Laughingstock

by orphan_account

Summary:

You’re single task was to go searching for your cousin, but after many real life version of mascots makes you do minimal task you find yourself protecting a kingdom from an antagonistic jester.

When you fail leaving the kingdom to crumble your left with said jester trying to befriend you with corny jokes.

Chapter 1

You're gonna die.

That was the only thing playing your mind as you ran through the long and twisting orange halls. The loud thuds from behind shaking your whole body every time.

Your arms holding onto the small pink bird you had as a companion. As you tried not to slip up, your head hurt, your legs hurt. Everything hurt.

Even your eyes, they stung and teared from the annoyingly bright colors you should've gotten used to by now.

It felt like your mind had become your heart in the sense that you let emotions control your running. And the fact your headache felt like it was pumping more blood in your head. Every pulse sending a wave of heat and pain to your forehead.

The lights too bright as you made quick turns, squinting through your blurry vision you saw a speck of green. Which you gladly assumed was a door. Slipping through a more narrow walk. There was two buttons on the ground and if you learnt anything from the hopefully just hours you've been here. They needed to be pressed.

Placing little beak on one as you stepped on the other. A familiar sound playing as the doors opened. You grabbed the baby bird again, quickly running through and finally sparing a glance back. The two headed thing that chased you was trying to reach out through the narrow hall. But had gotten stuck, you victoriously smile.

Blowing raspberries at it before continuing with new found energy. Looking around the new room you're meet with another puzzle. Sighing exasperatedly you quickly get to solving it. Having to jump on these three cubes to the top. But it was proven hard with a bird under your arm.

But you managed, gently placing the little thing on the button. And jumping down, you jog over to the other end of the room. Stepping on the disc.

That's when a button over the door brightened, you stare for a moment. Before searching your pockets for the familiar control. Clicking a button the drone appeared out of thin air. A mystery you learned to accept.

You guided it, watching as it went near the button. Waiting impatiently only to watch it miss by some inches. You stare in disbelief, groaning and rolling your eyes. You try again, and bingo! Right on the money. Or button.

The door opened as you continued on. Feeling like you were forgetting something. You're meet with a dark hall walking around a wide pillar. Your eyes fastening on a new yellow remote. You look around, a habit you got from Banbans rude introduction. Before going to grab it.

Then suddenly you're meet with a kiss from the floor. Gasping you freeze in surprise, and then something grabbed your leg. Making you want to scream, but you were comatose, unable to move or say anything. Only watching and feeling as your dragged across the floor.

Getting closer to the darkness before your vision is shut off. You felt slight familiarity, and you hoped you wouldn't meet yet another weird character.

You had enough of all these things, wanting stuff from you. Assuming things from you, and trying to kill you.

Well, look on the bright side. You had an excuse to take a nap.

...

You forgot little beak, shucks.

You finally woke up, eyes adjusting before realizing you were in some investigation room. Two glowing buttons in front of you. One with a thumbs up, the other a thumbs down. You start looking around, seeing if there was any danger.

Before your eyes fall on some dark glass, on the other side stood a silhouette.

"Listen up, criminal"

You perk up, caught off guard by the southern accented voice.

And criminal? The fuck did you do?

"That whole act of you being unconscious won't work on me"

Act? Did this person really knock you out and accuse you of acting? Well damn, that's rude.

"You're a prisoner now."

Obviously, but seriously another kidnapping? You were just trying to get your cousin. And now this? Really.

"You'll do what you're told without any questions. Understood?"

Wasn't even thinking about talking anyways. But you nod, trying to get this done with as fast as possible. Since you wanted to get out.

"Now, you're first task is very simple. I will ask you yes-or-no questions, and you'll answer them using the buttons on your left and right."

Your gaze shifts back to the buttons, as they continue explaining.

"Facing forward, the button on your right is a "yes", and the button on your left is a "no.""

You nod again, even though you already figured that out.

"Question one."

The mysterious person coughs dryly, before starting. While you rested your arms on the desk, propping your head up in annoyance.

"Someone locked up all the criminals in the swamp on the level above. Was that you?"

You stare blankly at your hands, clicking your tongue as you try to remember. Everything felt like a blur, this place was a madhouse. As you tried to find a twig in pile of needles. But you just press the thumbs up.

"You saved a lot of time for someone who needs every minute on their hand, so thank you for that."

They paused before adding more.

"That someone shall not be mentioned."

You ignore them, tapping your finger impatiently against the table.

"Moving on. Have you ever come in contact with the threat shown on the board?"

Looking forward your meet with a drawn green character. Jumbo Josh they were called right?

You click the yes again, as the person on the other side of the glass made a thinking sound.

"Really? I'm surprised you're still in one piece."

"Third question"

The picture changed, this time showing that annoying orange jellyfish. Stinger Flynn.

"Have you ever come in contact with the threat shown on the board?"

You click yes, glancing at the glass. The outline was rubbing its chin quizzically.

"Adds up"

You cock a brow unsure of what they mean.

"Fourth question"

You stare at the new picture, eyes squinting as you tried to remember if you'd seen that character. A half and half type of jester, one sad and one happy. One pointy the other smooth. You glance at the buttons. Before clicking no for the first time.

"I thought so. You must have come from the floors above."

You lean back in the chair, watching the screen change to the creepy ceiling crawly, Nabnab. He didn't even need to ask the generic repeating question before you click the yes.

"That one gives me the creeps"

You nod along in agreement.

"Sixth question"

You stare at the screen as it changed to another new character. It looked like a sheriff, with a small hat sat atop its toad eyes. The brown skin adorning a yellow star badge.

You click no, as the person behind the glass let out a 'hmm'.

"I hope the rest of your answers were as truthful as this one."

You send a side-eyed glare their way before getting ready for probably a hundred more questions. But a happy surprise followed as they spoke.

"Alright. Grab your belongings from the back and step out of the room."

You hold back a celebratory arm raise, instead just doing as instructed. Getting out the chair and grabbing your drones remote off the back table. And when you do you hear the familiar sound of lights turning on.

You look back at the glass, revealing none other than the last person you were shown on the board.

You stare blankly at that wide and unnatural smile. Before walking over and stepping out the room.

"What a waste of time, you don't even work here"

You look around awkwardly to avoid their gaze. Shifting on your leg as they continued.

"What on earth are you doing this deep down, partner?"

You glance at him, your eyes shifting to the pearly whites to avoid eye contact. Instead you shrug. Continuing with the quiet charade you've kept up since you got in this place.

"You know what? Follow me. We can talk more inside. It's not very safe out here."

He walked past you as you sigh, following after the sheriff. Having to jog to keep up the pace. You go beside them, glancing over at that dead stare. Before he looks at you.

"Don't like talking?"

You nodded.

"Figured"

You bite your bottom lip, having nothing to do. You didn't talk for one simple reason. You felt like these characters would leave you be if you didn't. Which turned out to be completely wrong. Your silence gave them the sense to push you around. Assuming whatever.

But you've been silent for long enough, so you simply got used to it. No idea why you would randomly decide to become social.

"Careful here. It's not very sturdy."

You glance down, not really changing your jogging as you walk onto some long platform. It was a quiet and awkward walk. Something you got used to from all the other characters you'd meet.

You stop when two front gates stand in the way, the sheriff walking over to a button.

"Welcome to the kingdom"

He said, before the doors creaked open very eerily. You wanted to cover your ears from the annoying screeching noise.

"It's not up to me to decide what to do with you partner"

He started walking in, as you jogged after.

"We need to talk to the Queen. And when we do you gotta show respect"

You nod quickly, slowly running out of breath from the quick pace. Damn this sheriff walked fast. You walked up a set of stairs, being meet with a big purple kangaroo sat upon a throne with a bunch of acid barrels behind them.

You blink in surprise. They honestly looked like a child's oc. But honestly didn't all of them?

"Your majesty, I've finished interrogating the new captive"

You glance from the sheriff to the Queen. Whose head hung low in what you assumed was distress. They slowly looked up, eyes meeting yours.

"And how would you rate the fruitfulness of that interrogation, on a scale of 1 to 10?"

You shift your weight.

"Zero. They don't talk, and I think they came from the surface."

You gave him an offended glance before continuing to wait.

"The surface?"

You glance up as she gave you an interested look.

"That's a new one. Did they say what they're doing down here?"

"I'm afraid not."

"I think I know, a worried parent can spot someone worried for a child"

You glance up, giving a curt bow as a greeting.

"I've heard the screams and the crash from above. You're here in search of your child."

Correction, cousin.

"I fear you won't find them here. Most humans have ceased to come down to this floor for quite some time now."

You hold back an exasperated sigh, not wanting to appear rude. So you only nod.

"We can help with getting you back up to the upper floors, but allow us to introduce ourselves first."

"I am Queen Bouncelia, the ruler of the Kingdom."

"This is Sheriff Toadster, the protector and only other citizen of the kingdom. I apologize on behalf of both myself and the Sheriff for the rough reception."

You nod, having stopped listening some seconds ago but she seemed to be saying good things.

"We've all been a little on edge lately. I'm sure you can understand."

You give her a thumbs up and a smile. Even though you could in fact not understand.

She starts talking to sheriff about some elevator. As you practically zone out. The sheriff started to seem distressed before sadly accepting something.

"Alright, you heard the lady. Let's head to the station, partner."

Calling you along to follow. You did so without question.

"Good luck my fellow parent"

You weren't a parent but oh well.

You jog to keep up with Toadster, trying not to sound to out of breath.

"You get by too well for someone who doesn't utter a word, you know that?"

You roll your eyes, not really. You should really be speaking because people keep making assumptions. But whatever.

"Maybe I should talk less, and see where that gets me."

You shrug, as he huffed. Adjusting his hat before clearing his throat.

"Much of what the Queen said has really downplayed our situation."

You glance over, unsure of what he was talking about but he seemed to take it as you understood.

"We're in trouble. A lot of trouble, partner."

You nod, glancing down at your shoes.

"The queen's Jester has gone rogue."

You hold back a snort, instead just breathing out of your nose.

"No matter what happens, he must not make the Queen laugh. Otherwise, what's in her pouch escapes and we all die."

You wanted to laugh at the very strange situation but held back. This guy didn't seem to appreciate unserious people.

You walk up more stairs and walk some halls and find yourself in some sort of station. But there was no trains. Only some weird boxes.

"The three parts of the elevator are scattered across three stations, which we can get using this old transport system."

You glance at the ticket station. Seeing that familiar party hat robot. You flash it a smile. Not that it could even register. You were pretty sure it wasn't conscious.

"I believe it's two tickets per rider. Two for me, two for you, and two for Little Beak here. There should be some scattered around here."

You sigh, great. More stuff searching. You start searching, which was easier said than done. Your legs already hurt and now you had to bend-.

...

What the fuck is that.

You were paused in the position of reaching for a ticket on the floor. Your gaze stuck in a prolonged eye contact with someone peeking around the corner. A hand on the wall, you didn't dare look away. And you couldn't call for Toadster.

So you quickly grab the ticket and back away. The person backing away from your view as you continued standing there awkwardly. Your body leaning forward trying to peak around without getting close. Nothing.

You go back, depositing all the tickets in the ticket machine.

"Good job partner"

He walked onto one of those things. And so did little beak, you follow after. Standing some distance from him and waiting.

"The button"

You turn to look at him, then where he was pointing. Some buttons, you squint. Trying to figure out which to push. To which he groans. Before leaning over you and pushing it himself.

The transportation cube started moving as you quickly grabbed a pole in the corner to keep yourself from falling off.

