? I don't know how well you'd do, seeing as how you aren't that...healthy." Jack rubbed the back of his head.
"It's a good test for it… I have never tested this before... Oh my health? I guess just this once… I'll eat normally. I'll whip both of you."
"Try me, tiny." Adstrum smiled widely and licked his fangs.
Jack both breathed a sigh of relief at hearing she will eat normally today, but went back to worrying soon after.
"You… what?" Marie seemed confused.
"I guess I should get started on that…" Cici waddled into the kitchen and got herself some cereal.
"Well...this will be an interesting drive." Jack smiled as he realized his bowl was empty, except for the now chocolate milk still in it. He carried it over to the sink to rinse it out.
"Tomorrow's going to be fun for them. I hope." Callie looked over at Adstrum nervously, who was already looking through his weapons to pick which one he would use.
Marie kept staring at Cici who was actually changing to a brighter pink as some of the green faded.
Jack went upstairs and pulled out a case from under the bed, opening it and pulling out his hero outfit. "They said bring any gear you wish. And if I'm going to keep Cici from getting hurt, I got to go all out." He quickly put it on to see if it still fit, which it fortunately did. He then pulled out his Hero Shot and looked at himself in the mirror.
Cici took out a paper fan.
Jack came down the stairs. "Do I still look okay in this, guys?"
Callie looked up at him and smiled. "Oh, your agent outfit!"
"Wow… that's old…." Cici muttered.
"Hey, it's a classic." Callie looked at Cici. "And I think he looks good in it. Right, Marie?"
"Totally."
"Even though it is a hand-me-down." Jack chuckled.
"So what are you gonna use, Cici? You can't go in without a weapon" Marie asked.
"Technically she could…" Callie said as she looked at her phone again.
"This" She held up her paper fan.
Marie just sat there dumbfounded as her smile faded.
"Um...a fan?" Jack's breathing started to quicken a bit.
"Yes. I have two."
"Like Dualies." Adstrum held up two gloves with tubes connected to them. "Or Ink Claws."
"Hm… I dunno."
"Well, I'll go in with this." Jack held up his Hero Shot.
"Wouldn't you be cheating using that?" Callie asked.
"It says bring any weapon of choice. And if Adstrum can use black ink and a Carti Ridge weapon then why can't I use this?"
"Good point." Callie nodded.
"I need a name for them…" Cici swung the fan, making a smack sound.
"Um...Ink Fans?" Adstrum shrugged. "I'm not good at names."
"Tsunami… seems fitting..." Cici muttered.
"You can't be serious…."
"Maybe she'll surprise us?" Callie shrugged.
"Callie… She's gonna get herself killed!" Marie covered her mouth.
Jack ran up and put his hand on Marie's shoulder, leaning toward her ear. "That's why I'm entering. I'll make sure she stays safe." He whispered.
"But…" She sighed, "what about you, Jack?"
"I'll be fine. This is Agent 3 you are talking to." He gave a thumbs up.
"Heh, I know… Still, I worry" She petted him.
"I'll find a way to get her out of the…'Gauntlet'...quickly. Without hurting her."
"And if you have to fight her?"
"I'll try and stay hidden and take out enemies before they get to her, but I will run if she sees me. And if it comes down to that...then...I don't know. I'll try to splat her at the same time she splats me?" He started breathing quickly again.
"No mercy." Cici replied.
"You know it, sleepy." Adstrum smiled as he pushed his Ink Wheel off to the side. "Not that one."
"Wait, can you change weapons during it or no?"
"Yes, actually." Callie nodded. "But...only weapons you pick up during the climb." Everyone looked at her confused. "Oh, um, it says you may only bring one set of gear and one weapon. However, you may pick up and use any weapons and gear you find as you climb your way to the top of the building. Including weapons and gear dropped by other contestants. All weapons and gear will be returned to their rightful owners after the end of the 'Gauntlet,' though."
"I need practice then…" Cici tapped her paper fan on her hand.
"The Gauntlet ends with the last two players duking it out in a one-on-one turf war at the top. They may use any and all weapons and any gear they collected during the climb, including any sub weapons they collected and any Special cans they have found." Callie read.
Cici started dancing with her fans.
Marie just watched, getting more and more worried by the second.
