When the Jail came into being, it was comprised of seven areas. The Dawn assigned those areas names-The City Streets, Graveyard, Temple, Downtown, Waterways, Dorm and Station Grounds. Each of them served as the Jail's wards in which humans were imprisoned by the Marchens. Now, their days of imprisonment are a thing of the past.
Yesterday, near the crater where the Jail once stood, a group of Dawn members and Bureau agents led by Towa have established camp. Accompanying them are rescue workers and a small number of volunteers, all of whom were called by the Dawn. Together, they seek to rebuild the city engulfed by the Jail fifteen years ago.
Since the Jail's locations are somewhat vast, the team decided to focus their work in one area first. They first set their eyes on the City Streets, a labyrinth possessing elements alluding to the tale of "Alice in Wonderland". Most of the Dawn personnel and Bureau agents along with the rescue workers drove down a passageway found next to the Jail's crater. The remaining members of the team would standby at the camp together with the volunteers, who prepare refreshments and provide any other form of assistance.
Inside the City Streets, everyone, under Towa's guidance, cleared foreign objects and dismantled parts of the labyrinth's walls. Additionally, the Dawn members and Bureau agents sent there armed themselves with a firearm each. The necessity to do so arose not out of fear but, as a precaution against any imminent dangers. After all, anything pertaining to the Jail was not a trifling matter especially to the Dawn.
Today, a handful of members from Towa's group-Two of Dawn's members and two Bureau agents-came across the Underground Cavern, the place where Jack and his friends first met Hameln. Back then, it was empty and hence, bore little to no significance in the eyes of the Dawn.
However, the company of four made a discovery. Within the Underground Cavern laid an entrance leading to another labyrinth. Wasting no time, they rushed back to Towa and reported their findings. Immediately, he instructed for the day's work to be paused. Everyone in the City Streets packed any equipment they could carry and returned to the camp site.
At the camp's command center, located in the middle of the site, a decision was made to send an expedition team to investigate the newly discovered area. The group, to be led by Towa, was made up of thirteen individuals-Six members of the Dawn, six agents of the Bureau and Towa himself. Equipped with weapons and special headsets containing tiny cameras, the expedition team departed for the Underground Cavern. As they entered it, the people in the command center observed their sightings through various monitors installed there.
What everyone soon saw felt mesmerizing yet alien. Stained glass layered the floor of the Underground Cavern's labyrinth. It's walls, resembling those of a castle's, were bluish and incorporated prison cages, some of them shaped like mouths. The labyrinth's surroundings were dimly lit by lamps attached to the walls.
Heading deeper into the maze, the group found themselves in a huge room with several blue pillars inside it. There, they made a shocking find. An enormous red bulb like object, held in place by roots, stood in the center of the room. This object should no longer have existed given that the Jail ceased to function. Yet, it is present and stands in front of the members of the expedition team.
It is a Core of the Jail.
"So, um… where are we going?" Hinata was asking Jack and the Blood Maidens on their current destination. The young students had exited Shinzo Academy's main gate and are walking down the western road.
"It's a place called the Tea Party Brigade. Or a food truck as the ones running the place called it," Jack answered Hinata.
"A food truck?" Hinata said. "When did it arrive in this town?"
"It arrived this morning while we walked to school," answered Alice. "We were intrigued by it and checked it out at that time,"
"What's there to be intrigued about them? Food trucks are actually common,"
"Is that so?" Cinderella responded to Hinata's statement, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
"You didn't know? Could it be that you guys never heard of one?" Hinata asked Jack's group.
"Snow White admits that is true until we saw the one from this morning," Snow White stated. "We never thought that trucks could be used to sell food,"
"There must be no food trucks at where you all came from. Although, a place with none is pretty rare,"
"You could say that," Red Riding Hood's reply may seem normal to an ordinary person like Hinata. But, to Jack and his company, it is of great significance since they were cut off from the surface world for as long as they could remember. Sure, they did learn basic concepts relating to the living world during their time in the Jail. However, certain specific ones such as a "food truck" eluded their minds.
