Restart

Shock filmed over Nate's eyes and his grip on Tyler loosened, while still holding him in place. "Then why. . ." his resolve on beating this boy to death was slipping with this announcement for a moment. But then, tightening his jaw, he squeezed Tyler's neck, baring hard with the vise grip of a wolf clamping down on his prey.

"Then why all the secrecy?" he demanded hoarsely. He started to tremble even as he started to shake Tyler, his voice climbing with every shake. "Why didn't she tell me about you? Why did you have to play along with her games? Wh--why. . . why didn't someone tell me she was dying!"

Nate's voice cracked brutally and he was fighting pent up emotion. The doctors had told him about Dotty's leukemia and now because of the beating she endured last night she was in critical condition. The bruises alone were enough to kill her, they told him, and they weren't optimistic about her recovery. But there was still hope for her to pull through, one doctor had tried to reassure him, since they don't know how far her leukemia had progressed. They needed to run more tests.

But she was still dying, wasn't she? Nate sagged as it overwhelmed him all over again. He didn't even notice the hands of the security guards try to pry his grip off of Tyler until one of them stepped in his line of vision, then he released, backing away and running his hands over his face. He didn't know it as he stood there, fighting for control over himself, that he was standing right by Dotty's room. Her still form could be seen between the blinds that barred the window, breathing lowly and her eyes closed.

~~~~~~

Mary Jane didn't object, to either his opinion of being charming or his offer of taking her home. She sat back in her seat and readjusted her restraining belt.

"I'm sorry this didn't work out like you hoped," she said after a while sincerely.

Restart

Ty rubbed the back of his neck as the guards pulled Nate off of him. He grimaced slightly as he ran a hand over his bruised cheek.

"She didn't want me to tell anyone," Ty said, calmer now that his life was not in danger. "And I didn't even know she knew anyone other than the Withers and myself. I mean, she's not exactly a social butterfly." He glanced to the right and looked at Dotty's still form through the blinds, his expression softening a degree.

"She's the stubbornest person I've ever known," he added. "It was her or telling the secret and getting her into a hospital. Stupid, selfish kid that I am . . . I chose her."

From her vantage point, Alyson could not resist a mental awwww! Then she told herself to snap out of it. Now was not the time to get sentimental.

----

Chase shrugged. "No biggie," he said, trying to lighten up for her sake. It was hard to keep from looking disappointed. He glanced over at her.

"You can make it up to me," he added with a tiny smile. "Come over for dinner sometime. I'll make sure the girls don't bug you."

P.S."Brooklyn!"

Restart

If Nate wasn't in so much mental anguish he would have told Tyler he was made for Dotty with his stupidity and selfishness. But he couldn't bring himself to call Dotty either of those things. She was a victim of both disease and hardship, right now she was his angel.

Releasing a shaky breath he ran his finger through his hair, gripped the roots tightly before letting them fall helplessly at his side.

"Sir?" One of the guards addressed Nate. "We're sorry and all, but you're going to have to take this outside." They were embarrassed by having to break up a personal problem, but they couldn't help that it was their job.

Nate consented silently and let them lead him out. He faltered though when he turned and saw Alyson standing there, in the commotion he forgotten all about her. He didn't try to smile for her but touched her arm as he passed her.

~~~~~~

Somehow even with before she would have thought twice about accepting, Mary Jane smiled at the idea. "I'd like that," she said wistifully.

Restart

Ty moved away from the wall dejectedly, allowing one of the security guards to take his arm and lead him outside after Nate. When they left, he took a seat on the far end of the waiting room, dropping his head into his hands and staring dismally at the floor.

Alyson followed, her face serious. She sat down next to Ty and placed a comforting hand on the rock star's back, rubbing it gently. She felt sorry for the kid. He had had such a difficult life, and now the girl he loved was dying.

----

Chase brightened instantly. "Great!" he said. "How about Saturday?" He grinned faintly, thinking maybe the day had not been such a waste after all.

P.S."Brooklyn!"

Restart

The waiting room was the last place Nate wanted to be in. This is where he found out about Dotty's condition, his whole world fell apart after that. Standing in the middle of the hallway, he glanced back at the ICU's doors, suddenly struck with the oddity that that door was the only thing that separated him from life and death. He didn't know which side he rather be on, but just anywhere away from this room.

This desire to get away set him on a search, so he turned away and started to roam. He got the look of warning from security to keep away from the intensive care unit, so he went down the wing opposite. As he walked his mind began to think clearly, and he remembered that the Withers needed to be informed about Dotty.