"Y'know, I get your confusion, partner. I really do."

You look up confused by the sudden comfort. He patted your shoulder.

"What's a massive bipedal toad with a hat protecting a giant purple kangaroo queen for?"

You look to the side then back at him, shrugging as you were unsure where he was going with this.

"After I was thrown down here by your kind like I was trash, I was hopeless, aimless, cold, and miles away from the promised surface."

You shift your weight on your other leg awkwardly. Unsure of how to respond to that.

"Long story short, I was found and accepted at my lowest. It was then that I declared myself the ultimate protector of the queen."

You nod, even though you were bewildered by the sudden lore drop.

"It's a cause worth fighting for. Good-hearted individuals deserve protection."

You bow your head in a slow nod. Giving a thumbs up.

"Still no talking?"

You shake your head as he sighed.

"I'm gonna stop questioning you partner"

The cubes stops as Toadster gets off without missing a beat. You follow him.

"Let's get this over with partner."

You don't respond. Like normal.

Entering your meet with yet another puzzle to figure out.

"The part we need should be in the administration room within the ventilation corridors, but it looks like the door is locked."

You wave him off, sadly looking around. Little beak by your feet as you pick them up. Now noticing the two buttons.

Since you're ever so kind you're gonna ignore the fact Toadster wasn't even trying to help you solve this.

So you place your feathery friend on the table button. Jogging over to the other, then another button lit up. So you sadly ran over to it, jumping high and giving it a hard smack as that 'you did it!' Sound effect played. The purple doors sliding open to reveal what you can only describe as darkness.

You look back at Toadster that was finally moving close. Looking inside and then back at you.

"Well good job partner. Just go in there and find whatever will open the other door"

You send him a hesitant glance, walking over and peeking inside. He patted your head.

"Don't worry, I'll be standing guard here"

You sigh, nodding as you started walking into the dark. Eyes squinting as you tried seeing through it.

"Oh- what! What's happening?"

You turn back as the doors close, leaving you alone in the dark corridor. You see through the gap as the sheriff peeked in.

"Don't worry partner. I'll get you out. Just don't move!"

You nod, even though he couldn't see. It was just automatic. You fiddle with your sleeve, before you heard a light turning on behind you.

Immediately spinning on your heel you're meet with one singular light shining down on a snake puppet.

"HI! I'm a hungry snake, do you have any food?"

You felt your face drop as you start to knock at the door. Ushering the sheriff to hurry up. But that thing only spoke again.

"Awe c'mon, I'm just a lil' poor snake. Why won't you come closer?"

You glare at it, sucking in a breath as you force yourself to walk closer. It's head lolled to the side playfully, as you gulped. Stepping into the light as you blink away the blurriness from the new brightness.

You inch closer to it, and when you're an apple away it retracted into the darkness. An eerie giggle was heard as suddenly a familiar looking two colored jester came running at you with arms open wide like it wanted a hug.

In response you immediately started running, the hallways lights turning on as you adjust to it. Not daring to look back as the door up ahead opened. Revealing the sheriff, you quickly slipped in beside him. Hiding behind him like he was a shield.

"PREPARE TO GET TOADSTED"

He threw a star at the jester, as it let out a pained yell. Immediately retreating the other way.

"These toadstars never disappoint, partner."

Not responding you hold onto the sheriff like the last landline as he craned his head to look back at you in pity.

"You alright?"

Your shaky gaze went from the long corridor to the toad's eyes. You nod, letting out a shaky breath.

"That, my friend, was the jester I was talking about. AKA Bittergiggle."

Bittergiggle? Not the worst name compared to some of the others.

"He now knows we're not at the kingdom. Let's grab the part and get out of here."

You nod, quickly shaking away your nerves and making your way to the newly opened door. Waking through you're suddenly stopped.

"Wait,"

You look back at him. Confused.

"I know my enemies. We're being stalked.
These vents are interconnected. They make perfect traps."

You cock a brow before looking forward at the long rows of vents. Great, more puzzles.

"I'm sure there's a way we can tell which ones are rigged. We just need to figure it out."

You notice something on a wall, a drawn instruction with your favorite bird.

'Can sense danger'

Your lips duck for a second as your brain starts puzzling it out. Staring you saw every section had three ways to go. So you test your theory, grabbing little beak as you walk up to the middle. Slowly walking before little beak starts flailing and squawking. Not this one.

You tried on the other two, the first one was left. So you take a breath before walking through. Nothing. Luckily.

"Y'know partner. You really are clever. If you plan on staying some time I'd really appreciate some insight from you"

You flash him a smile and a thumbs up. Before continuing with testing.

Right, middle, left, left, right, left, middle, right and lastly, left.

You proudly stand at the end of the hallway. Entering your meet with an easier puzzle. Just click two buttons. Simple.

And there it was. Cog in hand you proudly hold it out to the sheriff.

"Great job partner, now let's head back and see if it'll fit."

He starts walking out, and seems like the threat is gone because he simply walks in the middle all the way back. You run after to catch up. Curse these legs for being average sized in a daycare full of giants.

Coming back to the castle you walk down to the main field. It was like a medieval town market. Except no people.

Getting to the elevator the sheriff plops the gear into place.

"Perfect! That's one of three."

You triumphantly raise your fists, ready to go look for the other but stopping when he doesn't follow.

"I'll stay here and put everything together. For now, maybe just hang around the place and talk to the queen when you're ready."

You stare at him in betrayal, before shaking it off. Sighing as you quickly walking back to the castle. Your way ending in the throne room.

"Welcome back. I hope your journey was worth it, and the elevator a little more usable."

You bow your head.

"Y'know, I really admire how you keep on going. No matter what. You're quite determined to find your child."

*cousin.

"As a token of my respect, I gift you this blue keycard. While not much, it is was we consider a symbol of trust."

You look over at the table she gestured to.

"I am proud to announce that you are officially a citizen of the kingdom. Feel tree to stay as much as you like, even after you get your child back."

You give her a thumbs up as you pluck up the keycard into your hand.

"The kingdom can now proudly announce that it has reached a population of five! I said five because a friend of yours showed up while you were away."

You look up at her confused, friend? Please don't be that jellyfish. Or worse, one of those you pissed off.

"He was in damaged state so I told him to stay in the infirmary. He asked for you, so perhaps you could speak with him when you have time?"

Even though you weren't so keen on doing it and you felt the need to frown your face muscle contract into a polite smile.

Waving bye to her as you walk off.

It didn't take much time until you found the infirmary. Peeking into the glass to be meet with a familiar red face.

Freezing as memories from that bird ride chase loomed over your mind. Casting it in a shadow. You back up looking at the way to the exit. You could leave, or you couldnt.

You sigh, walking over to the door and using the blue keycard to open it. He didn't move at the sound, only letting out a soft breath.

Sauntering over as he looks up to stare at you. He took a breath before starting.

"When the queen mentioned having many new visitors in one day, I knew it had to be you."

He spoke up as you kept a safe distance.

"Listen, whatever happened to me... Whatever I tried doing to you... Just know it wasn't actually me."

He looked down at his hands, eyes narrowing in some inner fight. He grabbed his forehead, rubbing it and sighing.

"I was forced to obey without much thought"

He leaned back, head rag-dolling to look at you.

"I tried communicating with you from afar for a reason."

You nod as he looked away, his head slowly moving to follow his gaze.

"Now you know the true reason why."

You started fiddling. The silence making you uneasy.

"The Queen filled me in on the situation with the elevator. I want to help with that. I feel much more in control now. I'll come help you find the missing pieces of the elevator"

You perk up, as he looked at you. His permanent smile turning a little more warmer. Before he stood up, feet tapping on the floor like he was checking.

"I just need to rest for a bit and I'll meet you at whatever that station is."

You nod, staying for one extra minutes before moving to the door. Before you leave he adds an extra thing.

"Oh. And there's someone who wants to talk with you. End of the hall. Just don't... Nevermind."

You look at him then the door, before giving a smile. Something you learnt could also communicate. Even though you had zero interest talking with something.

Walking out you stare down the corridor. A double door at one end. You jog over, opening it up as the doors let out that familiar sound.

Your shoe taps on the floor as you wait. Before freezing as you see the familiar orange annoyance.

That was enough for you to close the door and turn back around. Not worth it. Not ever.

You walk by the infirmary. Banbans back was turnt to you as he was leant over. Shoulders gently raising up and down.

Walking back to the station you look around. Before remembering Banban couldn't possibly have been here before you. So you sigh. Realizing you're gonna have to wait. So you plop down on the uncomfortable sofas. Laying on your side as you were ready for a well deserved and long awaited nap.

Hopefully the only one who'll find you asleep is banban or another trusted being.

You were in some forest, a crackling fire in front of you. It was another one of those jellyfish visions.

You sigh, head propped up with your hand, they started talking but you didn't listen. Only staring at the fire until the light stung in your eyes. Something was placed beside you. Touching your hand as you look down.

It was some sort of circle, was it food? You hadn't eaten since you got down here. But it looked more like those baby friendly fabric balls.

"I have never witnessed kindness coming from a spider before."

You carefully grab it, staring down at the smooth surface. Almost reflective, it was as big as both of your hands combined and felt rubbery.

The rest continued talking as you played with it like a ball. Not wanting to eat it, since we'll. It looked more like a toy than food, suddenly some deranged train with a face comes crashing in. Grabbing Banban as a fight ensues.

You stare confused, watching them fight a literal alive train. You could never understand if these vision were fiction or some deranged second universe, everything goes black in that similar ending way.

A poking against your face, as you instinctively push it away. You just woke up, what now. Assuming it was Banban, you ignore it. But it continued until some weird silicon shaped like a long and thin piece of fabric slid up your cheek. You groan, face nestling into the black couch cushion.

Hand trying to push it away but barely even moving it an inch.

"Wakey wakey, nutrients and bacy"

You feel the thing run up your face again, as you groggily push it away. What was Banban doing?

Opening your eyes slowly, pupil blurringly moved to stare at what was disturbing your sleep.

Face to face with some blurry purple sock snake.

Except this one attached to a miss-matched jester.

You blink once more before realizing that the threat you've been warned about and that chased you is now crouched down in front of you.

Biting back a scream you immediately punch it, sending the jester backwards. Sitting up you scramble to run away, but something grabs your leg. Pulling you to the floor as you groan. A shadow slowly raising over you.

"You could say you were quite the hit!"

He laughed loudly as you cock a brow. His head was flown back in laughter, before he suddenly stopped head snapping to stare unnervingly at you.

"Not to be the one to take you out on the floor, hehe, but I'm gonna have to take you out now"

You stare up before quickly rolling aside to miss the snake hand reaching out for your neck. Instead it's left to strangle the air before going after you again. Another hand landing on you and holding your shoulders to keep you in place.

You grab the purple snake, holding its mouth open so it wouldn't clamp down on you. Which was hard since this giant jester was stronger than he looked.

A cold sweat slip down your face as he slightly struggled against your grip. You try wiggling out its grasp but instead you're pulled up. Feet dangling as your slammed into a wall. You try to catch footing against their waist. Which worked as you continued holding their purple hand open.

Your leg slowly moves up their body, before recoiling back for momentum as you kick it in between the mouth and left eye.

"OUCH"

He drops you as you hit the floor, they hold their face, before growling angrily. Moving animatedly to glare down at you. Hand reaching out to you again.

"STOP"

Both you and the jesters gaze shift to the door. Revealing Banban. Who without hesitation pounced on the jester, causing you to yet again kiss the floor.