"Anyway, where's the food truck that we're going to?"
"It's at the left corner of this road," Jack pointed at end of the road a few feet away from the group. "Oh, and we'll introduce you to the people who own it,"
"Yeah, they're a really interesting bunch. Especially one of them," Red Riding Hood remarked with a smile.
"If you're referring to Hatter, Sister Red, I'd say he's a little obnoxious," Thumbelina appeared uncomfortable at the mention of Hatter.
"Why would you say that, dear sister?" said Snow White.
"Well, he did fawn over us earlier. I could have sworn he looked at Sleepy and Cinderella's chests as if it's no big deal," Blushing, Thumbelina continued, "Plus, he even called me "Thumby". What's the deal with that?"
"Maybe this Hatter guy likes you?" Hinata said in an amused tone.
"What?! D-Don't be ridiculous!" Thumbelina's face turned redder.
"S-Sorry…" Hinata turned away from Thumbelina.
"I'm sure Hatter's alright," Alice assured Thumbelina. "His behavior is most likely a quirk of his own,"
"Yeah," Jack agreed. "As Red Riding Hood said, there are all kinds of people in the world,"
"Yup… Yup…" Sleeping Beauty nodded her head.
"If you all think he's fine, I guess I'll go along with that for now," stated Thumbelina.
"Apart from our current topic, we're nearing our destination," At Gretel's words, everyone began to see Wonder Mart on their left. Walking past the shopping mall, they saw the Tea Party Brigade, it's radio playing a song out loud. Jack and his friends even heard someone singing on the other side of the food truck.
"What's going on?" Jack wondered.
"Let's have a look," Upon Alice's words, the group quickly headed for and stood a short distance away from the front of the truck. To their surprise, particularly Jack and the Blood Maidens', the person singing was none other than Hatter. Wearing a wireless headset, he is serenading three female students seated at one of four round tables facing the truck. While Hatter sang, March and Drake were watching from the truck's kitchen after having served tea and cakes to their customers. Additionally, some passersby stopped to watch Hatter's performance.
I'm in love with Mary Jane
I'm not the only one
If Mary wanna play around
I let her have her fun
She's not the kind of girl
That you can just tie down
She likes to spread her love
And turn your head around
Do you love me Mary Jane?
Yeah. Whoa-oh-oh
Do ya? Do ya? Do ya?
Now do you think you love me Mary Jane
Don't you play no games
Jack's group stared at Hatter as the latter flirted with his female audience while singing. Seeing this, Thumbelina blinked twice. "Look at him trying to seduce those girls," she then said to her friends in a criticizing manner. "Isn't he ashamed of himself?"
"You got to hand it to him though," Red Riding Hood commented. "He's quite the singer,"
"And all the more impressive I must say!" Hameln, who seemed to be enjoying Hatter's performance, said.
After Hatter wrapped up his performance, the female students and passersby clapped their hands. Even Jack, Hinata and most of the Blood Maidens joined in. Thumbelina could not help but smile while Gretel appeared fascinated by the people's reactions. Soon, the female students and the crowd began leaving the Tea Party Brigade. At the same time, Hatter brought his headset down onto his neck. He, March and Drake then noticed Jack's group.
"Hey!" Hatter called out to them cheerfully. With March and Drake following from behind, he walked towards the group. Arms spread wide, Hatter greeted them. "What's up, Jack, my man, my angels and…," Noticing Hinata, Hatter pointed at him. "This your friend?"
"Yes, this is Hinata Taketori. He's a classmate of mine and Alice's," Turning to Hinata, Jack said, "Hinata, these are Mark Hatter, March Harrison and Drake Mouse," March bowed politely while Drake raised his hand. As for Hatter, he offered his hand to Hinata.
"How you doing, man?"
