A/N:
I'm so sorry for the long wait, things have been a bit manic over here, lol, but here it is finally! Whoops, did not mean to leave it on such a cliff hanger for so long, lol, forgive me? So last we saw, Talia had been told about a cure and was struggling with the choice to use it on herself or not. Why was R.J telling her this? Let's read on and find out shall we?
*Talia's POV*
Walking down the corridors suddenly felt a lot more daunting than I remembered, but I continued regardless. I needed to do something and I needed to do it before I changed my mind. But first I needed to find someone. The sounds of fading sirens guided me towards my target, and it didn't take as long as I thought it would. Thankfully.
Jack stood by the gates of the studio, watching a police-van drive off and out of sight around the corner. He looked irritated which was only to be expected, but there was a look of calmness about him which told me he was starting to get used to the idea of this mess being over. To be honest I kid of felt the same way. Everything had happened to quickly. It was insane. But it was really over now, right? I hoped so. Slowly, I stepped up to him and waited for a moment, joining him in watching R.J being taken away before choosing to speak.
"Hey Jack… Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure." He said, keeping his gaze a little longer before turning to face me, "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, it's just that…" God how do I put this? "I found something that R.J left in the Waiting Room."
I pulled out the encased syringe from my pocket and held it up for him to see. For a moment, he looked confused. But realisation set in and he looked at me cautiously, "That's what I think it is, right? You haven't…"
"No. No I haven't."
"Good. Talia we can't trust him, you can't guarantee that this is the real thing."
"I know that. But this is real, Jack. I know it and I… I want you to have it."
He looked genuinely surprised and I didn't blame him, "But, what about you and the kids or-"
"There's only enough for one, I'm not going anywhere without Flynn or Poppy. And what you said before… you're right. I guess I am happy staying like this. But you're not."
At that, his eyes lowered solemnly, "It's not that I'm not happy. It's just that, I can't handle the fact that it's R.J who did this to me. If I had a choice then things might be different but I didn't have a choice so-"
I had to roll my eyes at his babbling as I handed him the case, "I understand, Jack, but now you do have a choice."
"But, what about you?"
"I'll be fine." I answered truthfully, "I am fine. So either take the stuff or keep it for another time when you are sure you can't stay like this. It's up to you."
A small smile pulled at his mouth, "I… Thank you."
"Don't thank me, I'm just returning a favour."
"Favour?"
"You helped me out a lot lately, so I'm just doing likewise."
He smirked good-naturedly, "You're strange sometimes."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing, it's not a bad thing I promise."
Feeling that this was dragging out a little unnecessarily, and the reminder that the others were waiting for me, I rolled my eyes at him and turned away, "You're the strange one…"
*Poppy's POV*
"When do you think they'll be back?" I asked.
"Soon enough," Wakko shrugged, "They'll be here any minute now."
"Kiddo's most likely getting her last word in before the cops take R.J to the wacky-shack."
"Again." Dot smirked.
Flynn folded his arms, "Well lets hope they can keep him in a better cell. Or a cage if it helps."
Oh I liked that idea! Something else I like was this children's house, it was big and fun and I kind of liked to call some of the people I'd met friends. I didn't really want to leave. But I kind of wanted to see Talia now. I didn't like how long she was taking. But she'd be here, I told myself, not long to go now. Me, Flynn and the Warner's were waiting out the front of the children's home. They had arrived not that long ago. I was glad that they were okay, that everyone was okay.
"I still can't believe he fell for that stunt you pulled though." Flynn muttered, half smiling, "I mean after all the time he's spent around toons you'd think he'd learn."
"You can never fault the classics, Slugger."
"I still wanted to use my anvil though…" Wakko huffed.
"You can next time." I offered.
Dot raised an eyebrow, "To be honest I'm not sure I want a next time."
Oh, thinking about it neither did I, "True."
"Well, look who finally chose to make an appearance!" Yakko smirked, looking up suddenly.
I grinned. Coming along the sidewalk was my sister. I jumped up and started running towards her. She looked a little tired, like she'd been running or shouting or something like that. Was she upset about something? I didn't really take much time to notice anything else because she quickly hid it by smiling and scooping me up for a hug. Okay so she hadn't really been gone that long but I still missed her and got a little scared. Not that I'd ever say that to anyone though. I'm not a baby.
"Hey, what's all this for?" Talia asked while laughing.
I pulled back a little and poked my tongue out at her, "You take forever!"
"Well there was something I had to take care of but I'm here now, right? And… I'm not going anywhere." She said, poking her tongue back out at me.
She looked really tired, "Are you okay?"
"Huh? Yeah I'm fine. It's just been a long day."
Flynn joined us along with the Warner's and looked anxious, "Is he, you know, is it all-OW!" he cried as Dot smacked him upside the head, "What was that for?"
She crossed her arms, "I was trying to knock an actual sentence out of you. You're welcome."
He looked like he was going to argue but glared instead and turned back to Talia, "You know what I mean…"
"Yes, he's gone." She smiled, "For good with any luck."
"We have luck?" Wakko asked.
"It's rare, but it happens sometimes…" she laughed.
"Way to stay positive there kiddo…" Yakko said, raising his eyebrows.
"So what happens now?" Flynn asked, "We just go home like nothing's happened?"
