Mr. Quillon said nothing when Reggie entered the room. Mr. Quillon fixated his eyes on one of his toys. Smiling, he adjusted the legs until he could prop it beside him. Without moving his head, he said, "I didn't expect to see you right now."

Reggie gritted his teeth. "I-I thought my session was..."

"It was. I just thought you'd try to ditch it. I've had some kids try to pull that one on me before," Mr. Quillon said as he motioned for Reggie to come in. "Now get in. I've got something I need to discuss with you."

There was noticeable hesitation in Reggie's movements. Mr. Quillon rested his chin on his interlocking fingers, refusing to shift eye contact. Reggie looked as if he were a target board. Mr. Quillon's mouth ticked to one side.

Even after sitting down, Reggie refused to lift his head up. He turned his head, one eye carefully watching Mr. Quillon. Tension seeped out with every breath Reggie took. Talking strained him in ways it surely hadn't before.

Mr. Quillon stretched his smile as he stroked his finger along the toy. "This chalk world you told me about, it has me intrigued. I think it has potential to be put to good use." Mr. Quillon gestured to Reggie. "I must thank you for that."

Reggie rubbed his arm, his gaze still averted.

Mr. Quillon sighed. "Well...I would thank you if I had a way to get there."

Reggie shot his head up. His eyes were as wide open as his mouth. "But the only way is with Rudy's chalk..."

"That really does seem to be a problem, yes?" Mr. Quillon mused, shutting his eyes. "Rudy's not just going to give someone a piece just like that, I'm sure."

Reggie nodded. "Especially not me."

"No I suppose he would not." Mr. Quillon said. "He'll probably think you'll attack the citizens again. It does seem to be in your nature."

Reggie gulped and cringed at the reminder.

Mr. Quillon chuckled as he rubbed his chin. "But I wasn't lying before when I said there's still hope for you. And now comes your opportunity to make up for what you've done."

Reggie asked, "What do you want me to do?"

Mr. Quillon stretched his smile. "Get me a piece of that chalk."

"What?!" Reggie almost toppled his chair over. "We just agreed that he wouldn't give me any!"

"Oh I know. I never said I wanted you to ask," Mr. Quillon said as he broadened his smile further. "I want you to steal me a piece."

Reggie's eyes widened and he struggled to respond, his fingers tense like tree branches.

Mr. Quillon straightened himself. He placed his toy closer for Reggie to see. Reggie's eyes darted from the toy and to Mr. Quillon a few times. Mr. Quillon dropped his smile as he pressed his finger against the top of the toy. A nudge was all that it took to cause the toy's limbs to spring out, the coils wobbling.

"You've fallen further than the first day we've met. You had a chance to change and you floundered it. I am offering you another chance to pull the pieces back together."

Mr. Quillon pushed down on the toy's head once more. With a click, the limbs shot back into their proper place.

"This task will be for good reason. You will be helping countless children change their lives for the better. That, I can promise, will be your redemption arc, Reggie Bullnerd."

"That sounds great and all, but I...I don't want to upset Tabootie more." Reggie fumbled with his fingers. "H-How would I even get close enough before he finds out what I'm doing?"

Mr. Quillon cupped Reggie's chin, tilting his head up. "You'll find a way. Kids like you always do."

Reggie cowered back, his eyes dripping in fear.

"I suspect Rudy and Penny will be heading into that chalk world the first chance they get. After surely dealing with the two creations I, uh, bestowed upon them since my arrival, I'm going to guess they're wanting to make sure this place stays safe for a while. Wouldn't you agree?" Asked Mr. Quillon.

"I... It does make sense." Reggie said.

"And the best time for them to sneak in would be during recess. They are in the same class as you, and all three of you have recess at the same time, correct?" Mr. Quillon smiled as Reggie nodded. "Go into that room during this time. Rudy might have spare chalk in his backpack."

Reggie asked, "You sound so positive."