Shaking hands with Hatter, Hinata replied, "Uh… I'm fine, thank you,"
Hameln stepped forward and praised Hatter. "Your performance was truly splendid!" "Tell me, what was that song you sang? I wish to learn it!"
"That, my girl, is a piece of funk sung by Rick James. It's called "Mary Jane". Dates back to the 70s,"
"Who is Rick James?" Cinderella frowned.
"You don't know Rick James?" Hatter said in slight disbelief. "He's one of the classics, girl! Just like Michael Jackson, James Brown and all the others. Ever heard of them?"
"No…" Everyone in Jack's group save Hinata had a blank expression on their faces.
"You all listen to music, right?" Drake asked Jack and his friends. "Even if you don't, surely you've heard of certain singers?"
"To be honest, we've heard of music but, we've never actually listened much of it," Alice stated.
"How about singing? You all sing?" asked Hatter.
"Not really…" said Jack.
"Man, you people must have been deprived of the good things in life," Hatter added frankly, "Music is the food of the soul! You can't live without it! You should be indulging in it, man. Appreciate it's beauty,"
"You really like music I see," commented Hinata.
"Indeed, he does," March spoke. "In fact, the three of us have a liking towards it. Putting that aside, what brings all of you to our humble establishment?"
"Oh, that's right," March's question reminded Jack of something. "We wanted to talk about the tea party. Would it trouble you three if we do so?"
"Tea party?" Hinata became curious.
"Sure, we don't mind. Hatter and March can talk with all of you about that while I tend to the customers," said Drake.
"Thanks, Drake! Don't mind if we do!" Red Riding Hood thanked Drake. As Drake moved back to the Tea Party Brigade's kitchen, the rest went behind it. Everyone started to talk about the tea party which Hatter offered to host to Jack's group. In the middle of their discussion, Hinata was brought up to date on the situation by Jack and the Blood Maidens.
"You're all planning to have a tea party together?" Hinata asked Jack's group.
"Yup! You're welcome to join us, Hinata!" said Red Riding Hood.
"I don't know if I should," Hinata sounded reluctant. "It will be rude of me to participate since Hatter didn't invite me personally,"
Hatter laughed heartily. "Man, you don't have to be so polite, Hinata! A friend of Jack and his gals is a friend of ours too. Of course you're welcome!"
"Isn't it a bit too kind to host it free of charge though?" Hinata asked.
"Don't worry about it. I got this," Hatter assured. "Oh, and it ain't gonna be just about tea and cakes. We gonna have some music and dancing as well,"
"Dancing?" Jack and a few of the Blood Maidens said in unison.
"That would be magnificent! Long have I dreamed to dance together with my beloved comrades!" Hameln delighted at the idea of dancing with her friends, one which she sought to accomplish after their escape from the Jail.
"But, we don't know how to dance…" Thumbelina stated.
"That will be no problem," March held out one hand. "If you like, we can teach you,"
"You will?" Cinderella raised her eyebrows.
"Seeing how you fellas never exposed yourselves to music, March here has a point," Hatter shifted his attention to the Blood Maidens. "Besides, I don't mind hitting the dance floor with a bunch of hotties like y'all. Especially you, Thumby," Hatter eyed Thumbelina flirtatiously.
"W-Why me?" Thumbelina became surprised.
"Because the way you talk indicates that you got some spunk in ya. And I like me some plucky girls. That's right, Thumby, I like ya and I wantcha," Out of amusement over Hatter's words, March grinned lightly.
"Are you trying to seduce me?" Thumbelina gave Hatter a frown.
Raising his eyebrows, Hatter replied, "Ain't nobody seducing you, Thumby. I'm just admiring ya," In a sing-song manner, Hatter added, "In fact, you look so good I say we go around the world in a day~ Don't say no, no. Shake it my way, yeah~ That's Ricky Martin by the way," Jack and his company stared blankly at Hatter. Alice cleared her throat to get everyone's attention.
