"Two items? I mean one is fair enough considering we need all of them to get home. And I can't even have the crazy one's pole! What a rip off..." Ace huffed and shrugged. She watched Gary have a hissy fit and sipped the beverage she had in order to hide the devious smirk. Well, fine. If she couldn't take it, then there would be fun times messing with her- if the deal was set.

Ace listened to the others and watched as Inadi got riled up. It made her wonder what he had forgotten... Then she looked at all of her friends. What had they forgotten? Family? Friends? Irreplaceable childhood memories? It was about time they got home so they could recover those memories they lost. And Ace didn't want to be a bunny guard. If anything, she would have much rather been a tiger. Those were more threatening than bunnies. She smiled when Riley spoke and then chimed in. "We'll all be giving you hell. May or may not be if you try something though." She mumbled the last part before eating a brownie.

"If you're not going to give us the items, you could at least show us that you have them and you're not lying. You could've given them up or lost them or something... Other than that, I suppose you can keep your two items." Ace huffed. "Still a rip off. No real reason you need two. One would still prevent us from leaving."

She tapped the bill of her hat and looked at Numair and leaned forward with her hand extended. "Alright. Fine. You guys get two items and we keep the rest. But we all work together in order to get home before we get turned into pets. At the slightest moment of betrayal, we obviously will not hesitate to raise chaos. And vice versa. Deal?" She waited for him to shake her hand and then sat back when he did.

She looked over at C again. "Till New Years Eve, eh? Hmph..." Ace stretched and looked around the table. "Well obviously, we've come to a compromise. There's some sort of alliance here.. So if we have till then, why are we still sitting here? We've got places to be and things to collect." Normally, she would've jumped up and ushered everyone out, but she didn't know what was next on the list nor where to find it, so she waited.

"Still woulda been a good idea to at least tell us this beforehand...but whatever. What's done is done."

Noticing that Numair appeared slightly irked by the fact that she tossed in her two cents at the emphasis on following their rules, she hoped that they wouldn't be too offended. Besides, the humans were just being extra cautious because of the fact that the Hooded Figures have already caused them harm in the past. It was established that no one had the right to wield Gary's pole and that did put her mind at ease a bit. The metal rod was the very thing that had injured their members during their first fight.

Fumbling with the hem of her sleeve, Jasper wondered if she were the only one willing to join the group. When the sudden screech of a chair being pushed back erupted, she looked to see Inadi stalking off into the woods with a troubled look. Biting on her bottom lip, she knew it was probably a reaction of her decision to join the other side. At the thought of the group becoming split up and her being separated from Inadi, she accidentally nipped her lip a little too hard and pierced the flesh lightly; the taste of blood washed over her tongue. after some time had passed, Jasper was beginning to worry about Inadi being all alone out there in the woods, but he returned promptly before she was about to slip out of her chair and search him out.

Inadi: “The Queen has been using us to practically entertain herself. She knew we would turn, and said nothing of it to us. And all those feasts. Maybe that was her way of trying to keep us here longer so we would lose our memories. Well I'm sick of being someone's pawn. I'm no tool to be used for someone else's desires.”

When he hauled a his chair towards her, a wave of relief washed over her worrisome thoughts. She couldn't believe he joined and she was glad that they weren't being separated. This issue would surely break up their family and she was really hoping that the others would realize the advantages in taking the offer.
Glancing down at Inadi, she noticed that the flesh around his eyes were a bit red and puffy. 'Was he crying?' Jasper then noticed some droplets on the male's glasses. Urged by instinct, she bent down beside him and wiped his tears with her sleeve. Wrapping her arms around him in a hug, she rested her chin on the crook of his neck. "It's going to be okay," she said as she rubbed his back comfortingly. Holding that position for a moment, she parted from him as Ran announced that he was fine with joining and so was Harper. Jasper began to grin slightly, maybe they weren't going to be broken up after all. Riley and Ace were in on it too and Jasper suddenly felt a surge of confidence. Noticing Harper's hesitance, she squeezed his arm reassuringly with a hopeful nod. They were all in this together and the HFs seemed humane now. All that was left for them in the deal was gains.

C: "Is it a deal?"

"Seems like it," She stated as she glanced around the room at her companions.

Ace: "Till New Years Eve, eh? Hmph... Well obviously, we've come to a compromise. There's some sort of alliance here.. So if we have till then, why are we still sitting here? We've got places to be and things to collect."

"I agree. We should get going as soon as possible. What's next on the list anyway?"