"Just a guess. Wouldn't hurt to try." Mr. Quillon shrugged his shoulders. He continued to smile as he added, "If you find the chalk, bring it to me immediately. Don't worry about the other teachers. I'll come up with an excuse for you."

Reggie got off his chair and backed away. "Tabootie and Sanchez will know it was me... I c-can't..." Reggie crossed his arms and looked away. His tone trembled as he said, "I'm s-sure you could pull it off b-better than me..."

Mr. Quillon remained quiet. He hardened his expression as he approached Reggie. Before Reggie could move, Mr. Quillon seized the boy's shirt collar and yanked him off the ground. The collar dug into Reggie's throat, causing him to gasp and writhe in the air.

After pulling Reggie closer to him, Mr. Quillon snarled and narrowed his eyes into slits. "I never said you had a choice..."

Reggie coughed and gagged, his eyes wide and dripping out tears. "C-Can't you...d-do it yourself..?" Reggie's gasping garbled his voice. "P-P-Please...! I-I don't... I don't w-w-want...this... Gah!"

Mr. Quillon growled, baring his teeth. He smiled and snickered as Reggie gasped for air. "You're right. I can do it on my own. But you know what else I can do?" Mr. Quillon put his face close to Reggie's. "I can tell your parents how you were responsible for a fellow student going missing."

Reggie shook his head and tried to speak. Only pained whimpers made it through. Mr. Quillon dropped Reggie to the ground, allowing him to struggle to catch his breath. Mr. Quillon seized Reggie's hair and pulled it to force eye contact.

"Do I make myself clear...?"

Reggie's body quivered, his chest trying to keep up with the increased demand for oxygen. More tears came, his cheeks and eyes turning puffy and red. His hanging mouth shook as Reggie fought to say something. His voice was locked in his throat. Reggie could only lower his head, letting the cries give his answer for him.

Mr. Quillon didn't shift his expression. "Good... Now get going."

sss

It didn't matter how much time passed. Nothing would settle the restlessness that bored into the air.

Rudy couldn't stop fumbling with his fingers. Relaxing had proven to be difficult. No words of reassurance changed that. His attempts only led to more sharp twists in his stomach.

"Still feeling nervous?"

Rudy swallowed, nodding his head.

"I didn't expect you to feel cozy by the next meeting. But don't worry. Everything will be fine."

Rudy didn't respond. He kept his gaze averted. The days passed by like racing cars. There was no loop back. All that could be done is to wait until this meeting finished.

The fears from the last meeting rushed back, chilling Rudy's spine. It had been foolish to believe that these fears would be under control after only one meeting with Mr. Quillon. Penny had been wrong.

"That was such lovely art you drew for me." Mr. Quillon said. "What path have you laid out for yourself?"

Rudy tilted his head and frowned. "I...guess comics?"

Mr. Quillon's finger rested against his chin. "You sound so unsure. Have you ever had any doubts?"

Rudy shuddered and curled his fingers against his palms. "I..." He paused to shake off the mental images that seeped into his mind. "I've had bad dreams..."

"I'm so sorry to hear that." Mr. Quillon's voice and face displayed sympathy. "Do you care to tell me about these bad dreams?"

Rudy snorted. "I didn't think you were a therapist."

Chortling, Mr. Quillon said, "In case you haven't noticed, some form of therapy is required in a job like this. Why do you think 'guidance' is in the title?"

"I...don't know." Rudy said. He rubbed his head. "...is there still a way for me to back out of this?"

Mr. Quillon's eyes widened. "But we've barely gotten started."

Rudy shuffled around on his seat. "Forget I asked."

"Rudy, look at me." When Rudy obeyed, Mr. Quillon interlocked his fingers and sighed. Silence followed for a few moments. "It is up to you whether or not you choose to talk to me about these nightmares of yours. But just remember, if you don't talk to someone about them, you'll only make things harder on yourself."

Rudy said, "I did talk to someone about them already."