"About the tea party, when shall it be?"
"May I suggest having it on Sunday?" March proposed. "That day is best for leisure in a country like Japan,"
"That sounds lovely," Cinderella approved of March's proposition. "Where shall we hold it then?"
"How about the park?" Jack recommended. "It's pretty spacious there. Also, we can have the party at night since we've gone there once during that time of day,"
"Great idea, Jack!" said an excited Red Riding Hood. "What do you all think, everyone?"
"Rapunzel loves going to the park!" Rapunzel said happily.
"I'd say that's a wonderful idea," Alice smiled pleasantly. "The park is definitely suitable for our party. Like Jack said, it's a nice place since we've been there,"
"Snow White thinks the same as well, Alice," Snow White concurred. Smiling, Sleeping Beauty nodded her head in agreement.
"I'd say why not," Thumbelina shared her sisters' views.
"A tea party under the moonlight," Kaguya remarked while smiling. "I must say that would be quite the experience,"
"I agree," Despite not showing it, Gretel seemed elated. "How delectable the sweet treats of the party would be,"
"Then, it is decided! We shall have our wondrous gathering on the night of Sunday!" Hameln proclaimed enthusiastically. "And if I may humbly request, I shall assist in teaching the art of dancing!"
"Sure thing, Hameln," Hatter snapped his fingers. "Imma go check on Drake by the way. See how he's doing," Walking off, Hatter waved playfully at Thumbelina, "See you later, Thumby,"
"D-Don't call me that!" Thumbelina was taken aback slightly by Hatter's action. As Hatter disappeared around the corner of the Tea Party Brigade, he grinned at Thumbelina flirtatiously.
"He likes you," Red Riding Hood smiled teasingly at Thumbelina.
Rolling her eyes, Thumbelina turned to March. "Is he always like that?"
"Yes, he can be a little cheeky at times," Courteously, March said, "I do apologize if his demeanor perturbed you, Thumbelina. But, rest assured, he is a good person at heart,"
"So long as he doesn't do anything weird to my sisters, I suppose that's fine…" Just as Thumbelina finished speaking, Jack's hand phone rang. Taking it out of his pocket, he soon identified the caller as Mr. Shiro.
"Hello?" Jack placed the phone on his ear.
"Jack, it's me, Mr. Shiro," Mr. Shiro spoke. "May I know where you are?"
"We're just talking with some friends in the middle of town," replied Jack. "Is something the matter, Mr. Shiro?"
"Yes, I am sorry if I am interrupting your chat but, could you come back to the house? There is something that all of you need to know,"
"We'll be right back then. See you later, Mr. Shiro,"
"What did Mr. Shiro need?" Alice asked while Jack kept his hand phone.
"He asked for us to return home," Jack said to the Blood Maidens. "Mr. Shiro sounded as if he wanted to tell us something important,"
"I wonder what it is…" A look of concern emerged on Cinderella's face.
"We'll know once we see him. At the moment, we should head back quickly," Looking at March, Jack said, "March, thanks for your time. We appreciate it. Could you tell Hatter and Drake the same?"
"You're welcome. I will be sure to send the message," As Jack and his company were about to leave, March said to Snow White, "Before you go, may I ask where your beret is?"
"Huh?" Snow White put on a confused expression. "It's on my head. Why do you ask?"
"Are you sure?" March had one hand behind his back while he spoke. "Perhaps, you would like to feel your head?" Everyone looked at Snow White as she touched her hair. To Jack, the Blood Maidens and Hinata's astonishment, Snow White's black beret was nowhere to be seen.
"I-It's gone!" Snow White exclaimed. "But, Snow White wore it since this morning!"
"That you are correct," All eyes were now on March as he walked towards Rapunzel. "Rapunzel," Rapunzel's attention was caught by March. "Would you care to have some candy?" To everyone except March's surprise, he took out from his back Snow White's beret, now filled to the brim with sweets.
