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“Train to nowhere! Train to nowhere! At least you’re there~!

“Come on, Lake!” Jesse said, urging his chrome sister-esque friend to join in with his annoying singing. Jesse Cosay decided to go to an old place he went to when he was younger with his best friend, Lake Olsen. The two of them were Travel-Friends! Adventurers wherever they go, at least that’s what Jesse says whenever they travel. Lake was getting used to living with the Cosays ever since exiting the train, and the two of them decided to go on constant adventures together.
“If I sing, will you keep your eyes on the road?” Lake had asked him, before they hit a small pot hole. “D-ah…uh…Yeah, fair point.” Jesse said, nervously smiling, before calming down. The next song started to play after a little bit, Lake tried to mutter her singing.

“I remember…

I remember certain things…

What I was wearing…

The yellow dashes in the street…

I prayed those lights would take me home.

Then I heard “HEY KID, GET OUTTA THE ROAD!””

“I don’t wanna be here, I don’t wanna be here.” Lake said, smiling while singing along with the song. “That line’s something I can agree on. How far is this park, Jesse?” She asked, becoming a bit bored.

“We’re coming up at the gate now, so about 5 more minutes, give or take. Excited~?” Jesse asked, in a sing-songy manner. Lake smirked and rolled her eyes, “I would be if I knew anything about this “Indigo Park”.” Lake said.

“Okay, okay. Let me tell you a tale…” Jesse said in a scary storyteller voice. “Jesse, come on, not the voices…” Lake said, cringing and feeling embarrassed. “I think hanging out with those theater kids is influencing you.”

“All right, all right. So, long story short, this place used to be huge! I’m talking EARLY DISNEYLAND HUGE!” Jesse explained, Lake nodded, “Oh, if that’s the case, why’d it close?” She asked her friend.

“No one knows…” Jesse said, in his spooky voice. “Jesse.” Lake said, firmly. “Right, no spooky voices, sorry!” Jesse explained, seeing an opened gate. “Seriously, though. They never figured out why the park closed, no police records, news reports, absolute zilch. I just hope it wasn’t anything TOO crazy, I wanted to take Nate he when we were little.” Jesse said, pulling into a parking lot. “Okay, we’re here! Come on, let’s get our stuff.” Lake said, getting out of the car.

“Camera, cheeeck.” Jesse said, grabbing a camera and flashlight. “Uh, Lake, you think maybe I should’ve brought a weapon?” He asked him, Lake just smirked, “You brought one. Or actually, I brought myself.” Lake said, noting that her metal exterior was more than enough self defense for the both of them. Jesse pretended to think long and hard about, “Well, people DO bruise easy when they hit you…” Jesse said, Lake rolled her eyes, “Yeah, like how YOU bruise easy.” She flicked her finger to Jesse’s forehead. “Ow! Hey, come on!” Jesse said. “And here’s our food, too.” Lake had pulled out a bag filled with refrigerated and contained food, “You got the goods, right?” Jesse smirked, “Yes…” Lake said, now annoyed. “Come on, you know I wanna hear ya say it…”

Lake rolled her eyes, “Travel Friends!

Return of friends to the very end!~” Jesse sang, Lake just laughed, “Travel-Friends. We have no rhythm with this song and it still sounds super super dumb.” Lake sang, “Brought together by the majesty of a super-powered deer!” Jesse sang. Lake and Jesse jumped over a fence.

“How DO you think Alan Dracula is doing, by the way?” Lake asked, picking up a bag. “I dunno. I’d love to see him. You think he has inter-dimensional warpy-powers?” Jesse asked.

“Doubt it, besides, he wouldn’t come see us first, he’d be traveling all around the world, looking for the best grass to eat.” Lake said, Jesse and she laughed at that.

The two ex-Passengers looked on and saw it. Indigo Park, where their next adventure would begin. A large gray door stood in front of the entrance, with the logo sign sitting on top of it. There were a few streetlights that had stopped working in the past 8 years.

“Okay, first selfie by the door?” Jesse asked, deciding to commemorate this moment. “Uh…you do you, man. I’m gonna see if we can…” Lake heard the camera go off. “I’m in one again, aren’t I?” Lake said, believing this to be the third time she was in a picture without her say-so.

“Yup, and it’s backed up to the cloud, so good luck trying to delete it!” Jesse said, smirking. “Next time, at least wait until I’m out of the shot…” Lake said, looking on, “Hey, who are these little guys?” She asked, picking up a few plushies. “Oh! I remember this guy! This is Finley the Sea Serpent.” Jesse said, happily. “He was always my favorite! I didn’t think this guy would be in such a good condition.” Jesse looked at the plush, Lake smiled and looked around, she picked up a toy of a lion looking mascot by the door. “Lake, pick up anything in mint condition, we can take it home, later.” Jesse said, Lake nodding, believing that maybe they could sell some of the stuff online later.

“I…I don’t see any way we can get in through here…” Lake shone her light, before turning to her right. She could see a streetlight on right next to a door, bright in the nighttime darkness. “That’s…weird, that shouldn’t be working…” Lake said, Jesse following up next to her. “Over here…I bet this room has something.” Lake said, seeing a camera light that was still working. “Yeah, this is weird, right?” Lake said, “Yeah, but I think we’ve dealt with weirder. Besides, you’re a metal powerhouse! We can handle it!” Jesse said, raising a fist, excitedly.

Lake looked at the camera, believing it to be suspicious. “Okay, stay sharp.” Lake said. When they got closer, they could see the door was opening up, it startled the two of them. “H-Hello?” Jesse asked, looking from behind Lake. “You got that pipe we brought, right?” Lake asked, Jesse nodded, grabbing the pipe out of his bag.

“Hello, if anyone is in here?” Lake called out, keeping her guard up in the room, the room was dirtied, with mixes of debris, dust, rust and overtaken by spiderwebs. The two Travel-Friends walked in. “Hi there, and welcome to Indigo Park!” They heard an automatic voice say and they were startled by a digital screen go up on a tv screen. “The world’s most innovative and fun family experience! Jump into a world of your favorite cast of characters an-an-and-and…” the voice revealed an anthropomorphic purple raccoon with a red scarf, he had glitched out his message before speaking again. “Wait! You’re our first guests in…2920 days, 4 hours, 23 minutes, and 38 seconds! Congratulations!” The raccoon said, reading the days like an actual computer. “I’m Rambley! Rambley The Raccoon! And it’s my job to make sure your experience at the park is the most fun it can be-e—“ the raccoon glitched a little, before moving to what Lake would assume was the next part of a video message. “Head on over to the registration center—to your left!” Rambley said, realizing he was directing them to the incorrect side and corrected himself, then encouraging that someone would get them set up. “Whoaaa-hoho! Lake, we both saw the adorable raccoon on the screen, right?” Jesse asked. “Yeah, but how? This place got shut down 8 years ago, right?” Lake asked, “Maybe someone’s been here, too? Maybe a knowledgeable electrical worker…” Jesse said, a little dumbfounded.