"That's good." Mr. Quillon smiled briefly. "But that won't help me help you. Do you get what I'm saying?"

Rudy bit his lip, his feet shuffling against the floor. "...I'll tell you when I'm ready."

Mr. Quillon said, "Okay then. Let's change the subject."

Rudy tried to relax himself. The meeting wasn't close to being done. The seconds dragged on like time was being squeezed through a thick layer of jelly. Would this meeting take longer to finish than the first one?

"What does Penny think of your art?"

Rudy jolted, spluttering, "Wh-What?"

Mr. Quillon repeated himself. "Penny. Does she like your art?"

Rudy scrambled for an answer. He could only manage stutters and grunts. Why was Mr. Quillon bringing up Penny? Rudy's stomach knotted up.

Mr. Quillon tilted his head and raised a brow. "Something troubling you?" After more silence, Mr. Quillon said, "I only made the observation because you two hang out a lot. I was wondering if she offers you support for your art. You never mentioned her when you told me about your frustrations."

Rudy's heart began to relax. The sting was still present. "...She's my best friend. She...She never..."

"She didn't treat you like the other students did." Mr. Quillon said.

Rudy drew in a gasp. "You've seen this before?"

Mr. Quillon nodded. "Not the exact same situation. I've spoken with many children before you. Kids can be cruel. It's not out of the question that those treated different would find attachment to the one who treats them nicely." Mr. Quillon held out his hand. "Does this sound familiar at all?"

Rudy lowered his head and bit into his lip. He closed his hands against himself. The swirling sickness buzzed around his head. He was trapped like this until warmth touched his shoulder. Rudy met Mr. Quillon's gaze. Mr. Quillon's normally hardened expression had softened up into sympathy. Tears burned Rudy's eyes as he let himself lean against Mr. Quillon despite earlier feelings. More warmth spread as Mr. Quillon hugged Rudy.

All sense of time disappeared. Previous worries about Mr. Quillon faded away. Comforting heat spread along Rudy's body. It no longer mattered what past fears had been. Rudy's heavy eyelids closed as he continued to cry. The flashbacks clawed at the back of his mind. His cheeks stung from the tears.

"You are safe here, Rudy. You won't be bullied just for something that brings you joy. I can promise you that." Mr. Quillon said.

These words echoed in Rudy's mind. Rudy tensed up as fleeting thoughts zipped around. More wetness stung his cheeks as the world around him blurred and distorted. A mental lock secured itself, robbing Rudy of speech. The emotions that were bottled up began to overflow, causing Rudy's strength to vaporize. The only thing that kept him steady was Mr. Quillon.

"You poor child. Life has been so unkind to you, hasn't it?" Mr. Quillon whispered. "You don't deserve how they've treated you. They don't deserve your talents."

Rudy choked back a sob.

"I'll keep you safe..."

Rudy closed his eyes and huddled closer to Mr. Quillon.

sss

What was he going to do? Was there a way to back out of this? There had to be something that could be done. Why couldn't Mr. Quillon do this himself?

Reggie ambled down the school hallway. He rubbed his hands together and bit his lip. His chest burned like it was on fire. Each step he took brought on sharp pangs in his stomach. His mind swirled with echoing cries of what he should do.

Reggie's legs weakened and he pressed himself against the nearest locker. The coldness did nothing to lessen the sickness circulating inside of him. He pressed a closed fist against his chest. His heart banged against his rib cage.

What if he invoked Rudy's anger again? Reggie couldn't shake off the memories of his encounter with Rudy last week. Penny had told Rudy what happened. Reggie gulped. If Rudy discovered his chalk missing, Reggie would be the first suspect.

Reggie tensed up when Penny's voice emerged from the hallway. Reggie held his breath as Penny headed in the same direction he was. Her eyes focused on some paper in her hands and she hadn't noticed Reggie there. Reggie remained still, pressing himself further against the locker. Was Rudy with her?

No, Penny was alone.

It didn't make things any better.