"Oh!" Rapunzel's face filled with childlike wonder. "March made candy appear!"
"That's right," March moved towards Snow White. "And now I shall make them…" Quickly, he placed the beret onto her head. "…disappear,"
"Disappear?" Jack and a few of his friends were clueless. How could someone possibly make a whole lot of candy vanish in an instant, they thought.
"Now then, Snow White," Extending a hand towards Snow White's beret, March said, "Care to turn over your beret?" Placing both hands on her beret, Snow White lifted it off her head. To her shock as well as her friends', the beret was now empty.
"W-Where did the candy go?!" Hinata exclaimed.
"The answer, Hinata, is in there," March pointed at Cinderella's school bag in her hand. "Cinderella, could you open your bag and show it's contents to your friends?" Puzzled, Cinderella did as she was told.
"Goodness gracious!" Cinderella felt impressed and surprised. "The candies are in my bag!" True to her words, one of the compartments inside Cinderella's bag is now overflowing with the sweets from Snow White's beret. The sight of this left Jack's group awestruck.
"How did you do that?!" Thumbelina asked March.
In response, March spread his arms and smiled. "Magic," Turning his attention to Snow White again, he said, "I'm sorry if I startled you, Snow White. As a token of my apology, you may have these flowers as white as your name," A bouquet of white roses emerged from March's hand. He then offered it to Snow White.
"T-Thank you," Snow White's cheeks were flushed as she took the bouquet.
"That was amazing!" Kaguya commented. "How could you possibly have done all that without us noticing?"
Laughing softly, March said, "I'm afraid that will have to wait for another time. For now, you best be on your way. I believe all of you have important business to attend to,"
"As amazed as I am about what March did, he's right," Alice stated.
"Yeah, we better leave," Leaving with his friends, Jack complimented March, "That was a great performance, March. Thanks for showing it to us,"
"Anytime, Jack," Waving at Jack's group, March said, "Take care now," March watched Jack, the Blood Maidens and Hinata walk across the roundabout towards the town's north road. The group talked excitedly about March's magic trick while Cinderella shared the sweets in her bag with them. During their conversation, Snow White kept her flower bouquet in her school bag. As March watched the group, a smile crept across his face.
"Until we meet again, my friends,"
Mr. Shiro sat at the lounge in Jack's house. On the table in front of him was his laptop, it's video chat function switched on. Haru, Miko, Clara, Major and Towa are online. Everyone in the lounge waited in silence for Jack and the Blood Maidens to come home. A few minutes later, the door to the lounge opened, revealing Jack's group sans Hinata, who had returned to his own house.
"We're home, Mr. Shiro," Jack said as he and his friends walked hurriedly towards the sofa that Mr. Shiro is seated at.
"You have arrived," Mr. Shiro faced Jack and his company. "My apologies for having called all of you back suddenly. If possible, we did not wish to do so,"
"We?" Alice asked. "Is Haru joining us?"
"That is correct," Motioning to the sofa, Mr. Shiro continued, "Do have a seat. Our friends wish to disclose something of importance," Jack and the Blood Maidens gathered around Mr. Shiro and looked at his laptop. They saw that everyone at Haru's side appeared tense.
"Hey, good to see you all again," Haru greeted Jack's group.
"What's the matter, Haru?" Jack asked. "Did something happen?"
"To be exact, we found something unexpected," Miko pushed her spectacles up.
"Oh? And what may that be?" Gretel's curiosity was piqued.
"For starters, do you remember the Underground Cavern?" Haru asked Jack and his friends.
"That's where we found Hameln. What about it?" Jack answered.
"As you all know, that place was empty back then and we never paid much attention to it," Haru explained. "However, a few of the men working with Towa found a labyrinth inside there. Under Towa's leadership, an expedition team ventured into it. What they saw was unlike anything that we've seen back in the Jail,"
"I never knew that a labyrinth existed in my former abode," Hameln sounded intrigued.