“Why don’t we call Tulip? She might love to see this.” Jesse suggested, “Maybe, but we can do that later. Should we do what the trash panda’s telling us?” Lake said, keeping a good grip on the metal pipe. “It’s times like these we need Alan Dracula.” Jesse said, “Okay, uh…let’s see if we can access anything from the computer.” Lake said, remembering some knowledge from coding.

“Hi, I’m Rambley! Rambley the Raccoon, and it’s my job to—“ Rambley showed up once again on the screen, “—Registered! Lemme just get good look ‘atchu!” Rambley made a funny face looking at the two, Jesse just giggled slightly, “That’s adorable.” Jesse said, while Lake remained on guard. “Hmm…your facial data doesn’t match anyone on our guest database.” Rambley explained, before smirking, “Is this your first day at the park? Or maybe you two kiddos grew up big and strong!” Rambley said, excitedly. “No worries! It’s “Rambley Tuesday”, so you get a BIG discount on your visit!” Rambley said, then encouraging them to head to the gate! “Ooh, I can’t wait for you two to see everything Indigo Park has to offer!” Rambley seemed super excited before he disappeared.

“Should…we tell him it’s Saturday?” Jesse asked, “How much of him is sentient and how much of it is just strings?” Lake asked, “Ugh, computer nerd talk.” Lake said, annoyed that she has most of Tulip’s coding memories and knowledge.

“Maybe we can talk to him later? I dunno, let’s see if the door will open.” Jesse said, the two of them walking out to see the gate was still shut. “What’s the holdup, kids? The gate is open! Head on into the entryway!” Rambley said, appearing at a screen near the gate.

“Hmm…Hold on. My mistake, the Gate is NOT open.” Rambley said, realizing he got too ahead of himself. The AI-Raccoon’s eyes had turned teal green for a moment. “Uh…okay, is there any other way we can get in?” Lake asked, not letting go of her pipe. “I’m sorry, miss, while we have entrances, they are for staff only. Since you two are customers, this is the only allowed way in.” Rambley said, trying to figure out what the problem is. “Hmm…There seems to be an error message being sent from the gate’s power unit…Lucky you! You kids get to be the first people on our “Turn On the Generator Mini-Rambley-Venture! Have fun!” Rambley encouraged an adventure, “Oh, and be careful, too!” Rambley then said, before disappearing.

“So, we go for it or do we bail?” Lake asked, “I say we go for it. Like you said, we should be fine. Besides, I’m pretty sure we could grab a few more pieces of merch before heading back to the hotel.” Jesse said, “But I know the rules, we don’t do anything until we both decide.” Jesse said, letting Lake speak her mind. “I mean, it’s still sketchy…And right now, that Rambles guy reminds me of that Marcel guy from that Map Car…” Lake said, looking at the park, “We’ll go in, and if someone is trying to trick us, we leave.” Lake said, folding her arms.

“Good call, then. Let’s find the generator, then.” Jesse said, shining his flashlights at the gate, “Hmm…Let’s see where this cord leads.” Jesse said, following an electrical cord coming from the main gate. “How does that raccoon expect us to turn on the generator?” Lake asked, “Not sure. You mind handing me that pipe?” Jesse asked. “Yeah, good call.” Lake handed her friend the metal pipe to defend himself.

They walked back into the room with the broken computer and found something was opened now. “That must be where the generator is.” Jesse said, understanding that the generator wasn’t in the original room.

They looked in the small room at more damage and things lying around. Jesse had picked up a gear and looked through the hole. Lake looked at the little generator as Rambley explained what to do. “Here, let me see that gear.” Lake held her hand out and Jesse handed her the gear. She put it in and watched the gears spin together in circuit harmony. “Awesome! We got it!” Jesse said, “Let’s not celebrate just yet. We’re not outta the woods just yet.” Lake said.

“Lake, we ARE in the—“ Jesse tried to clarify, “You know what I mean.” Lake said, smirking. The two Travel-Friends walked back to the main gate, together.

“Okay, for real this time. Welcome to Indigo Park!” Rambley had said, welcoming the two guests to the park. Once inside, Lake and Jesse looked around. Weeds had overtaken the entrance and it was clear it hadn’t seen visitors in the 8 years it’s been closed. Lights had still shone through the night, and Lake found that completely odd.

“This can’t all be powered by one generator.” Lake had said, before looking at the nearby faded out art of Rambley. “Lake, come check these out!” Jesse said, looking at a few toys from a window. “Okay, Indigo-Nerd, who are the other two?” Lake asked.

“Hmm…Well, as the Indigo-Nerd…” Jesse said, putting his hand to his chin. Lake sighed, realizing she gave her best friend a power trip. “I think their names are Lloyd The Lion aaaaaand…Oh! Mollie Macaw!” Jesse had explained, “Short story, one’s an actor, and the other’s a pilot.” Lake nodded, “I at least know why you hang out with the theater kids now.” She said, looking at the glass.

“So, what’re we doing? We gonna break the window and get the toys?” Lake asked. “N-No! Don’t do that! I-I don’t want Rambley asking us to leave for property damage.” Jesse said, “Jesse, he’s a computer program. And besides, the park’s been closed for years, like you said.”Lake said, “I know, but still…why cause damage when we have to be careful?” Jesse asked.

Lake brushed her head, “Um…I guess I DID suggest we be careful. Rambles could have access to the police or something. Wouldn’t wanna get in trouble for that. Yeah, let’s look around a little more.” Lake said. “Here, let’s take a selfie.” Jesse said, pulling out his phone and walking to the window. “Oh yeah, you gotta take one of this!” Lake said, smiling and folding her arms. Jesse did a ridiculous pose before he took the picture. “Man, can I tell you how great it is to finally take picture with you?” Jesse said, “Heh…Yeah, I guess it is.” Lake smiled at that. “Just make sure you don’t take any of me without permission.” Lake asked. “You got it, my bestest Travel-Friend.” Jesse winked at her, happily.

Lake looked over and saw there was a Mollie Macaw plush sitting on a bench nearby. “Tell me it rained here more than once, right? Mollie’s a real survivor if it has.” Lake said, putting up the plush
and into her backpack.

The two then were about to walk in, when Rambley showed up on another screen. “Oh, Silly Rambley! Every guest needs a Critter Cuff. That will allow you access to reserved areas, charge payments to your rooms and wear a Critter Cuff!” Rambley explained, “I think there’s some in the gift shop. Kids, head in there and I’ll get you both set up!” Rambley said, excitedly gesturing to the nearby gift shop. It was called the “Critter Corner.”

“Oh, good! He’s letting us into the gift shop! What better place to find some good souvenirs?” Jesse asked. “You REALLY care a lot about those items and stuff, Jesse.” Lake said, smirking. “But you’re right. Maybe we can get Nate something while we’re there.” Lake then looked into the room, “But remember to keep on guard.” Lake said.

“I gotchu!” Jesse said, keeping a grip on his pipe, “This brings me back a little. That talking water wanted to sell you a metal pipe and he called it—“

“A Donut-Holer.” Lake said, “Yeah, but Tulip already has one, and I’m not keeping one after this, so.” Lake said, walking into the gift shop with her best friend.

