Mr C was wasting no time in getting to work on his contraptions, progress was a bit slow but rushing would be bad. He had begun work on the Cherry Copter first.
The other members of the Neo Resistance were out doing normal citizen stuff, save for the titular trio who were staying behind as per Radia's orders.
Pac was awkwardly sitting next to Cyli, fiddling with his hands. He couldn't shake the feeling he had that something was very wrong, especially after Skeebo's outburst. He was also thinking that it was his fault this was all going down, all because he found that girl cute. CUTE. Ew.
"I'm sorry", Pac said without warning.
"For what", Cyli said, becoming confused.
"For getting you stuck in all this. It's all my fault."
"Oh Pac… if you're going to blame anyone, blame you dad. He's the jerk that sent his soldiers after me."
"But I still shouldn't have said anything…"
"Pac-"
"I'm so scared… I've felt alone for so many years, and now that I found someone everything has just been going wrong. It's like I was SUPPOSED to feel lonely or something."
"You were… lonely?"
"Pfft yeah. Everyone hates me, you should know that. You said it yourself."
"And I said sorry! And I meant it!"
"I can't believe I spent my whole life loving that man though", Pac said with a sigh.
"So what did you tell your dad exactly?"
"Uh… well, I told him what you looked like, and he asked if I liked you-"
"And you said yes."
"Yep…"
"Why? We had only seen each other for like less than five minutes."
"I don't know. I just… liked you. I mean, you're the only one who ever stood up to me. You're cool, smart… cute- EEK!" Cyli blinked a few times.
"Uh-"
Pac clapped his hands over his mouth and stood up.
"Cute?"
"I gotta go!"
"Pac-"
Too late. Pac dashed to the other side of the warehouse, his face a shade of deep red.
"What was that all about", Spiral said approaching his friend.
"Nothing", Cyli said, her face turning red as well.
"Pac likes you, doesn't he?"
"Why do you-"
"I can tell. I saw the way he's been looking at you the entire time we've been here. But the question is, what do YOU think of Pacster?"
"I'm not sure yet. My whole life I was led to believe he was a monster just like Betrayus, but after I was kidnapped he seemed to do his best to be nice to me, albeit very awkwardly. Then there's this thing with his parents and how he told me he's been so lonely. I've been such a jerk to him and I feel awful."
"Hey." Spiral put a hand on Cyli's shoulder. "You're one of the nicest folks I know, and I'm sure ol Pacster's got plenty of good in him too. Whatever happens, we'll do it together."
"Yeah…"
BANG BANG BANG! Three sharp bangs came from the door, but it didn't sound like the other members of the Neo Resistance. These bangs were harsh and angry sounding.
BANG BANG BANG!
There they were again, only louder. Then, along came a familiar voice… "Open up! In the name of our leader Betrayus!"
Everyone stopped, the room becoming dead silent. Pac's facial expression went from sad to horrified. Cyli felt her heart stop for a moment. Spiral went into a fighting stance as did Radia.
As for Mr C, he just rolled his eyes.
BANG BANG BANG!
"One of you better open this door, or we'll all be in trouble! Come on, I mean you no harm!"
"GO TO THE NETHER REALM", Pac screeched.
"I was afraid you'd say that. Ok guys, do the thing."
For a few moments there was silence. Then the door burst right off its hinges: apparently the other three had lifted Clyde and used him a makeshift batting ram. Wow.
They all stormed in, and Blinky went over to Pac who bared his teeth. "Look little dude, we're not here to hurt you or any of your friends. Just trust me."
"Why?"
"Just listen, m'kay?"
"GET AWAY FROM HIM", Spiral shouted as he was about to body slam Blinky. Clyde immediately grabbed him and put him in a sort of chokehold while letting out a little "Nope".
Cyli tried to get her friend free from Clyde's grasp but was quickly restrained by Inky. Now it was Radia's turn. "HANDS OFF THOSE KIDS", she wailed as she got ready to beat the snot out of the aggressors.
"WILL YOU ALL JUST SHUT UP AND LISTEN", Blinky hollered. He pulled out the envelope and opened it. "Pac. This is from your dad. Er-hem: It has come to my attention that you feeble little rats have taken my son from me. I know everything, thanks to your little friend tattling on all of you."
"Skeebo", Radia growled, "that little-"
"I'm not finished: Regarding that boy, if you want to see him live to see another day you'll bring my son to me unharmed. Meet me at the Round House and we will exchange the boy for my son. But be warned, if I see a single scratch on Pac all of you will face the same fate as any traitors. Now, regarding the punishment for you filthy criminals. If you comply with my demands, I'll spare your lives and simply imprison you all. Fail to comply, you all will die. Simple. Begrudgingly yours, Betrayus."
Blinky's facial expression was sour, clearly he didn't care for this much more than anyone else did.
"I'll do it", Pac mumbled. Cyli gasped. "PAC YOU CAN'T!"
"I have to. If I don't, he'll kill all of you. If I go back, at least you'll be safe."
Radia was in disbelief, but understood. "I ain't one for surrendering… but I feel like I really ain't got no choice. But I swear to the Overlords if he lays a finger on you kids I'll beat him into next Tuesday."
Blinky breathed a sigh of relief, then pulled out several pairs of cuffs and began to put them on the Neo Resistance members save for Pac."Now as for the other members", Blinky mused, "I suppose we'll have to find them the hard way. Now come along everyone."
They were all ushered out of the warehouse and shoved into a vehicle that apparently was for stashing prisoners? Typical of Betrayus to commission something that. They were on their way. On their way to prison. On their way to misery. Had the plan really been futile? All for nothing? Only time would tell…