Welcome to Slavestown
Chapter Twelve
Tank and Kea turn to each other, exchanging devastated looks with one another, before Tank steps forward and walks over to his brother. Tank crouches down on the roof next to Ripp, placing a consoling hand on his shoulder.
"Ripp-" he begins, reaching out to him.
Ripp immediately stands up, his body now filling with anger. He points at Vidcund, who is still lying down on his side attempting to lift himself up. Vidcund can't even look Ripp in the face.
"You!" Ripp shouts accusingly, "This is all your fault! If you would've just manned up, taken the punishment like you were supposed to, and done your own dirty work, my girlfriend wouldn't be dead!" Ripp screams.
Vidcund moves his head down, his eyes swollen, deeply hurt by Ripp's comment as more and more guilt continues to drench over him. Kea steps in front of Vidcund, looking Ripp intensely in the eyes.
"Ripp, it was Isabella's choice to go after him," she reminds him, "He warned her not to. It was her decision to save him."
"What the hell is wrong with you, Kea?!" Ripp storms, throwing his arms up, "Why are you defending someone who basically killed your best friend? You're such a traitor!" he yells.
"Ripp," Tank speaks warningly, wedging himself between his brother and Kea, "Cool it before I punch you in the face," he threatens. "Look, I know you're hurt, but playing the blame game isn't going to bring Izzy back," he claims, "Besides, Isabella wouldn't want us fighting with each other, she'd want all of us to stick together and get through this."
Ripp wanders back a bit, stopping as he looks down at Isabella's lifeless body that is sprawled out on the floor. He bursts into tears once more. "No! NO!" he mourns, crying into his hands.
"It's okay," Pascal speaks up, "We can always resurrect her with the Resurrect-O-Nomitron...and I just remembered it broke this morning," Pascal completes, "Damn it!" he curses, snapping his fingers.
Suddenly, a red, foggy smoke cloud pops up in the center of the roof as a black-cloaked sim appears in the middle of it, one of his boney hands raised upwards towards the sky. Lightning strikes the roof as the NPC steps out towards them.
"Oh my gosh, it's the Grim Reaper!" Pascal exclaims, nudging Lazlo in the side and lowering his voice to a whisper, "I've never seen him in person before."
The Grim Reaper floats over to Isabella, carrying a scythe in his hand. He stops at her body, shaking his head in pity as he takes out a clipboard from seemingly nowhere and begins to write on it, all the other sims watching his every move.
"Uh, Mr. Reaper, sir?" Ripp says, cautiously walking over to him. The Grim Reaper looks up, "Do you have to take Isabella?" he asks softly.
"Sorry kid," the Grim Reaper answers, still writing down a few more lines on the notes section of his clipboard, "You can try pleading, but there's only a fifty percent chance that you would win."
"Oh," Ripp squeaks, looking down at the ground in sorrow as the Grim Reaper starts to turn away.
"Wait, Stan!" Kea chimes, racing over to them, "Do you really have to take Izzy's life?" she asks.
The Grim Reaper glances up and stops what he's doing when he sees the blonde-haired, silver-eyed townie arrive in front of him. "Why Kea Kalson, isn't this a surprise?" Stan comments, his pen disappearing into dust with the wave of his hand, "I didn't expect to see you here."
"You know him?" Pascal asks, intrigued.
"Of course I know him," Kea replies, "He and I play poker together every Thursday!" she answers as if it is obvious, "But as I was saying – Stan, do you really have to take my best friend's soul? I mean, she's a nice sim with a good heart. Cute face, killer body," Kea describes as Tank and Ripp look at each other strangely, "-And she was only trying to save the city!"
Below them, Vidcund gives a horrendous groan before flopping down on the pavement next to Isabella's dead body.
"Oh my gosh, Vid!" Pascal cries, running over to his brother and picking up his body. Pascal kneels, holding his brother in his arms as Lazlo rushes over to them, filled with worry.
"Oh, he was so beautiful," Pascal mourns, his eyes watering as he stares over-dramatically at the heavens, "Only second to me!" he cries before kneeling back over him and sobbing uncontrollably as memories of his brother begin seeping into his mind.
...
Kitty, Jenny and the Curious Brothers' mother, is lying down in a hospital bed at Strangetown General Hospital, holding a small bundle in her arms. She looks tiredly over at a young four-year-old Pascal, who is bouncing up and down at the side of the cot holding onto the handrail. "Pascal," Kitty speaks soothingly, "This is your brother," she tells him, moving closer to him so Pascal can see, "What do you think?"