They looked around at all the toys, accessories and clothes they displayed for sale. This was clearly once a thriving part of the park. “Here you go, kiddos! You both now your very own Critter Cuffs!” Rambley had explained to them, as two little white & indigo colored arm bands had been placed within reach for the two ex-passengers. Jesse put his on and handed the other to Lake. Lake had it in her hand and remembered all the times she looked at her hand for a Number. This was definitely not like those times. “So, Rambley…” Lake asked, “Oh? Did you have a question, buddy? Ask away!” Rambley said, “How do these work exactly?” Lake asked, a little skeptical.

“Well, it’s a new way to interact with the park, and it doubles as a pedometer, heart monitor, and mood ring!(Data disclosure agreement included)” Rambley said, adding a line that sounded more robotic and monotonous. “Here, at the very least, we need to test if they can unlock your doors. Head near the exit door and we’ll test it.” Rambley encouraged them, and the two had gone to the exit. The door locked on them, “Uh oh! The door MYSTERIOUSLY locked!” Rambley said, giving innocent looking eyes. “Why not test out your bands and save the day?” Rambley asked.

“I’ll go first.” Jesse said, putting his Critter Cuff up against little device that was near the door. “Nice job, um…P-Pardon me for asking, but I don’t know your name yet…” Rambley had said, grabbing his tail, awkwardly.

Jesse looked unsure of what to say, he looked to Lake and she just nodded her head, her way of telling him what HE wanted to do. “I-I’m Jesse.” Jesse told the AI-Raccoon. “Jesse…Wait a second! I recognize you! Hold on…” Rambley’s expression had become blank for a moment, before returning to normal. Rambley’s eyes lit up! “It’s Jesse Cosay, right?!” Rambley asked, cheerfully, “U-Uh…Yeah, how’d…how’d you know?” Jesse asked, a little worried. “Your parents and you were registered as guests here, Silly! I remember you asked me about Oceanic Odyssey and told me Finley was your favorite character! I’m happy to see you back at the park and look at you! You’re so big!” Rambley said, eyes lighting up happily, “Where has the time gone…We’ll talk a little, later! Let’s hurry!”

Rambley said, before the door shut once again. “The door locked AGAIN? How did THAT happen? So mysterious…” Rambley said, making Jesse chuckle a bit. Lake just sighed at this and tried her Critter Cuff before Rambley could say another word.

“Hooray! Great work, buddy!” Rambley said, “Hmm…I’m sorry. I wish I recognized you. Can I ask for YOUR name, Miss?”

Lake straightened up the Critter Cuff, “I’m Lake. I’m new to this place.” She said, ““Lake”…Wow, that’s a cool name! I’m super happy to meet you, Lake! Any friend of Jesse’s is a friend’o mine!” Rambley said, “Anyways, now you two can try entering the park, and we can start our Indigo Adventure!” Rambley explained, before disappearing from the screen again.

“Even the raccoon thinks your name is cool!” Jesse had said, smiling. “Well, I guess whoever designed him was great at names, then.” Lake said, walking outside.

“Y’heard what he said, right?” Jesse asked, “About the adventure? Yeah, I heard. Come on, we still got a few things to explore, right?” Lake said, walking ahead and waiting for Jesse at the next entrance near the statue.

Jesse and Lake were back with a brand new adventure to explore.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Jesse and Lake walked past the walkway and looked at the statue near them. “So…who’s that?” Lake asked. “Uh…Oh!” Jesse snapped his fingers, “Isaac Indigo! The guys who made this whole park possible!” Lake just chuckled, “Sounds like the name of a villain in a superhero movie.” Lake said.

“Is it because he has two Is as his initials? Haha, I can just imagine it now! A villain on the rise, taking down a nearby city. Isaac Indigo must be stopped by none other than…Alan Dracula!” Jesse said, “Hahahah! Ok, and his trusty sidekicks, Freestyle and Gambit!” Lake joked along with him, “Is MY name Freestyle?” Jesse asked, “What? Do you not like it—“ Lake was interrupted and she hearing a buzz on her phone. “Oh, uh…Tulip’s calling.” Lake said, pulling out her phone for a FaceTime. Tulip Olsen was wide awake on her phone with her hair put down, wearing a Chicken Choice Judy night shirt. She straightened her glasses out.

“Tulip! Tulip The Techie!” Jesse said, cheerfully. “Hi, Jesse. Hi, Lake. So, what’s so important you try to call me at my version of YOUR time-zone’s midnight?” She asked. “We just wanted to tell ya that we made it to that park I told you two about.” Jesse explained. “Jesse figured that since there is an AI Raccoon here, you’d love to see it.” Tulip rolled her eyes, “Jess, I keep telling you just because I’m into programming doesn’t mean I’m into artificial intelligence.” Tulip said, “I know, but since it’s been fun to talk to you about this, I figured you’d wanna see Rambley anyway!” Jesse said, looking at the statue of Rambley.

Lake looked on at the statue of Isaac Indigo and it looked like it was moving to match her movement. “That’s creepy…” Lake thought to herself, wondering if this was just her imagination or not.

“We’ll be heading through the tunnel in a minute.” Jesse explained, “Lake, what’s the matter? Wondering how he would lose the superhero fight?” Jesse asked. “The what?”Tulip asked, “What-No. It’s nothing, let’s go to the tunnel.” Lake said, walking ahead before looking back at the statue once again.

“That statue you’re looking at looks like you’re at Disneyland.” Tulip called out, “Heard that before. Is the pose really like that?”

“Wasn’t this whole trip YOUR idea, Park-Expert?” Tulip asked, smirking. “I’m an Indigo-Nerd, not a “Park-Expert”, Tulip.” Jesse clarified.

(Later)

Jesse and Lake walked through the little tunnel, looking at all the old stuff. A lot of the stuff was untouched, but there was plenty of trash lined up. They heard Tulip typing on the computer, “What are you doing?” Lake asked. “Looking up the park you guys are at.” She explained to them, “Ok, I have the basic info…Awww, this guy’s adorable.” Tulip said, scrolling through the stuff. “I’m starting to think I should’ve gone with you. We could’ve all met up this year…” Tulip said, “No, Tulip, you have your classes to focus on. I think you need to focus on—“ Lake was interrupted by the sound of something cracking.

Jesse then saw some parts of the tunnel were breaking. “I think WE need to focus on getting past this tunnel, come on!” Jesse said, grabbing Lake’s arm and running toward the exit into the park! “Guys, what’s going on?!” Tulip asked, worried from the phone. “Tunnel! Cave-In! Running!” Lake said, rushing through the explanation.

Jesse and Lake stopped when they saw that it was slowing down until the cave in had finished. “I-I…I saw what just happened, are you kids okay?!” Rambley had appeared on a screen, grabbing his ears in cartoon panic.

“Y-Yeah, we’re fine!” Jesse said, catching his breath. “Th-Thanks, Jesse…” Lake had said, huffing.