What would happen if Penny saw him? What if she told Rudy about it? What if Penny wanted to get back at him for what he did to her? Reggie nibbled at his knuckle.

Reggie narrowed his eyes. There was no point in wasting this opportunity. Swallowing, he crept towards Penny.

"Sanchez."

Penny turned her head and let out a gasp. She jumped back, hitting her back against a locker, and clutched her papers to her chest like her life depended on it. Her eyes shined with fear, complimented by her bared teeth.

"R-Reggie... I..." Penny spoke in gasps. "I didn't know you were..."

Reggie continued to advance. "Can I talk to you about something?"

Penny covered her bandaged nose. She looked around as if she hoped for an escape. "I-I-I should get going."

Reggie slowed down, raising his hands up. "I don't want to hurt you. I just want to talk."

Reggie stopped as Penny pressed herself against the locker with her back arched. She trembled as tears formed in her eyes, accompanied by faint whimpers. Penny kept her eyes locked on Reggie for a few moments then turned away. Reggie forced himself to take another step. Penny's legs wobbled and she struggled to keep standing.

"Please j-just leave me alone..." Penny's voice was raspy.

Reggie tried to speak. It was useless. He reached out with a shaky hand. His stomach burned and twisted. He dropped his hand down to rub his stomach. The sickness only intensified. Shouldn't he try to say something?

Penny slumped to the ground. She dropped her papers and she hugged herself. Her eyes were squeezed shut and her cheeks took on a red shade from the tears. Penny's breathing was choked with sobs. She blubbered incoherent words in each cry.

Reggie managed to speak again. "Sanch... Penny. I'm not gonna hurt you again. I just..."

"Penny?!"

Reggie whirled around and he gasped. "Tabootie?"

Rudy ignored Reggie as he rushed to Penny's side. Rudy knelt down beside her and gripped her hand. "What happened?! Are you okay?!"

Penny shuddered as Rudy slung his arm over her shoulder. She looked over at Reggie. She struggled to say Reggie's name. Reggie lifted his hands higher when Rudy gazed at him. Reggie almost dropped to his knees when Rudy's expression hardened like stone. Reggie backed up as Rudy shrunk the gap between them.

"I didn't lay a finger on her, I promise!" Reggie struggled to keep distance.

Rudy bared his teeth., his body and voice rigid with restrained anger. "Let's say I believe you. What are you here for?"

Reggie fought against the scorching in his chest. "I just wanted to warn you about..." Reggie paused as words failed him. How can he warn Rudy and Penny without being misinterpreted?

"You coming to warn us? For another beat down?" Rudy said, scoffing.

Reggie shook his head. "No! It's about..." Reggie tripped over his words. "...G-Greenland...!"

The hallway grew silent like stone. Reggie shut his mouth as the air became toxic. Breathing required more effort. It was like time itself was knocked ajar. Any effort for Reggie to follow up was met with a locked throat.

Rudy and Penny exchanged horrified glances. Their mouths moved with no words. Reggie's heart skipped a beat when Rudy glanced back. That look was like a punch.

"Are you making threats now?" Rudy asked.

"N-No! That's not..."

"Liar!"

Reggie couldn't reply as Penny grabbed onto Rudy's sleeve.

Penny said, "When he attacked me, he looked like that cyclops..."

Reggie stiffened and gritted his teeth. How had he forgotten about that drawing?

Rudy's eyes flashed with anger. His gaze caused Reggie to shudder. "Of course..."

Reggie shook his hands. "I didn't have anything to do with that!"

Rudy curled up his lip and closed his hands into fists. Gnarling, Rudy began to stalk over. Reggie moved back, biting his tongue. Penny grabbed onto Rudy's shoulder. Rudy stopped as Penny whispered something. Rudy closed his eyes and sighed, lowering his head for a moment. Reggie winced as they both shifted their attention back to him. Rudy still wore a glare, but Penny's face was unreadable.