Sitting up fully you saw the two fight, the green and purple jokester choking out a cry as he throws into a wall staring at the demonic mascot in front of him. Before running away like a coward.

Banban, now in a more demonic formed. Huffed loudly, a foot moving forward like he was gonna chase after but he just ends up slipping to his knees. Changing back as he sighed.

He blankly stared at his hand.

"I- controlled..."

Looking over at you he pauses. Getting up and quickly walking over.

"You okay?"

You click your tongue, checking your pulse absentmindedly, before nodding. Making some gestures asking him the same.

"I'm fine. Just... Caught off guard"

He helped you up, looking at where the jester ran off to.

"The next piece that we need should be at the second station. The feeding secto-"

You embraced him in a hug, mostly for your own comfort. But he stopped, caught off guard again. You felt his chest raise up and down. His weirdly textured skin somehow being comfy. Two arms slowly hug you back. It was awkward, but somehow comforting.

After a while he let go as he stared down at you with that blank stare.

"We can rest for a while if you need it"

You shake your head, walking onto the transport. He sighed, following as you clicked the button. The right one this time, holding onto the pole as the cube started moving.

You think you understand how this works now. Just click where you wanna go! Obviously.

"I feel now is a good time to introduce ourselves. which we haven't done up to this point if you can believe it. I am Uthman. I worked here before everything came crashing down, literally and figuratively."

You looked at him as he stared back. Uthman? Wasn't expecting that. He cleared his throat.

"Right no talkin-"

"(___)"

You blankly state. Probably the first and last time you'll say something. But you liked the feeling of making people confused. He stared in that same confused and shock, at loss for words. But he accepted it fairly quickly.

"(___)"

You nod, staring ahead as the transport quickly moved. He 'huh's, before deciding to also stay quiet the rest of the way.

As the machine stopped he grabbed that robot who you somehow didn't notice.

"We're here. Let's get going"

You step of slowly, before following after quietly, walking across this balcony. Staring down at the scary two big ways below.

"Wait get down"

You look over at him blankly before hearing a loud roar. So you also get down. Not that the railway could give you that good coverage. But whatever.

Thuds approach that rock your vision. You didn't want to look but did. Seeing a familiar green giant, approaching a table with three orbs. Very familiar looking orbs.

Clicking your tongue you glance at ba-...Uthman, hearing the eating sounds as you slowly tried moving away. But these old walkways had become rusted as a loud creak was heard.

Uthman glanced at you before getting closer to the floor. Not really hiding him but still. Josh looked up, black shiny eyes meeting yours. As you felt youe breath get stuck in your throat.

But before he can do anything an orange stick mechanism shoots out. Clamping around Josh's leg and pulling him away to a dark entryway.

"That must have been a trap the sheriff set up earlier,"

You look over, your friend already walking away. You glance back down at the darkness before hurrying after.

"poor Josh...I can't imagine how confusing this has all been for him."

He says before staring in puzzlement at a red door.

"That wasn't locked the last time I was here, shouldn't be too hard to open, right?"

You groan, realizing you had to go find some more things. Not that he would help, so you huff. Walking away and going through a new door you open with a keycard.

Having to walk down a dark stairway, getting through your meet with another door. Two buttons on the well beside it. Looking to your right you're meet with a link hall. A door at the end, above a picture of that jester who tried killing you some minute ago. Bittergiggle right?

You step closer, about to open it when you catch glimpse of something through the gaps. Pausing you stared at it. Before slowly bending down to peek through the holes.

An experiment room. You very uncomfortable swap weight onto your other feet. Seeing the numerous version of the jester. Each different by what they're missing.

You try to move back but the doors automatically open when you move. Now having full view of the interesting view.

Two stuck in test tubes. A head sitting atop a table, staring straight at you with the familiar trademark black voids. Peeking inside more you saw another with missing legs and sitting on another table. Also staring at you.

A whiteboard with a small doodle of a crying bittergiggle along with the text 'nothing is funny enough'

Your eyes land on the closet at the end, stepping back you take a breath. Before quickly walking over and clicking it open. Revealing a crown.

You wonder if it was important. But whatever, you never know. You grab it, putting it in your bag before going to walk back out.

Noticing a note on a table next to the head, the head staring at you. You grab it, staring down at the jokes. They weren't that bad.

You crack a smile and do that breath laugh thing through your nose.

Before placing it back down and going to leave.

"Wow. You just come in here, steal what's ours, and then leave."

You flinch turning back to the head as fast as possible, its eyes even though without eyelids. Somehow got depicted narrowing at you.

"You humans are all the same; thieves with no shame"

You wanted to feel guilt but you were only freaked out by this bodiless jester. Like the embodiment of the joke what do you call someone without a body or nose?

"Your greed knows no limits; only controllable for minutes"

Nobody nose! You shift your weight, playing with the strap of your bag.

"You can have the crown, I couldn't care less about that."

You perk up confused.

"But can I at least have some applause for my little poem? Please?"

You pause, confused. What poem? Unaware of the fact he just told you it, you still applaud. Since it would be awkward if you didn't. And not wanting to potentially have him haunt you.

Immediately the face brightens. Eyes shining as a blush coats its face. Sputtering out some words.

"I-. U-uh, thank you!"

It avoided eye contact with a content smile.

"Aw c'mon. That was nothing!"

You turn around confused by the new voice. This one belonging to the one without legs.

"Don't listen to that guy over there, all he cares about are his poems!"

You walk closer to the other, he gave an annoyed glance at the head. A hand raising like he was making a point. Staring down at you with smug eyes.

"I'll show you something that's actually impressive."

He places down his hands back beside him.

"A magic trick!"

He smiles widely, looking at the door.

"Open sesame!"

There was a few seconds of awkward silence. As you cringe inwardly. But then the doors open, to your surprise, you stare at the door. Gaze flickering back and forth.

"I think I earned my own round of applause for that"

His eyes close as a triumphant smile grazed his features.

You did so without question, applauding him as he smugly glanced at the head. Who was glaring back at the top body.

You wave at them as you leave, but they don't realize. Busy having an argument with their eyes.

Clicking te keycard button the other buttons light up. What's with all the buttons!? You sigh, jumping on your tiptoes to hit them. The door opening to reveal a white room.

Your mouth gaping at what looked like the most mind bending puzzle yet. Sighing exasperatedly you question if you should go back and just listen to more poems and magic tricks from those weird jesters, but you enter the puzzle room, with your drone in tow as you started trying to figure it out.

To spare the boredom I won't explain it.

Just think of it as an annoying drone maze.

When the door opened you sigh in relief. Hoping there won't be anymore puzzles. When you grab the keycard you jog back out. Noticing the sticker on the wall, showing that annoying two headed thing that chased you.

'Practice safety and you'll be OK'

You glance down at the new font. What's with the dots?

Getting back up you greet Uthman with a wave. Proudly showing the keycard. He blankly stared, quiet for a while before seeming to remember he should say something.

"Good job"

You bow playfully, before using it. Your smile immediately dropping as you see a second door. For fucks sake.

Lucky you!

"Another door? Doesn't look like this second one takes a keycard though..."

Glancing over at a nearby wall, you're meet with some glowing buttons. Suddenly remembering that font. Glad you noticed the sign you walk over. Trying your little theory as you make a O, with the closest one. The other a K as for your luck they fully turn green as the door slides open.

You applaud yourself following after Uthman.

"Before we continue I need to hand this imposter over to someone"

He started, explaining something as you stare at the robot he placed down.

"Would you do the honor?"

He asked gesturing to the button. You do so, waiting before a familiar blue creature jumps down. Grabbing it and running off.

"NABNAB NO!"

He started chasing after them, as you groan. Your legs already hurt. Now this? You should just let him catch Nabnab. You've done all the work so far so that's the least.

But. You started running after, very far behind still. Until a door shuts in front of you. Blocking you from where Uthman ran off to. You back paddle, seeing him chasing Nabnab atop a balcony. The only way to reach him is if you jump on these platforms. But if you fail, you fall to your death. Which, is very bad.

So you hesitatingly start jumping, hugging the floor every time you land safely. After long minutes of jumping you would t be surprised if Uthman had already caught Nabnab.

But finally you finish, out of breath you walk through a door. Seeing Nabnab lying face first on the floor Uthman Lea ing against the wall, a trail of blue blood on the floor.

What happened?!

Running in, you immediately go to your friend's side.

"I can control, I know I can"

You gesture to him, as he looks up.

"I'm fine"

He grunts, holding his stomach. You gape, really really confused. Shaking your head, you move his hand slightly to check for wounds.

He lets you as you sadly stare at him. What now

"Cog."

You look up at him, confused.

"The cog."

He points across. Your gaze following to the cog on the floor. The second one. You sigh, glancing at him before pulling it up and putting it in your bag, going back to his side.

"You can go without me"

You shake your head. Sighing disappointedly at him.

Cracking your knuckles as your arms hook under his shoulder. Helping him up and making sure he stays up.

"This is really to much"

You sush him with your free hand. And he doesn't say anything, only letting you help him. You start waking, making sure he comes along. Luckily you didn't need to jump those squares again. Since you could see the door was open from your spot.

The walk was slow and when you get back you see a familiar eerie face from the darkness. When Uthman notices he yells an apology to them

You don't say anything, only helping him walk back to the station. You place him down to sit on the transport. Clicking the button and grabbing the pole as it starts moving.

The ride was quiet. Unless you count the sound of the mechanics moving. You bite the inside of your cheek. Always glancing over at your friend. Making sure they're okay.

He mutters something. You look over confused. So he repeats louder.

"Thank you"

You click your tongue, having to take a moment before nodding. The silence turning a little more comfortable.

When you're at your stop you help him, arm hooking under his arm again. He didn't argue when you helped him out. Walking out into the castle, down the stairs and to the infirmary. Your keycard opening the blue door, you lead him inside and to one of the beds.

He finally takes a step on his own to plop down on a bed. You check him one more time, but he only shakes you off.

"I'm fine really, I should be the one worrying. You're the fragile one"

You send him an unamused look, he choked out a dry laugh. You playfully smack him, before leaving for the sheriff.

"Hey wait"

You turn back to him.

"When you leave this one. Could you come back here. I won't be able to rest easy knowing you're not taking breaks"

You blankly stare, before giving a smile and nod. You were always up for a nap.

Walking out you start jogging to the elevator. Across the board. Up ahead you saw the sheriff, busy screwing some things in. You wave as little beak squawks. Getting his attention as he looks up. Standing straight when he sees you.

"Well you took your darn time partner. But good job"

He pluckers it from your hands, holding it under his arms.

"That's two, one more"

You pause, about to gesture you wanted a break when you yawn. He paused from his fixing, glancing at you.

"Oh yeah, you're still human. Take a break partner, you've worked hard for one of your kind"

You send him a polite smile. Nobel if your head in thanks.

"I'll inform the Queen, go the infirmary. There are spare beds"

He continued fixing before plopping the cog in place.

"I'll be on guard, just go to the Queen when you're ready to continue."

You throw him a thumbs up, starting to jog back. Pausing halfway to just walk normally. Tired of all the jogging. Back at the infirmary you enter, Uthman looking up to you.

"You're really back. I'm surprised. You're usually too stubborn so I assumed you'd dismiss me"

You cock a brow to him.

"Nevermind"

You decided to ignore it as well, laying down on another bed. Closing your eyes and almost instantly falling asleep.

Chapter 2: Stars and a cog

Summary:

After getting the final cog you find yourself dreaming about what you’ll do when you find your cousin and get out.