"We never thought of that as well," Haru continued his explanation. "Anyway, that's only half the story. During their exploration, the expedition team came across a room filled with nothing. Well, except for one thing standing inside there,"
"May I ask what that is?" Mr. Shiro asked, his attention focused on Haru's subject.
"It's better if we show you," Miko pressed a button on the laptop at her side. At Jack's side, an image, captured on camera, emerged on Mr. Shiro's laptop. "Does this look familiar to all of you?" Upon closer inspection of the picture, Jack and the Blood Maidens became surprised. Mr. Shiro remained calm and maintained his focus.
"Is that… a Core?" Alice asked.
"It's huge!" Rapunzel remarked with wonder.
"Indeed, what you see here is a Core of the Jail," Miko pressed the same button, making the image in Mr. Shiro's laptop disappear. "Unlike the ones which you have found in the past, this one is larger than an ordinary Core. What I find baffling is how a thing like this could still exist given that the Jail stopped functioning,"
"Hold on a second," Red Riding Hood said. "We already destroyed all of the Jail's Cores and one of them still remains? How is that possible?"
"That's right! This doesn't make any sense!" Thumbelina said with incredulity.
"I can understand your bewilderment on this matter," A concerned look emerged on Miko's face. "Even we are surprised about this. To think that a part of the Jail would remain even after our escape from it…"
"More importantly, has it been destroyed?" Cinderella asked.
"About that, the Bureau just came to a decision," Haru stated. "They want Towa's team to obtain samples of the Core in order to assist in our research. Once they're done with that, the Core shall be destroyed,"
"Would Towa be alright doing that?" Red Riding Hood felt worried. "Shouldn't we be there to help in case something happens?"
"What are you saying, Red Riding Hood?" Major spoke. "You and your friends shouldn't worry about us. We've got enough people at our end. Besides, we don't want to drag you into this since you're all having fun out there,"
"Are you sure?" Jack said.
"You heard Major," In a half-joking manner, Haru added, "Even if you were to convince us to let you help, Towa would be laughing and assuring you all that everything will be fine. Isn't that right, Towa?" Towa appeared to be spacing out for an unknown reason.
"Towa?" Haru raised his eyebrows.
"Hm?" Towa returned to reality. "Why, yes, yes, of course. Ahaha…"
"Is everything alright, Mr. Kadowaki?" Alice enquired. "You look as if you have something on your mind,"
"Oh, it's nothing, don't you worry," Towa gave a good natured smile. "Anyway, if you may excuse me, I'll be taking my leave. Got to check the equipment needed for our work,"
"That soon?" Haru was mildly surprised. "Why the rush, Towa?"
"Well, you know how things are when it comes to the Jail. We got to do something about it before things get worse. With that, see you all. Oh, and have a good day, everyone," Towa signed off, leaving only Haru, Miko, Clara and Major in the video chat.
"I wonder if Towa is alright…" Cinderella said with concern.
"Yeah, he seemed pretty quiet throughout our conversation," stated Jack.
"So, you have noticed," Kaguya said. "It appears I was not the only one who did,"
"Putting that aside," Alice talked to Major. "Major, we appreciate your thoughtfulness. Should the situation call for it though, we don't mind providing our assistance in your work,"
"Don't worry about it, Alice," smiled Major. "We'll let all of you know if anything comes up,"
"I got to say it's pretty scary how that Core is around," Clara mentioned with a frown. "I'm getting a bad feeling about this…"
"I believe the same applies to the rest of us," Miko said.
"Serious matters aside, how's school today?" Haru attempted to lighten up the atmosphere. "Made any new friends?"
"Yup!" Red Riding Hood grinned. "We met these three people running a food truck. They're pretty interesting. Plus, they're going to host a tea party for us!"
"A tea party? Whoa, you guys must be really living the life out there," commented Haru.
"That does sound nice," smiled Miko. "When are you having it?"