Pascal curiously leans forward and squints his eyes, staring at the pale, blue-eyed baby that is wrapped up in a blue blanket in her arms. Vidcund hiccups. "I like him!" Pascal chimes, a smile spreading on his face.
…
Six years later, Pascal is sitting in the optometrist's office, intently gazing at his new glasses in the mirror. Kitty, Vidcund, and Lazlo are sitting there with him. "I can't go to school looking like this!" Pascal cries, throwing his hands up over his face and over his thick rounded glasses, "All of the other kids will make fun of me!"
Vidcund races over to the shelf behind his older brother and picks up a pair of green tinted glasses. "No they won't, they'll make fun of me!" Vidcund says, pushing his signature orange rimmed glasses onto his face, "Cause my glasses are goofier than yours!" Vidcund declares. Pascal looks up at him and gives a shy smile.
…
"Hey look! Vid wet his pants!" a teenaged Loki calls out, pointing to a mortified Vidcund at prom. Around him, everyone erupts into laughter as Vidcund steps back attempting to conceal himself, his face red with embarrassment.
Seeing this, Pascal goes over to the punch table and grabs a cup of lemonade, purposely throwing it on his own trousers. "Look! I wet my pants, too!" Pascal announces, walking over to the crowd. The teenagers turn and laugh at Pascal instead.
The next day, Vidcund is hiding under the covers in his room, refusing to come out after Circe dumped him. Pascal knocks on the door before walking over and sitting down on Vidcund's bed.
"You know Vid, you'll only be embarrassed for maybe a week tops. But Loki? He's going to be embarrassing himself for the rest of his life," Pascal states, trying to console him.
Hearing this, Vidcund pops his head out from underneath the pale blue bed covers and looks at Pascal, giving a small smile. "You really think so?" he asks.
Pascal nods. "Yeah, I mean come on! Have you seen the mustache?"
Vidcund laughs. "Right," he replies, "How could I forget that?" Pascal nods as the room grows silent around them. "Thanks Pascal," Vidcund speaks into the silence.
Pascal smiles, "No problem."
…
A few months later, all the teenagers in Strangetown are gathered outside of Strangetown Middle School watching as Loki pushes Pascal down in the dirt, following Pascal's failed attempt to kiss Circe.
"Geez Curious, you fight like a girl!" Loki remarks, watching as Pascal struggles to get the dirt out of his mouth.
All of a sudden, Vidcund runs forward, tackling Loki to the ground. The pair get into an all-out fist fight. "Vid!" Pascal shouts, watching as the recess monitors race over to the pair of fighters, frantically blowing their whistles.
"Stop it! Stop it you two!" one of the monitors yells, "This incident is going on your permanent records!" she scolds them.
A few hours later, Pascal catches Vidcund as he is walking out of the principal's office.
"I don't get it, Vid," Pascal begins, carefully adjusting the books in his hands, "Why did you do it? The fight didn't have anything to do with you."
"I know," Vidcund answers, "I did it because I didn't you to mess up your life. We all know that you're the gifted one in the family, Pascal. You're destined for great things," Vidcund tells him, "And I didn't want you to throw it all away on some stupid fight."
"But now Sim University won't accept you," Pascal informs him.
Vidcund shrugs, "Eh. I'll go someplace else."
Pascal tilts his forehead, still deeply confused by his brother's chill reaction, "But it was your dream," he reiterates.
Vidcund shrugs once again, "I'll find another one," he states, slowly walking backwards a few steps before taking off down the hallway. Pascal meaningfully watches Vidcund, pondering what he has just done for him.
…
Ten years later Pascal is standing at a podium at the Nobel Prize ceremony in Pleasantview, giving his victory speech to his fellow scientific peers. Vidcund and Lazlo are watching him from the side of the stage. "I have a lot of people that I would like to thank for this," Pascal talks into the microphone, "But first, I would like to thank my brother, Vidcund," Pascal says, turning to the right and locking eyes with him, "Who looked out for me, when no one else did…"
An hour later, Pascal meets up with his brothers backstage. "I'll never forget what you did for me, Vid," Pascal says, "I'll pay you back someday."
Vidcund shakes his head, waving his hand in front of his body. "You don't have to do that," he tells him, "We're even."
