Because We Love You

Tony, Sketchbook, Red Guy, and Universe stood together on the hill, looking out at the unpopulated city one last time. They had stayed behind to do one last sweep of the community before they left, just to make sure no one was left behind.

The city looked so strange now. It looked almost brighter, despite being empty of life, as if it was relieved to have it's oppressed population returned safely to their homes, where their lives could continue. Though it was silent, lacking the gentle plodding of footsteps, Tony could swear he heard a soft hum echoing on the wind, like a sigh of relief. This planet would be left to the gophers, and eventually the great city would break down and become a part of the planet, it's horrible legend just a faint memory. Only four people were left, the last to leave this planet to the history books.

Tony glanced over the streets, and caught a glimpse of something that made him cringe. "Make that five."

Shrignold fluttered up to them, panting and gasping.

"You here to surrender?" asked Red Guy. "You can still come home with us, no questions asked, if you do. The love cult already left, but they said they want you back."

Shrignold glared up at Red Guy, still wheezing slightly. "I don't give up so easy," he croaked. "I can still take you, all of you, and start over. I can build my city twice as grand!" He charged at Red Guy, who batted him away effortlessly.

"You did an impressive job, building this city without anyone noticing," said Red Guy. "But your critical mistake was when you took Roy, and then Sketchbook. No one messes with my friends." He pulled Sketchbook and Tony close. "My family. Now we're leaving, with or without you."

Shrignold yelled in frustration. "I don't need your pity! I can make it back myself!" He reached into the air and grasped it, it folded roughly and reluctantly. Then he reached forward, and a tiny sliver of reality appeared in his other hand. "Watch me!"

"I wouldn't-" Universe started to protest, but it was too late. With an earth shattering bang, Shrignold disappeared.

"That's not a good sign…" muttered Universe.

"Yes yes, very unprofessional." muttered Universe, as he, Sketchbook, and Tony stared down at the block of ice that encased Shrignold.

"We'll take it from here." sighed Rabbit Boy. He watched as Beaver and Unicorn hoisted the frozen butterfly up to Frog Boy and Special One. They tossed him onto the back of the cloud they were riding, who grumbled in protest.

Red Guy ran out from the house and handed Rabbit Boy a blow dryer. "Here, give this a try."

"Thanks." He took it bitterly, then scrambled onto the cloud with the others.

"Bye!" Special One waved enthusiastically as the cloud took off. "Can we go back to the city someday? It was nice!" she asked Rabbit Boy.

He pressed his fingers to his forehead and sighed. "Never again!"

Tony hung peacefully on the wall, gazing out a nearby window at the stars. It was hard to believe that so much time had passed since he had last hung here. He could feel his eyelids drifting down slowly, but he was not yet ready to sleep.

He took a quick glance around the living room. Colin was sleeping peacefully on the desk, and Laptop was lying closed on a nearby shelf. On another shelf, Gilbert and Marlee were snuggled together, dozing peacefully. Tony couldn't help but smile at the sight of them. Not all of Shrignold's attempts at matchmaking had resulted in failure. Tony had seen a few new couples exit through the portal together, determined to bring something positive out of their horrible experience.

Tony listened to the sound of snoring emanating from from the kitchen. The food crew had decided to spend the night together in the kitchen, not wanting to be separated after being apart for so long.

Tony yawned. "All's well that ends well." he muttered. His eyes drifted closed, and he began to feel sleep overtake him.

A light creaking noise gently awakened him once more. The door to the kitchen, which had been closed to muffle the food crews snoring, had been cracked open. The soft beam of a flashlight drifted into the room, it's bearer, Red Guy, not far behind.

"Red, wha…" he mumbled, but Red Guy cut him off with a silencing gesture.

"Someone wanted to see you." he said quietly. He walked up and placed Sketchbook carefully on the end table under Tony. "Good night, you two." he said as he left the room once more. The door closed with a soft click.

"Sketchbook?" Tony asked, slightly more awake.

"Sorry." whispered Sketchbook.

"Nah, it's good. Is something wrong?"

"I couldn't sleep."

"Why not?"

Sketchbook sighed. "I couldn't stop thinking."

"About what?"

Sketchbook hesitated. "What would you have done if you couldn't save me?"

Tony was caught off guard by the question. "Well, I… why?" he stuttered.

"I'm sorry!" Sketchbook replied quickly. "Never mind, just go back to sleep." She paused for a time, before sighing and continuing. "I've just gotten to thinking, you're the closest friend I've got. My first friend actually. You said it yourself, time is short. How much time do you think we have? What if we run out too soon or-"

Without a word Tony slid down from the wall and gently placed a hand on Sketchbooks head. He knelt down to face Sketchbook eye to eye. She closed her eyes, trying to stop the tears that were gathering.

"I understand, I felt the same way you do now when I had to confront you in your brainwashed state. Everything had happened so fast. But I know for certain I wouldn't have stopped trying to save you until every second I have was spent." Sketchbook looked up at Tony, who smiled. "So put your fears at ease for now. We have no idea what's to come, so it's best to take it one day at a time."

Sketchbook smiled, and Tony lifted her gently from the table. He sat on the nearby armchair, with her resting lightly in his arm. The wall was more comfortable to sleep on, but he could make an exception for tonight. He felt his eyes drifting closed once again.

"Tony?"

"Yes, Sketchbook?"

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Sketchbook."