He would find it hard to believe that they hadn't heard about it on the news, but the Withers didn't know the extent of the damage. He was surprised, now that he started to think about it, that they weren't here now. Digging out his cell phone he tried to get Mrs. Withers on the phone, knowing she should be at work still.

~~~~~~

"That's fine," Mary Jane agreed with a nod. She couldn't think of any plans they had, and knowing John Luke he would be thrilled to have Layla stay with him. He was always happy when she came over.

"Oh, would your brother and Layla mind?" she asked, suddenly aware that he did have to refer to his older siblings. "I don't want to intrude on anything."

A (Slightly) Less Normal Life

Ana raised a scornful eyebrow and said with withering sarcasm," First of all, being a Sith is not a crime. If these people have actually done something illegal on Dittotopia (which I seriously doubt), then they can be arrested by the Ditto Town police force. Same goes for if they've done something illegal on one of the worlds we're allied with. Second, you are not the All nor are you Ditto Town's super-special guardians. You are not above the law and even if you were members of the Jedi Council, you would not have the authority to harass and threaten private citizens as you see fit. And third, I'm a frakking Jedi Master and if you tell me to get out of your way again, I will kick your shebs so bad you'll wish you'd never made it past Padawan. Are we clear here?"

A (Slightly) Less Normal Life

Galvan looked sternly at Jakov and the others for a long moment.

"I'm sorry, but there's nothing we can do for any of you. Outsiders are prohibited from being here by Metru law. I'm afraid you'll have to leave immediately."

"Hey, no worries," Solarflare said nonchalantly. "But I'm sick of carrying passengers... maybe they can take that ARC-170 with very Delantrim markings that's sitting on the next pad there." He glanced at the aforementioned ship and back at Galvan with a smirk.

"Outsiders are prohibited, huh?" he said snarkily.

Galvan closed his eyes and growled softly. His monkey-lizard cackled hysterically, nearly falling off his owner's shoulder.

"Fine," the Lord Overseer said. "Captain, escort the humans to the waiting room outside my office. Keep the Autobot here under guard. Make sure he doesn't blow anything else up." He turned on his heel and briskly got back into his hover limo. The security captain spoke into his comlink to summon a speeder, while the rest of his men lowered their weapons. Solarflare flashed Chase and the others a wide grin.

"Welcome to Ditto Metru, enjoy your stay," he said in that annoying cadence used by flight attendants.

A Funny Thing Happened
I raised my hand.

"I'm a little lost since I got here late, but I'm sticking with you guys," I said with a quick smile. I sidled up next to Ryan and spoke quickly in a low voice so the characters wouldn't hear (forgetting about Elves' keen hearing) , "But if we could wait for just a moment, I have a feeling someone's going to show up and join us, right about.... now."

I looked expectantly at the door, fully expecting the Writer Me to have one of my characters conveniently show up and tag along. But of course, me having perfect timing was too much to ask for, and no one walked through the door. I felt my cheeks flush in embarrassment.

"Well, that's awkward," I said quickly, and avoided looking at anyone. Of course, since Writer Me has a sick sense of humor, that was when one of my characters entered the store. I looked back to see a young girl, in her early teens, with flaming red hair. My eyes got big when I saw her, because she was definitely not the character I was expecting.

"Oh snap, what's she doing here?" I muttered. The answer came with the man that entered behind the girl. He was my height, and looked somewhat like a decade older version of myself. He was dressed in a Jedi-esque cloak and tunic ensemble, and had a little device strapped to his gloved right wrist. The man looked around and his eyes met mine. As soon as they did, they grew about as wide as mine were, though the emotion reflected behind them was more hostile then I would have liked.

"You!" Zacce Nalum exclaimed.

(Slightly) Less
"You know that I have always made sith my business” Matthew turned on his heel and stormed out of the bridge. As they were walking towards the ramp Kale said "They were hiding something Master"
"Of course they were, sith are always hiding something" he radioed Scrappy "Stay on board and search their computers, I want a full analyses alright?” The droid beeped back through the radio “yes sir”

“You just got yourself in big trouble, Matthew” said Kale, Matthew shrugged “It won’t be the first time”
“What do you think they’ll do?”
“I don’t know”

A Funny Thing
"NO WAY!" I yelled like a little boy who had gotten his first train set... Even though I was a little boy and I would still yell if I got a train set on christmas, I started hyperventalating "Z-Z- Zacce Nalume!"

((Why do things always happen when I'm gone? ))

Funny Thing

I nodded. After all, what could be so dangerous about teleporting to an elvish city? I mean, I would have preferred riding, but as long as the magician was reasonably talented...

I edged behind a bookcase when the Jedi came in. I didn't really know who he was, but I figured it best to stay clear of angry Jedi, anyway. Particularly if this was one of those times and/or places where Jedi have ridiculously good powers.

A Funny Thing Happened

