Here it is; the grand moment we've been waiting for! ^v^ This chapter alone nearly killed me and you'll see why. XD Oh man, you guys are going to flip out! *jumps up and down*
Typing this chapter was fairly easy. I thought it would take longer than usual. But I was wrong. ^_^ I can't believe we're already here. Man, I can't wait to see what happens in this chapter! *pumps fist in the air*
Enjoy chapter eigheen. =D
Christmas Eve.
Hogarth looked out the window, his breath fogging up the window's surface. The snow sparkled in the crawling twilight. The music playing on the gramophone filled the house, adding a touch to the overall Christmasy atmosphere.
The smell of apple pie wafted in from the kitchen. The ham was done and lain on the table along with the rest of the grand feast. Chatter was heard throughout the living room, most of it being Dean's parents. Thelma let out a loud chortle at something Malcolm said. Whatever it was, Hogarth deduced it must've been funny.
Ever since the Giant returned the whole town was buzzing with news. It made Hogarth feel like a celebrity, not that he wasn't one already. Everybody in town who saw him on the streets would congratulate him and ask when the Giant's next mission would be. Hogarth liked to leave them hanging when he didn't tell them.
"Are they here yet?," called 9.
Hogarth turned around. "They should be on their way."
9 was seated on one of the cushions in the sofa, and next to him, encircled in his arm, was 6. This brought a smirk from Hogarth.
"So," he said, traipsing toward the couch, "6 is your..."
"Yes," replied 9, nodding.
"But I thought..." Hogarth pointed at 8. The bulky stitchpunk, who was running across the top of the couch, stopped when the boy pointed at him. He scrunched his stitched brows together, like he'd called him something hideous.
9 shook his head, chuckling.
"Why didn't you correct me?," asked Hogarth.
"I wanted to see your face when you find out the truth," responded 9, smiling smugly.
Hogarth's face twisted in disgust, but then he ended up smiling and he let out a much needed chortle.
"You got me," said Hogarth, "you know," he added, "you really know how to fool someone."
"It's a gift," retorted 9 proudly.
"Hello, up there," said 7, lifting her head up, "could you give me a hand?"
"Sure," said Hogarth, crouching down, holding out his hand. 7 stepped on his palm and the boy rose up and gingerly let her down on the sofa.
"P-pretty," muttered 6.
"Thanks," said 7.
7 was decked in a navy blue dress that skimmed the floor with a white coat made of fake fur.
"You wanna look good for Elias?," quipped Hogarth, raising a brow.
"Is he coming?," remarked 7.
"We invited him," answered Hogarth.
"Then yes," said 7. She lifted the dress and gave a twirl.
3 and 4 scampered over to the sofa and climbed to the top. 4, once she was on the top, tripped over the hem of her own dress and fell over. 3 tore back and held out his hand. 4 grabbed her brother's hand and 3 helped her stand up.
"That color looks good on you," commented Hogarth.
"Thank you," said 7.
"Surprised you like that dress Mom made you." Hogarth perched his elbows on the table.
Annie came waltzing into the living room. In her palms was 1.
"Hogarth," she said, "could you take him? He almost tried to take a swipe at Grandpa Malcolm."
"Sure, Mom," quipped Hogarth. He held out his hand and 1 stepped on his palm, a scowl adorning his face.
Annie went back into the kitchen.
"What was that about?," he asked.
"That buffoon tried to grab me," retorted 1. He huffed a breath in frustration.
"Okay," said Hogarth. He bent over and gently dropped him on the polished wood table. His seaweed-colored cape dragged on the table.
"Hmph," murmured Hogarth.
9 let out a muffled giggle.
There was a knock on the door.
"I'll get it," he called out.
"I hope that's Elias," said 7.
Hogarth giggled as he walked towards the door. Swinging it open he saw, to his surprise, that it was indeed Elias, but not just him; his friends were here, too. Duncan, Michael and Terrence.
"Hey," said Hogarth.
"Hey, Hogarth," said Duncan and Michael in unison.
"Merry Christmas," said Elias.
"Come in," said Hogarth, stepping away.
The four of them traipsed in. Hogarth was about to close the door when a voice grabbed his attention.
"Hogarth."