Jack started taking deep breaths to calm himself. "This...will be an interesting tournament."
"...You seem different…. Cici, what did Arisara do?" Marie asked.
"Ari… told me. That maybe changing something in my life may help me. I have never played turf war after…. That. So maybe... I'll feel something again" Cici replied.
"I doubt this is what she had in mind…"
"Marie, you know how stubborn Cici can be. I don't think we'll convince her not to partake in this…'Gauntlet.'" Callie patted her cousin's back. "Lets just make sure she eats well enough today so that she'll be more ready."
"...Oh…"
"So, Cici. Anything you want for lunch?" Callie asked with a big smile.
"I want Ari's cooking… but, um... anything is fine"
"Sandwiches it is. Anything specific you want?" Callie asked as he went to the pantry and pulled out the bread.
"I like ham and cheese… Can I have one please?" She asked.
"Sure thing, Cici." Callie opened the fridge and pulled out the ham and cheese.
"Yay." Cici smiled as her tentacles glittered.
Jack smiled at seeing the small squid smile.
"Here we go." Adstrum smiled as he held up his Ink Sledge. "I'll use this beauty."
"What did she put in that food?" Marie asked, "And where can I get some?"
Cici shrugged.
"Here, Cici." Callie placed a plate in front of her with two sandwiches on it. "I made you an extra just in case. Just want to make sure that you will be ready for tomorrow."
"Thank you!" Cici took the plate.
As the hours passed by Jack spent the time researching more about the 'Gauntlet,' making glances at Cici to make sure she was okay.
She seemed very different. Her tentacles brightly glittered and were back to being shiny instead of dry. Her thin tentacles now seemed thicker and became wavy. Marie dropped her jaw when she returned from the bathroom.
"Where is Cici? Who's this kid?" Marie started looking around for a green tiny squid.
"...Huh?" Cici tilted her head.
"That, um, is Cici, Marie." Jack replied.
"Holy shit… really?!"
"I'm just as shocked as you, Marie." Callie replied as she cut up some raw chicken.
"But she's actually … pretty…." Marie looked at the changed squid.
"P-pretty?" Cici blushed.
"Very pretty." Jack nodded.
"..." Cici whacked him with her paper fan.
"Ow!" He rubbed where she hit him. "That stings!"
"But it's paper…." Marie muttered.
"I wouldn't bring this newspaper…" Cici looked at the paper fan.
"What?" Callie asked.
"These aren't really the weapon they just make it easier to not paint the bus."
"Oh. Okay." Callie went back to preparing dinner, filling a pan with some water before dumping rice into it.
Cici continued dancing with her fans until she got tired.
"Looks like sleepy is back." Jack smiled as he saw her yawn.
"Heh, she's been at it for hours. She deserves it" Marie stopped smiling as Cici slipped and fell on her face, "...Oh…"
"Oh, gosh! You okay?" Jack ran up to her and tried to help her up.
She was fast asleep in his arms. Her tentacles lightly glowed and faded with her breathing.
"She looks amazing." Jack said as he gently lifted her up. "Oh, and feels heavier…"
"How does her tentacles glitter like that? It's so pretty…"
"I don't know." Jack shrugged as he held the sleeping inkling in his arms.
Cici stirred a bit but kept sleeping.
"She feels heavier." Jack repeated as he carefully placed her down in a booth.
"She actually seems normal… shorter than most, but not unhealthy"
"Yeah." Jack nodded. "I'm happy to see that. But I will kind of miss her small size. It was cute."
"She's still tiny… just healthier"
"True." Jack nodded.
"Anyone want croissants?" Callie asked.
"Me!" Adstrum yelled and raised his hand.
"Alright, I'll put some in the oven." Callie smiled as she stirred the chicken and rice a bit before putting the lid back on the pan. She opened the fridge and pulled out a tube of croissant dough, opening it and rolling up croissants as the oven heated up.
Cici moved and sat up, "Hmm? What happened?... Oh, I guess I overdid it..."
"Overdid what?" Jack asked as he stepped away from her slowly, wanting to give her room.
"Practiced too hard."
"Ah." He nodded as she stood up. "Dinner's almost done."
"Oh, okay" She waddled to the fridge and got some apple juice.