Grabbing a cookie, she smiled at Sacha in acknowledgement of the person who helped make them. They were technically allies now, so it was a good first step at getting comfortable. Thinking back on the castle and the guides, she wondered how many of them knew what was actually going on. Like Martini, Song, or Brandy. did they know what happens to the humans? Something about the thought struck a sharp chord in her chest and made her ache inside. Just thought of being betrayed by someone she trusted so much was painful. although they had decided to join the HFs, she still had a zillion questions for the Queen and the guides and she was determined to have them answered... eventually.

There was a lot of drama that happened after his little speech, and Numair pretty much blocked those out. He didn’t need to see crying people (were there any?) or whatever since touchy feely stuff wasn’t his thing, to be perfectly honest. The threats Riley and Ace gave though… The surfer just couldn’t help but roll his eyes. How cute. “Yeah, yeah, I got it. You’ll castrate me and burn down our house. Keep ‘em piling, I guess,” He quipped lightly and ignored the redhead’s comments about their deal. Yep, this one should be kept away from Gary. Numair kept a thinly-veiled smile on as he picked on the baguette on his plate as the conversations continued. In fact, he almost missed seeing Ace extend her hand as some sort of gesture of goodwill, and hastily leaned forward to meet her halfway in case she decided to retract the Lost Souls’ offer.

“Betrayal’s not good. Got it,” He duly replied then glanced around. Huh, these batch of humans were more reasonable (and hostile) than he thought. Oh well, guess they didn’t want to turn into those mute bunny guards, huh?

“It’s better if we chill for a while. The next item’s in a place that’s….” Numair narrowed his eyes before continuing, “hectic. We’re going to lie low for a bit until the nobodies passing through the place have come and gone. Until then!” He stood up from his chair noisily and grabbed at random food until his plate was full. When he was finished, Numair sat down and lowered his head in a way that seemed to convey that he was done talking with anybody.

“Hey C, I’m going to eat in the kitchen, okay? Don’t worry, I’ll clean up,” Gary piped up from her place and gathered as much food as she could before running off to the hobbit hole before their leader could say otherwise.

Toby's eyes didn't move from the table. Not when Ace chuckled, telling him he wouldn't understand. Not when Leila asked the very questions he had spent months avoiding. Not even when Ise or Numair thanked him for speaking up. The cheerful tea party mood was long gone, along with his appetite. He poked at the golden turkey on his plate with a fork as one by one his friends began to fall into the hooded figures ranks.

C said "If you forget everything you'll turn into a bunny guard."

The words tumbled around in Toby's head for a little bit, his eyes darting to each of his friends studying their reactions, some seemed to be taking it in a little harder than others. Toby wanted to laugh at C's words. Or chuckle, or grin or smirk or something. It sounded like something his grandma would tell him if he didn't keep up with his dental hygiene every night.

"Remember to brush and floss every night twice a night! If ya don't, you'll grow up with rabbits teeth,"

Still no laughter. The boy knew how grim the situation was. Were his memories fading? Probably. Then again he was the absent-minded type, constantly living in the moment rather than sitting and pondering, like he was being forced to do now. The thing Toby cherished most about Nowhere was how occupied he always was. There was no time to sit around, thinking or worrying about the future. Maybe he didn't laugh at C's bunny statement because somewhere in his gigantic heart he cherished his own life and didn't want to become a bunny. But, what exactly was there for him to cherish?

He tried to think of what waited for him back home, but it was a fruitless effort. Maybe he had already forgotten it, which meant it probably wasn't too precious to begin with. Toby continued to poke at his food, his eyes grew weary from negative thoughts and feeligns. Both Ace and Riley voiced their opinions already. He couldn't help but wonder what Niran was thinking.

And as if on cue

Niran said What do you think Tobs?

The boy turned to Niran, his eyes no doubt revealed how desperate he was for a distraction.

Niran said I don't mind giving them a chance.. I just don't buy the whole bunny guard story........Actually, it's kinda believable. Like one of those amnesia plot twist in mangas. Only difference is that we'll turn into something cute.

Only difference is that we'll turn into something cute

His weary expression disappeared. Toby gave a lighthearted laugh. "I don't read mangas, but i've seen a bunch of plot twists in movies. They are usually not cute, from my own experience. I bet Japan comes up with some pretty weird plot twist though!" The distraction didn't last long. Ace had started negotiating and Niran chimed in. He placed his elbow back on the table, leaning against it he twirled his hair once more, occupying his thoughts with Japanese manga until thankfully Niran started talking about pie.

"Crocket-pie?? Crokeet piiie, Ran! That pie sounds like gibberish! I wonder if it tastes good though....I'm all for cooking lessons!" Toby declared with joy. He met Niran's hug by practically shoving his face into his chest and squeezed tightly, a big dumb smile plastered on his face. He could've stayed there for the remainder of the tea party, if Ise hadn't spoken up.