The boy looked back, and was met with a blonde girl with green eyes decked in a pale pink coat. Next to her was a younger girl with the same hair, but her eyes were brown and she was wearing a darker pink coat, almost hitting it close to rouge.
"Oh, Hannah," said Hogarth, "hi."
"Hi, Hogarth," said Hannah, she placed a hand on the younger girl's shoulder. "You remember my little sister, Priscilla."
"Oh, yeah, I do." Hogarth looked down at the girl. "Hi, Priscilla."
"Hi," cheeped Priscilla.
"Come in," said Hogarth, stepping away.
"Thank you," said Hannah. Priscilla followed behind her older sister. Hogarth shut the door.
"Let me get your coat," offered Hogarth.
"Thank you," said Hannah.
After taking Hannah's coat, Hogarth hung it on the coat rack along with the rest of the coats. Priscilla took hers off and stood on tiptoe to hang her coat on the rack.
"Let me get that," said Hogarth. The girl handed him her coat and he hung it next to Hannah's.
He led Hannah and Priscilla into the living room, where Duncan, Terrence, Michael and Elias were already settled. Hogarth's friends had already started conversing with the stitchpunks.
"Heh," said Hogarth, pointing at Elias, "look at that."
Elias had 7 perched on his shoulders. The man however was looking somewhat less or more intrigued by whatever she had to say.
Priscilla locked eyes on 7 and immediately trotted up to her.
"Can I have her?," she asked, reaching her tiny arm for her.
"Be my guest," said Elias. He plucked her off his shoulder and handed her to Priscilla. The little girl held her in her arms, smiling in excitement. 7 exuded great discomfort around this human child.
Priscilla turned around and spotted 4. She trotted up to her and plucked her before she could run off. The hooded stitchpunk, in the girl's hold, flashed a bright white light. Priscilla blinked, rubbing her eyes with her arm.
Hannah chuckled.
"So," she muttered, "they're real."
"Yeah," said Hogarth, "they walk and talk and all that."
"Oh, and," quoth Hannah, "the Giant?"
"He's in the barn," replied Hogarth. "You wanna see him?"
"Oh, um," muttered Hannah.
"I wanna see the Giant," piped Duncan, standing up.
"Me too," uttered Michael.
9 sat up and shoots Hogarth a smile. 6 blinks his mismatched optics.
He was in the hot seat, and Hogarth knew taking them to see the Giant would cool down their excitement.
"Okay," said Hogarth. He ambled over to the kitchen while his friends went to get their coats. "Mom," he said, "I'm going to take everyone to see the Giant."
"Alight," replied Annie, jerking her head away from the stove. "Just make sure everyone bundles up."
"Will do, Mom," retorted Hogarth.
Hogarth trotted back into the hall and saw everyone already waiting for him and with their coats on. He went upstairs to get his coat and told them to wait. Waltzing into his room, he grabbed his coat from the back of his chair and donned it on. He ran back downstairs as he zipped it close.
"Ready?," he said to his guests.
"Ready," remarked Duncan. On his shoulder was 5 and he nodded vigorously.
Hogarth opened the door and trotted outside. The others followed behind, excitement whirling in them.
"Whoa," uttered Michael, gaping down at the ground. Enormous footprints leading to and from the barn could be seen.
"He's been walking to and from the forest," said Hogarth, upon reaching the barn doors, "it's all he can do for now."
"Ooh boy," said Michael. He glimpsed down at 3, who shared his same enthusiasm.
Hogarth opened the double doors, and stepped aside.
"Wow," uttered Hannah, a smile touching her lips.
"There he is," quipped Hogarth, crossing his arms.
The Giant fit inside the barn despite taking up so much space. All he could do was lay down as standing could mean wrecking the entire roof. The Giant gazed at the visitors. He gave them a smile.
"HOGARTH," he said once he saw the boy.
"Hey," said Hogarth.
The Giant surveyed his visitors, recognizing Duncan, Terrence, Michael, Elias, and even all nine of the stitchpunks. The two girls, Hannah and Priscilla, were the only ones he didn't recognize.
"Giant," said Hogarth, walking over to Hannah, "this is Hannah." He laid a hand on Priscilla's shoulder. "And her little sister Priscilla."