"Just ten more minutes, okay?" Callie said to everyone as she turned off the stove. "Just gotta wait on the croissants."
"Okay." Cici waddled upstairs.
"Wow, she's really changed quickly, huh?" Jack asked as he sat down.
"She has. It's amazing." Callie smiled.
"Kind of weird seeing her not swimming around, but I'm glad she's getting better." Adstrum smiled as he stood next to Callie.
She came back with a ribbon. She was just playing with it.
"She also...it's amazing how quickly she grew. She was 3'8" just this morning and now...what, 4'2"? 4'3"?" Jack whispered.
"Yeah, it's wonderful." Callie nodded.
"I wonder how big she'll get." Adstrum wondered aloud yet quietly.
"Get your mind out of the gutter, Addie."
"Well, it's there now, Callie." Adstrum facepalmed. "That's your fault."
"I'm just happy she's aiming to be healthier." Jack smiled.
"Don't get used to it…It's only for now." Cici tied her tentacles back and looked like her old photo. After a while she took it off.
"Oh, don't say that, Cici. We think this is good for you." Callie nodded as the oven's timer ended. "Dinner's ready!"
"But...I already told you this is temporary..." Cici rested her head on her hand, staring at the ribbon.
"Shhhhh." Callie placed a finger on Cici's lips. "Let's not think about that right now. Let's eat!" She walked over to the kitchen and put on some oven mitts. She pulled the croissants out of the oven and pulled out some plates.
Cici smiled and tied the ribbon around her neck.
After fixing the plates Callie handed them out to everyone, making sure Cici got a slightly bigger helping. "Here you go, guys. Enjoy!" She sat down and began to dig in.
"Wow I forgot how long ago you actually cooked dinner for us." Marie smiled.
"You can't remember two years ago?" Callie rolled her eyes and chuckled.
"No… those were very long in my mind"
"Let's not bring this stuff up, guys." Jack nervously laughed before shoving some rice in his mouth.
"Say, Cici, can you cook?"
"Yes." She replied wiping her mouth.
"...Really? Like, really really?"
"Yes. My, um… for lack of a better word, butler helped me when I was a hatchling"
"You cooked when you were that young?" Adstrum shook his head. "I doubt that."
"Maybe she meant when she was a child?" Callie looked at Cici confused.
"Yeah, I guess that is more accurate."
"So what can you cook?" Jack asked as he bit his croissant.
"Um, everything my butler could… He seemed so proud so I kept making them with him, a long time ago. I think you guys met him..."
"That's sweet." Callie smiled as she wiped her mouth off with a napkin. "Did we?"
"He played one of the instruments back at your previous performance."
"Ah. Okay." Callie nodded.
"*belch* Excuse me. Callie, that was good." Adstrum smiled as he took his empty plate to the sink.
"Thank you, Addie." She blushed.
"Hehe. It is very tasty" Cici smiled as she dangled her feet.
"Thank you, Cici." Callie pulled said squid into a hug.
Cici blushed a bit, but hugged her back.
Jack wanted to join the hug, but decided not to. He finished off his plate and went into the bathroom, coming out a few minutes later and heading upstairs. "I'm going to get some early shut eye."
"Night, Jack" Marie waved to him.
"I should do that too…" Cici put her dish into the sink and washed them.
"Okay, good night, Cici." Callie waved as she felt Adstrum gently grab her face.
"Kiss me." He pulled her into one.
"Mmmf, Addie, why are you so hyper!?" She laughed and returned it.
Cici smiled at the two and waddled upstairs and into her box.
"Did you brush your teeth?" Jack asked as he got himself into bed. When he didn't hear a response he just sighed and laid down to sleep. "Tomorrow's going to be a hassle…"
Author's Note: And another chapter done. Hello everyone. Hope you like this chapter.
Thank you The Bowser Monster, RisingPhoenix56, Ashanti, Nintendo 46, and QwertyMcThirty for leaving reviews. Thank you guys.
And guys, I know Anita's a bitch, but leave the ass kicking to Clair. She literally kicked Anita's ass.
Yes, Marie stood up for herself and it is a happy day, Ashanti.
Yes, Nintendo 46...I get it.
Glad you luv the chapter, Qwerty.
Alright, see you all next update next week! You all have a great day!