…
Later that same year, Pascal is standing at the head of the Strangetown council, glancing down at two of his fellow council members – Crystal Vu and Charles Lawson – who are both looking at the resignation notice that is on the table in front of them.
"Olive's retiring and we need a new leader," Pascal firmly states, his hands on the edge of the mahogany table, "I say we appoint Vidcund for mayor of the city of Strangetown. All in favor, say aye."
"Aye!" all three of them respond.
"Great! Then it's settled," Pascal says, picking up the resignation papers, "I'll nominate him at the meeting tomorrow."
…
One year later, pounding is heard at the front door of the Curious residence. Vidcund opens up the door, only to find a mob of angry scientists crowded on their front porch. "Uh, may I help you…?" Vidcund asks, attempting to calm down the crowd who is all voicing separate complaints to him simultaneously.
"Your brother, Pascal, is a disgrace to the scientific community!" the oldest and loudest scientist shouts, "His terrible actions will ruin us all!" he yells.
Vidcund cocks his eyebrow, clearly puzzled. "I have no idea what you guys are talking about, but I can assure you that there is nothing wrong with Pascal-"
"Uh, Vid? Can I see you for a minute?" Pascal says, poking his head out from behind the hallway wall.
"Sure," Vidcund answers, nonchalantly slamming the door in the scientists' faces.
Vidcund joins Pascal in the kitchen and takes a seat in front of the television. He watches as his older brother paces around the room, disheveled and stressed. "What's up?" Vidcund asks.
"Look, I know why they're upset," Pascal responds, continuing to pace in front of him, "And I have to tell you something, and I'm not sure how you're going to take it, so I'm just going to come out and say it."
Vidcund nods, encouraging him to proceed, "Alright."
"Vidcund, I'm pregnant," Pascal tells him, stopping to throw his hands up, "And I'm pretty sure I'm bi."
Vidcund moves his head up and down for a few moments and says nothing. Pascal watches as Vidcund slowly gets up from his chair and walks over to him. All at once, Vidcund leans forward and hugs him. Pascal sighs in relief before wrapping his arms around him, returning the embrace.
…
In present time, Pascal continues to mourn, holding his brother's body in his arms. "Vid! Vid! VID!" Pascal cries, bursting into tears all over again. Behind him, the Grim Reaper is shaking his head.
"Geez kid, relax," Stan speaks suddenly, "Your brother's not dead, he's just traumatized."
"Oh yeah?" Pascal says, glaring at Death accusingly, "What are you, a doctor?"
Stan sighs, pulls a business card out of his robe, and hands it to him. The card reads: "Andrew Stanley Cubinski – Grim Reaper & M.D., 'I can manage your life and death!'"
Pascal takes the card from him and awes, pleasantly surprised by this rather peculiar news. "Ooh," he coos before gently placing down his brother and turning towards Death. "But really, please don't take Isabella. She's one of the few people that can actually tolerate me!" Pascal exclaims, grabbing Stan by the cloak and pulling him up towards his face, "Do you have any idea how tough that is?!"
Stan looks down, eyeing the crazed look on Pascal's face. "Er, I have an idea," he claims; Pascal lets go of him.
The Grim Reaper steps back, scanning over the five sims that are standing in front of him. "Look, I can see how much you guys care about your friend and how much Pascal cares about his brother," Stan adds, "So I'll make you a deal," he begins, preparing to offer a wager, "I'll heal Vidcund up for free, but the girl is going to cost you."
"Do you want Loki? Cause if you want Loki, you can take him," Pascal quickly offers.
"Er…no," Stan answers, shaking his head, hoping to dismiss the very thought, "But if you want Isabella back, then you're going to have to play me for her!"
"Uh-huh," Lazlo says, stepping forward, "And what exactly do you have in mind?"
Stan glances at Kea knowingly as he reaches into his cloak and pulls out a handful of pink powder. He gazes up at the others, throwing his hand up towards the sky. "Oh, you'll see," Stan forewarns, flinging the powder to the floor.
Meanwhile: In Some Strange Unknown Location Above The Simverse
Isabella groans, her mind and body going a thousand different places, until suddenly - it stops. Isabella's hands trail up to her face, which now feels almost like porcelain. She runs her hands against the smooth texture for what feels like a few moments before pulling them back down. She holds her hands up at eye level and examines them thoroughly, astonished that they are not covered in blood. The pain that once agonized her body a short while ago has disappeared completely.