Priscilla blinked. A lump in her throat formed.
"It's okay," said Hogarth, stooping down.
"He's not so bad," quipped 7, looking at the Giant. 4 smiled at Priscilla, if only to convince her the robot wasn't a threat.
1, standing on Elias' shoulder, glimpsed at the Giant, whose glowing eyes scanned his surroundings.
"I know what you're thinking," commented Elias, "and it's true that he nearly destroyed this town, but you can't blame it all on him. Mansley almost got us killed, too. But the Giant's redeemed himself. You heard what he told us; he wants to protect our world."
"And you believe him?," retorted 1.
"Not entirely," replied Elias, "but I want to see it—if or when those other Giants come to Earth."
"That'd be so awesome," hooted Duncan. "Giant robots fighting each other. I wonder if anyone will film it."
5, on Michael's shoulder, held up a finger and said, "It's not as fun as you imagine."
2, who was held by Hannah, sent him a nod.
Duncan blanched.
"9," said the Giant.
"Hey, he's talking to you," retorted Hogarth. 9, who was perched on Terrence's head, smiled and waved to the Giant coyly.
"I think he wants him to come closer," said Terrence. He plucked him off his head and handed him to Hogarth. Hogarth entered the barn with 9 in his palms.
Standing before the Giant, 9, in Hogarth's grasp, felt his nerves rile up in the Giant's presence.
"THANK YOU," said the Giant, "FOR...PROTECTING HOGARTH."
"Oh," said 9, "you're welcome. But it wasn't just me; we all protected him."
"That's right," said Hogarth. He turned around, surveying every person who was present. A flutter thrummed in his heart.
4 flickered her optics, grabbing Hannah's attention.
"What is she doing?," she asked.
"That's how she talks," explained Michael. "Same with her brother." He pointed to 3, who was perched on his shoulder.
"Oh," said Hannah, "and what is she saying?"
"She wants to go back with her brother," said 7.
4 nodded and smiled.
"Okay," said Hannah. She bent over in front of Priscilla, ready to take 4 from her sister. "Come on, let's take her back with her brother."
Priscilla handed her the stitchpunk and Hannah returned 4 with her brother. 7 wriggled out of Priscilla's arms, and hopped to the ground. She landed on her feet and raced toward Elias.
Hogarth couldn't help but chuckle.
"Looks like someone's got an admirer," retorted Duncan, pointing at 7.
Elias wordlessly picked her up, and placed her on his right shoulder. 1 turned away, arms folded under his chest. 7 smirked, obviously enjoying his displeasure.
Hogarth traipsed out of the barn and closed the doors.
"I'll come back later," he said.
"Bye," said Duncan, waving to the Giant.
"BYE," said the Giant before the second door was closed.
"Come on," said Hogarth, "let's head back inside."
The group made their way back inside.
"So how long is he staying?," asked Hannah as she took off her coat.
"Don't know," answered Hogarth. "But if or when he has to stop the other Giants from finding our planet, that's going to be a long way away."
Hannah nodded. Her expression was neither confused nor convinced.
After everyone had their coats hung on the rack, they gathered back in the living room.
"Pie's almost ready," announced Annie, drifting into the living room.
"Awesome," said Hogarth, "can't wait."
Annie went back into kitchen.
A knock on the door could be heard.
"I'll get it," said Hogarth, standing up.
He walked over into the hallway and towards the door. Opening it, he saw Dean with an armful of wrapped presents. The biggest was on the bottom while the smallest was on the top, and the medium ones were in between.
"Mind giving me a hand?," he asked.
"Sure," said Hogarth. He took the two medium boxes while Dean carried the rest of the presents into the living room.
"Merry Christmas," said Dean.
"Merry Christmas," Duncan and Michael chorused back.
Terrence gave him a wave.
"Merry Christmas," said Elias.
"Got anything for me?," remarked 7, smiling smugly.
"I didn't know what you'd like," replied Dean as he stood up. He removed his mittens and shoved them into his coat pocket. He took off his scarf and unbuttoned his coat. His eyes landed on Hannah. "Oh, hi, Hannah," he greeted.
"Hi, Mr. McCoppin," said Hannah.