Something was clinking. Your eyes groggily open. Gripping the uncomfortable hospital bed, you sit up slowly, seeing Uthman's back to you, he was doing something.

His head craned to look back, he seemed to sense you were awake.

Turn in around to glance at you.

"You're finally awake"

You nod, groaning as he walked over. Handing you a glass of water. You stare in surprise. It was actual water. Not dirty or murky. It was clean and see through. You thankfully take it. Happy to finally have something to drink.

"I would have to forced you awake"

He awkwardly laughs as you practically gulped down the entire glass in a second. It felt nice, you hadn't realized how dry your throat was.

"I thought you'd be thirsty so I got you water. There's a bottle but I thought it would be more...Homey, if I gave you a glass."

You stare at him with a blank eyed smile, nails tapping against the glass. Since you pretty much couldn't think of anything else to respond with.

You instead stand up slowly. Walking over to the bottle and pouring yourself more, gulping that down to.

"Guess I was right, or Bounceila was. It was her idea. Uhm, but you're really thirsty. When was the last time you drank something?"

You swallow the last bits of content from the glass. Setting it down with a clink, when was the last time you drank something. Your eyes squint, you just wanted to stick your fingers into your head and give your brain a scratch. But instead you let it come to you.

You drank a glass of water before you left for the daycare. You'd been done with your work tasks, just in time for when pickup was.

You'd been left to babysit your cousin while your aunt flew out to a friend's wedding out of state.

And that's when it came to here. But you have no idea how long you'd been here. So you simply shrug, fixing your posture as a quiet sounding cry from your bones was heard.

"Yep, well are you sure you wanna continue with finding the last cog now? You can take some extra break"

You shake your head, waking away. Your hand raising in a wave as you exit the infirmary. You felt his gaze linger on you from the glass. But you didn't mind. Already used to everyone's staring habit.

You walk through the castle to the throne room. Now that you noticed. This place looked like some magical castle film set from a middle school theatre club.

But that was charming.

Walking up the stairs to the throne you're met with Bouncelia, she was petting little beak who was sat on her thrones arm rest.

When she noticed you, she smiled warmly.

"Welcome back. I hope you had a well rest"

You give a curt bow, nodding your head and smiling.

"I pray for the safety of the children you're looking for."

You give her a thankful nod.

"When you do find them, can I ask for a favor?
Could you try and occasionally come visit? It's been so long since we've had a visitor that isn't trying to harm us."

You'd think about it, this place was quite annoying. But if you weren't busy trying to find your cousin with the fear they were dead you'd probably think about it.

"Please do consider my request. Other than that I don't want to keep you any longer. Also, it appears more of your friends have arrived if you'd like to go check on them."

You cock a brow, more?

"Good luck my dear citizen"

You nod, waving at her as you hurriedly leave. To the station you go! Because no way in hell are you conversing with some other so called friends. Hurrying up you go up the stairs, entering the now familiar waiting room.

You don't wait though, quickly getting in the transport. You click the button, grab the pole and wait. Realizing this is the first time you're going alone. Not that you mind, it was only a thing you noticed.

This transport was really odd, but then again. You're in some type of facility housing a bunch of fleshy odd colored people. And that's the kindest way you thought of saying it.

This one took longer to go, since you'd have to stop at two of the other stations before getting to the one you need. It was awkward, why'd you have to be alone in silence on the longest ride?

You hold on tight as it stops, as you quickly step off. The station was normal as you go forward. Automatically opening the door you're meet with.

Staring ahead your face scrunched up in confusion.

A home?

Well more like a one of those displays you see in Ikea.

Checking it out you're met with confirmation to your theory. A fake home. You step out a gardening room walking to the end of the hall. Being meet with you guessed it!

Another puzzle...

How did these employees manage? You'd quit after a day of doing fifty puzzles only to do more work. Why not just buy a proper security system. If they had the money for some netflix serie type of puzzles. They could damn well buy some security and give out keycards to employees.

And it was a memory one, great! You have the memory of a half eaten sandwich so this will be easy.

Reading the instructions you figured out that there was 6 turns, that's a lot. Something would change or wouldn't change, blah blah blah. Just an ordinary remember this and that.

You sigh, going back to the rooms to start memorizing. Sun room, easy! Box room. Kinda hard. Living room and bathroom? Fuck no.

You hoped the sun room wouldn't do some shitty thing where they removed one of the many flowers. That would be mean.

You click the start button, the lights turning off for some seconds before turning back on. A timer playing on screen.

Going to the closest room, the sun room, you notice the missing watering cans. Going back you click the sun, a small jumbo Josh in the screen popping up as the screen notified it was checking. Before it smiled with its eyes, the room turning a bright green.

You do another, this time the bottles in the bathroom were missing. And you were right. Forget your previous statement. This was easy.

You start pushing through the round, your sureness in yourself being good fuel as the first four rounds go well. Until you're bathed in that red hue.

You stare confused. You were right, you must've been. You'd checked every room, the time had almost been at zero but you were sure nothing changed. You stare confused. Before trying again, the timers staring again as you checked every room. Checking every apple and flower in the sun room. Every box in the box room. Every dust bunny and plastic plant in the living room. And every water drop in the bathroom.

So basically as much as you could, but nothing.

Were you going silly? Because nothing had changed. The sound of the timer clicking was sending you in a stressed state. Trying to figure out what was wrong. Eyes scanning every room. But you had limited time, huffing you finally slid to a halt.

You walked into the sun room staring at the flower bed.

...

The yellow flowers were gone. Slick motherfuckers. You quickly run to the buttons, clicking the sun. The silence was loud until a happy beep and green grazed you.

You wanted to hit whoever made this fucking puzzle because they were not a delight.

You look back at the door, waiting for it to open. Before realizing. You had another round...

OH COME ON-

 

The door opening changed your sweaty and wrinkled face into a proud smile. A celebratory yell escaped you, immediately running through the open doors to find-!

Another door.

It was like every other. The room was basic, off to the side was a wanted dead or alive poster for a very familiar jester. Sighing you plop down on the armchair. Legs propped up on the table, you wanted a nap. But you learned your lesson last time you tried sleeping out in the open.

So you just sit there relaxing. Until you feel energy return. Getting up and using your keycard you stare inside the new room, blankly staring at the back of a two colored jester.

You couldn't turn around even though you wanted to, since you needed the cog.

Because; no cog, no cousin. No cousin, no escape. So you reluctantly go forward, accidentally stepping on a button. Causing you to stumbled, hearing an echoing laughter. Looking up you saw that mismatched sock combo running, but instead of chasing after you he runs out a door.

So that's better.

But that relief suddenly turns into a bubbling fear as some very loud thuds vibrate the floor. Causing you to look around in confusion. Out of an open door comes what you can only describe as a deformed T-Rex. You turn around to your previous room, closed.

How lucky!

It roars, your nerves lighting on fire as a cold sweat slid down your neck, hairs standing on end. You look back, not only seeing this thing approaching you. But some panels were slowly coming down from the ceiling. As the thing immediately starts running towards you.

Causing you to instinctively dodge. Running in circles around the room, with it hot on your tail.

You try to figure out what to do. Every panel had a circle, but one was red. You also noticed the floor buttons. And stepping on it changes the red dot to another place. The Dino roars. Chasing after you specifically hitting a red panel as it groaned. The red turning into a green. You immediately run away. But now you kinda knew what to do, so you started by stepping on another red button.

Running to the next red panel.

"Pssp psssp psssp"

What you now realized was some Dino cat roared again. Charging towards you. But you simply step back, not standing on the button yet. But when it slams into the panel you step on the red button. Running to the next red wall.

You got it, it was simple. Like one two three. You felt a bit bad though, hearing the pained cat noises. You really liked cats, dogs were cute too. But cats had a special place in your heart.

Probably because you've always had a cat as a pet.

Third one done, last one. It was at the other side of the room and you still needed to press the button to the left. And the cat was running towards you.

Okay this will be easy, like pie! You take a breath, legs carrying you quickly across the floor. Jumping on the button and sliding across the floor to the last wall panel.

The thing roared, the floor shaking as it charged at you. You had got in a crouching position. Jumping out of the way.

She let out a shriek. Falling back and rag-dolling to the side. You slowly stand up, out of breath. Body spinning around to look. You stare apologetically, before running over, sliding on your knees to in front of the cat.

Hands raising, unsure of where to go. Definitely not near the mouth. Palm slowly meeting its nose, not touching. Only hovering above it. They're still breathing, thankfully.

Sighing in relief before perking up as you feel them sniff you. Head slightly moving up as it huffed out a strangled noise.

You click your tongue, holding your hand above its nose. Their head slowly leaning into it. Causing you to gently start petting them, a deep rumble escaping their chest.

What a cutie.

You proudly think even though this thing had been chasing you around like dinner for the past minutes.

You gave it some stuff, trying to butter it up enough so it would spare you a sad death as a snack. Scratches, pats, praises even belly rubs. It wasn't that fluffy, more like a naked cat with reptilian skin.

It rolled on its back, small hands raising to stretch. Legs twitching.

This made you remember your task, rubbing its belly one more time before backing up and allowing her space to get her footing.

Holding your hands up in surrender. They tilt their head, nose booping against the entirety of your face.

You smile, snickering quietly at the coldness. They continued, even licking their bristly tongue up your chin to your forehead. You make a comical 'eugh' sound.

They stop, backing up to let you pass through a door to your side that had opened.  You smile at her as she sat down to wait by the door.

You hum, gently patting their arm before entering. And to your non surprise. Another puzzle, opening a second door. You see the familiar find some things to open this puzzle. This time looking for 8 crystals. Placing them on the throne and you're done! Simple.

You start looking finding one after the other. But then stopping at seven, you'd placed them in place before confusingly searching for the other one. It took long minutes before you notice the button behind the throne. Blankly walking closer and hitting it. A closet door opened. Revealing the eight one.

Sighing in disappointment, wondering how you let that slip your mind. You pluck it up, wanting to throw it at the floor as a treat to your annoyance. But you don't. Instead placing it with the rest. The second closet opening. This one with the keycard. Bravo!

Please don't let there be more. You couldn't bother with more. Walking out you jog over, card opening the (hopefully) final door, another picture of the checklist. Completely checked out. Along with another closet, which you happily open. Revealing the final cog, thank you brain! For actually working.

You pick it up, forgetting how heavy it was and acidentally dropping it. Directly on your foot at that. Screeching you pull your foot out, holding it comfortingly.

Glaring at the mechanic piece, before bending down, trying to pick up the cog. But either you got weak, or this thing was heavier than the other two. You didn't care about the answer. Busy searching for a secure area to grip. Leading to a long back and forth.

Like trying to pick up change when you have acrylic nails. It took a good ol' five minutes. Before you finally place it in your bag. Turning around and freezing as you see a two faced jester. His arms slowly uncrossing as he sighed out.

"Finally"

Half his face smiled wider.

"Like a bug to a zapper!"

He laughed, head craning to the side unnaturally. You cringe, face scrunching up.

"I won't lie, I thought the dinosaur would finish you off, but if trapping you will get you out of my way too then who am I to complain?"

You stare at him unamused, his pupils spinning like googly eyes before staring dead at you.

"I'd tell you a very fitting joke but you humans just never seem to get them."

He shook his green hand, the snake one resting on his hip. Before he can say more you throw the same cog at the window. Just where his face would be. This caused him to stumbled back with a yell.

A proud smile grazing your lips as you quietly laugh behind your hand. He stared at you in surprise before doing the closest thing to a glare as he could, clearing his throat and continuing like nothing.