“P-Pardon that, kids. It looks like the park may be going through some…renovations.” Rambley had said, his worried face reluctantly replaced with another innocent look. “It MAY be?” Tulip had asked from the phone.

“Rambley, is there another way out of here?” Jesse asked. “Of course there is! There-there-there’s no need to panic, Jesse!” Rambley said, smiling and raising his hand. “Here. For the inconvenience, your Rambley Tuesday Discount will be…(Free)...PERCENT OFF!” Rambley glitched and his eyes had glowed that green color again, before waving his hands around like an excited toddler.

“Why not celebrate this great deal with a ride on my railroad?” Rambley suggested. “Hm…Wanna keep going, Lake?” Jesse asked, making sure she was up for it. Jesse wasn’t going to be selfish if Lake wanted to turn back.

Lake dusted herself off. “Yeah, we may as well. We’ll find a different way out on the way.” Lake said, looking at Rambley. “You better not be leading us into any traps.” Lake had threatened, which baffled Rambley. “Traps? Me? Lake, the only traps I lead guests to are tourist traps. Trust me, I’ll be here to help you out!” Rambley said, “So, if we’re all well and good. I’ll test your sleuthing skills to find this ride all by yourself!” Rambley folded his arms and then disappeared from the screen.

Jesse brushed the dust out of his hair, “Sleuthing skills, uh…Tulip! You’re good with mystery solving, right?” He asked. “I mean, I guess. But you don’t need MY help to find a train ride. Anyways, I’ll be looking into why the park closed. If you need me to head over there, let me know.” Tulip said.

“How fast can you catch a flight down here?” Lake asked. “Anyways, let’s look around for the ride. Maybe we’ll find more merch.” Jesse said, lifting up his backpack.

“Is the merch really what you’re caring about right now?” Tulip asked, “I am doing what I want right now and finding merch as an official Travel Friend is what I want.” Jesse said, smirking a little. Lake rolled her eyes, “All right then, Dr. Jones, let’s look around.” Lake said, placing a hand on her best friend’s shoulder. “Come on, I get to be a treasure hunter this one time…” Jesse said, looking around.

(Later)

Jesse had to go to the bathroom. Lake and Tulip had talked over the phone, “So, how are Mom and Dad?” Lake asked. “They’re doing okay. I mean, Mom’s been still working overnight shifts, but she’s been doing better. Dad got a new job to help pay for his apartment.” Tulip explained, “That’s good, at least. How’re you? Do you still pick your nose?” Lake asked, snippy. “I already told you I’m sorry, didn’t I? I’ve been doing good. I know you think my coding’s stupid, but I’ve been improving my pixel art as of late on the console.” Tulip explained.

Lake smiled towards her friend, “Yeah, I’m glad you’re doing okay, then. Me and Jesse visited Yellowstone National Park during last summer.” Lake explained, “Oh, that sounds cool! What’d you guys do?” Tulip asked. “I went to go check out the Crested Pool and Jesse wanted to go see Old Faithful, so it’s kind of just us looking around at stuff we wanted to see.” Lake said, “Jesse has pictures if you want me to send them.” Jesse then ran out, “I’m coming, I’m coming!” He said, holding out a small set of toys. “More toys?” Lake asked, “I know right? I even saw one in the toilet.” Jesse said. “Eww! You didn’t pick it up, did you?” Lake asked, disgusted.

“No! Of course not! Come on, let’s go see if we can find the railway.” Jesse said, “Tell me you guys had some sort of way to wash your hands if you needed to go to the bathroom?” Tulip asked. “He’s Jesse, but he’s not stupid.” Lake began to smile a little when she said that. “I thought being Jesse MEANT that he’s being stupid?” Tulip asked. “No it doesn’t. Anyways, let’s find that ride.”

(More later)

Jesse saw it. The entrance to Rambley’s Railway, it was in a pretty good condition for its 8 year abandonment. The cartoonish wooden floors and the pictures on the wall. “Did they used to make cartoons, too?” Lake asked, looking at the characters in the posters. “Yeah, they did. But it’s been a long time, so they’re probably on the Internet somewhere, now.” Jesse explained.

Lake looked on at the picture of Rambley, his pose looked like she saw it from somewhere else. “Looks like Lloyd stole the show here.” Jesse said, giggling at the picture next to him. “Who’s that skunk?” Tulip asked with what they showed of her. “Um…I’m not sure…” Jesse couldn’t remember what it was. “She doesn’t look like she’s friends with the trash panda.” Lake said, “I guess not everyone can be friends.” Jesse said, sadly. “Come on, let’s just keep going.”

Lake began to feel like something was off…she couldn’t describe the sense of dread she could feel. She shined her flashlight through the halls and stuff and she could’ve sworn she saw something by the corner of the hall. “Jesse, did you see that?” Lake asked. “The walls? The floors? The TVs? You’re gonna hafta be more specific.” Jesse said, Lake looked at the next corner they walked through and saw nothing. “Uh…Never mind.” She then said, reluctantly.

The next hall had more of the TV monitors that Jesse mentioned. “Well, now that you’re grown up Jesse, yours and Lake’s facial data suggests you may be a bit older than the target audience for this ride…” Rambley had a saddened look on his face as he said that. “But it’s one of my favorites!” Rambley said, excitedly. “Oh yeah, I remember that!” Jesse said, chuckling a little bit.
“Lake, do you wanna know why RAMBLEY the Raccoon loves RAMBLEY’s Railroad?” He asked the girl. “Uh…why?” Lake asked, a little awkwardly. “‘Cause I like trains.” Rambley said, blunt and chipper. Lake couldn’t help but chuckle at that, “Haha, okay that was a good one.”
“Someone should tell him trains are outdated.” Tulip said, jokingly. “Yeah, right. That’s why we showed up on one, right?” Lake asked, “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I’m curious about the train ride, now.” Tulip said.

Jesse was excited, “Now we’re SERIOUSLY back to our Travel-Friend roots, you know, Lake?” He asked. “He cares WAY too much about that.” Tulip said, straightening her glasses, “Eh, leave him be.” Lake said, walking ahead and ending up on the ride.

(Later)

Jesse and Lake got on the ride, “You take my phone, my arm’s getting tired.” Lake said, handing Jesse the phone to be on call with Tulip. “How? Do you even HAVE muscle strains?” Jesse asked, taking into accountability of Lake being an ex-reflection. “If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be telling you to hold it.” Lake said. “Fine, but I’m only holding it because I can’t trust you with phones, Ms. Phone-Crusher.” The boy said to his best friend, teasingly. “Hey, that’s not fair! Not my fault that Flec was trying to trick you.” Lake said. The two had realized that train was beginning to move.

“Haha, glad it can still work after all these years.” Jesse said, relaxing in his seat. “Look to your right.” Jesse instructed Lake to look there while he held Tulip’s phone in front of it. “Hi, welcome to Rambley’s Railroad! I’m Conductor Rambley!” Rambley had appeared on the screen nearby. The ride started with a small diorama of a western style booth, with little cacti cutouts moving around. Music played on the ride as well.