"Hey, Priscilla," said Dean, waving to the little girl.
"Hi," peeped Priscilla.
Dean drifted off into the kitchen. Hogarth rose to his feet after placing the present under the tree with the rest of the wrapped gifts.
"So," said Hannah, "Hogarth," she scooted back to give him a spot on the couch.
"Yeah?," said Hogarth, sitting next to her.
"I was wondering," began Hannah, "if you'd like to do something on New Year's."
Hogarth ran a hand through his hair.
"Oh, uh," muttered Hogarth.
"Hey!"
Hogarth turned his head and saw Malcolm waltzing into the room. Hannah let out a quiet giggle.
"Hey, Grandpa Malcolm," said Hogarth, scratching the back of his head.
"Well, come on," said Malcolm, "dinner's ready. Ya'll wanna come into the dining room."
"Can Hannah stay?," piped Hogarth.
"Well, of course she can stay," remarked Malcolm. "The more, the merrier. Now come on, that ham looks ready to get carved."
"Ooh boy," said Duncan, standing up. He gingerly dropped 8 on the coffee table. The boy waddled out of the living room and made his way to the dining room.
"You can sit next to me," Hogarth said to Hannah.
Hannah giggled.
Elias stood up, but not before gingerly placing 7 on the table with 8. He walked away, unable to shake the feeling 7's optics were burning into the back of his head.
"Don't worry," said Michael, ambling alongside Terrence, "I'm sure you'll find another one like Hannah."
Terrence sighed and walked on, head hanging low. Michael patted his back. He stole a glance at the stitchpunks and smiled.
"He'll be alright," he told them, nodding.
A wild laugh could be heard from the dining room. It was from Thelma.
"Must be having fun," said 5, sprawling out on a cushion.
"I'd bet," commented 9, climbing onto a cushion on the other side of the sofa. Behind him, 6 followed 9 and settled in next to him once 9 laid down.
"The Giant seems nice," retorted 7. "For a machine."
"7," said 2, "he's not like the ones we encountered. The lad said he was like us; he has a soul."
"What if he doesn't?," inquired 7. "What if he's like those other Giants?"
2 blinked. "Well," he said, "you're right about that. We don't know if he is like the others. And that's what worries us." He paused. "He might end up betraying Hogarth, he might not. But what matters is where his loyalty lies. If he truly is not like the others of his kind, and he does everything to protect the humans in this world, then it's most likely he is less of a machine and more human, so to speak."
7 pondered his statement. She arched a brow, unconvinced but still keeping an open mind. She shrugged, unsure of what to make of this.
"I'm still not sure," replied 7.
"That's all right," said 2, "and you may never be sure. But think about it, 7. He may change your mind."
7 slumped her shoulders.
3 and 4 flickered to 7 to get her to come over to the Christmas tree.
"Oh," said 7, "it is beautiful."
'We helped decorate it,' said 3.
"Really?," quipped 7.
'It's true,' retorted 4, nodding.
"You two really did a good job." 7 gazed at the tree.
"9 and I helped, too," said 5.
"Sure did," said 9.
"You all did great," uttered 7, glancing over him.
"It's a remarkable tree," commented 2, walking toward 7 and the twins. His new cane was from a fishing hook tied to a silver pole.
8 ambled over to the four and looks at the ornaments, whose reflective surface threw back the light.
For that moment, the nine stitchpunks were enveloped in a jovial aura.
Christmas Day.
The sun crept into the window, awakening all and welcoming the day. The snow outside sparkled like diamonds. Hogarth snapped his eyes open and bolted upright. He jumped out of bed, and sprinted toward the window.
"Wow," he uttered, hand pressed against the window.
5 climbed to the top of the windowsill. He heaved himself over and crawled toward the pane. He smiled and looked outside.
"It sure is nice," commented 5.
"You bet," said Hogarth.
He stood up from the window seat and made his way to the closet. Changing out of his pajamas and into a burgundy sweater and brown slacks, Hogarth waltzed out and approached the stitchpunks.
"Let's head downstairs," he said. He carefully plucked one from the top of the chest and carried them in his arms and left his room.
Once he was downstairs, he already found Annie, Dean, Malcolm, and Thelma already in the living room waiting for him.