"Anywho. The closest people denied me what I was made to do: People who were genetically-programmed to laugh at my every joke!"

You blankly stare at him. What's with these people and randomly starting to vent?

"They cited some end-of-the-world scenario where whatever's in the queen's pouch escapes if I make her laugh, but i'm not buying it!"

You stare at him concerned, clicking your remote behind your back. Glancing at your drone now in place behind him. There was a red button you could press to get out. And he was busy monologuing.

"I was distraught and I became dead set on making the ultimate jokester. But after failing time and time again, I realized something."

That explained those different colored ones from what you assumed was yesterday.

"I AM the ultimate jokester. There was nobody else better to be made, even if by me."

He looked away as you figured out where to point the remote.

"With the sheriff occupied thanks to you, reaching the queen will be a piece of cake."

He laughed, head tilted back. But since his eyes lids were pretty nonexistent it looked really awkward.

"I will go now, because unlike you, my path of getting my family back has never been clearer."

You gasp in offense at the diss, in return he laughed at your reaction. Before leaving. Not seeming to notice the drone. But you quickly lead the flying thing to hit the button.

Grabbing the cog and running out the opening door, back into the boss room. The cat was gone and you could see Bittergiggle walking out the other door.

How is he so fast?

You run after, and he either had hearing problems or was oblivious to his surroundings. Because he didn't seem to hear you literally chasing after him. Or he could. But was ignoring you.

You watched him step on the orange transport. Clicking a button as it started moving. But you successfully jump on the green one. He didn't notice, only whistling something. You stumble but manage your balance. Seeing the turn up ahead. You get in position, ready to jump this dude.

and when the cube went to a turn you jump and grab the pole of his cube. Balancing on the floor and before he could progress the fact you were there you let you leap.

Jumping him as you both fall to the floor off the transport. He grunted staring down at you in surprise as he grunted.

"HEY!"

He yelled in shock, as you immediately put him in a chokehold. Something your veteran grandpa taught you, this was the first time you actually had to do it though.

He let out a strangled cry of surprise, flailing dramatically. He was still strong so when the transport stopped causing you to lose your grips and falling back to the side. He leaps up quickly going to run for the castle entrance.

But your adrenaline still high causes you to jump to your feet and lunge at him a second time. Knocking him off his feet again. Causing a groan from him, you don't know if this was part of the rush but you somehow managed to wrangle him back to the transport.

Slamming him down on the metal floor as he limps. You would've felt bad if he hadn't hurt you earlier. But he did. His still open eyes -even though he was supposedly unconscious- gave you the creeps.

So you quickly look around to see what to do. Your eyes fall on the button module over your head.

You get up, pressing a random button and jumping off before he could stand. The transport leaves as you hear him yell. Leaving you to proudly stand still.

You lean forward looking at him leave, waving him off as you saw him desperately click the button to no avail. After he's gone and unable to see you, you flip off the area he previously was.

Happily spinning on your heel and walking out, best report to the sheriff.

When you get out on the balcony you look down at the market. Staring at the weird scene. The cat Dino was there, you watched them attack the sheriff. Knocking Toadster unconscious as you slowly gape.

Quickly running down, its ear flicked. Turning to stare at you going the stairs. She ran over and when she reached you she bends to your level, giving you a good sniff.

You let them, watching as they start nuzzling into you. You let them back. Whisper scolding them.

You scratch under their chin before excusing yourself. Running over to the sheriff, immediately sitting down and grabbing their shoulders. Shaking him violently.

Getting very concerned when he doesn't get up. But you don't stop until a hand smacks your paws off.

"Partner?"

You stare down, his eyes gaining back life. You sigh in relief, the cat having stood watching over your shoulder.

He props himself up with a grunt, looking around before yelling as he sees your new friend.

"Partner get behind me!"

He gets to his feet quickly, grabbing your arm. You stare confused, before following his gaze. Gazing at the orange cat. You look back at him blankly.

"Partner?"

He paused, eyes flickering from you and the cat. His eyes slightly changing in realization

"Y'know...you truly have a habit of befriending everything don't you?"

He grumbles quietly, still glaring at the T-rex as you shrug.

"(___)!"

You look up, seeing Uthman come running towards you from the throne room.

"Are you okay?"

He stops a safe distance from you, as you nod, helping the sheriff to his feet, Uthman sighed in relief.

"When that thing arrived and knocked out the sheriff the Queen ordered me to stay with her. So I'm happy you're okay"

You send a smile and thumbs up. He returned it.

"My partner over here seems to have befriended this... cat"

You nod, giving said cat a nuzzle to show this point.

"I'm not surprised"

Uthman glanced at you cuddling with the cat, before glancing to the throne room.

"The Queen wants to talk with you"

He shifted his weight on his other leg. Thumbs fiddling together. The sheriff sighed, still holding your not furry friend in a staring jail.

"Well you heard him partner"

Toadster, started ushering you to go.

"I'll handle the kitty"

He turns back to the cat as you wave bye. Uthman leading you away.

"What took you so long?"

You look at him, then used your fingers to have your mouth convey a half smile half frown.

He stare blankly, before looking ahead at the approaching throne.

"Ah"

He simply muttered, seeming to understand. He took another glance at you and before you enter.

"Him right?"

He pointed up to a sign, Bittergiggles head drawn in a corner with an X over the mouth. Your lips thin into a line, restricting a snort at the art you hadn't noticed before.

You give him a nod, before entering the throne room. Meanwhile he went off to the side. He really picked up surroundings habits quickly.

"You're back! Safe and sound I hope?"

You give a head bow.

"I heard the ruckus, I truly can't thank you enough for fixing that chaos"

You flash a smile, before glancing down at little beak. Still at the queens side.

"You have the last gear I presume?"

Nodding, you slowly and securely pulled out the cog. Not wanting that humiliation of dropping it like before.

"Good, good, I won't hold you any longer. You must be tired. Toadster will fix the elevator. But just know, you're allowed to stay however long you'd like."

She smiled, as you give her a bow. Something that seemed to make her happy. And knowing she could imprison or crush you didn't seem nice. Uthman walks over to you.

"Oh and before you go. Dear Ba-Uthman, please give this fellow parent some nutrients. They must be starved"

Uthman stared up with his tongue out smiling face. Nodding.

"Of course, follow me"

He started walking down the stairs. Your gaze flicker from the two. Before giving another quick bow, running after your friend.

You stare at him as he was busy watching where he was going.

"If you're wondering why I'm acting like this"

He started talking, walking towards the elevator.

"It's because I've know of them for a while. I'm just trying to stay friendly."

He sighed, walking quickly across the bridge. You had to start jogging again. Another thing you've gotten used to while following these fast paced giants.

Still didn't make it easier though. Getting there you see the sheriff lounging against the hand rail. When he noticed you two he wordlessly held out his hand.

Like reading his mind you place down the cog in his palm. As he starts putting it in place, you stand off to the side, patiently waiting.

"Done! Good as new"

You clap your hands in applaud as he sends a bashful look. Uthman didn't seem that bothered with the elevator being fixed.

The sheriff steps away from it, glancing at Uthman.

"Mr Uthman, what are you doing here?"

He looked up from the elevator, staring at the shorter toad.

"Making sure (___) gets some nutrients before leaving"

He stood straight, staring down steadily. Toadster leaned closer.

"We'll go get some, kid"

Uthman paused, glancing at you and shifting her, before nodding.

"Yes boss"

He ran off, leaving you alone with the sheriff.

"Well partner, I guess this is goodbye. If you're not planning on staying some more. Could really use the extra help."

You click your tongue, staring off to where Uthman went. Could you stay? Your cousin is still not found. Even worse. Dead. But hope was still in you. Even after the countless (hours?) you've been here.

Glancing at your shoes, you could practically feel that touch. Grabbing you to pull back. That hand on your shoulder, the snakes inner mouth on your fingers as you held it open.

That jester..

You attacked him pretty roughly and he must be pissed. If you stay here you'll be safe for a while. Enough for that two faced thing to get over it. Or give up on some revenge plan.

Plus if you do then you could probably befriend these mascots. And you needed some help.

I mean who knows the place better than the faces of the brand?

And you were still tired, the adrenaline having gone away long ago.

So you look back up at him, the big smile on his face not ever changing. It was no longer unnerving compared to some of the others.

You send a smile and thumbs up. Practically your new signature.

If he could, his smile would've gotten bigger but instead he settled for a short laugh.

"Well good thing. I didn't think I'd ever say this to one of your kind. But I'm happy you're staying."

He pats your shoulder like a cool uncle does when he's proud of you.

"Let go back to the kingdom, I got a Queen to protect"

He doesn't look back as he walks away, like normal you follow. If you didn't at least gain some more leg strength then you're gonna be pretty sad.

At the doors you're meet with an approaching Uthman. Some familiar orbs in his arms.

Toadster walks by without acknowledging him. Not that he minded, he only walked up to you.

"I hope you like vegetables, it's all we got"

His foot tapped in a fidgety mane before handing you one. It was just like the dream, as big as both hands and the color was pale.

You give a thankful nod, the two of you starting to walk back to the infirmary. You're happy but embarrassed he had slowed his pace to your speed.

But still thankful, your hands gently fiddling with the orb. Not sure if there's a proper was to eat it. You look at Uthman, holding one of his owns. And just simply biting into it.

Which was pretty disturbing since he didn't have teeth. Or did he? His demon form did. So are they just...hidden behind his lips? If you can even call them lips.

"Take a bite, it's not deadly"

He stared at you, you only, and somehow walking perfectly normal.

You look down at your own, vegetable? Avoiding eye contact like the plague. Before taking a hesitant bite.

It tasted like a dull onion, with a mix of saltiness and sweetness. It was gross, but it was bearable.

So you quickly force it down, not to much at once though. Or you're pretty sure you'd throw up.

"Y'know, when we first met"

You look up from the half eaten ball.

"Well just want to formally apologize."

You pause your chewing, face full like a chipmunk with that gross flavored mush. He took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry"

He looked at you, black eyes not blinking nor moving. You don't do anything for a second before swallowing. Sending him a thumbs up, this causes him to break eye contact. So do you.

Fingers tapping on the food. He breathed a sigh of relief, as you used your keycard to open the infirmary.

He walks inside but you do not, staring as he plops down on the bed. Looking over at you.

"You okay?"

You take another bite, the food somehow more bitter than before. You nod slowly, doing your little charade like normal. He looks down.

"I understand."

Your lips seal into a thin line, before walking off. Not wanting to make it more uncomfortable. Sitting walking up the stairs bit you seat on one of the upper steps.

Continuing to take small nibbles at the vegetable. Every bite worse than the other, not that you cared. You were more conflicted than anything. You had a task to be done, find your cousin. Get out.

But here you were, relaxing in some fantasy castle while your cousin is probably somewhere. Alone and afraid. Or, you hope they were alone. A disturbing feeling settles in your stomach at the thought of them not being alone.

Or that could be the food making you sick. About to take another bite you stop as a chill crawls up your spine. Stopping between your shoulders. Like someone was staring at you.

So you look around, eyes grazing over every place that can be a hiding place. Even the unrealistic ones. But that feeling remained. So you chuck it up to being some random brain mistake. Those happen.

You continued with your food, a fourth of it left as you take slightly bigger bites. Just wanting to be done with the thing.

When you get out, with your cousin, you're gonna first take care of their need. Then tuck them into bed. Since you're still babysitting. Then when their asleep your gonna take a long shower, make yourself some good food. Drink wine, go to bed and sleep.