Ise said You know, we'll do our best so you don't forget. That's why we're all here. You're friends Iro and Mado were sent to stay in Nowhere after they go sick, right? Well, something bad happened to them and a few nobodies found out...that's why we're here. We're here to help you humans, but it's an offer and you are free to decline

Toby relinquished his hug, his eyes fell onto his plate and remained there. I'm not forgetting anything. I just choose not to think of it is all.

Then Harper spoke.

Harper said Okay, I'm staying and...we're all going home together.

"Whoa," Toby muttered "Deja Vu" His memories may have been fading, but there was no forgetting the countless times he had dreaded hearing the words "Going home" It was never for a bad reason though. It was a childish fear. He couldn't help but recall sprinting all over the local playground on a summer afternoon. His vigorous mind and body could keep him going for hours upon hours without end until finally his mother said aloud the same phrase in almost the same tone at the same time, every time

"Toby! It's three o'clock, we're going home now."

His time in Nowhere was much like those summer afternoons. Now it was time to go home, back to reality. The feeling in his stomach that accompanied this realization wasn't pleasant at all. The boy wanted to cloud his thoughts with rainbows and sunshine but it was impossible at the moment. The day had started with such a bang and already he wanted it to come to an end. It felt like they had participated in the hoverboard competition yesterday.

Gary said Hey C, I’m going to eat in the kitchen, okay? Don’t worry, I’ll clean up,

"Eh? What!" suddenly Gary loaded up on food and ran off. Why did she get to just up an leave from the discussion? Well apparently they were all on the same team now, so he had just as much right to leave as she did. Toby rose to his feet, his eyes laid on C as he spoke,

"Me too! I uh, suffer from a condition thing. I, um, I have to eat indoors, or I get sick. It was totally a thing back in the real world. Okay," the platter of cookies he bickered over had pretty much remained untouched since he placed it on the table. The boy scooped it up and made for the hobbit hole, desperate to escape and forget the whole tea party.

Inadi felt Jasper's hand run along his cheek and he felt a wave of relief come over him. Shooting his glance to the side he was able to watch the girl lean in to give him a hug, His hysteria bouncing through his head at an alarming rate still, yet he felt many of his nerves settle and fears become less controlling of his mind. The girl held him for a short amount of time and then went back to mingling with everyone else at the table. Still hanging his head slightly, Inadi slowly put his glasses back on his face and went back to looking over the table.

It seemed that everyone agreed to travel with the hooded figures. Not one person abstaining from the idea of joining a group that had at one point or another tried to kill them all. Had used them to gather items that would take them back home and leave the rest of them to rot in the vast emptiness of Nowhere. It was amazing how one bit of information changed the tune of the entire group. And the two biggest examples of that were himself and Riley. He and the red head had laughed at the initial offer and were now suddenly a part of the band wagon. Thought to be fair Inadi took a majority of the blame on that one since he had made such a scene deciding to go with them.

After seemingly hours of denying the treats at the table, Inadi caught a whiff of the cupcakes that were spread about the table and immediately scoffed. Much like the dinner back at the Queen's once they returned from Sol his appetite for sweets was minimal if nonexistent. The whole table and not one fruit bowl with apple slices or anything even close to that. Picking himself up off the chair he began walking back towards where Harper sat as he didn't even shoot a glance over at the treats he blew by on his slow pace.

Finally stopping near Harper, the man put a hand on the other's shoulder, hoping to get his attention. “Well we have onl so many things left to find on the list there Harper. Any chance that it is going to tell us exactly what we will be looking for next or do we need to wait for that bloody list to tell us on its own time?” Inadi said, his eyes still a bit red from his previous cry he had only a few short moments ago.

Inadi wanted to just forget the fact that he couldn't remember his parents. But if he did, how much more would be lost? At this rate he might become a bunny guard before even the New Year's Eve that the figures said. And the thought of that only made him that much more nervous and shaky. The had that still rested on Harper's shoulder was clamming up and a slight twitch was there towards the last few seconds as he eventually pulled away. Looking back over to Kain, which he left back at the chair he was in not too long ago, Inadi looked back at the crowned leader of the group. “And I know we aren't going to get it now but I'd like to start preparing for the trip.” Inadi finally explained, hoping that the list would already show what was next for the group to find. The sooner he had something to distract his mind and make him think, the better off he was in an emotional state. Mentally however, that would be another kind of thing all together to decide.