Reggie's mind spun as the tension became palpable. Even running wasn't an option. How was he going to explain himself to these two?

Rudy and Penny waited for an answer. Reggie continued to fight with himself on what words to choose. Reggie's head hummed with racing thoughts. Each one he froze at before he could get a word out. Rudy's eyes narrowed deeper at Reggie's hesitation. Reggie cursed to himself. Why was he only good at making things worse?

Reggie's body was bombarded with sharp chills. Mr. Quillon's sneering face filled Reggie's mind, the same word echoing over and over again.

Ogre.

The silence was broken by Rudy. "Reggie. We know that you know about ChalkZone."

Reggie raised a brow. Why would Rudy give that place such a stupid name?

Rudy continued, "Let me give you a bit of a warning."

Reggie furrowed his eyes. "Are you threatening me now?"

Rudy shook his head. "Not a threat. A warning...and a promise." Rudy's arms folded to his chest. "If I see you in ChalkZone again, I won't hesitate to dump you out again using your own dumpster truck."

Reggie opened his eyes wide. His teeth bared, he said, "Why do you want to keep everyone out?"

"Someone like you wouldn't understand," said Rudy.

Penny gave Rudy a quick glare before looking back at Reggie. The fear had faded from her eyes, replaced with apprehension and uncertainty. "Just take our advice and stay out." A pause. "...please."

Reggie couldn't bring himself to reply.

The school bell rang. Rudy gave Reggie one more look of disdain before he helped Penny walk down the hallway, her legs still wobbly. It took only a few moments for Reggie to be left alone in the hallway.

Reggie shifted his gaze downward as what happened and what he was told sunk in. Both Rudy's and Mr. Quillon's words echoed in Reggie's skull. No matter how hard Reggie clutched his head, the voices would not go away.

Dropping to his knees, Reggie drew in each breath like he had a bag over his head. His heart pounded as the voices closed in on him. Reggie dug his fingernails into his scalp. The pain was nothing compared to these voices. Reggie clawed at his head, dragging his nails downward. When he pulled his hands away, his fingernail tips were lined with blood. Reggie struggled to avert his gaze.

Reggie forced himself to his feet and hugged himself, trudging along to his designated classroom. If there were any other students here, they were blurred into nothingness.

Reggie paused in front of a classroom door. His reflection was clear and sharp. Reggie remained still as his reflection was invaded by echoing voices from multiple people who had criticized him. Rudy, Mr. Wilter, Mr. Quillon...

...his parents...

Embers clung to Reggie's chest as he heaved. His legs shaking, Reggie used his arm to balance himself against the door. He slowly caught his breath. He narrowed his eyes and exhaled through his clenched teeth. All he was good for was causing trouble, wasn't he?

Mr. Quillon was right about him.

Reggie chuckled, his voice dry. If they all expected him to be an ogre, then he won't disappoint them.

sss

Reggie hissed as the bell echoed in the classroom. He squeezed his pencil while Rudy and Penny prepared to leave their desks. The bell couldn't have come any sooner.

"Alright students! Remember!" Mr. Wilter called to the class. "We resume on page ninety-five after recess!"

The students jumped out of their seats and rushed out of the door, almost knocking Mr. Wilter off his feet. The only ones who didn't run were Rudy and Penny. They were chattering about something, or someone. Reggie narrowed his eyes. Were they talking about him?

"Reggie Bullnerd!" Mr. Wilter placed his hands on his hips. "Didn't you hear the bell?"

Reggie smiled as he got up."Yes, Mr. Wilter. I was just thinking."

Mr. Wilter said, "No I am not canceling your sessions with Mr. Quillon."

Reggie shook his head and hands. "No, no! That's not what I meant!" Reggie paused to clear his throat. "Mr. Quillon's made me realize I should try to better myself and to make amends for..."

"Why are you sounding like you're reading a rehearsed drama skit?" Mr. Wilter said, cutting Reggie off. "This isn't like you."

