Just like the last two days, I awoke in my own bed with a smile on my face and a spring in my step. Only this time, I could actually hear noise from outside my room. It was muffled, so it couldn't wake me up, but just loud enough so I could hear it. It was coming from the Rec Room, which made me very curious.

It was just then when I noticed Gladius and Maple were also missing, so I wondered if they were amongst the chaos of the room. But that was debunked when the two of them entered from the hallway. Gladius was using his telekinesis to carry a glass of what I presumed orange juice while Maple balanced a tray with food atop his head.

The sword hovered over and placed the glass of juice on my nightstand. "Good morning, Caleb. You slept in late."

I glanced at my bedside clock, and saw it was 10:10 AM. At the sight, I made a quick hum. "So I have. Guess yesterday took a lot out of me."

"Not for the others", the sword said in a jolly tone. "They woke up around six so they could get started on their relaxation day. Been at it for a while."

"What about you two?" I asked as Maple hopped onto the bed, careful not to spill the tray of my breakfast.

"We were asleep till about an hour ago", Gladius explained. "And when we saw you were still asleep, me and Maple decided to get you a little special surprise."

I looked down at the tray in my lap and smiled at the yummy looking omelette. "Well, this looks delicious. Did Rainbow have the staff make this for me?"

Gladius shook his hilt. "I made it myself!"

I looked at him in surprise, and with the offered fork, I took a bite. "Holy shit this is delicious."

"Being around as long as I have means you pick up a think or two from the thousands of cookbooks found in the archives."

"Makes sense", I said with a shrug. I began to dig into the delicious breakfast as Maple climbed into his flower pot. As I ate my breakfast, I watched Gladius as he hovered around the room, dusting surfaces with his feathered wing.

"You should finish up soon, Caleb", Gladius mentioned. "Me and Maple ran into Steve and Katania on the way back, and they really were hoping you would join them all soon."

I swallowed my bite. "Are you not tagging along?"

"Maple is. I have something important to do, Rainbow's request. So I'll be busy for a while."

I nodded and quickly finished my breakfast. Gladius took the used tray and empty glass as I sprung off my bed to go and brush my teeth and shower. I simply picked out another set of pj's for today, and quickly washed the bed head and morning smell of me. I also made sure to brush my teeth, doing a thorough job before heading back into my bedroom.

Gladius was gone already, which only made me so much more curious about what he was doing. I looked at Maple, silently questioning if the plant knew what Gladius was talking about. Much to my surprise and disappointment, the Wasabi Whip shook his head. With a sigh, I headed towards the door that led from my room to the Rec Room.

Only to jump back and cry out in fright when Majima suddenly slammed the door open and walked in.

We both stared blankly at each other for a few seconds, before the yakuza rolled his eyes. "About time you woke up, Caleb-Chan."

I gave him a flat look. "I just did, thank you", I droned out. "I had breakfast, and just finished getting ready."

The eyepatched men gave my body a long look. "Going with the 'to fucking lazy to do life' look, huh?"

It was then my turn to roll my eyes while Maple stuck his tongue out at the yakuza. "Yeah, yeah, whatever Goro. I just wanted to be comfy if we were having a lazy day."

The man snorted, and stepped through the door. "I didn't expect any less from you, Caleb-Chan!"

I groaned in embarrassment as I stepped into the crowded room, with most of the others doing their own thing. The Doctor was, surprisingly, painting with Galacta and Steve. They were painting portraits of Dry Bowser, who was posed in front of them dramatically.

The Powerpuff were with Laney and Gretchen, all five of them curiously looking through fashion magazines, and based on their awestruck expressions, there was some crazy stuff. Even Buttercup was entranced!

I ended up joining Ralph and Rory, who were sitting at the couch looking over the countless remotes on the coffee table.

"Uhhhh… you guys okay?" I asked, taking a seat next to Mr.Pond.

'yeah, yeah, we're fine…" Rory mumbled. "Just… a bit lost."

"We weren't the ones to work the TV…" Ralph muttered. "So we're at a loss as to which one does which…"

I looked over the ten different remotes, and felt a bit of panic fill my heart momentarily. They all looked so complicated, yet had the exact same buttons.

Except one, which was clearly labelled for the lights.

So, I dug into my memory and tried to remember what the remote I used to turn on the movie player was. When it flashed in my head, I placed the remote off to the side. Eight remotes to go.

It was then I noticed something. Each and every remote had a symbol above each and every one of them seemingly showing what their function was, so I easily found the one for just the TV. I swiftly picked it up and pressed the power button, and the screen flashed to life. Pressing another button, a series of speakers emerged from the floor behind the couch, right above the TV in the wall, and from the ground just in front of the TV's stand.

