"What just- happened?" I spoke aloud, my voice scratchy and raw, taking in my unfamiliar surroundings. I was in a different alleyway than before, this one danker and darker than the last. I walked out into the street to try and find my bearings, but Nothing was jumping out at me. Surveying the area, I noted the rundown buildings, some burnt out lining the cracked road, cluttered with broken glass and debris. This is definitely not where I was when... Ohmigod did that really happen?! Where am I? I'm alive! But lost... And... Alone. Fear gripped my heart. NO.
"Come on Mike, get ahold of yourself! Now check for damage." I patted myself down, checking for bruises and cuts, nothing really there, my hand was a bit sore, my throat was tender and bruised, and my head was pounding. I must have hit my hand when I passed out. But... Where did they go? Did they decide I wasn't worth it? I shrugged and started to wander, looking for a familiar landmark. I really wanted to get out of this place... And go home. I stopped at a nearby puddle to see the extent of the damage, there really wasn't much that I could see... But it'd still be tough to explain away the bruises on my neck. I don't want people to worry about me, especially my mom. She goes into super parent mode and obsesses for no reason long.
"Oh, snap! Mom! How long was I out?" A glance at the sky said too. It was dusk...I began to search more frantically, mom was gonna be so worried! I gotta get home! After about ten minutes of wandering aimlessly, I decided I would need some help. Looking around cautiously, I found a safe spot to sit down and slip into my subconscious.
"Oof, hey guys? Is anyone there? Manitoba? Svetlana?" I called out, When I didn't get a reply I started to panic, but then heard some muffled sounds and walked towards them.
"Guys?" I walked into the living room, where I found Chester snoring in the easy chair, Svetlana helping a groaning Manitoba to his feet, and veto curled up on the floor, sucking his thumb. I attempted to stifle a laugh at this, but he must have heard as he awoke with a start. Despite my previous panic, I was happy that I wasn't alone anymore and immediately felt better.
"Morning Mr. Manly." I giggled at his glare, as he hadn't yet removed his thumb from his mouth. Svetlana noticed this and fell over in a fit of giggles, forgetting that Manitoba was leaning on her.
"Crikey!" He exclaimed as he toppled over after Lana. Veto finally realized where his thumb was and hastily removed it.
"Gah! Ey whicha ya wiseguys put that there?" He growled angrily, his face hot.
"Hey, did something happen while I was out?" I ignored his protest. "Why were you all asleep in the living room?" I continued, noticing the strangeness of the situation.
"Wait just a minute Mike, out? What 'appened mate?" Manitoba looked me up and down. He gasped as his gaze lingered on my throat.
"Crikey! Who done that to ya? Oh, I'll give em a right rumble I will!" He exclaimed in anger.
"Whoa whoa, it's fine, no harm done! My main priority is figuring out where I am! I just need to get home before mom freaks out! I-I just wanna go home..." I tried to calm the fuming Aussie. Unfortunately, I could feel my eyes start to well up, betraying how I really felt. Thankfully Svetlana sobered up and managed calm him before I broke down entirely. I think she could tell that I really wasn't myself, and I didn't want to talk about it. Manitoba caught on shortly thereafter.
"Vait, mike if you are here vith us, then who ist un control?" Svetlana asked, obviously concerned.
"No one, actually... I need Mani's help. I'm kinda... Er... Lost." I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck.
"Aw, ya silly dingo, 'course I'll give ya a hand." He said with a reassuring smile. "You just sit tight alroit?" He patted my back, then turned to the others.
"You lot try to keep yer gobs shut, I need concentration to stay out without my hat. Don't none o ya go tryin any funny business, ya got that?" He looked pointedly at Veto.
"Yeh yeh." Veto rolled his eyes. Mani turned back to me.
"Don't you fret mate, I'll have you 'ome in a jiff. You just stay here and relax."
"Thanks Manitoba, you're the best!" I exclaimed hugging him tightly.
"Okay that's enough." He chuckled before tensing up and fading out. I sighed happily, lucky to have such wonderful friends. It was then that I realized just how tired I was. I moved to sit on the couch, Svetlana coming over to join me. Before I knew it, I was stretched out with my head in her lap as she pet my head soothingly.
"There there, mani vill get you home, Svetlana is knowing this. You just lay back und relax, you've ad un long day." She whispered, as I drifted into a deep sleep