It was a solid plan, and the only reasonable plan to you. Sweep this entire thing under the rug, because if you acknowledge and remember this place you're probably gonna need to concern your therapist with more stuff.

Showing in the last piece of food you wipe your hand on your pants. Using your sleeve as napkin for your mouth.

Wonder what you'll cook, some pasta sounded amazing. Anything sounded amazing. And grapes, the crunchy ones. That paired with some ice cream would be the best dessert. Vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce, some whipped cream and fruit.

Geez this was making your stomach gurgle, or maybe  that was it saying it needed to thrown up. Since you felt a fizzling in your throat.

You sighed, getting up and stretching with a crack. Your back hurt, you wanted a massage. And a warm shower. Planning what to do was really, really nice. It set a nice warm feeling in your body.

"Partner!"

You look down, seeing the sheriff scrambling for something before yelling out.

"DUCK!"

You cock a brow before seeing a star getting thrown towards you. Immediately realizing you needed to duck. So you did, crouching to the ground quickly.

A pained yell from behind you, causing you to look back confused. Face dropping and freezing at the jester, with a hand holding around where the star stuck to his chest. He was about to pull it out when another was thrown at him. Piercing his shoulder as a sky blue blood dripping from around the wound as he started running to the station.

Toadster rushed up the stairs, but you were faster. Realizing you needed to catch him. He was about to enter the entryway as you jump on his back. Causing him to hurdle forward and into the ground.

A pained yelled escaping him, as a squelch sound of what you assumed was the stars went deeper. You didn't move though. Even if your chest felt tight with a high sense of guilt.

"Good job!"

He pats your back.

"I've been trying to catch this criminal for ages. I knew you were a good investment!"

You stare at him confused before sending a smile. It was kinda forced though, as you get off the jester who let out a hurt groan. Trying to prop himself up but two handcuffs are placed on his hand as he gasps.

"You've been caught bittergiggle, no more jokes"

The jester looked up in offense.

"I'll have you know I have every right to tell my jokes!"

The sheriff scoffed, pulling the jester to his feet and pulling him along.

"Tell that to the judge"

"There is no judge"

The sheriff paused, like realizing the lie in his statement. Before looking at you.

"Partner guess what? You're the judge now"

You snort, walking over  as Bittergiggle stares in disbelief.

"You can't just-UGH!"

He huffed exasperatedly, sending you a glare as he tried pulling away from the sheriffs strong grip.

"What do you say judge. Is he guilty"

You blink leaning away slightly, as you glance at the captive. A apologetic, sorry not sorry look being sent his way as you give a nod. Forming a capital G with your hands.

"Well you heard them! Off to jail you go you crazy"

There was more struggling as he's pulled away to the holding cells. You follow after, avoiding his accusatory glare.

Toadster was about to pull him into an empty cell when your gaze shifts to the wounds. Immediately stopping the toad. He stares confused.

"What now?"

You start gesturing, pointing to the still bleeding injuries. The stars having been deeply lodged into his skin.

The sheriff huffed.

"You're right"

You send a hopeful smile, which turned upside down when you're sat in his holding cell with him. A pair of tweezers, a tray, handkerchiefs, some cotton balls and disinfectant. Along with big bandaids.

This isn't what you meant, Toadster stood outside the glass. The door still open as the sheriff was high on guard. Ready to rush into action if the jester leaks hand on you. The handcuffs only did so much, and they needed to be taken off when you were done.

He sat criss cross, the same half smile half frown on his face. Eyes still blank. But you could practically sense the anger and contempt seeping off him.

His gaze piercing through your pupils, he didn't say anything. Probably too pissed to mutter a word. You hesitatingly lean forward. Going for the on in the shoulder. Not as deep as two of the blades stuck out, you held his upper arm for support and to make sure he didn't stay still even though that would help much against this much stronger thing.

His gaze stared at your hands, you could definitely just pull this out with your hands. Leaving the tweezers for the chest wound.

Your fingers grip the metal, giving a slight tug. He huffed out a pained breath. Moving uncomfortably, but you continued. Making it quick as you pull harshly. The star halfway out as he lets out a loud.

"OW"

You bite your tongue, sending a guilty glance. Okay your pain brought to him has gone a bit further than his attempted choking.

He started breathing heavily, body arching forward in pain. Like he had a tummy ache, but instead of a simple stomach pain he was quite literally stabbed.

You pull out the star fully, as a pop was heard. Like opening a fresh champagne bottle. The blue blood seeped down his purple shoulder. You grab the handkerchief. Wiping up the wound as he slowly raised his lowered head.

His gaze sending your hairs on end. But you felt a bit safer with the high on guard sheriff behind you.

"Careful"

He hissed out, as you hold the cloth to his wound. Other hand pouring disinfectant on a cotton ball.

You knew this would hurt as you threw the cloth in your lap. Trying to make it quick, but he immediately recoiled back. As you somehow managed to hold the cotton to his wound.

His cuffed hands slammed into your stomach, knocking the air out of you.

"Hands off!"

He screeched, but you don't. At least not for another second. When you remove it you quickly grab the band aid. Removing the backing and placing it on.

He stares at you unnervingly, cuffed hands raising towards your neck. Before gaze shifts to behind you. Immediately retreating his hands to the ground.

He laughs much to your dismay, his head rag dolled back. Giving full view of the chest wound. You sigh, plucking up the tweezers as your free hand holds between his shoulder and neck for support. He doesn't react. Only continuing to giggle.

You could see one of the sharps of the star perk out from the green skin. The tweezers grabbing on as you slowly pull. His laughing slowly changing into pained noises.

You felt bad. Really bad, like you were hurting an animal. Except this was possibly a seven or eight feet tall jester.

You watch as more of the star pops out, coated in that blue liquid. The last corner getting stuck as you started wiggling it. Trying to get it out, but that only let the jester taking deep breath. Sounding on the verge of tears.

Like that quick breathing children do before busting into crocodile tears.

"Hurry"

His voice sounded weak, like he choked it out. You do so. Pulling more harder and that seemed to go the trick. The star popping out as blood squirted from the wound, hitting you in the eye and running down your cheek as you recoil. Dropping the star in your lap and grabbing your eye instinctively.

Your other hand grabbing the handkerchief, applying pressure to the flowing wound. You glance back at the glass, seeing the very concerned sheriff. But he sends an encouraging thumbs up to you.

You smile, before frowning as you locked back. He will not like it when you have to disinfect it. But for now the bleeding needs to stop.

You felt hands on as his chest heaved up and down in quick deep breaths. His head to tilted back for you to see his glossy eyes.

You wanted to apologizes, but couldn't bring yourself to talk. Only giving a comforting pat, he doesn't say anything. Only choking out heavy breaths.

You pull back the cloth, the wound wasn't actively spitting blood everywhere. So you reluctantly grab a new cotton. Covering it with disinfectant, pressing it against the wound as he howled in pain.

You expected him to push at you again but instead you felt a sharp pain in your stomach.

You bite back a gasp, eyes looking down. He had grabbed the star that fell into your lap. Stabbing it into your stomach. His head snapped up to meet you, still with that same face but this time his eyes were glossy.

"I could've done this faster...I COULD'VE DONE IT BETTER"

He pushed it further in as you choke on your spit. Suddenly the pressure pushing it in was gone.

You look back up, seeing Toadster on top of the jester. Holding him down, another pair of arms ushering you up.

You don't look but you hear a voice sound out to you as you were stuck in vertigo.

"(___)! Look at me, take a breath come on!"

You don't understand at first. The voice blurry and distant. But when you do you take a deep breath in. Only to feel your throat burn. You lean forward with a cough. Feeling something slip out your mouth.

Staring down at the red slowly pooling on the cells floor.

A panicked voice yells out, but you don't understand. Only staring blankly at the blurry redness. Your mind foggy as you watch yourself get picked up. Pulled away as everything goes black.

Notes:

A/N: It’s 2:14 in the morning. I can’t feel my pinkie and my eyes hurt. But here it is. Ta dah!

Can I get my own round of applause?

Chapter 3: Crayons and thoughts

Summary:

The aftermath of a sharp encounter, heh, some more planning about the future.

A jester trying to make you laugh and a concerned red friend.

Notes:

Sorry I haven’t posted for a long while but I’ve been busy with school and doctor appointments.

And this chapter will be shorter than usual.

Static; a crackling or hissing noises on a telephone, radio, or other telecommunication system.

So why was it in your head?

Who knows.

There was also an immense pressure, disappearing and returning onto your midsection. Blurring voices dancing around and echoing inside your ears.

You felt insanely hot, (not the attractive kind) like someone had dunk you in boiling water for a single millisecond. Yet you had cold sweat taking a coating on you.

You felt awake, no you were awake. Forcing your eyes to open as a blindingly bright light met you. But that was quickly changed by a big splotch of red.

A hand grabbed yours, giving a squeeze. A blurry voice that dripped with panic hit you, eyes squeezing shut to block out the headache. But instead you're left with a mild migraine. Buzzing at your nerves.

A sound wave other than static pierced your ears. It was a panicked voice. They squeezed your hand again before letting go. Making you peek your eyes open. Staring at where they were. They'd left.

Hug icing your eyes shut again, as you felt your exhaustion start to wear off.

You test wiggled your fingers and toes. They were a bit sore and slow to follow your brains commands, but that's fine. You push yourself up before falling back down on the uncomfortable pillow, squeaking in pain. That warm pain in your midsection burnt again, like someone had pinched together your skin to hard and wouldn’t let go.

You immediately grabbed the pain to soothe but that only worsened as a horrible sensation was felt, you let go. Teeth gritting together, as you make out your surroundings. You're in the infirmary. Also know as your guest room.

Clicking your tongue you try to recall what happened, it was like building a sandwich. Every layer giving back a piece of fuzzy memory.

Oh yeah, that jester stabbed you. Didn't he?

Sighing dramatically, you realized how much time you must've wasted. Eyes shut again as you hear that keycard noise. The doors let out that annoying bbg sound as they opened.

Opening your eyes again, you saw as the sheriff and Uthman come in quickly. Uthman rushing to your side as the sheriff raises your shirt a bit to check the wound.

Making a clicking noise as Uthmans face crinkled up in what you think was a ‘oough that’s rough buddy’ face.

"Looks better"

Uthman glanced up at the sheriff. Face un-scrunching as he glanced at you.

"How you feeling partner"

You don't respond, clicking your tongue and giving a slow nod. He sighs in relief, patting you on the head before adjusting his hat.

“Good good”

He pulled your shirt down and fixed out the wrinkles.

"As much as I'd like to stay. I can't lose another minute. I gotta go do my job. Mr Uthman, can I trust you'll explain things and watch other them?"

Uthman looked up from you, giving a salute as the sheriff let out a unamused huff.

"Knock that off boy"

He says, giving a glare as he adjusted his star before leaving. Uthman giving a quick, "Yes sir.” Before he left.

He looked back at you, leaning close and nudging your temple.

"You should've been more careful"

You felt him judge you as you squint at him, before weakly hitting his hand.

"Just saying"

Sending him a glare that could kill you huff. Rolling your eyes very obviously. He gently smacks your temple again. Making you groan, head rag dolling to the opposite side.

"He could've taken your pancreas"

You slightly turn your head to stare at him. He tapped his fingers against his lap.

That would more be something he'd do, not that jester. Your hand raised. Smacking at the hand he was going to nudge you with.

"Sorry"

He raised his hand in defeat, leaning away. You yourself went back to staring at the ceiling.

"Getting kicked out the kingdom really did a deal on BitterGiggle."