"Sunday night," replied Jack. "They were even kind enough to hold it free of charge,"
"Free of charge?!" Clara exclaimed. "I envy you all. You get to enjoy yourselves while I work under the Boss here," She motioned towards Haru.
"Quit complaining, Clara," Haru furrowed his eyebrows. "You did say you wanted to learn how to become a Blood Weapon craftsman, didn't you?"
"Roger that, Boss…" Jack and the Blood Maidens laughed softly at the teacher-student interaction between Haru and Clara.
"Well, that's it for now. We'll be returning to our work," said Haru. "Oh, before I forget, Michiru and Hitsuka called. They're doing well and asked us to send their regards to every one of you,"
"That's great to hear," Thumbelina felt happy. "We were wondering what the two of them were up to,"
"They're busy providing for people requiring help like the needy. As such, they couldn't contact us earlier. Word has it by the way, that Michiru is seen as a goddess of sorts in the eyes of those she helped,"
"That sounds just like her indeed," Snow White said, smiling.
"Yup…" nodded Sleeping Beauty.
"Also, we're thinking of coming by your side for a visit," Haru continued. "If time permits, we should leave for Wonder Ville tomorrow,"
"That's nice of you, Haru," Jack said as he and his friends became delighted. "We'll be looking forward to seeing all of you,"
"Yeah," Haru placed one hand behind his neck, a feeling of nostalgia inside him. "It feels like some time since we got together,"
"That I agree," Miko shared Haru's feelings.
"Well, we better not hold you all up any further," Haru said to Jack's side. "Once again, we'll keep in touch. Until then, you kids take care,"
"We will, Haru," Jack replied. "Goodbye," After everyone wished goodbye to each other, both Jack and Haru's side signed off.
"I wonder if they'll really be alright," Alice appeared to be worried. "Especially, Mr. Kadowaki,"
"Yes, he did leave quite hurriedly," Cinderella stated.
"All we can do is believe in them," Jack said to the Blood Maidens. "Even if something happens, we'll go through it together. That's how it's been all this time,"
"Rapunzel agrees!" Rapunzel happily concurred with Jack's words.
"That's right, Jack," Thumbelina followed. "We'll break through any obstacle standing in our way,"
"It is just as Jack said," Hameln said to Alice. "So, rest assured, m'lady, everything shall be under control!"
"Thank you," Alice smiled. "Let us do our best together like we always have,"
"Yeah," Jack nodded in agreement with Alice.
"You all have each other," Mr. Shiro placed his laptop onto his lap. "With the bonds you have forged amongst yourselves, I believe anything is possible. Aside from this, do you have any homework to complete?"
"Actually, we'd like to take a look at the shops in this town," Jack said. "Come to think of it, we've never really toured much of the town ever since we came here,"
"What about homework?" asked Thumbelina.
"We can do it after dinner," suggested Jack. "Would you like to come with us, Mr. Shiro?"
"I say why not," Mr. Shiro replied. "And while we're at it, we can even have dinner outside the house,"
"That sounds like a plan!" an enthusiastic Red Riding Hood got out of her seat. "Shall we go?"
"I'll be keeping my laptop first," Mr. Shiro held his laptop and stood up. "If you'd like, you all may go ahead to the town centre,"
"It's okay. We'll wait for you," Jack said.
"In that case, do excuse me," Mr. Shiro walked to the stairs, his laptop held close to his chest. While he climbed up the stairs, Jack and the Blood Maidens talked about potential shops to visit. Reaching the hall upstairs, Mr. Shiro muttered something to himself.
"Why would something like that still exist? Could it be that there are things related to the Jail that we do not know of?" Mr. Shiro headed for his room and stopped in front of it's door. "No, I am probably overthinking things. Should something happen though, I will have to be the one to take action. Those young kids do not need to dirty their hands once more," Mr. Shiro then opened the door and entered his room.
"Do you not think so, Professor?"