Isabella turns around finding nothing but pure white light around her. Isabella steps forward, her body filling with fear as she examines the unfamiliar setting surrounding her body. She looks down, a path of clouds making up the entire floor beneath her. Above them rests a single desk that is lined with gold. Isabella blinks a few times, now realizing that she is standing in a line that is leading up to what seems to be the entrance of the afterlife. Isabella nervously rubs her arm as she glances at the pair of gold-iron gates that are standing a few meters away from her.
All of a sudden, the clerk looks up from her desk, her eyes meeting Isabella's. "You. Come here," the clerk speaks, adjusting her red rimmed glasses which matches the red heart pin that is attached to her pure white pantsuit.
"Me?" Isabella squeaks, placing a gentle hand on her chest. The clerk nods.
Isabella slowly steps forward; the sims lined up in front of her move out of the way, watching her every move. Isabella gulps, more terrified with each step that she takes. At last, she reaches the front desk. She cautiously smiles at the clerk. "Hello," she greets.
The clerk looks through the papers on her clipboard before pressing a yellow button that is on the side of the cloud wall. "Jules?" the clerk speaks, "The girl who saved the mayor is here."
"'Kay," Jules answers back, "Send her in."
The clerk gestures Isabella towards the entrance of the gates, lifting her hand off the buzzer. Isabella moves back towards them, but stops before she reaches the golden gates.
"Uh, may I ask what's going on?" Isabella says, playing a bit with her shaky hands.
The clerk sighs, not bothering to look up from her paperwork. "You're dead," she states bluntly.
"What?!" Isabella outbursts, "No, I can't be dead! This wasn't supposed to happen! I mean, it was according to Margaret, but-"
"Ah," the clerk states, clearly getting a kick out of this conversation, "Is that why you weren't fighting back?" she asks. Isabella stands in silence, the wind completely knocked out of her. The clerk smiles and looks the young girl over. "That's okay. He wasn't fighting back either," the clerk informs her, making eye contact with Isabella. "To be honest kid, we were expecting the mayor today – his name's been on the New Arrivals list for a few months now," she tells Isabella, "But a couple of hours ago, the list regenerated, his name disappeared, and yours showed up in its place. Normally we don't like people messing with the system – but, I think we'll live," the clerk comments, a smile forming on her face at this rather ironic statement, "Besides, there's someone here that's been er, dying to meet you," the clerk explains.
"Really?" Isabella says, moving forward, "Who?"
The clerk points her pen at a woman who is standing on the other side of the golden gates, waiting for her. Isabella nods, giving the clerk a small wave before walking towards the figure – the woman's features becoming more prominent the closer Isabella gets to her. The woman has blonde hair and milky brown eyes. By the looks of her face, she appears to be middle aged. Isabella guesses that she is probably a mother, based on the tired circles that are under her eyes. Though despite Isabella's speculation, the woman is dressed quite formal and is wearing a pure white ball gown with her hair tied up in an elegant bun. Isabella looks down at her own attire, now noticing that her classic pink shirt and gray argyle skirt are pure white as well. Isabella looks back up at the woman, stopping a few feet in front of her. She doesn't know why, but for some reason she looks vaguely familiar.
"Hello," the woman greets, giving the young college graduate a nod.
Isabella gives a shy smile, "Hi," she greets back.
"So you're Isabella," the woman says, leading Isabella further into the clouds, the golden gate closing behind them, "I've been watching you for a while," she states, stopping when she notices the strange look that is shining on Isabella's face, "Don't be creeped out, watching living sims is one of the most popular pastimes in the afterlife – and they're pretty exclusive with what you see."
"Oh," Isabella states, walking next to her. Isabella finds the woman's presence warm and comforting.
The woman smiles, "I first started paying attention to you when you started dating Ripp," she tells her, "But I don't have to reminisce further on that, I'm sure you remember your own life."
"Yeah," Isabella answers, still finding it rather hard to talk about her ex.
The pair continues forward. "Then I watched you go to college and befriend Tank. I know he was a bit difficult at first, but I'm really proud of the person that he's become," the woman comments, "I appreciate you looking out for them, especially since, you know, I couldn't," the woman informs her, "So I just wanted to meet you so I could thank you for that."
The pair stops walking as they reach what appears to be some sort of light-filled plaza, "Oh uh, you're welcome," Isabella says, noticing a small group of sims gathered in the center where a giant stone pillar is jutting out of the ground. "Hey, what's that?" Isabella asks, moving towards the pillar, which has a large, built-in monitor in the center of it. She stands behind a gray-haired man whose nametag reads 'Michael Bachelor'; the woman follows her.