He sighed, tongue moving to rest on the other side of his mouth.

"We used to be friends y’know, and he would've never done that before. But I guess he would since he did. But, ugh. Just!…the old him wouldn't"

He said, like he was thinking aloud. Hand rhythmically tapping against his knee.

You shrug, already thinking of some sort of revenge. But that would mean you'd have to go near him again. So that technically makes it out of the question.

Closing your eyes you're ready for another nap. But Uthman wouldn't shut up. He was either talking or tapping his fingers loudly.

This was gonna be a long waiting time.

 

You don't remember when, but you had fallen asleep. And now find yourself in an empty infirmary. The stitched wound felt warm. But you ignore as you prop yourself up.

Making sure not to have your skin fold or pull at the stitch. You somehow keep this in mind as you sit up, hands gripping the beds material.

A sway in your step as you stand up, stumbling up. Hands pointing out in a T position as you try to keep balance. Now where’s your stuff. Because you felt a missing weight in your pockets. And your bag wasn’t around your shoulder.

One look around the room located your bag beside a brown plastic bag. Inside wren bag was your keycard and dead phone. Too bad this place didn’t have charging ports.

You pocket all the stuff again, pulling on your bag. Thankfully the strap didn’t touch the wound. Okay, great. You also grab the bag, since you never know. Bags could be useful.

You adjust your jacket, and when you have nothing else to stay here for, you carefully walk to the door.

It slides open as you look left and right, then ahead. Seeing Seline snail. There was an audio to listen to, but you refrain. Going out to the main castle.

It was dimmer than the infirmary, so it felt a bit more welcoming. Looking around you noticed Uthman atop the stairs. He seemed lost in thought, but that's like his whole brand.

Slowly walking up the stairs you carefully take a seat next to him. He doesn't look up, but his eyes followed you.

"Good to see you walking around"

He simply stated before going back to himself. You nod, leaning back against the steps.

"The sheriff filled me in fully on how...this happened"

He gestured to you, before sighing.

"You need to be more careful"

Your mouth thins, he already said this. Hand taps against the steps as you ignore him. He doesn't say anything as the silence gets awkward.

You could technically talk... you trusted him right? Even though he chased you around trying to eat your pancreas. Tricked you, hit you over the head. Robbed you. Etc.

But, you're not even sure if you're gonna make it out here alive. It would be stupid if your last words were your own name.

Or. Maybe it wasn't a good idea. You really wanted someone to talk to. But you couldn't shake off the feeling these characters would somehow get more attached to you for talking.

They were already dependent on you when they need help. But then again. Why not speak to one of the first psychos you met?

"I am careful"

His head instantly snaps up to you, but you don't care.

"Did you also hit your head"

"Harder than when you hit me?"

He avoids eye contact. Muttering an apology before going quiet again. You sigh through your nose, eyes flickering to him.

"Maybe. I don't know. He mostly stabbed me"

Uthman hummed, hand tapping against his leg. Deep in thought as his eyes fluttered from you, to empty space.

"Can I ask-...Why you're so determined to find your child?"

"Correction, cousin." You pause, tongue clicking "But if I don't bring them home safe and sound, then my aunt will be pissed. And. They meant a lot to me."

You sigh, it felt nice talking, but also wrong. You hadn't talked for the longest time. Now, just suddenly you're social.

Uthman stared at your scrunched up face, before patting your shoulder reassuringly.

"I'm sure you'll find them, I'll help as much as I can"

You send a thankful half smile. Before he continued staring ahead, a familiar face appearing in the distance.

Uthman got up, waving at the figure as they approached, they waved back. Toadster eyes landing on you.

"Good to see you up and about partner"

He yelled from the bottom of the stairs before ascending the steps. You send a thumbs up, as he sighs.

"Anyways, the amount of criminals taken in cells have skyrocketed. Something must've happened in the floors above."

He sat down beside you, both you and your company looking over.

"Huh"

Uthman simply mutters, going back to that blank zoned out stare. You click your tongue; a signature response, as the sheriff sighs.

"I'm gonna have to ask a favor from both of you"

You hold back a sigh, more work? Really? At this point you were working overtime on a job that didn't pay.

"I'm gonna have to have a thorough investigation on the upper floors. And I have duties down here like protecting the Queen and making sure the criminals stay in their respective cells. Maybe clean up a little here and there. But I can't do that when I'm up there. So I trust you two could do it."

These people really enjoy giving work to others. But hey, maybe he can find your cousin while he's up there?

Looking over at Uthman he seemed equally as uninterested. But you two didn't have a choice, did ya. Now it was only to guess who would do what.

"Got it boss"

Uthman huffed out sadly. As the sheriff gratefully gave you both back pats. Before going down the stairs, leaving as fast as he approached. You both looked at each other.

"Pass on keeping check of the prisoners and cleaning"

He sent you a sneer, shaking his head.

"You? Protecting the Queen, with that wound? Please."

You smack his arm as he hits you back. You go back and forth until he offers playing rock paper scissors.

Winner protects the Queen.

Rock

Paper

Scissors

...

Bloody hell.

He raised his fist in victory as you demanded a rematch. But he was unconvinced as he runs off.

Leaving you on the steps, marinating in defeat.

Great. Guarding and cleaning. Your speciality.

But first, more resting. It's not like anyone will actually escape...Don't jinx it.

Entering the infirmary you carefully get in bed. Trying to go pull the wound too much. Don't want the bad stitching to come undone.

The pillow, if you can call it that. Was as hard and uncomfortable as ever. You would definitely need a massage or chiropractor after all this. Your back was killing you.

And with your phone dead you had no idea what time it was. So for all you know you're missing work and bills.

Hopefully you'll come back to a still parked car and a still rented apartment.

And that dinner. You won't forget. You earned that fancy meal after all this. Or maybe, if you have the energy. Take out could be fancy too! You just gotta plate it up, add a candle and some wine. Which you hoped you still have.

If a lot of time has passed then your food would be spoiled. Eugh, geez. It's probably gonna be disgusting opening that fridge.

If you still had your job, you needed to go on a grocery trip. Necessities would be milk, butter, bread, vegetables and; maybe some fruit if you're feeling extra. And definitely chocolate.

You had only tried the food or- nutrients ball thingys once. But you were definitely not a fan. Even if it was a thing like nato where it's good after some tries. You wouldn't want it unless you're starving.

And a bath, you need that. Like a lot. A shower was too little. And luckily you owned a small portable bathtub. You had to slightly bend or just have your feet dangling out to fit. But that's fine, you didn't care as long as you could get some warmth on your joints.

Ooo- wait. A bubble bath, there should also be some bath salt in one of the drawers-

BANG!

You flinch, pausing and waiting. Before the same banging was heard. Jumping out of bed you scramble with the keycard. Getting out you step into the hall.

It was from one of the cells. It wasn't Seline. So you start going down the hall, Opila birds, banbaleena, Jumbo Josh, Bitt-oh.

You stare at the mess of a cell, you cringe at the messy scribbles, the sheriff must've given them crayons. Since there were messy doodles and messily written jokes with puns.

On the glass there was crushed crayon residue sticking to the surface.

The jester had their back to you, legs to their chest as they rocks back and forth. Insane much?

Your weight shifts onto the other foot as you thinking about leaving. But you couldn’t bring yourself to as your to focused on the fact his green hand was trying to draw a full circle around himself.

 

But since he refused to turn or switch hands, his arm instead tries to bend unnaturally. You watch for a while before hesitatingly tap on the glass as their head perks up. You step back, waiting. And waiting. Almost screaming as they somehow maneuver to their feet in front of the glass in mere seconds.

Unblinking wide eyes staring down at you.

Creepy.

Very creepy.

"Hi!"

Their voice was slightly muffled, but mostly perfectly clear. Showing their excitement in their words.

You send a glare their way, arms crossing as you took yet another step back. He huffed, before putting a hand on his hip and sighing dramatically.

"Why so edgy?"

Half their smile got wider, eyes moving from his forehead to you. You pause, realizing the pun as you send an unamused look that he responds with giggles.

"Awe, you're no fun"

They twirled in a circle like a ballerina, stopping as a snake hand sprung up. And he started acting like it's talking. His other hand poorly covering his mouth as the snake lip synced.

"I think you're quite a bore! You should be like me! A cute and funny little snake!"

He stopped to stare at you, before chuckling quietly behind his hand.

You shake your head in disapproval as his eyes roll, literally, they went all googly eyes again. Spinning like a planet in the solar system.

"Awe, don't be a party pooper"

Their frowning faces mouth twitched further down. As their head tilted unnaturally.

"You're so quiet? And what for!"

No response, his purple side pouted as his hands rested on the glass.

His eyes flickered from different places like he was thinking. Before he cartoonishly acted like a lightbulb was above him.

"Oh! How about I tell you a joke. That'll wipe that frown off your face and it'll get a sound outcha!"

He backed up, hand coming up to his mouth as he dramatically cleared his throat.

"What do janitors say when they jump out of closets?"

His smile got bigger as he practically shook in excitement for the punchline. And not even a second later he yelled it out.

"SUPPLIES!"

He laughed loudly as you pause, you yourself holding back a laugh. And only breathing it out your nose. It really wasn't a good joke. But it was so bad it made it good. And his gape laughing added to the comedy.

But the reminder that he stabbed you like o some hours or a day ago was souring your mood.

When he was done he wiped away an imaginary tear. Before he went back to serious and stared you down.

"..."

"Not good enough?"

He groaned, theatrically crossing his arms and leaning back.

"You're such a killjoy, hehe! But hey! That's maybe because you're not the, sharpest, tool in the box."

He laughed at the bad pun, you scoff. Another stab joke? Really? Fucking jester.

"Hehe Ahah! Hoho, ha, I am just on a roll!. Aren't I. Or no-wait. You shouldn't answer that, your humor isn't near my kinds level!"

He enjoyed making you the butt end of the jokes, didn’t he? But you only rolled your eyes. Deciding between your choices that it wasn't worth it. So you leave. His echoing laughter following you from his cell.

They should've made it soundproof.

At least it was barely audible inside the infirmary. You look around the room. Eyes landing on the empty glass on a table. You wanted water. No. Needed, you needed water.

Wonder if there is any left from before, you found the empty bottle. So you search the cabinets.

But you are meet with the same view as someone in American college sees inside their wallet. Empty.

Or. There were cobwebs and some stray bandaids.

Only one was filled with stuff, and that stuff was medical supplies. Which is, wow! Exactly what you need! Totally not water.

...

Is what you would say if you were still bleeding. But you weren't, you were only dehydrated and aching.

Maybe a nap? That'll be nice. If you're asleep you don't have to eat or drink. Unless you wake up. Or can't fall asleep.

Great, cleaning and keeping guard can wait. It's not like something urgent will come up.

You sit down on the bed, trying to puff up the rock pillow as much as possible. Before slowly laying down not to pull the wound.

Ah, time for some needed rest.

...

...

...

"Wake up"

...

"(___)."

...

"(___)!"

...

Shaking, a lot of it.

The hell?

"(___)!"

Opening your eyes you stare at red. A lot of it. Uthman.

You sit up, rubbing your head. His hands rested on your shoulders as your gaze scanned around the room for anyone else before staring at him.

"What."

"You must be thirsty, since your kind usually needs it for survival"

You feel something cold be placed in your hand. Looking down at the bottle.

What a coincidence.

"Thanks just what I needed. How'd you know"

He lets you go as you pop the cap off and start chugging it. Oh this is just amazing-

"Hi!"