I looked down at the remote and pressed the input function, and a small pop up menu blocked to life. Luckily, each and every of the different consoles and the movie player were separately labelled, so I made quick work pressing the down button till I was hovering over the option labelled WiiU. I eagerly hit the select button, and made sure to turn down the volume before heading over and getting all the stuff set up.

I grabbed a bunch of Pro Controllers after putting Mario Kart 8 in the console and headed back over to the couch. Most of the others had begun to group up in curiosity, watching silently as I picked up the WiiU gamepad and selected Mario Kart on the menu.

There was a beat of silence.

Then the sounds of cars racing beautifully came from the speakers as the title screen of the game came to life.

"So, who wants to have the first go?" I asked, holding up one of the four pro controllers.

Everyone shared glances as Vanellope gleefully glitched beside me, excitement in her eyes. I happily gave her the first pro controller.

"Two more spots, gang", I announced. "We'll hold a tournament, but I call first dibs because I live here."

Everyone shrugged in agreement at my logic, and soon the final two spots were filled by McGee and Jenny.

I picked the options, and with a press of the A button, we were off.

~X~

Already I could tell things were getting competitive. Or at least, that's what I'd look like to an outside observer who just walked in on us. In actuality, it was more me versus the world. I proved my might in Mario Kart 8 by consistently placing first in every race, leaving the others in the dust. The original three who faced me admitted defeat and switched places with Amy, Corey and Majima with dejected looks on their faces.

The next batch didn't do much better, and as more of my friends swapped in, they were beginning to get more and more frustrated. At one point, the whole group had decided to turn against me, trying their hardest to barrat me and gang up on me when they had their turn at the game.

But it was all in vain, as I swept the floor with everyone and came out on top with an undefeated first place streak to rival Mario Kart champions. Even Vanellope, Zomboss and Dry Bowser, who had the most experience, couldn't get close.

When our massively lopsided tournament had concluded, I walked off to join a always supportive Katania and Maple at a side table while the others all wallowed in frustration and saltiness. It was honestly hilarious to see everyone so frustrated at me, which made me chuckle.

They all shot me with harsh, fiery glares, and all I did was smirk and shrug in response. "What can I say? I am the champion of Mario Kart, no matter what. And I never go easy."

"You could have for some of us!" Laney spat as Twig growled.

Katania started to giggle. "You know, it's funny seeing all of you guys so upset about this. Makes you guys feel… more like yourselves."

That made the whole group lose their frustrated looks, and then face me.

I smiled, this time more genuinely. "I wanted to see how far I could push you guys, just to see how you would react. And this was exactly how I expected it to go."

The Doctor let out an airy laugh. "Ahhh, what else should we have expected?"

"I wanna see what other games there are!" Vanellope cheered. She glitched over to the game cases, and I joined her so she wouldn't accidentally break anything or make too big of a mess.

I knelt down to her level, and we looked over the games. All manner of party games were here, especially a lot of good picks in terms of what we needed to have us wind down from a heated Mario Kart tournament. So, I pulled Mario Party 8 off the shelf and swapped the game with what was already in the WiiU.

As I switched the console over to the Wii menu, I pulled out four Wii Remotes with rechargeable batteries out of their stands and joined the others back on the couch.

"Mario Party is fun, but very RNG", I said with a smile. "It can be utter chaos, especially with the mini games, so who wants to go first?"

"This sounds a lot more up my alley", The Doctor said.

"Eeehhhh… Fine, I'll play", Flowey droned out before caving.

"Ooooooo, a party!" Bubbles squealed in excitement. "I hope there'll be balloons!"

I snorted at her oblivious optimism, and started the game up. After getting past the title screen and getting to the main party mode, I was quick to select Wario.

The Doctor pondered on his choice for a moment before selecting Hammer Bro. "It just feels right."

Flowey picked Daisy. "This gal is all about flowers and I'm all for that!"

Finally, Bubbles picked Blooper. "He looks like Mr.Octi, so I have to pick them!"

I picked DK's Treetops as a good starting board, and after the order was decided (Bubbles, Who, Me then Flowey), the game began. First turn was pretty chill, with the three newbies to this kind of party slowly getting an understanding of how everything worked.

There were a lot of questions.

But overall, the game was very fun. Every minigame of the 20 turn party was hectic but hilarious, with those not playing egging us on, cheering and booing as the chaos of Mario Party reared its ugly head. From minigames shifting to one person's benefit in a split second, the random dice rolls screwing over everyone with those dang Bowser spaces (that always got Dry Bowser to burst out laughing), or the expected screams of rage when someone unexpectedly got a star.