"Merry Christmas, Hogarth," said Thelma, after a sip of hot chocolate.
"Merry Christmas," said Hogarth.
Hogarth joined them in the living room. He crouched before the coffee table and gingerly dropped the stitchpunks on it.
"They're quite adorable," said Thelma, gazing at each stitchpunk.
3 and 4 flickered to the older woman. Thelma, not understanding their flickers, took that as a thank you.
"Don't tell him that," said Hogarth, pointing at 1. The elder stitchpunk snapped his head to the boy, sending him a glare. Hogarth on the other hand was unfazed and looked at Dean. "That one's from me," he quipped, pointing at the present wrapped in blue with gold ribbon.
"Let's see," he said, sitting on the armchair, putting the present in his lap. He ripped the paper apart and opened the box. He pulled out what turned out to be a black leather jacket. "Hey," he quoth, "this is nice." He turned it over to see the back.
"It was the last one in your size," said Hogarth.
"Well, thank you," said Dean.
"You're welcome" Hogarth beamed.
"Here's my present," said Thelma, standing up and walking over to the tree, "to you." She picked up a present wrapped in white paper with candy cane print and a red ribbon tied around it. She waltzed over to Annie and handed her the gift.
"Thank you, Thelma," said Annie, putting the present in her lap. She untied the ribbon, ripped open the wrapping and opened the box, and pulled out a yellow dress. It had short sleeves and it fell to the knees.
"Oh my goodness," uttered Annie, "it's so beautiful."
Thelma smiled. "Glad you like it."
"Thank you," said Annie.
"You're welcome, dear," replied Thelma.
The gift exchange went on for most of the morning along with casual banter and mugs of hot chocolate. Hogarth received a navy blue suit from Thelma; three sweaters from Malcolm; a pair of boots from Dean; and a baseball bat from his mother.
"Thanks, everyone," said Hogarth.
"You're very welcome, dear," said Thelma, smiling.
Hogarth glimpsed down at the stitchpunks.
"I wish I had something to give the rest of you," he said, looking at 7, 6, 8, 2, and 1.
"It's alright, my boy," said 2 in a fatherly tone.
"The souvenirs you and your friends gave us is more than enough," said 5.
"Oh and, that reminds me," said Hogarth, "you guys still have them, right? I just wanna make sure you have them for when we have to take you to the shelter and use the portal." He suddenly frowned at the mention of that. "I'm going to check on the Giant." He stood up and made his way upstairs.
"Wait for us," said 9, hopping off the table.
The rest of the stitchpunks hopped off and watched Hogarth traipse up the stairs. He returned moments later wearing his coat, sneakers and a scarf around his neck. Hogarth picked the stitchpunks up and perched four of them (9, 5, 6, and 7) on his shoulders, while the rest nestled in his pockets.
Hogarth walked out the front door.
The snow crunched beneath his feet with each step he took, leaving behind footprints. Hogarth reached the barn and pushed open the doors. The Giant looked at Hogarth as he stepped inside.
"HOGARTH," said the Giant.
"Hey, Giant," said Hogarth, walking up to him. He sat on his haunches beside the Giant, letting the stitchpunks hop off him. All those rides he took on the Giant's shoulder, now he felt like him with the stitchpunks perching on him.
"Something wrong?," queried 2.
Hogarth winced. "It's just that," he said, "sending you all back to your world, and having to destroy the portal." He bit his lip. "Are you sure you don't want to stay here?"
"We're flattered, Hogarth," replied 9, "but, like I said, we need to return to our world."
"What if there are more machines in your world?," queries Hogarth.
"We'll stop them," said 7.
Hogarth was unconvinced, but tried to look optimistic.
"HOGARTH," said the Giant.
The boy glanced up.
"IT WILL BE...ALL RIGHT," said the Giant.
"What if it won't be?," retorted Hogarth.
"I'VE SEEN," began the Giant, "WHAT SOME PEOPLE CAN DO WITH THE WORLD. AND WHAT HAPPENS HERE HAPPENS EVERYWHERE. IT IS ALWAYS THERE."