You choke on it as your gaze snaps to stare ahead, suddenly everything is dark, Uthman was gone and the only light was shining onto a purple snake.

A familiar one.

What?

Your eyes widen as you stumble back. Why were you here. This wasn't- no. You're dreaming right?

The coldness in your hand turns into warm itchiness as you look down. Inhaling a sharp gasp as you see the thousand of purple and green bugs crawling in your hand.

You shake it off desperately as they fall to the floor, stepping away, you slam into the wall that disappeared on contact. Making you trip and fall. Your eyes close as you grunt.

That hurt, opening your eyes you blink rapidly at the new lightning. Too bright, where, you turn around. Coming face to face with a snake.

Nope! You scramble back as the snake retreats. Out the darkness comes a staggering jester. Who snaps at the waist to bend down to you.

"Well hello"

He laughed, his hand gripping your face and smooshing your cheeks together so hard that your lips ducked.

 

You sit up in bed, a cold sweat coating everything as you flinch and choke on your spit from the wave of pain announce itself from the sudden movement.

You grab your midsection. Yep, pulled a damn stitch. Fucking hell.

You hiss and slowly pull up your shirt, folding some of the bandages to peek inside. It looked okay, stitches still in place. Only a bit swollen.

You pull down your shirt again, okay, maybe a nap wasn't such a good idea. Wiping your sweat off on your crusty sleeves you get out of bed.

Stumbling a bit as you grab the bed and take a tumble at the floor. Okay! Not good. Maybe dehydration was a bigger problem than you thought.

You should go to the Queen and Uthman.
Getting out of the infirmary you stagger out to the main castle.

Only making it halfway before you’re on the floor again. Taking an exasperated breath, you groan. Thinking about flipping like a fish the rest of the way. But you’d definitely undo every stitch if you do, so your hands search around for something.

Before it brushed against something, looking up your eyes are flash banged by a brighter than usual mushroom.

Great, you grab at it as you get up.

...

It felt fleshy...

Anyways. To the throne room. Ascending the steps you give Uthman a wave and the Queen a greeting bow; that almost made you tip over.

"You're back! My most precious citizen"

Precious? That's...Wow. Even if it's a flattering over-exaggeration that's still kinda nice to hear.

You smile as she gently pets little beak.

"I heard of the incident between you and my old jester. I hope you're feeling better? Emotionally and physically"

You nod slowly as she hums, a hand tapping against her armrest.

“I hope there won’t be an incident like this again. Come to me whenever your need”

She paused, as she truly stared at you. She hummed, glancing at Uthman and back at you.

"Uthman, could you get them some water and more food. They look fatigued"

Uthman who was giving you concerned glances replied instantly.

"...Right away, your majesty"

He starts walking to the stairs, gesturing you along as you follow. But not before giving another bow. She responded with a head bow.

"Come on"

You quickly run to catch up with Uthman, slowing down to a jog at his side. He snaked an arm under your arm as a way to keep you from tumbling over. Before you both make it back to the infirmary.

He ordered you to stay while he got the stuff. So you sat down on the bed, watching him walk away.

Probably to get those weird nutritious ball things.

You sigh, lying down in the bed. As your back to that daydream. Except this one is about how you'll repay your -hopefully alive- cousin for all the things they've gone through.

You'll make them whatever food they want. Get them whatever treat they want. All of it, anything they can desire. You'll be there to give as much of it as possible.

And of course get them some new clothes and a bath. You should also read them a book, they can even have three. You'll read as many as it takes to calm them. Just because you couldn't take proper care of them now since they were missing in this big and dangerous facility. Doesn't mean you're gonna let your exhaustion control you when you do find them.

Children need a role model they can trust, and it's definitely not one of the mascots here. Maybe Bouncelia? But your cousin hadn't been down here they said.

And you're definitely making sure they're not getting back here after all this. You'll help your aunt find a new daycare, you'll lie if that's the only thing that'll work.

"(___)"

You sit up again as a familiar red mascot walks over. Holding a water bottle and that ball thingy. He placed them on the bed before you as he did a quick check up.

"How you feeling"

"Good, thank you"

You say, even though your stomach and head were killing you. Both from hunger, dehydration and that wound, he hummed.

"Good. Wouldn't want you dying already, you're useful and your pancreas are very fragile"

You send him an unamused look as you pluck up the food.

"Okay, yeah sorry. I know, no pancreas for me."

He sighed, as you took a bite, face scrunching up. It definitely didn't taste better the second time.

It's texture like gummy and it had an onion aftertaste.

He stood awkwardly at your side, just staring. But when you stop eating to hold eye contact he seems to realize how creepy it seemed.

"I am going back to the Queen. Come get me if you need something"

He instantly said as you give a nod, forcefully swallowing down the gross nutritional supplement.

He left quickly as you frown. Yet again. This was... Disgusting. Like dried jello curry with extra sour.

And the worst part was when you took your fourth bite there was something crunchy in it. Well your appetite was definitely gone.

As expected when you eat this mystery meat situation thing.

BANG

...

No.

You decide to ignore the loud banging again, that definitely was from that jester.

Because you used the greatest technology known to man, brain, yep, you got the results; annoying jester.

You shove in the last bits of the food before washing it down with a third of the water. Keeping the rest in your bag, just in case.

The banging continued, he must grow tired sometime soon. You think confidently, only to sit and listen to it continue on for five minutes straight without break.

It definitely drove you mad, but you couldn’t deny that it was impressive that he could have so much determination and energy.

You huff and get up, happy that you had your energy back. Opening the door which stopped muffling the sound. You realize how annoyingly loud it actually was. Sighing you walked down the hall, stopping in front of the glass as the banging stopped as if on cue.

"There you are!"

They smushed their face into the glass as you cringe. Only because their eyeballs smooshed slightly on contact, which would feel really painful.

The tapped again, as you looked to their snake hand. Their other popped out from behind them. Revealing a purple crayon they'd been hiding.

You glance at it, eyebrows falling down as you stare at him suspiciously.

"Don't worry, I can't even hurt you"

They laughed, but it felt slightly pissy as they twirled the crayon. Before they gently tapped the tip on the glass. Testing a line, and when it worked, their half smile got bigger.

They laughed a bit before he started drawing on the glass, great. He was now drawing on the window. Did he turn out of places.

Why did he want you to see this? So boring, it took you a minute of staring at him draw lines and circles. To realize that he was drawing over your face.

You side step a bit as he laughed out a pretentiously sad “Awww"

He drew a sad smiley on the glass in front of his face. Leaving you with a lopsided smile as he giggled. But your smile dropped as soon as you remembered the wound still in your gut.

Making you laugh at his antics wouldn’t just make his previous actions okay.

He continued drawing on the glass, as you contemplate on how you would clean it up if the sheriff doesn't return in a day or two.

Checking the door you see an audio button. Clicking it your meet with the sheriffs voice.

"This is the fifth entry to the "Toadster Archives". Criminal number six, the jester, was captured by my partner in fighting crime. They showed some very violent tendencies while being treated. Going as far as to attack my partner right in front of me. So to calm this criminal down I've allowed them access to a single pack of coloring crayons and a notebook. They seem to not care about the book however, instead drawing on the walls. The cleaning has been a lot, but anything to keep this crazy from trying something. More updates soon."

That explains it, you glance back at the glass. Peeking through the bunch of small doodles into the room. Everything from the floors to the ceiling was a mess of color. Even more than before.

"What's a toad's favorite flower?"

You glance back at the jester, who dropped the crayon. Now staring at you without moving its head.

You shrug as they giggle.

"A croakus!"

The laughed, smacking the glass in amusement as you breathed out a chuckle. Okay. Enough of this crazy.

Turning around you started listening to other prisoners audit logs. Ignoring the light tapping of the crayon against glass.

When done with getting info on all of the prisoners you get out the whole area. Sparing yourself an headache from that jester tapping and banging.

You sit down on the first stair step, something you've found yourself doing more often. The stairs were a cool spot, since there was basically no other place where you could think the best.

It was probably the view, and the ever quiet fantasy music that played from some invisible speaker. It added the perfect atmosphere for thinking things through. Even though there was a higher chance for someone to see you. It was calm.

And if you leaned your back against the wall it was like you were sitting in an arm chair... If armchair was made out of stone instead of wood and cushions.

Closing your eyes you start planning again, about the things you’ll do. Maybe the day after getting back you’ll take your cousin to the park before bringing him back to your aunt.

Buy them their favorite ice cream, pistachio with cherries. First time you heard them ask for it you had found it an interesting flavor to pick, since you hadn’t meet many kids with a love for pistachio ice cream before. But it was always their first choice, second choice was cherry mixed with vanilla. Dark chocolate crumbles and sprinkles.

The small bead sprinkles only, if there wasn’t any. Then they won’t even get that ice cream. Then they’d go to their third choice. Just plain cherry ice cream.

How you remember all this was a wonder. You weren’t really their parent, but your bond was as strong as a Nokia.

Like actual siblings, you had babysat them since they were a month old. Sometimes it felt like you knew them more than your aunt, and usually when your aunt couldn’t make it because of her busy work you’d go to their plays and sport events. (Even if she wasn’t busy)

Every parent teacher meeting. All of it, they came over sometimes, and even if you only had one room in your house. You didn’t mind taking the couch.

They only stayed less than a week, so you could change your room for that time. They were always welcome, they’d also still be welcome if they got into a rebellious teen phase.

…If…They make it to their teens.

You pause, the absentminded fidgeting stripping. Your hands dropping to your lap, where’d that thought come from? Of course, the thought that their dead had come to you before. But you never let it get to you fully.

But… What if.

What would you tell your aunt? What would you tell the police? What if you’re looking for a corpse? If you don’t even find it what will the cops do? Will they arrest you or search the facility?

You probably wouldn’t get arrested but you’d have to come to terms with the fact you dropped them off at the building off their death.

This place had been the cheapest one your aunt could pay for. Seeing as she’s a single mother with three jobs.

And you, able to afford more because you didn’t have a child and a more stable job could have easily persuaded her to let you pay for a better daycare.

It’s not your fault, but you could’ve done more. If you did more then your cousin wouldn’t be just another number with the other children that were here.

What were you thinking? Those weird men and women in science robes should’ve been a red flag. But you assumed it was some costume to teach the children some basic lesson.

They had asked if you wanted to see their new mascots but you denied. Not wanting to be overstimulated by a bright room filled with people. But you should’ve. Should’ve.

If you saw those monstrosities with your cousin still holding your hand you would’ve pulled them back to the car. Promising them a home play date instead. Probably laying your friend to entertain them while you work.

But no, you really trusted them. You trusted some random person, thinking their job was to protect and guide the children. Not guide them to an early death.

You felt mentally tired, but when you acknowledge that you were tired you felt shame. How could you feel tired when your cousin and those other kids must feel worse.

They barely know the difference between multiply and add. How would they try to understand the fact they’re probably not gonna be saved. Left to starve.

If they haven’t already, or worse. Been killed. If you found out that your cousin had been killed you’d hunt down whoever did it and seriously hurt them.

You didn’t care how big that mascot or thing would be. You’d attack them with everything.

That was a promise.

It also a promise that you’ll find your cousin. Safe and sound.

Safe and sound.

…Safe and sound…

Notes:

I have some plans that I cannot tell yall. I have SOME PLANS THAT I CANNOT TELL YALL 👀👀👀👀

Notes:

A/N: sorry it’s kinda rushed. Uhm. Hope you liked it. This is my first work on here. I know I’m not that good but I’m open to constructive feedback!