Reggie paused for a moment. He pointed to the chalkboard. "Didn't you want me to clean the chalkboard during recess?"

Mr. Wilter scratched his head. "I don't recall."

Reggie growled to himself. Why was this difficult? Surely Mr. Wilter would jump at the chance to send him in detention, right?

Mr. Wilter tapped his foot and he looked at the clock, frowning. "I don't have time for this little game of yours. Just go outside so I can start my own break."

Reggie said, "But..."

"No buts!" Mr. Wilter pointed to the hallway.

"I..." Reggie paused and then smirked, resting his arms against each other. Mr. Wilter looked confused. "Are you worried I'm going to go insane like you did that one time?"

Mr. Wilter shuffled, curling his fingers inward. His facial expression varied in several seconds. Voice trapped in his throat, Mr. Wilter ended up stuttering more times than Reggie was held back in school. Reggie laughed into his palm.

"Is there something wrong?" Reggie asked.

Mr. Wilter said, "I don...!" Mr. Wilter paused and inhaled deeply. "I can see exactly what you're trying to pull and it's not going to work." Pointing a finger, he continued, "Now get outside before I have to drag you out myself!"

Reggie cursed under his breath. How was he going to get that chalk now? What would Mr. Quillon do to him if there was no success? Coldness shot through Reggie's spine.

Reggie scrambled with his words. "I-I... uh... I mean..." Reggie tilted his head and clasped his hands together. "Then can I just get some chalk to take with me?"

Mr. Wilter rubbed his forehead. "Well I suppose, so long you don't make any rude drawings this time."

Reggie shook his head. "None of that, I promise!"

Mr. Wilter raised an eyebrow, his lips stiffening. Seconds passed before Mr. Wilter snorted out his response. "It's going to take more than just your words to convince me, Bullnerd. Show me that you can behave. I trust that Mr. Quillon's been knocking some sense into you."

Forcing a grin, Reggie said, "I suppose you can say that..."

"Hrmph..." Mr. Wilter turned and walked out. "Make it quick. If you're not out of there in five minutes, you're getting extra sessions with Mr. Quillon. Understand?"

Reggie cringed and bit his lip, his heart skipping a beat. He managed a shaky thumb's up before he slipped towards the back of the classroom. Mr. Quillon's words echoed back at him, heavy like a sack of bricks. Reggie paused for a second to clutch his shirt. He forced out an exhale and grabbed Rudy and Penny's backpacks. This needed to be quick.

Reggie set Penny's backpack aside for now. He kept his focus on Rudy's pack instead. It stood to reason that the special chalk would be in here. Reggie opened it up and scanned its contents. Everything was disorganized and disheveled. Dumping everything out wasn't an option; Mr. Wilter could come in and see what he's done.

Reggie rummaged around in Rudy's bag, fumbling through its contents as his fingers tried to find any piece of chalk. Even a fractured piece should do. Reggie hissed to himself as his search was met with repeated disappointments. Why would Rudy have all this junk anyway?

After more searching, Reggie finally found his target. Squeezing the chalk in his hand, it was hard to miss the colorful sparkles it gave off. This sank in and Reggie smirked.

sss

Mr. Quillon covered his mouth and yawned. The radio hummed soft tunes. Darkness from outside swamped over him. The only illumination came from the lit candles placed along the chest drawer. Sleep would come later; there was a more pressing matter at hand.

Reggie hadn't failed him. This chalk had that same glow from the playground. There was even a difference in texture, perhaps caused by the unique properties of it possessed. Getting a new chalkboard for this had been a cinch. There wasn't anything that could interfere with continuing the testing phase.

Except for uncertainty.

Mr. Quillon hummed to himself as he laid stomach down on the bed, holding up the special chalk as thoughts strolled through his head. Where would he even begin to test this thing? Would there be a way to practice without Rudy getting suspicious? Rudy still held some reservations against him. Even with the improvements, it would be easy for that work to be shattered.