Hogarth hung his head. 2 gave the boy a pat on his hand, sending him a reassuring smile. The Giant's enormous finger lifted Hogarth's chin, making him look at him.
"THEY WILL BE ALL RIGHT," said the Giant.
"He's right," said 9.
"We'll be okay," remarked 5, smiling at him.,
6 sidled up to Hogarth. He climbed onto his leg and wrapped a tiny arm around Hogarth's wrist. The boy looked at the striped stitchpunk. They way he was wrapping his hand around his, it actually looked cute.
"LIKE ME," said the Giant, "THEY HAVE TO PROTECT THEIR WORLD."
'It's what we were made for,' uttered 4.
'It's our fate and choice to do so,' remarked 3.
"Like you told the Giant," said 9, "'you are who you choose to be.' We already know who we are, Hogarth. Who are you?"
"Who am I?," repeated Hogarth, brows knitting together. He gaped down at the barn floor, avoiding looking into the stitchpunks' optics.
He knew who he was. He was Hogarth Hughes. High school student. Aspiring comic book artist. Amateur engineer. Friend to the famous Rockwell Giant. But that was all on the surface. That's what people saw on the outside, they didn't know him on the inside. The stitchpunks, the Giant; they knew the real him. Hogarth appreciated those who understood him.
"I am Hogarth Hughes," he said after a minute, "town savior and friend to the Giant—and the stitchpunks." He lifted 6 from his leg and perched him on his shoulder.
9 smiled.
"Hey," he said, "and no matter where we are, whether in this world or ours, we're always going to be friends."
Hogarth found himself smiling back. He looked at each stitchpunk. He turned his attention to the Giant. The robot's glowing eyes gazed back at him sympathetically.
Hogarth knew who he was now.
The wind whipped against his face. Hogarth tightened his scarf a bit, grateful that he had his mittens and hat and everything on. He stood on the Giant's hand, but not just him; Terrence Duncan, and Michael were with him as well. On the Giant's right hand stood Dean, Annie, and Elias. Down below, keeping a safe distance between the Giant and the car, the sheriff drove safely along the snow rode, in the passenger seat was General Rogard.
"So," called Hogarth to Elias, "is Mansley really getting executed tomorrow?"
"Yeah," replied Elias.
"Wonder why your leader did that," scoffed 1, "delay his execution."
"Ah, well," said Elias, unfazed, "the general's not completely heartless. He let Mansley enjoy one last Christmas before lights out."
1 narrowed his pupils. He glanced down at the sheriff's car. Although he couldn't see that farm he knew the general was there, ready to see them off soon.
"It's what he deserves," quipped Dean. The way he said it let the others know he meant it. "He's a traitor to his country," he added when he saw the looks coming from Annie, Michael, and from 6, 2, and 8.
"You're quite right," said 1.
"Thank you," said Dean, motioning toward him.
"Mhmm," muttered Elias.
"Are we there yet?," asked Duncan.
"As a matter of fact," retorted Elias, looking down at the snow-laden ground, "yes."
"Sweet," cheeped Michael.
The Giant stood a few centimeters away from the bunker entrance. He got down on one knee and lowered his metal hands. His passengers hopped off while the sheriff parked his vehicle and he and General Rogard got out.
"Did you bring the camera?," asked Hogarth. He held out his hands to his pockets and the twins crawled out and jumped on. The boy brought the twins to his shoulders, where the rest were.
"Yeah," said Terrence. He had a camera hanging from his neck.
Duncan and Michael gathered on either side of Hogarth.
"Ready?," said Terrence, looking at each of his friends.
"Yeah," uttered Hogarth.
The Giant leaned closer; his face just behind the three boys. Terrence clicked and a white flash shined. Shot one.
"Hey, Elias," said Hogarth, "you should be in the next one." He waved him over.
"Alright," said Elias, walking toward him and his friends, "but I don't photograph well."
"Aw really?," quipped Terrence.
Elias stood behind Hogarth and his friends, deftly dwarfing all three of them. Terrence took the snapshot.
"Now get one with just me and Elias," said 7.
"No thanks," retorted Elias.
"Let us in on this," said Dean. He and Annie traipsed toward them and stood on either side of Elias.
"Okay," said Terrence.
Another snapshot.