It was a typical Monday for me: got up after sleeping a little too late, got dressed and then got on the laptop in the din before hitting the books for the day. After opening up Safari, I typed in the NarniaWeb URL and waited for the front page to appear. For some strange reason, the internet was taking a long time this morning. Was a storm coming up? No, the weather forecast was sunny for today and..... my thoughts were interrupted by a strange, low hum coming from the laptop. The screen had gone black and there was a weird, swirling white light in the middle that was growing bigger.

"I'm daydreaming, right?" I thought just as was pushed? pulled? into the swirling vortex on the screen. I'm still not too clear about what happened next since it all went by so fast, but I do remember landing in a dark room with what appeared to be a bunch of cables and wires everywhere. The only light in the room came from the far right hand side. At least, I think it was on the right side.... Anyway, I made my way over to the light, all the time thinking this better not be like Poltergeist. Before I could walk through the light, I tripped. Must have been one of those cables or something, anyway, I fell out of the dark room into.... a Town Square?

Standing up and dusting myself off, I looked around my new surroundings. The place seemed nice enough, very quaint and.... familiar somehow. I walked over to the fountain in the middle of the Square and noticed a platypus swimming in the water. "Oh boy.... am I really where I think I am?" I wondered aloud. Looking around I saw "the Cup & Platter", the Town Hall and a sign saying "Welcome to Ditto Town."

"I'm in.... Ditto Town." I said as I sat down at the fountain.

A Funny Thing Happened

I had caught my breath instinctively when Zack told me someone would be coming in. But when nothing happened I let it out slowly, puzzled and slightly amused. I was just about to say something snarky, when the door burst open and a girl with flaming red hair came in, followed by Zacce. I jumped about ten feet in air when he bellowed at Zack.

"Uh-oh," I muttered, knowing this would not be good. Zacce had been there when the other RP characters had come to life. So he probably knew exactly what was going on . . . more or less. "Should I explain?" I asked Zack, not wanting him to get into any trouble.

----

A (Slightly) Less Normal Life

Jakov stepped forward slightly to address the Lord Overseer. "I'm looking for Maria Sanchez," he stated imperiously. "I was told she lives here. I would like an address." He paused and then added, "please." In a way that suggested he was not that familiar with the word.

----

Jones put away his blaster as the annoying Jedi left. But that still left this Jedi Master . . . who, although had just saved him from the worst headache in the history of Ditto Town, was also a Jedi. He ran a hand over his bald head.

"Thanks for the help," he muttered. "But I'm afraid I can't tolerate any Jedi on this ship. So . . . when I come back you'd better be gone."

He strode away back into the bridge, shutting the door behind him.

Caeden looked up from his spot on the floor where he was still trying to locate the screws. The small black bolts were eluding him in the dim light, blending in perfectly with the dark metal of the floor.

"Yeah, thanks ma'am," he said with a crooked smile. "I was about to start busting heads myself. I'm just glad Jones was here to see that the Jedi girl tore up the ship and it wasn't my fault or anything stupid like that." He rolled his eyes. "Because of course I get blamed whenever something's missing around here."

P.S."Brooklyn!"

A Funny Thing Happened

After a few minutes to collect my thoughts, I decided to go ahead and look around the town. Might as well since I appear to be stuck here I thought as I made my way over to the bookstore. "A bookstore should have a map, maybe even a book of the history of Ditto Town... Ditto Universe or whatever this place is called." Talking or "muttering" to myself was always something Mom would get onto me about, though it didn't seem to matter in the present situation.

Finally arriving at the book store, I stepped inside and nearly ran into a Jedi. A Jedi? Aren't they suppose to be in George Lucas's stories? I peered over the shoulder of the male Jedi and noticed a group of people that did not seem to be a part of the normal inhabitants of this place.

"Wait a second.... Ryan? Booky? You guys are here too?"

A Funny Thing Happened

"Look, can we please wait to explain and beat each other up and fight until we're someplace where we can start getting out of this mess?" I hastily said, not sure what Zacce would do, but trying to intervene anyway. "Besides, if you two do have a little something to...uh, discuss, I kinda think Cordelia would prefer that it happen someplace NOT near the books."

I nearly screamed as PrinceCor appeared, and decided that I'd fade into the background with the elves. Silvren wiggled out of my arms and walked over to stare at PC.

"Are you from Amë's pla--" Silvren stopped short as her mother's hand clamped firmly over her mouth.

"Not...one...word," Arin hissed in the tot's ear. "That was the deal that let you come, remember?"

Silvren nodded as her mother slowly let go and straightened up.

"Good mortereve, stranger," Arin said, smiling.

A Funny Thing
I said "Cor?? This is really getting out of hand, we need to get back on Narniaweb, pm Tirian and tell him to shut down the site or something till we get this figured out!" I muttered knowing full well that no one was listening... Knowing me- err my other self I would get us all killed or something.

A Funny Thing Happened

I turned sharply to look at Joe. "It's not NarniaWeb," I said firmly. "That's just ridiculous. It was a vortex coming out of our computer from . . . somewhere." I realized now we were all talking too much.

"Argh, we need to stop this before everyone knows who we are. And trust me, if word gets back to Le Loup Noir that we are here, things are going to get very, very ugly."

P.S."Brooklyn!"