Rambley then glitched and appeared on the screen at the locomotive. “I can already hear all the things One-One could say here.” Tulip thought of how her friend would either be happy to have a conductor friend, or be upset and jealous of that idea.

The train kept going through until it reached a forest-like diorama. There, they saw the cutout of Mollie. “Oh look, it’s Mollie Macaw!” Rambley said, “It’s Mollie Macaw! The greatest pilot you ever saw.” She said. “Haha, you sure are, Moll! Why, you only crashed into six barns this week!” Tulip widened her eyes on the raccoon, “I’m not crashin’, Rambley! I’m barnstormin’!” She explained. “Like, raiding barns or something?” Lake asked. “Haha…What’s “barnstorming”?” Rambley then asked, curiously.

“It’s crashing, with style! I-It barely hurts at all!” Mollie said, trying to sound more positive. “Maybe she should fly to hospitals instead of barns.” Lake said, a little concerned about these characters, and she didn’t know why, but she felt like she was being watched. “Say, those young adventurers you’ve got along with you look like GREAT pilots! Why not try your hand at flying on my ride, Rooftop Races?” Mollie had asked, the promotion that she was supposed to speak up about, crystal clear. “(Admissions included with your Critter Cuffs.)” Rambley said, before the ride continued to the next ride.

Lake had noticed the music had changed a little. The melody was the same, but the instruments had changed to fit the next ride. Jesse looked happy when he saw the decorations of dancing bubbles and a cave. “My favorite!” Jesse said, excitedly.

“Oh Finley! Come on out and greet the people!” Rambley called out, and a cutout of the sea serpent came out. “hiiii, rambley…” he said, sounding very upset. “Aww, why are you sad, big guy?” Tulip asked.

“Oh, Finley…Why the long face…and body?” Rambley asked, “You’ve known me for 100 years, Rambley. I’m ALWAYS long because I’m always LONGING for a new seashell for my collection…” Finley explained. “Oh, I love seashells.” Lake said, “Oh, Finley. You should come out of YOUR shell!” Rambley encouraged. “Let him do what he wants.” Lake said, raising her hand up at the AI Raccoon. “How about YOU come into it instead? My ride, Oceanic Odyssey, will teach you all about the wonders down under the deep blue sea. It’s as blue as me…” Finley sighed. “We gotta see if it’s still here…” Jesse said, excitedly nostalgic. “I hope you’ll visit…I’m so lonely…” Finley said.

“(Oceanic Odyssey currently closed for repairs!)” Rambley clarified, robotically. “Aww, what?! Come on…” Jesse whined, with Lake patting his back.

The ride continued to another area, and the music instruments changed once again, before the train had stopped. Jesse and Lake looked on as Rambley’s screen had started glitching.

“Uh-oh…” Jesse said, “What happened?” Lake asked. “Tulip, you know how this works, right? Can you tell me what’s wrong?” Jesse asked. “I don’t know! I’m a game designer, not an electrician!” Tulip said.

Lake looked over and saw a cord that was near the train, it led into the back room of this diorama. “Hmm…” Lake got up, “Jesse, come on.” Lake said, “Huh? Lake, where are you going?” Jesse said, getting out of the train cars with her.

Lake looked over and tripped over something, she noticed that it was a cutout of the skunk they saw from earlier.

“Guess someone didn’t like her.” Jesse had said, now feeling unsettled. They had gone into the back room of the area, following the cord and then they passed by a animatronic of Mollie. She was saying random things and it scared Lake and Jesse to the point that they jumped, and Lake hit the machine in panic! “W-Whoa, calm down!” Jesse said, trying to calm his best friend. “S-Sorry, I…I couldn’t shake the feeling from before…” Lake said, “That thing you saw?” Jesse asked, worried. “Yeah, I…I…just feel like someone’s watching us.” Lake said, feeling a few chills. “Was someone else here?” Tulip asked. “We didn’t see anyone…I dunno.” Jesse thought about it, “Look, let’s get outta the ride first, I remember the cameras took pictures after people got off, we’ll look there.” Jesse said, “Okay, good thinking, if someone’s here stalking us, we need to keep our eyes open.” Lake said.

The two of them nodded and then walked into the back room.

“Ok, it’s not a generator this time, at least?” Lake asked, “We’re missing two gears this time. Let’s look around.”

“Wait, a generator?” Tulip asked. “Not important.” Lake explained, later finding a gear. “I got one!” Jesse said, putting a gear in the generator. Lake had out the one she picked up in as well and the generator seemed to work once again. “Okay, let’s go check the ride.” Jesse said, walking together with Lake.

They walked back outside the room and saw Rambley’s screen had stopped glitching, “Kids? Where you go? You silly kiddos, guests aren’t allowed in the back rooms of the sets.” Rambley said, chipper as usual, “Don’t worry. We’re almost done with the ride.” He said, happily. Now dancing once again to the music. Lake looked around the diorama again and noticed something she hoped wasn’t what she thought it was on the floor. “Tell me that’s just spilt dry paint.” Lake said, hoping it wasn’t blood that she saw. She wanted to puke at the idea, itself.

Lake and Jesse had sat back down in the car, “Can I trust you with the phone this time?” Jesse asked, Lake nodded and was given the phone for Tulip. “Keep your eyes peeled, guys.” Tulip warned, after hearing Lake’s idea that something was watching them.

The music had changed once again, now sounding less aquatic and more grandiose and dramatic. Theatrical, even.

Rambley had an annoyed look on his face, and sighed. “Hey there, Lloyd.” He said, the chipper attitude he had before had diminished.

“Uh…Rambley, why’re you—“ Lake looked confused.

“Do not SHAME me with that COMMON FOLK name!” Lake and Jesse looked at the next diorama, it was the cutout of Lloyd The Lion.

He was up front and center of the stage of an amphitheater, and cutouts were bouncing up and down like an adoring crowd.

“I am the PRRRRROUD, the PRRRRRESTIGIOUS, the PRRRRRRROFESSIONAL Lloydford L. Lion. Actor Extrrrrrrrodinaire.” Lake grumbled in annoyance.

“Never mind what I was going to say.” She said to the AI Raccoon.

“Great act, Lloyd...” Rambley had said, simply as the train kept moving.

Lloyd was not even finished with his speech as he continued to act as pompous as possible. Jesse looked back, “What was THAT about? They musta changed the speech last time I was here.” Jesse could’ve sworn the diorama played out differently than what happened now. “Jesse, did you guys see anything?” Tulip asked. “I didn’t see anything, but we’re coming up. We’ll see if something really IS following us.” Jesse explained.

(After the Train Ride)

Jesse had helped lift Lake out of her seat and they walked to an industrial door. Jesse used his Critter Cuff to open the door and Rambley welcomed them at the desk where customers would get photos.

Only some screens were on as Rambley was on, “Soooo, whaddya think? Pretty fun, right? Is it just as fun as last you were here, Jesse?” Rambley asked, the question seeming more personalized than expected. “Yeah, I guess it was fun to see your old crew, Rambles.” Jesse said, smiling. “I hope it was fun for you, Lake. Now you ALL about my friends…and Lloyd.” He said, bitterly at the mention of the lion.