"Wait," said Duncan, "I think I blinked."
"I didn't," quipped 5.
8 raised a brow.
"Alright," said General Rogard, "if we're all finished here, we have a long way to go down below."
"Sure," said Terrence, lowering his camera.
"I've got enough pictures of them to remember them by," commented Hogarth.
Elias trudged over to the entrance and twisted it open. A minute later he opened the door, a loud creak ringing through the air.
"Are you sure you don't want to come?," Dean asked the sheriff.
"I've got to stay here," replied the sheriff, "keep an eye out." He leaned against the hood of his car, arms folded under his chest.
"Okay," said Dean, shrugging.
Hogarth waved to the Giant.
"I'll be back soon," he said.
The Giant waved back to him.
Dean climbed down the ladder. After him was Hogarth, who had to keep from dropping the stitchpunks. The rest made their way down the ladder and into the dim hall of the bunker.
9 lit his lightstaff as soon as everyone was present. Looking up at the entrance, he saw the sky scudded with clouds; the sun peeking through the clouds.
With that, the group started their trek to the portal.
The journey to the lab was not like it was last time. At least, there weren't any guards to fight off, although to Hogarth, that would've made the walk more exciting. The guards that had attacked Elias and Dean were arrested the day after and interrogated. The ones who were against Mansley's ideals were given two years of jail and probation after they were released. The other half was given the death penalty as Mansley.
Four days passed since Christmas and now New Years was on its way. In time for a new beginning.
Hogarth turned his head and peered through the hall.
"Over here," he said, looking at the crowd.
General Rogard walked past him. Hogarth trailed after him.
"So the portal is working?," asked Hogarth
"The scientists informed me yesterday and they said it was good and ready," said the general.
"Hmm," murmured Elias.
The crowd stood before the steel door. He opened it, stepping aside for the group to enter. He walked in after Terrence entered through the doorway. He ambled down the stairs, eyes focused on the portal. The scientists milled about, murmuring to each other, jotting down notes. Dufford noticed the general and made way for him to survey the portal.
"The machine is up and running, sir," said Dufford.
"Excellent," said General Rogard, not meeting his eyes.
Cafferty and two other scientists sidled over to the lever, and together they grabbed hold of the lever and pulled it down.
Electricity crackled around the round portal. A few sparks ignited and then, the white light engulfed the round gateway. Pearlescent colors pulsed and rippled, patterns changing and everyone found it hard to grapple what hue and color it had been.
Hogarth walked to the portal. He bent down, letting the stitchpunks down. Each of them looked at the portal, their home was waiting for them behind those rippling pearlescent colors.
"This is it," said Hogarth. He looked down at the stitchpunks.
Duncan waddled over to the stitchpunks. He dropped down to his knees, rummaging through his coat pocket.
"Wait," he said, pulling out something. It was a sculpting tool where the handle was wood and two hooks on either side. The bigger hook was on the top, and the smaller on the bottom. "This is for 7," he said, handing it to the pale stitchpunk. "I stole it from the art class." He chuckled nervously. "Don't tell on me," he said to Hogarth.
"I won't tell a soul," retorted Hogarth.
9 raised a brow quizzically.
7 took the tool from him. It was two inches taller than her, but nonetheless she liked it.
"Thanks," she said.
"No problem," said Duncan.
"You guys got everything?," asked Michael, approaching them.
"Yes," said 9.
"The marigold cuttings?," Hogarth asked.
"Right here," said 5, holding up the bag.
"Oh wait," said Terrence, sauntering towards the stitchpunks, "I have something for you." He dug into his pocket, and pulled out a golden ornament. "It's for him." He pointed to 1.
1 strode up to Terrence, who crouched down, holding out his hand. 1 looked at what Terrence was offering him. It was a scepter. Wherever he got it from it grabbed 1's full attention. He took the scepter, holding it up to see it better.
"I got it from my Mom's fairy collection," said Terrence, "I'm sure she won't notice."
1 narrowed his pupils. He smiled, which to Terrence, was as surprising as Elias smiling.
"Thank you," said 1.
Terrence could only nod as a response.
1 rejoined the group.
"Are you sure you two don't want voices?," queried Hogarth, looking at 3 and 4. "I can ask these scientist to give you voice boxes."