"No Dina, don't do that!" Michael exclaims, watching the monitor in front of him. A young woman with straight blonde hair and a tight black dress is digging through the garbage can. "You're going to lose your ring!" he chimes.
The woman steps forward, lightly tapping Michael on the shoulder. "Excuse me, but do you mind if we switch it to Strangetown?"
"No, it's fine. This channel is upsetting me anyway," Michael tells them, handing the woman the TV's matching remote. The woman gladly takes it from him and changes the channel.
She turns to Isabella, smiling after she switches to channel 2, "I thought you might want to see this," the woman remarks. Isabella nods, but for some reason she cannot bear to look up.
"Isabella! Isabella eXtreme!" someone shouts from behind her as they race towards the pair, the sound of their voice attracting Isabella's attention. "What are you doing here…?"
Meanwhile: Back in Strangetown
The pink smoke clears around the six Strangetown residents as they find themselves in a dark room with jet black walls and a dark navy carpet. All of a sudden, rows of lights appear out of seemingly nowhere, lighting up the entire area around them. Pascal steps forward and turns to the others, his eyes finally adjusting to the massive scenery change. "Where are we…?"
"Hello, and welcome to the World Series of POOOOOKKKEEERRRR!" one of the two sim announcers shouts from his place behind the now-visible sports desk. Pascal and Lazlo stand behind them, staring at each other dumbfounded.
"And we've got a good one for you today, folks!" the second announcer states, speaking into his desk microphone, "We have Kea 'The Lighting' Kalson taking on Stan the Grim Reaper in a battle for Isabella's soul!"
"That's right, Larry," the sim next to him reiterates, "And the stakes couldn't be higher. Death has been on a bit of slump for premades lately and having Isabella's soul could really turn things around for his business."
"Really, Craig?" Larry asks, pulling his body back a bit, "How so?" he wonders.
"Well, for one thing – she's hot," Craig completes, causing all her friends to turn and gaze at him strangely.
Ripp rolls his eyes as he leans up against the wall next to him, "Great. Now I gotta worry about that guy, too!" he sarcastically huffs.
"Wait, is this broadcasting live?" Lazlo asks, gazing into one of the cameras.
Pascal shrugs, "I don't know. Quick! Say a bunch of swears!"
"Get them out of here," Larry mumbles out of the corner of his mouth. Two burley security guards nod and grab ahold of Pascal and Lazlo, dragging them out of the shot.
"Ooh! Hi Mom!" Pascal waves as he passes by the camera.
"Alright, the game is classic five card poker," the Grim Reaper states. He is sitting in front of a green velvet table, intently shuffling the cards as he gazes across at Kea. "Nothing wild. Whoever has the best hand wins."
Kea nods, adjusting her black dimmed sunglasses and baggy black sweatshirt, which has the words 'EAT THIS' written on it in bold blue letters, complete with a picture of bacon under it. She is wearing her classic poker attire. "Deal the cards, Stan, I don't have all day," she commands.
Tank leans down next to her. "Are you sure you can handle this?" he asks as Stan starts to deal the cards, "This is our only shot at getting her back."
"Tank, it'll be fine, relax," Kea attempts to console him, "I can play this game in my sleep. And I did, when we went to that poker tournament in Atlantic City that one time, remember?" Kea states, holding up a photo of her sleeping at the head poker table, drooling into the tournament trophy.
Tank smiles, "Oh yeah."
Several yards away, Vidcund stands alone, leaning up against the wall, his heart aching. "I killed her, I killed Isabella," Vidcund repeats, moaning into the wall. He can't even keep his head up. "It's my fault she's dead. It should've been me that perished!"
"Geez Vid, relax, you're being too hard on yourself," Pascal says, after the burley guards drop him and Lazlo off.
"Yeah, I mean you weren't the one that killed her – Circe did that," Lazlo reminds him, causing Vidcund to burst into tears as the haunting memories come rushing back to him. "Oh no."
Pascal swiftly turns to his youngest brother, giving him a glare, "You just had to mention the C word, didn't you?" he asks.
"Okay, here we go!" Stan announces as both he and Kea look down at their hands, "Alright Kea, what do you got?"