“Eh, I wasn’t bored.” Lake had said, “Oh? Oh, I didn’t realize you were calling a friend, either! Hi, my name is Rambley! Rambley The Raccoon!” Rambley had said. “U-Uh…I-I’m Tulip.” Tulip said, awkwardly. “Nice to meet you, Tulip! I’m happy you’re here, even if you’re not actually here.” He said, chipper as ever!

“He’s…definitely sentient.” Jesse had muttered, confirming the mystery of that for his friends.

“Anyways, I guess time’s a wastin’ if I keep RAMBLING, so where did you guys wanna go?” Rambley asked, making a joke before he showed them the pictures of the ride.

Lake looked at the pictures and then saw each one of them. Most of them were angles of the train, “Th-There!” Lake said, pointing at the one picture that was different. They saw something in that picture.

It was a little blurry, but it wasn’t just something on the tracks. The figure looked bright yellow, primarily with hints of brown and blue on the silhouette’s edges. “What is that…?” Tulip asked, feeling a little pale, Lake’s fears were confirmed. “I-I’m not sure, I’ve never seen that.” Jesse said, “Come on, let’s head outside. Like you said, be ready for anything.” Jesse said, gripping his metal pipe once more. Lake had put her phone on a pocket to her backpack, “Can’t hold it in my hands forever.” Lake explained to Tulip. “I get it. Be careful, Lake.” She said, cautiously.

Lake nodded her head and joined Jesse outside the ride.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 3:

Jesse and Lake walked out. They were on guard in case something was watching them. They didn’t know what it was that could be watching them, but they’re on guard.

“You think it was an animal?” Jesse asked, “Uh…could be. It’s certainly not behaving like a person.” Lake spoke aloud, “If that’s the case, it could be waiting for us to lower our guard.” Lake said, “There wouldn’t happen to be a metal sign I can carry like a shield?” Jesse asked.

“Calm down, Jesse. Lake’s her own shield, if it comes after you, Lake’s already strong enough to knock it out.” Tulip explained to the two of them.

“Good thinking, Tulip. Lake, are you gonna be okay, though?” Jesse asked, still concerned for his friend’s feelings. Lake blew a raspberry, “Come on, I didn’t survive for months on the train with nothing to show.” Lake said, smirking confidently. “I’ll keep you safe, Jesse.” Lake said to her best friend.

Jesse smiled, “Hey guys! Over here!” They heard Rambley’s voice call out from a small monitor in the park. “I guess he has something to RAMBLE on about…” Jesse then giggled to Lake’s mild annoyance. Tulip was heard laughing on her phone a little bit, “Sorry, that was a good one!” Tulip apologized. Lake had sighed and walked over to the kiosk with Jesse.

“Great to see you, kiddos! This here’s an information kiosk! If there’s anything around the park you want to ask me about, just stop by here and I’ll RAMBLE on about it.” Rambley said to the two, Jesse and Tulip laughing a little bit.

“Guys, remember: not so loud.” Lake said, “S-Sorry, Lake…hahahaha…” Jesse then realized how well timed the pun ended up being.

“Ok, uh…Oh! I found a few toys by the entrance, would you mind telling us about ‘em?” Jesse thought about it. “Oh? Now I’m curious! What’s ya find? What’d ya find?” Rambley asked, acting like an excited toddler. Jesse moved his bag

“Let’s start with this one. My fav!” Jesse pulled out the plush of Finley, Lake rolled her eyes while smiling.

“Hey, you found my buddy Finley! You know, he’s really shy, like, TOO shy, like, OBNOXIOUSLY shy…” Lake sighed, “Not everyone can be as…boisterous as you, Rambles.” She said, folding her arms.

Rambley shrunk back at the response, feeling that he was put in the hot seat. “Well…I guess you’re right. The best part about Finley is that he’s got a good heart! I hope you get to meet him someday!” He then said, happily. “I’ve got some more, did you wanna see?” Jesse asked. “Yeah of course! Sounds like tons of fun!”
Rambley said.

“Lake, you wanna show something?” Jesse asked. “Sure. Rambley, can you tell me what this is?” Lake held up a small set of raccoon ears. “Oh, those are Rambley Ears! Those used to fly off the shelves!” Rambley explained, before looking at the pair Lake had, “That pair is pretty damaged, though…keep your eyes peeled, Lake. There’s GOTTA be at least one more mint condition set out there…like a yard sale!” He suggested.

Lake took a minute to giggle, “Where’d you get the broken set?” Tulip asked, “I found it in the room behind the skunk’s diorama.” Lake said, “The funniest thing about that is there were tons at the gift shop.” Jesse said, “I hope Nate’s gonna love the pair I got him!” Jesse said.

They continued to show a few more items to Rambley and the ai-raccoon continued to explain what they were. He claimed to know a commercial for a Rambley action figure by heart, and played the commercial for the toy.

Lake held up the plush of Rambley, “Congratulations! You found ME! Don’t I look adorable?” Rambley then asked, twinkling his eyes to make himself look MORE adorable. Jesse giggled at that expression. “Don’t try to make yourself look adorable, Rambles.” Lake said, smirking. Rambley giggled, “Hahaha…You’re funny, Lake! I’m glad Jesse made a friend of you!”he said. “I’m glad, too. Right, Lake?” Jesse asked, innocently. “Yeah…” Lake smiled before she pulled out the next thing.

“I’ve got a plush of Mollie.” Lake said, “Oh, a Mollie plush! She’s always been my best friend! Did you know she builds the planes in her Landing Pad at the park?!” Rambley explained, “And then she crashes them! She’s so talented!” He then said, “I dunno if I’d include the crashing part with being talented…” Lake said, squinting her eyes at that.

“Ok, Rambley, would you wanna explain why you—“ Jesse was pulling out the plush of the lion and Rambley had an annoyed look on his face. “Ew, Lloyd…” he said, before the screen went dark. “Sheesh, he REALLY hates this guy.” Jesse said, putting the plush away.

“I mean, I couldn’t get behind his ego…” Lake said. “Did he leave?” Tulip asked.

The screen went blue once again and Rambley had appeared. “Sorry ‘bout that, kids. That was rude of me. Anything else ya got?” He asked.

Jesse and Lake looked at their bags and found none else. “Nope…sorry, buddy.” Jesse said. “Oh, well I’m sure there’s plenty of stuff you could find around the park! Feel free to look around if you want to!” Rambley said, “Hmm…Y’know what? That might be a good idea.” Jesse said, Lake and Tulip looked at him. “Well, there’s that thing we saw in the pictures. Best to keep moving so we don’t stay in one spot too long.” Jesse said.

“Thing?” Rambley asked, unsure of what they were worried about. Jesse and Lake looked at him, unsure. “Um…we just thought we saw something earlier, Rambley.” Lake said, “We don’t know what it is, though.” Jesse explained. “Good idea, though. Besides, I know a certain Indigo-Nerd that probably wants to complete his collection and wants to find more junk.” Lake said, Jesse smiled and waved his fists in happiness.