'We're sure,' said 3.
'You understand us perfectly,' stated 4, 'even without voices.'
3 smiled and nodded. He patted Hogarth's hand. 'We'll never forget you,' he flickered.
"I'll never forget you either," said Hogarth, "any of you." He gave a rueful smile. "I guess you don't know what you've got until it's gone."
"They say that you don't know what you've got until it's gone," reiterated 2, "The truth is, you knew what you had, you just never thought you'd lose it."
Hogarth bit his lip.
"You're not losing us, Hogarth," quipped 9, "rather you're actually gaining something. I don't know what that is, but it'll come."
Hogarth let out a dry, humorless chuckle. "You sure know how to make saying goodbye easier."
9 grinned.
"Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go," said 2, "just remember how far you have come. Remember everything you have faced, all the battles you have won, and all the fears you have overcome."
Hogarth didn't seem placated.
"Remember when we were playing with that plane?," said 5. Hogarth nodded. "And remember when you said I needed to do it because I'd never have a chance to do it again?"
"Yeah, I remember," replied Hogarth, beaming.
"Well," said 5, "it's time for you to fly on your own. And you're not losing us. You've gained something so much more than anything; our friendship."
This brought a smile on Hogarth's face. He watched them gather together, ready to enter the portal.
3 and 4 flickered their goodbyes to him.
6 sidled up to the boy. "B-Be...good," he stuttered, patting his hand. Hogarth stroked 6's black yarn hair. The striped stitchpunk grinned, then returned to his friends.
"I'll miss you," said 2, "and never forget who you truly are."
Hogarth smiled.
The stitchpunks approached the portal, fear and wonder coursing through them. 9 looked over his shoulder. Hogarth, and everyone else, looked back at him warmly. Duncan and Michael waved goodbye to him and the others. Terrence gave them a thumbsup. General Rogard gave him and the other stitchpunks a salute. The zippered stitchpunk smiled, and turned back to the portal. He knew he was ready.
All nine of them entered the portal one by one, to make sure it was safe. As soon as the last stitchpunk crossed through the portal, Dufford and his colleagues turned off the portal. The white light diminished to a white spec until it disappeared.
Hogarth rose to his feet. He wasn't sure whether to continue smiling or not. He knew he had to return the stitchpunks to their home, but he never expected feeling the way he was: scared, relieved, and above all, unsure.
"You okay?," asked Duncan.
"Yeah," uttered Hogarth.
"Really?," quipped Terrence.
Hogarth turned around, shrugging, smiling ruefully.
"I'm not sure," he said.
Annie walked up to her son. She placed her hands on his shoulders. "It's okay if you don't know, honey," she said, "be okay with not knowing what might come next, but know that whatever it is, you will be okay."
Hogarth's face fell.
"It's okay," said Dean, approaching, "they're going to be fine."
"Hey," spoke Elias, sauntering up to him, "whatever the stitchpunks will face, they'll face it together. Don't worry about them; they've handled more than you can imagine."
"I guess you're right," said Hogarth after a minute.
Elias smiled.
"Come on," said Dean, "let's head back outside."
Hogarth nodded. As he and the rest made their way up the stairs, Hogarth glanced over his shoulder, and saw a glimpse of Cafferty and Dufford and the others dismantling the lever; severing the linchpin that connected his world with the stitchpunks'. Hogarth couldn't help but widen his eyes slightly. He turned away, traipsing through the doorway.
What everyone said lifted his spirits, Hogarth couldn't help but feel worried despite what his mother and Dean told him. He wished he could see if they would be all right, but now that the portal was being dismantled, he would have to assume they'll be all right and hope for the best. And he supposed what they said is right: when something is gone, something better comes. And he wanted to see what that would be.
The future was in his hands.
Wasn't that just an emotional rollercoaster? I did my best trying to make this the most heartfelt goodbye ever. And it paid off. *wipes forehead* Phew.
Oh and, remember back in chapter eight? When they asked 9 who he liked? Well, it's finally revealed. :D Hehe, I bet you didn't see that one coming. :3
This isn't the final chapter yet; there's still one more chapter to go, or two. *scratches chin in thought* You'll see.