I didn't mind that. I liked things being back to normal. The toons were normal to me which I think some people might find weird but I don't really care. If R.J was gone then that meant we could all go back to normal and that's kind of what we wanted anyway, right? And now there were hundreds of other toons out here! How awesome it that? But this was meant to be a secret, does that mean we're not allowed here anymore? I know that if I was to choose between any toon, then I'd always choose the Warner's no question! But this place would be like the greatest playground ever!
No, I don't think that Talia would ever let us forget this place. I saw how excited she got when she saw that pink dog from a show she used to watch! She'll be here more than us! Not that she'll admit it though. Well, anyway the next thing I knew we were all heading back home. To be honest I kind of missed home. I liked sleeping over at new places but my best always felt the best. Hey I'm not even tired, it's still light out and I'm thinking of bed? Ewww I feel like a grown up!
*Yakko's POV*
Man I'm beat! I'll tell ya, hunting down bad guys, tricking them and foiling their evil plots and then calling it a day really takes it out of you! Not that I was complaining in any way, I mean come on! It's not everyday something like that happens. It's only once every six months for us apparently… I can picture Mr. Bond getting quite jealous. But hey I wasn't planning on keeping up the hero complex for the heck of it, and lets face it, it got a bit too antsy and serious for my liking from time to time; but I had to admit that it was worth it when you finally got to kick back at the end of the day.
Kiddo had put the sub-sibs to bed and she was now slumped on the sofa with a mug of tea and a tired look on her face. Didn't blame her to be honest. Me and the sibs were ready to drop. Not that we'd admit it though.
"What's up, kiddo?" I asked with a smirk, "The idea of taking it easy too scary for you?"
She rolled her eyes, "Sure, let's go with that."
Dot nudged her, "Oh come on, you worry too much. Way too much."
Wakko nodded in agreement, "And think to much."
"Whereas you don't think at all."
"Hey!"
"Hey what? I'm just telling the truth."
"Break it up you two." Kiddo chuckled, "No, you're right, I need to take it easy. It's just weird thinking that it's, you know… over."
"But it is, and that's good right?" Wakko asked.
"Of course it is, it just happened so fast."
"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, kiddo whatever what means." I shrugged, "Seriously, what does that mean?"
"Search me." Sis shrugged.
"You've got me there." Kiddo admitted, "But you're right, it's better to look ahead. And think about how I'm going to be covering your tracks with all the trouble you're going to cause in that Town now you know where it is."
Cue the angelic looks of pure innocence… "Who?"
"Us?" Wakko gasped.
"I'm insulted!" Dot cried.
I grinned, "But just to be on the safe side, I'd start saving for damage costs."
"Great…"
The phone rang, and the three of us jumped up, "I'll get-!"
Kiddo shut us up by suddenly appearing at the phone and swinging it in her hand. Looks like that oon training was really paying off, "Already got it." She smirked, "Hello?"
It looks like whoever called was shy because she had to give the greeting another five or so times before they actually answered. Kind of wish that they didn't though because the second they did, kiddo turned a weird white shade that even the mime would say was too much. What was up this time? You know what, I'm putting in a complaint that kiddo should be given a one way ticket to the nearest spa retreat and not be allowed back until the colour's not only back in her cheeks, but at least five shades darker than it should be.
Finally she dared to speak, barely a whisper but just as edgy, "R.J?"
Oh… well on the other hand she was perfectly allowed to be pale and jumpy. What do I know?
*Talia's POV*
"Hello?" I asked again for the umpteenth time.
"Hello, Miss. Nolan."
Ice shot through my skin, "R.J?" I gasped, the Warner's perking up to look at me with confusion.
"So surprised? I did tell you that I had no intention of returning to that pathetic cell."
No, this couldn't be happening! "But… how?"
"With the right motivation, anyone will be more than happy to assist me."
"Where the hell are you?" I demanded forcefully.
"Oh you don't have to worry about me, Miss. Nolan. You see, I still plan on achieving my goal, but I'm aware that it's going to take time. And time is exactly what I'm going to spend. I'll be sure let you know when I'll need your assistance."
I felt bile rise at my throat, but I swallowed it down, "I told you, there's no way in hell I'm going to help you. Leave us alone!"
"You may think you won't, but time changes people, Miss. Nolan. But, I assume you know what I mean, I think you've changed a little since last we spoke."
Is that the game he was playing? "If you mean that little present you left me in the Waiting Room. You're wrong. Thanks, but screw you."
"That's not the change I mean, Miss. Nolan. You really think I'm that cruel to offer you an escape and not you siblings? Oh, I have plenty for all, but that payment first requires the work before hand." He sneered darkly, "I mean the change in your attitude, so scared of what you wanted before, and no so determined. Nice, isn't it? I promise you, Miss. Nolan, you won't hear from me until I need you, which won't be for a while yet. Enjoy your peace and calm for now."
What? I didn't understand! "I'll never help you, and you'll be caught long before you can even make me an offer!"
"I'll hold you to that." He chuckled, "I can't say for sure when we'll meet again, Miss. Nolan, but we will one day. Goodbye."
A/N:
Dun-dun-duuuuuhn!
Got you there didn't I? Well I hope I did. So, R.J was telling the truth, he had no intensions of going back to prison and he still plans on finishing the jobs he started. But where is he and will he carry out those threats? To be honest, I'm not sure. But we'll have some fun finding out, right? Only two more chapters to go now guys! Lets see where this takes us!