“Okay, and if you guys find anything else, you can come back to the kiosk and talk to me about it.” Rambley looked to his side while he smiled.

“Please be careful, though. I don’t know much about what’s going on, but…I’m just asking you to.” Rambley said, worried for the two of them. “Hey, don’t be upset, Rambley. We’ve survived WAY worse!” Jesse reassured the ai-raccoon.

Rambley had a small smile on his face, “Okay, I’ll be right here, okay?” Rambley said, before the screen told him.

Lake and Jesse didn’t know of what to make of Rambley in this current situation. “Come on, let’s go look around.” Lake said, “We’ll figure out Rambles, later.”

(Meow…(Expecting something to happen?))

Lake and Jesse looked around the park. The buildings were made to look like a town square, lights were still on after all these years, tons of rubble was all over the ground. “Maybe it was…earthquakes that they had to shut down the park?” Jesse asked. “The buildings would be more messed up if this was an earthquake.” Tulip said over the phone.

“Rambley probably wouldn’t even BE operating right now, too.” Lake suggested, looking at the building. It read: “Café de Raton Laveur”, “We can look for stuff in here.” Lake said, seeing the door’s open. Jesse could see something he didn’t expect to see. “Oh, there’s a cat in here, too!” Jesse said, seeing a cat with brownish-yellow fur

The two of them walked into the cafe and saw a cat sitting on one of the tables. A Bird-Up can next to it. “Awww, look at you. Would you be mad if I put sunglasses on you?” He asked the cat. “Please don’t.” Lake said, annoyed. “Don’t name it “Dracula: The New 52”, either.” Tulip said, jokingly. Jesss laughed. “Let me see, I wanna see.”

Lake then took the phone out and then let Tulip see. “Aww, who’s the cutest little guy in the abandoned park…?” Tulip said. The cat meowed as Jesse pat its head. “You seem a lot more nice than The Cat.” The three of them laughed at that.

“Here, you probably need a snack.” Jesse pulled a small of cheese and gave it to the cat. The feline had taken a bite of the cheese, “Hahaha…Bet you haven’t found a good meal in this place.” Jesse said.

Lake looked at the food on the countertop of the cafe, it was all covered in mold.

Lake wretched in disgust, “Yeah, he definitely hasn’t…” Jesse continued to pat the cat, happily.

“Hey, I found something.” Lake then found a cup with Rambley’s head on it. “Oh, that’s cool! Thanks for helping us find it, Dracula: The New 52.” Jesse said, “Jesse!” Tulip and Lake got on him, but all he did was laugh. “I couldn’t help it! And let the record show, I didn’t name him that…” Jesse pointed to Lake’s phone. “That was all Tulip!” Lake just laughed along with him, “Okay, guys. That’s enough…” Tulip said.

(Later)

Lake and Jesse continued their search “How is Nate, by the way?” Tulip asked. “He’s doing great, I can’t believe my brother’s starting middle school…” Jesse said. “I can, it’s called “getting old”, Jesse.” Lake said, flicking his head. “Ow, come on!” Jesse tried to flick her back, “Ow!” Jesse held his finger. “You okay?” Lake asked. “I’m fine…” Jesse said, “Lake, you’re seriously lucky that you can’t feel physical pain like me or Jesse.”

“I’m pretty sure I can still get hurt. “Criminal”, remember?” Lake said, remembering the days she spent being chased by the Flecs. She then sighed, taking in a breath.

“Okay, so far we haven’t seen anything jump out at us, and it obviously couldn’t have been that cat…” Lake said. “Either way, I’ve got a pipe and my Best Travel Friend at the ready if we gotta fight.” Jesse encouraged, smiling and trying to assure them that they’ll be okay on whatever they face here. “Anyways, let’s sit for a sec. I bet our legs are tired…” Jesse walked toward the table and saw another collectible. “Oh my gosh, I was wondering if we were gonna find one of these!” Jesse said. Lake looked curious, “Find something rare?” She asked. Jesse held up a shiny gold plush variant of Rambley. “Meet the Golden Rambley plush! Back when I was little, I ask Mom and Dad for it, but then they said they were sold out at the park…” Jesse explained. “Oh, that’s another childhood dream down…” Jesse said, hugging the plush.

“It looks cool, can I see?” Lake asked, “Sure, but be careful with it. It’s vintage!” Jesse said, handing it to Lake.

Lake had looked at it, “So what? Was it just a cash grab?” Lake asked.

“What do you mean?” Jesse asked in return, “Items like that plush are normally strategies people use to get you to spend more money.” Tulip explained.

“Aww…well, I bet Rambley will have something to say about it, let’s go see him in a minute.” Jesse said.

(more later…)

They had gone back to the kiosk with not a thing in sight. Lake looked around and she hadn’t seen anything out of the ordinary. “Oh, you’re back! So, did you guys find anything new?” Rambley asked, in a thinking pose. “Yeah, we did! Lake found a cup!” Jesse explained, Lake holding it up.

Rambley lit up in excitement, “Ooo, that’s a Rambley Cup! Nothing beats the taste of fresh Rambleberry Juice drunk directly out of my plastic, lifeless head!” Rambley
explained. “Uhhh…” Jesse was unsure. “I genuinely don’t have a thing to say to that.” Lake said.
“Uh…here, Rambley. Look what I found!” Jesse said. Rambley looked on in amazement, “Wow, is that a gold limited edition Rambley Plush?!” He asked, “Parents were fighting tooth and nail for those things when they came out! Seriously, our employees had to clean up SO many stray teeth and nails.” Jesse let out a small “Yikes.” under his breath.
“Oh, like a Black-Friday war zone.” Tulip said, “Yup. Hard to believe that there was all this demand for a regular Rambley Plush we blasted with gold spray paint.” Rambley explained, “Had a feeling. Still, that’s pretty lazy.” Lake said, “I told you! Why do you think they made that “Gold Mario” Amiibo?” Tulip asked.

“Okay, okay. I get it. Still, it’d be worth a lot now, it’s been a long time.” Jesse said. “Anyways, I guess that’s it, then? Where do you wanna go now?” Jesse asked.

“I can make a few suggestions…There’s Lloyd’s Main Stage Theater and Mollie’s Landing Pad.” Rambley explained, “But since I can’t stand Lloyd, that leaves Mollie’s Landing Pad as a fun suggestion!”

Jesse was a little weirded out by Rambley’s hatred for the lion. “What do you wanna do, Jesse?” Lake asked. “I mean, I think our Cuffs let us in to the Landing Pad…We’ll check first.” Jesse said, “Yeah, let’s head to the Landing Pad first.” Lake nodded her head and put the stuff back in her bag.

“Okie-doke! I’ll meet you by the entrance to Mollie’s Landing Pad.” Rambley said, disappearing from the screen.