Making a tiny hole on the chalkboard was all that was needed to confirm there was indeed another world behind that glow. The small bit that was visible had a distinct texture that gave it an otherworldly appearance. Any scrap of skepticism left had faded after the chalkboard test.

This world of chalk held potential if used correctly. It could be a powerful tool to help speed up the process of teaching problematic children lessons. It could provide a relatively safe environment to test various new innovations.

And it very well could be used for coming up with next-gen weaponry.

Mr. Quillon furrowed his eyes. Why would any of that be a concern? There was no intention on spreading this information to anyone else. The writing on the wall was clear. There would be dire consequences if the wrong crowd found out about this chalk world. His future disobedient brats might find out, but who would believe them? Mr. Quillon smirked as he brought the special chalk to himself. Why hadn't he come to Plainville sooner?

Mr. Quillon paused as the implications of this chalk world reared its head. The dangers didn't lie only on the outside. Danger was inherent with any place and this world of chalk was no exception. Chalk was universal, used by numerous age groups. That brought with it countless threats. More planning would be needed before this world could be utilized.

That didn't stop Rudy from going there.

Clenching his teeth, Mr. Quillon jumped off the bed and stood in front of his chalkboard. He rested his hand against the chilly surface. No effort could stop the burning heat in his head and chest.

Why would Rudy endanger Penny by dragging her into the chalk world? Rudy must know of the dangers involved. It was one thing to risk only himself. But to put someone else in the line of fire? Rudy's earlier behavior was indicative of him being protective of Penny. Wouldn't Rudy letting Penny into a dangerous world contradict that?

Mr. Quillon ticked up the corner of his lip. Maybe now was the time to test that bond.

It was too risky to enter the chalk world now. Reggie couldn't be trusted go into this world without getting destructive again. More data was necessary before any leaps and bounds like that could be made.

Mr. Quillon broadened his smile. If he couldn't rely on anyone here to help him, why not just make someone who could?

There was always a way to kill two birds with one stone.

sss

Rudy grasped his chest, his heart racing. His teeth chattered and his fingers twitched. Breathing had become a chore, his ribs struggling to expand for air. Instincts echoed inside, telling him to run. He answered the touch on his shoulder with a jump.

"Whoa! It's just me, Bucko!" Snap's voice cut through the air. "You're safe!"

Rudy shook his head and the darkness had been swept away. His vision filled with white as Snap clung to him, his face wrinkled in worry. Forcing himself to smile, Rudy nudged Snap and tittered, "You can let go of me, Snap. I'm fine now."

Snap's grasp tightened. "Are you sure? Did you change your mind? We'll understand if you..."

"Snap, please," Penny said. She touched Snap's arm and continued, "This won't make things easier."

Snap narrowed his eyes and exhaled. "I'm just not so sure about this anymore. What if...she... you know...?" Snap paused to bite his lip. "Maybe I should go in alone."

Rudy gasped and shook his hands from side to side. "No! We agreed to do this together. You said it yourself. She might be willing to say more if we all confront her."

"But what if she isn't? Do you have a plan then?" Penny said. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't share some of Snap's concerns about this. She did give you that nasty cut."

Rudy covered his bandaged eye. In his mind, Chalk Tweezer's clawed finger covered his field of vision. His eye throbbed at the phantom pressure. It took a jolt for the throbbing to stop. Prickles spread along his arms, the coldness encasing him. He cleared his throat and swallowed. Rudy managed a forced smile and he said, "She won't have another chance to do that."

These words did nothing to comfort Penny or Snap.

Rubbing her hands, Penny said, "Maybe you can try just talking to one of the wardens? They might be able to tell you something."

Rudy shook his head. "You think they'd wanna talk to me? After what Snap did? They wouldn't let me hear the end of it."

Snap folded his arms to his chest. "Hey, I needed get some information." Snap sighed and lowered his head. "But she's one tough cookie. I don't know how much we can get out of her."