Meanwhile: Back in the Afterlife
"Grandpa!" Isabella shouts, watching as a skinny, red-haired sim races over to her. Isabella gazes up at him, he appears to be just a little bit older than her, but his small, gentle facial features and thick, prominent glasses told her that it was him. Her grandfather stops in front of her. "Oh my gosh, I haven't seen you in years! You look great!" she praises.
"Thanks," Alfred states, adjusting his glasses, "I chose to be fifty years younger," he tells his granddaughter, "It really helps me out with my studies."
Isabella smiles, recalling just how much her grandfather read. In addition to being a successful knowledge sim, he was extremely playful, so much so that Isabella had gotten all ten of her playful genetics from him.
"So anyway, what are you doing here?" Alfred asks Isabella, still appearing quite confused, "Aren't you in your twenties?"
Isabella nods. "I am, but sometimes things happen," she states.
"Well, what happened?" Alfred asks.
"We went to war to save the city, and we actually won," Isabella begins, accurately recounting the tale, "It was pretty great-"
"And…?" Alfred continues, his eyebrow raised.
Isabella sighs, "And my friend was betrayed and he was going to die, so I jumped in front of him," Isabella recalls, "And I ended up dying in his place," she squeaks.
Alfred shakes his head. "Oh Isabella."
"I know," Isabella speaks out, "And I know this may sound kind of weird, but the moment before it happened, I felt this sense of urgency like – I don't know, like I couldn't let him die."
"Ah," Alfred responds, seeming as though he understands the feeling, "So this friend of yours, he's not just a friend, is he?" he asks skeptically.
Isabella shakes her head, "Oh no, he is," Isabella clarifies, "I met him last year when I was in Ole Town Woods and housed him in my room with his brothers," Isabella says, watching her grandfather nod as he attempts to follow. He raises his eyebrows at this news, "-It sounds weirder than it actually was, trust me," she replies, "But you know, they're friends. Scientists," Isabella nervously rambles.
Alfred smiles, letting out a playful chuckle. "Yes, well, I know the type," he states. "But I do remember hearing about the war," he tells her, "Your parents were in a lot of trouble, but even Loki aiming a gun to his chest couldn't get your father to crack," he comments.
"Yeah, he can be pretty tough," Isabella says, recalling the time where he banished Ripp from their residence.
Alfred's eyes soften, "I know your father can be a bit stern, but he really wants what's best for you," Alfred explains. Isabella nods. "I know this may sound strange, but a lot of people here have been following the war in Strangetown," Alfred informs her, "There were so many deaths near the beginning that people couldn't bear to watch it, but a few months ago people started watching again, and now they can't get enough!"
"Really?" Isabella speaks up, finding this rather surprising, "When was this?" she asks.
"-When you rescued the Curious brothers," Alfred answers. the smile not leaving his face, "There are a lot of Strangetown residents here that are big fans of the mayor. You should've heard the cheers when you rescued Vidcund, I swear I heard ringing for weeks."
"So you did watch what happened," Isabella comments, quite happy by this news.
"Of course," Alfred replies, "You know I'm always going to look out for you guys." Suddenly, a huge crowd of sims runs by them, gathering around one of the monitors.
Isabella turns to one of the sims, tapping them on the shoulder. "Um, excuse me? What's going on here?" she wonders.
"Look!" the sim answers, pointing up at the screen. Isabella gazes up at where the sim is pointing, turning her body so that she can look at the monitor, her mouth opening in shock when she sees what is being broadcast on it.
"Greetings everyone!" Craig Ray's image appears onscreen, "And if you are just joining us, welcome! We are live at the center of Strangetown's most infamous underground casino, where Kea Kalson is attempting to defeat the Grim Reaper in the ultimate poker match for Isabella eXtreme's life!"
Craig moves towards the table and stops in front of the young college graduate, who is carefully examining her cards. "Kea, is there anything that you like to say to all of the residents of Strangetown out there that are counting on you to deliver a victory?" he asks.
"Yes," Kea comments, rearranging the cards in her hands, "Can it, preachy! I'm trying to save my best friend's life here!" she shouts into the microphone.
Craig sweat drops, quickly moving the mic back under his face. "Beautiful. Back to you, Larry!"
Alfred steps back from the monitor for a second and glances over at his granddaughter, who is still staring up at the television, deep in thought. "Are you surprised to see your friends going through all this trouble?" he asks.
Isabella shakes her head, her lips forming into a smile as her gray eyes begin to shine at the monitor. "No," she speaks up, "This is just like them."