The Doctor got lucky and landed on that one special space that basically guaranteed a free star, which meant he just barely squeaked by in top first place past a very overconfident Flowey. We all laughed as the flower sputtered and complained, having been robbed of first right at the final three turns.

Only for Bubbles to claim victory because of those damned bonus stars at the end.

The cheers and chaos from everyone after that was so joyous I began to laugh. And so that spiralled into several more rounds of Mario Party, with four new faces swapping in to take part in the chaos.

Around mid-way through the fourth round (Rory's luck was so bullshit it felt like the game was rigged in his favour), I decided to take a walk around the castle to help calm me down. I was also a bit hungry, so I decided to find a snack of some kind. Also so I could make a lunch order for the others and they could actually eat.

It didn't take long till I found my way to the kitchen, and I entered the food-making room to witness the order and control of it all. The chefs darted about in a perfect form, seemingly getting the kitchen ready for lunch.

"Ah, master Caleb", one of the cooks said happily. "I see you finally found the place where our masterpieces are made."

I snorted. "Yeah, I did. Which is good, because I have a special request."

"And what would that be, Caleb?" The chef looked down at me with a sense of patience and, to be honest, excitement.

"Well, me and my friends, the special guests", I explained, "Decided to take a day to relax in the new Rec Room Katania planned for me. And I don't want any of them to starve, so I was wondering if I could make a room order?"

"Ah, room service, I see…" The chef stroked their chin in thought. "I'll try to request the technicians to get a castle line hooked up there…"

"Castle line?" I asked in curiosity.

"The castle line is akin to what hotels use", the chef explained. "Your room should have one. It's a phone mounted near or next to the door."

"Oh", I said flatly. "I was wondering why I had that."

"It's to call any services in the castle, from us here", the chef gestured to themself, "To medical, plumbing, electricians, and even the guards if you feel unsafe."

I nodded. "Okay, got it. I'll be sure to remember that." I gave the chef an innocent look. "But can you get us our lunch."

They simply laughed. "Of course, master Caleb! Rainbow made sure we are all compensated while your friends are all here, so what were you thinking for your fantastic lunch?" The chef pulled out a notepad and pen, giving me an expecting look.

I pondered the thought for a moment. "Appetiser type stuff, like fries, garlic bread, chicken strips, that sort of stuff. Of, and make sure to include fish fingers and custard, that's important."

"Alright…" The chef mumbled. "Anything else?"

"Oil for Jenny and maybe Scrap Baby… Oh, and a variety of drinks. Juice, soda, water. Just so everyone has a little something."

The chef nodded. "Is that all?"

"That should be all!" I said happily. I turned to leave the kitchen, waving the chef goodbye. "Thanks for this!"

"Don't mention it, master Caleb! We are here if you ever need us!"

I smiled as I closed the door behind me, finding myself in the hallway once again. I took a deep breath and began to make my way back towards the Rec Room.

But not before seeing Gladius and Rainbow walk out of a room. I quietly gasped and ducked behind a nearby potted plant. Peeking back around, I saw they were talking about something, and based on Rainbow's stubborn face, and Gladius' very angry movements, it clearly wasn't a happy conversation. Gladius then shouted something at Rainbow I will never repeat, and it made the Goddess gasp in horror.

"Do what you know is best", Gladius snarled. "But if it breaks that boy's heart, you won't hear the end of it."

"Hear the end of what?" I asked in concern as I walked out from behind the pot.

My adoptive mother and sword companion both jumped, and looked at me. "Caleb! How much… How much of that did you hear?" Rainbow asked in shock.

"Just that last bit…" I mumbled as I walked up. "And what Gladius screamed at you. Before that, nothing."

Rainbow sighed in relief, only to flinch when Gladius shot her what I assumed was a death glare.

"Is this something that I should worry about?" I asked.

Gladius shook his hilt and took my arm, dragging me away from a distraught looking Rainbow. "Nothing that concerns you, my boy." He set me aside and waved me off. "This conversation is for our ears only. I'll catch up soon, I promise."

I gave him an unsure look, but nodded nonetheless. As I headed down the corridor back to the others, I heard Gladius and Rainbow's hushed argument pick back up, and the goddess was definitely losing. I gulped back a lump that was forming in my throat, and trucked on.

When I reached my hallway again, the sounds from the others inside the Rec Room hit my ears, and I calmed down significantly. But the memory of Gladius and Rainbow's argument wouldn't go away, even as I entered the room and was swept up into a bout of drawing with the Powerpuffs.

