"Hickery Pickery, pease scon," Mildew muttered to himself as he explored the Sol Arcade. Through the tiny circular windows he could tell that it was snowing in Jamaa Township.
"Hey Cove, I know what we're doing when we get back," he called to his friend that was busy playing a claw machine.
"Yeah?"
"We haven't been to the Winter Starlight Celebration yet this year. I know a few guys that come with me into the Snowager caves every yea-"
"YES!"
Cove waved a tiny tiger stuffed animal in front of Mildew's face.
"And you said it was impossible!"
"Well it practically is! Everyone knows claw machines are a total rip off! You spent 200 gems trying to win that!" Cove stuck his tongue out at Mildew.
"At least I got it!"
"I'm sorry again for taking your stuff and leaving," I apologize to Count. He laughs and shakes his head.
"No way. You guys are probably the only people that could, maybe, possibly, solve this conflict."
"What exactly is that conflict anyway?" Clark butts in. "I mean, I know Toontown doesn't really have anything anymore, but why do you care? We've run into so many people that want to help us, but why?"
"Well, why do you think Club Penguin took over?"
"Because of the land?"
"And why do they need the land?"
I had to think about this for a second. Yes, the elite group Club Penguin was known for its icy countryside, but they were one of the richest countries in the world. Of course, there was some overpopulation, but not as bad as Jamaa.
"Is it because of overpopulation?" I suddenly ask. Count shrugs his shoulders.
"Partially. It plays a big factor in it, at least."
"So… Why else then?" Clark asks, and I can hear the annoyance in his voice.
"It's because Club Peng-"
Count is cut off by the roaring of a train nearby.
"We have to go. Thank you again, Count," I say, and start walking down the path towards the train tracks. When I don't hear Clark walking next to me, I turn around and instead find him talking to Count. They're both leaning in close because the sound of the train is so incredibly overbearing.
When Clark turns around he almost looks depressed, and I wonder what the heck Count could have told him.
I wait for him to catch up to me, then we continue towards the train that Nancy had told us to go to. When we approach the train, I realize I hadn't been on one since Toontown. And even then, it was a smaller trolley that only held about four people. There are a bunch of people that still have to get on, and Clark and I were in the back.
"Are you completely sure that you want to do this?" Clark asks.
"Yes, I am. Clark, what else do we have to do? Stay slaves forever?"
"We don't know what's waiting for us at Kimbara! There could be something worse!"
"Maybe, but what choice do we have?"
"We have a choice, Mutant. You know we do. We don't have to be heroes."
"Are you telling me that you're not coming?"
"No, I'll go. I just don't want to. I know that nothing will change your mind, and I don't want you to die. Or, at least, I don't want you to die alone." He smirks. "Toons of the world unite, right?"
"What did Count tell you?"
"What?"
"Count. You looked depressed after he told you something. Was it about Club Penguin?"
"We have to go," he suddenly says, pointing to the now clear line. I frown at him, then continue the way towards the train.
"Hello Raven!" Mildew called to the black-haired girl.
"Mildew, what are you doing here?"
"Cove insisted on us being early."
"But… A day early?"
"Well, it's more like a night early," Cove suddenly said from behind Mildew. "Where's Brave?" Raven bit her lip.
"He's talking with a Jamaa official… Higher than him and Major… Combined."
"Crystal Bay worker?" Cove ventured, and Raven shook her head.
"No, I don't think so. But I think he used to work with Greely."
"Greely… That's bad news," Cove muttered.
"I disagree! Greely was a good guy!" Mildew argued with his friend.
"Really? Then why would he leave Jamaa?" Cove countered. Mildew coughed.
"Uh, do you really blame him? Anybody in their right mind would leave Jamaa if they had the chance." Cove shrugged.
"Well, can't argue that."
Through Kimbara's piercing darkness, Mildew could barely see Brave when he emerged with a grey-haired, older military official.
"How long will the subjects be stranded?"
"We're getting a professor to inform us on the correct time to assure death," Brave responded, trying to sound important.
"Good. I don't want anybody getting away. These people deserve their deaths."
Brave strayed behind and the military figure disappeared into a shiny black car with tinted windows. The back one facing Brave slowly rolled down.
"It happens at dusk," he informed Brave in a raspy voice, then drove away.
Bleechchch! I've been trying to make the chapters shorter. And I shouldn't keep adding in Mildew/Cove scenes, but I really can't help myself. I love writing them. coughonechaptermightonlybethemcough
Clark and Mutant were very dramatic in this chapter. But Clark is showing a more human side now, I think. He's not an entirely selfish guy.
Also, scary scary (cliche) military guy. I hate Jamaa people!
Woo! I'm glad you liked the last chapter! I'm always afraid of introducing new characters. I hope you like Mildew and Cove once they get more of an explanation.