Looking back over to Riley he gave her a slight shrug of his arms and then dropped his eyes. Again, he felt so bad about changing face in the meeting that he felt like some kind of coward. And he owed everyone in the group an apology for not being able to stand up to the hooded figures in the end. It just felt like perhaps he was all talk and no action. A real leader wouldn't have just backed down from the claims. But instead Inadi folded like a greased up lawn chair. Bringing his eyes away from Riley, the disappointment he had in himself still resonating strong, he brought his gaze back to Harper, wondering if the list was showing anything. And sure, the hooded figures had mentioned that the next item was someplace they knew, but all things considered Inadi would rather get the news straight from the horse's mouth. Plus, that lack of trust and tension were still swimming around his nerves .

Post by Ryver et Rhine





"Kyaaaaaa! Sacha, you're so cool!"

The witchy novice bounced about her saviour before glomping him. She clung unto him until he mentioned cookies. Cookies! The child squealed happily as she tagged after the tall human. Her eyes sparkled with joy when she saw the table covered with food.

"C-can't .... can't reachy. Thank youuuu!"

After taking the cupcake, Nympha raced back to Sachi's side and remained there for the rest of the discussion. She chewed slowly as she listened to the humans and the Hooded figures. Her pink eyes flit from one face to another. She huffed! Why was everyone so rude? Everyone was ignoring all the delicious food Sachi cooked for them. The child tip toped and tugged gently at sacha's sleeve.

When he was close enough, she tip toed and whispered, "Sachi! I don't like them. They are so mean."

She tried her best to scowl, but she ended up looking pouty. Even with her arms crossed Nynpha appeared to be a sullen child. The not-so-evil witch gazed in Inadi's direction for a second or two before she looked away. She rubbed her nose with the back of her hand as she willed herself not to cry. Instead she focused on the laughing Aven trio.

"Awwww..."

One of the humans pulled his friends in a tight embraced. The little witch fidgetted a little. She wanted a hug too! The only thing holding her back was her self-professed loyalty to Sacha - and by extension the rest of the HFs. The little Nobody wrapped her thin arms round her crush.

"Will you give me a hug?" She asked expectantly.

Across from room, Ran gave Ise a big cheery thumbs up. He was glad things were settled quickly even though he was still unsure about the finer details. It bugged him, but right now, it was manageable. Staying as a group was more important.

"Hey Tob..."

He watched as his closest companion walk off with the platter of cookies. Cheesecake! He hoped the boy was okay. It was quite heart wrenching seeing the normally bubbly boy look so hurt and lost earlier. Ran was about to follow after his young friend when someone pushed pass him. The flash off pink streaked off after the retreating human.

"Heyyy! Stop! Those..."

Nympha lunged for Toby's leg and grabbed on tight. "... they're for everyone."

"Items..." C never took her eyes off Ace, instead she reached deep into the pockets of her cloak and pulled out two items. "They're safe." She held them out for everyone to see, and it was as she said, the witch's heart and the USB were both in perfect condition.

Riley didn't say much and Harper focused on the untouched food on his plate.

Ace and Jasper were already talking about the next mission, the pink haired girl had left for the kitchen, and Inadi was talking about the list. He understood bits and pieces of what was being said, but for the most part, he was still coming to grips with the news, still taking it all in.

Were they making the right decision? Yes, he'd follow his friends no matter where they went, but to be frank, he trusted Songbird a lot more than he trusted all the hooded figures put together. He thought about all the nobodies that had helped them and shuddered. IF this was an ambush then that would be it for them. Yes, the hooded figures looked and acted harmless, but weren't they the ones who killed the witch? They were criminals for a reason.

Harper felt Inadi's hand on his shoulder and he snapped out his little trance. "The list?"

Nympha was talking to Sacha, but the words just flew over his head.

C nodded in Inadi's direction. "Show us the list."

Riley narrowed her eyes but Harper pushed himself to his feet and walked up to the girl in the cloak. "You're not getting your hands on it," he stated matter-of-factly. C nodded her head, her expression as apathetic as always. It unnerved Harper because he couldn't tell if she was angry or scheming or anything. "Here," he held it between both hands and showed the girl the list.

C held up the USB and as soon as the list sensed the object's presence new words began to appear.

'THE BLACK PEARL'

Oddly that was all the list stated and nothing else appeared beneath the next item. Luke laughed. "Well, whaddya know! It's the last item!" A small smile tugged on the corner's of C's lips but before Luke could celebrate he paused and let out a low whistle. "The black pearl, huh? Oh boy, Nums isn't going to like this." He looked at C, his expression distraught, "so we're heading down, right?"

C nodded her head. "We're going underwater."