Something just didn't sit well with me.

~X~

Lunch came and went with smiles and happiness. The gang were all surprised and ecstatic about when lunch arrived, and made sure to thank me for getting this all set up.

The Doctor was especially happy with the fish fingers and custard.

But even through all of that, my mind was still stuck on the talk I caught Rainbow and Gladius had earlier. It seemed to involve me, if the reaction of me having potentially listened in was so negative. It made me think back to yesterday, and Rainbow freezing at the mention of the gang visiting again.

And then I remembered what Gladius told me at the hardware store.

Was that why Gladius was so mad? Was he standing his ground and sticking by my side, arguing with Rainbow to let the others visit? From the only things I heard from Gladius, it seemed so. But that still made me worry. Because… What if Rainbow couldn't be convinced? Would I really have to say to the others forever until me and Gladius got a handle on portal making?

It sent a chill up my spine.

Luckily, a few hours after lunch, I was alone in the upper floor of the library as the gang all played games and hung out below. I could faintly hear the cheers, boos and the like as I sat at the table and drew some random sketches of things from our adventure. The warm light gave me a tiny bit of warmth, but the thoughts of what happened with the earlier argument didn't ease me.

It didn't help that Gladius had yet to show back up.

"Hey", a quiet voice came from behind. I shook my head free of all its wild thoughts and turned around to see Merida climb up an available staircase with two cups of hot chocolate in hand.

She sat down across from me, handing me a cup. "You've been up here for a while."

I shrugged as I took a sip of the offered drink. "I'm not used to endless… overstimulating activities. I need time to just cool off, have a moment of peace and quiet. It's just how I am."

"Not saying you can't have your alone time", Merida said with a sweet giggle. "Try living my life, with a warrior for a dad and three wee devil brothers who love to cause chaos."

I nodded, returning to my drawing. "So that's why you're here? You know I'm a magnet for relaxation?"

The princess snorted. "Something like that." She gave me a look, and I saw her smile fall a bit. "Is everything okay? You have this… look."

I let out a guttural groan. "After I made the order for our lunch, I ran into Rainbow and Gladius. They were arguing about something."

Merida gave me a concerned look. "What would they be fighting about?"

"You guys", I said in a sad tone.

Merida shook her head, startled at the blunt statement. "Us? Why would it be about us?"

"I don't think Rainbow wants you guys visiting…" I put my pencil down, not looking Merida in the eye.

It was silent except for the faint sounds of excitement coming from the rest of the Rec Room.

"Oh…" Was all Merida could get out. For a little bit more, the two of us were silent. "Do you know why?"

"Gladius told me yesterday at the mall because she's scared. Scared about the Council finding out and potentially sparking some massive conflict."

The princess sighed. "She sounds like my mum before… you know."

I nodded sombrely. "I just… I don't want to say goodbye…" I looked down at my hands as tears began to pool in my eyes. "It doesn't feel right. I'd rather 'See ya' later' or 'Catch ya' tomorrow'. Never goodbye."

Merida stood up and walked over to me. "Hey, Caleb, if you think Rainbow can keep us all apart she's got another thing coming. None of us are going anywhere."

"How can you be so sure?" I choked out, the tears slowly escaping. "How can you be so sure Rainbow will change her mind? Gladius said it himself, she's stubborn." I started to shake, trying to contain my sobs. "I can't say goodbye to you guys… I just can't…"

Merida was quick to pull me into a hug as my body shook with silent sobs. "Hey, Caleb, it'll be okay. We still have some days together, so who knows what'll happen?"

I looked up at her miserable eyes. "Do you promise, Merry?"

"I promise, and I can bet everyone else does too."

"Can… Can we just stay like this for a bit longer?" I was still shaking, hoping for some sort of comfort.

Merida nodded, and I quickly wrapped her into a tight hug. Silent, broken sobs came out of my mouth as the two of us remained on the floor, wrapped up in a hug. I barely registered when Merida carefully left my grasp so Katania could fill the space.

This was all I needed.

I never wanted it to end.

~X~

And thus ends another chapter. Started fluffy, ended sad, but this is needed for what I have planned. Trust me, it'll get brutal later, and there isn't a thing any of you can do. I will make these people miserable and you will like it!

Seriously though, the next two chapters will be a lot more simpler and fun, the definition of light-hearted. Just the group doing fun things together, so you can all adjust for what's to come…

Seriously, we are nearly at the emotional climax of this fic. You aren't ready…

Up next: Caleb, Kat and Gladius join the more tech focused members of the group as they investigate the castle's workshop/lab combo…

~Caleb~