"Got any suggestions to deal with that?" Asked Rudy.

Penny rubbed her chin, her eyes furrowed. "We would have to find a way to get past the warden." She glanced at Snap.

"Whoa, wait!" Snap said as he pressed his hands to his chest. "You aren't thinking of using me as some kind of bait, are you?"

Penny chuckled. "I was actually curious about those tunnels you and your cellmates dug to get out. Are they still there?"

Rudy struck his wrist against his head. How had he forgotten about that?

Snap gritted his teeth as he slapped himself in the face. "I forgot about those!" After a growl, Snap continued, "Oh but they must've filled them up already."

Rudy crossed his arms. There goes that idea. Even if the soil was looser from being dug, that wouldn't be enough to help them. They needed to figure out another way to get inside. There was the option to use the magic chalk, but there was concern that using it to break into a prison would reflect poorly on them.

So would sneaking into the place using tunnels.

Asking the warden was out of the question. Previous experience with Snap wasn't the only problem. There was little to suggest that the warden would allow them to approach Chalk Tweezer due to her violent nature. To the warden, Chalk Tweezer being locked up was good enough; he had no interest in gaining further data.

Penny cleared her throat. "Have we considered...going back to the scene of the crime?"

Rudy's stomach twisted itself. His body locked up and his skin prickled. It took him a few moments to settle himself down. Drawing in a deep breath, Rudy asked, "Why would that place be any better...?"

Snap nodded. "Yeah, why'd you think we should go there, Buckette? You know how Rudy feels about that place."

Penny said, "I know, but maybe there could be some clues there. We might be able to pick up her trail and find its source."

Rudy rubbed his hands together as he said, "It does make sense. But I..." Rudy's voice trailed off.

"You don't have to come if you don't want to." Penny motioned to herself. "I can look myself and get back to you. It shouldn't take that long."

Snap's face wrinkled with concern. "That doesn't sound like a good idea. What if something else pops out from there?" He raised his hands up as his voice rose. "That cyclops might've come from the same place!"

Penny adjusted her glasses and said, "Don't be ridiculous, Snap! There's no evidence to suggest th..." Penny gasped, her hand covering her mouth. "Wait a minute. You might be onto something."

"I am?" Snap shook his head and smiled. "I mean, of course I am! Don't expect any less from Rudy's greatest creation!"

Rudy chuckled before narrowing his eyes. "If they did come from the same place..." He squeezed his eyes shut and growled. "It has to be someone who has it out for me!"

Silence fell upon them. Chilliness swept across Rudy and his friends' bodies. Words were not needed to understand the implications of what was said. If this were a few weeks ago, none would have taken it seriously. Things had changed.

Rudy wiped the sweat sticking to his cheeks and forehead. He pressed his clutched hand to his chest as his breathing quickened. He gritted his teeth and after a breath sucked in, his body managed to relax. If it was true that these zoners were created to get him, panicking wasn't going to help. They needed to come up with a plan.

Snap was the first one to break the silence. As he pushed at his sleeves, he said, "Don't worry, Rudy. I'll take care of them for ya."

Penny waved her hands. "I know what you're thinking, but we can't rush into this without a plan." She paused, her eyes furrowed. "We don't even know if this hypothesis is correct. But if it is..."

Penny and Snap gazed at Rudy.

Shaking off the chills, Rudy said, "So change of plan. We investigate Chalkzone City for any sign of where these guys came from. Are we agreed?" After his friends nodded, Rudy continued, "We still got some time left before school starts. Let's..."

Something slammed into Rudy, knocking the air from his lungs. His friends' voices were faint and echoey. Everything swirled around him as he struggled to against the agony in his ribs. Rudy held his head and shook it, which helped to clear his vision. The first thing his eyes set on was Snap, whose head was against the dirt by something heavy.

Before Rudy could shout for Snap, another cry entered his ears.

"Help me!"

Rudy's blood ran cold. "Penny...?"