“All right! I think we can hide in there if we need to. There are tons of hiding spots in Mollie’s Landing Pad.” Jesse suggested, “Okay, we’ll see.” Lake looked around the Park Square before she and Jesse went to the next stop on their Indigo Adventure.
Rambley looked on at the two of them, and Tulip even though she was merely on the phone with them. Shame began to overtake the ai-raccoon, “Make this fun for them…They deserve it. But…” Rambley said to himself, quietly.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 4:

The Travel Friends had sat down and had their packed sandwiches. Tulip hand hung up while Lake had charged her phone’s battery with a power bank. “Did we bring water?” Jesse asked. “Right here.” Lake pulled out two water bottles and gave one to Jesse. “Thanks, Lake.” Jesse thanked his friend, taking the water bottle from her. “You don’t think Rambley’ll get mad we brought our own food?” Jesse asked.

“Not like there’s any other option.” Lake said, taking a bite of her sandwich. “Yeah, that’s true. Is…Is there anything we can do to get him out of here?” Jesse asked, “Get him out of here? Jesse, he’s a machine.” Lake said.

“Except we know he’s sentient, now. Come on, if that funny and gloomy conductor is capable of thought, Rambley could be too.” Jesse suggested, Lake turned to her side. This felt reminiscent of when Jesse returned to the train. Jesse was suggesting the same thing for Rambley.

“I don’t know, Jesse…Tulip studies coding, but we could be out of our league here. And say we DO get him out of here, does he just INVADE our phones and computers? Like what would we do with him?” Lake asked. Jesse pouted, “I know…still, it must’ve been pretty lonely for him.” Jesse said, realizing Rambley had been active for 8 years all alone.
Lake huffed and sighed. “He doesn’t even see that the park’s been closed for years.” Jesse said, but Lake doubted that idea, given the excuse he made back at the tunnel. She patted her friend, “We can ask if it’s possible, but no promises.” Lake suggested. Jesse smiled, “Yeah, he’d need more than a reflected number to get out of here.” Jesse said, taking a bite of his sandwich. “We’ll see.” Lake suggested, knowing that there wasn’t much they could if they wanted to free Rambley from the park. Jesse and Lake began to move away from serious topics, “Did you wanna set up a camp and roast marshmallows?” Jesse asked, Lake smiled, “Sorry, I didn’t pack any.” Lake apologized.

(After their snack break)

Lake had followed Jesse toward the way to Jetstream Junction. There was nothing further ahead that they could see, since there was rubble in front of the path. The building to Jetstream Junction looked like some sort of aircraft hangar. “Since the Ferris Wheel’s still working, you think the ride will?” Lake asked her friend. “We can only hope for right now. Planes probably beat a train right now.” Jesse said, “Well, look at that! You’re at Jetstream Junction!” Rambley said, before he realized. “Oops! Looks like Jetstream Junction’s being tuned up!” He then explained. “What? Aww man…” Jesse complained.
Rambley looked at Jesse a little upset, before the ai-raccoon returned to his jovial demeanor. “Hmm…Oh! I have a suggestion! Last I checked, there’s a security office in the back of the theater.” Rambley explained. “Maybe a friendly Rangler can help you get in!” Lake was unsure of what he was talking about. “What do you mean?” She asked the raccoon, “Oh! Sorry, Ranglers work as STAFF members here! I’m sure there’s one in the back of the theater who can help upgrade your Critter Cuffs!” Rambley suggested. Tulip looked at the screen, “Ah, I get it. It’s like security rankings.” Tulip surmised about the color code. “Does…anyone wanna tell him?” She then asked, while Rambley looked confused.
“Hmm? Tell me what?” He asked. “Uh…look, Rambley…we, uh…” Jesse tried to speak. “W-We’ll go look backstage. We’re bound to go find something to look for.” He said, a nervous smile on his face. Rambley had looked unsure, but tried to smile. “Okay then. I’ll meet ya there, buddy!” Rambley said, happily as his screen went dark.

Lake looked at her friend, “What are you doing?” She asked. “I-I…I froze, I’m sorry. I…I didn’t wanna tell him the park was closed right now.” Jesse said, “Jesse, we can’t leave him in the dark. “He deserves to know the truth at least, he’ll need to realize it eventually.” Lake said, “Besides, this is why you were on the train, remember?” Lake asked, flicking his head. “Ow! Maybe I would if you didn’t flick my head, it hurts.” Jesse said. “I know…I want to tell him, but…he might break down. I don’t want Rambley to feel lost, even if he is an AI.” Jesse said, “Look, I’ll tell him. After we see if we can upgrade our cuffs.”

Lake nodded at her friend’s words, understanding where Jesse was coming from. “Yeah, that’s true. I still remember when One-One broke down…” Tulip said, looking to her side. “Just don’t try to bury it, Jesse. No one wants you to backslide.” Lake advised. Jesse nodded and tried to smile, “Let’s go check the theater. Do you know where it is?” Lake asked, walking alongside Jesse back where they came from.

Rambley looked at them walk away again. He grabbed his tail, looking very upset.

(Later)

Jesse remembered the days his Dad went to go see the characters perform on stage. He compared those memories to the shows he saw with the theater kids he hung out with. He wondered who had the better caliber at acting, as well. “So, we just need to open the door and we can go in.” Lake walked up to the door. “Rambley said to go to the back of the theater, right?” Jesse asked. “I mean, I don’t expect to find anyone back there, but maybe the cuffs can be updated with a computer back there.” Lake explained. “I’ll try and help out with it if you need me.” Tulip encouraged.

“Thanks, Tulip the Techie.” Jesse said, holding the door open for Lake, Tulip was heard sighing over the phone.

Lloyd’s Mane Stage was built as a traditional amphitheater. “This reminds me of Z’s boss fight in Xenoblade 3.” Tulip remembered the game she played a while ago, comparing it to the ominous scenery. Lake stopped when she saw something at the center of the stage.
“What’s that?” She asked, Jesse looking at what was on the stage. It resembled Lloyd a little, he could see that it looked like a mane. “M-Maybe it’s a costume? I dunno what it would be lying around—“ Jesse stopped once he saw something.
The “costume” was moving, like it was an actual lion sleeping. “D-Did you see that?” Jesse asked, “Y-Yeah. What do we do…?” Lake asked, before the “costume” opened its eyes and tried to look up. Once it saw the two children in the rows of the audience, it had gotten up. It was animalistic just like an actual lion. It growled, before it ran away into the backstage.

“T-Tell me I didn’t see that…” Jesse muttered, “Th-That wasn’t a person wearing the costume, was it?” Tulip asked over the phone. “I don’t know…” Lake had furrowed her brows and walked closer. “Wh-What are you doing?” Jesse asked. “It’s like you said, right? We’ve survived way worse. If it’s anything like a real lion, we need to watch our backs.” Lake said, “R-Right. Maybe…Rambley knows something about this.” Jesse suggested.

The two ex-passengers walked up on top of the stage, ready for anything. “It’s at times like these where we need A-Drac.” Jesse muttered, “We’re gonna be okay.” Lake assured, taking a deep breath.

“Hey guys, I’ve got all eyes all over the park, but I can’t see anything behind the stage.” Rambley explained, a bit afraid. “If you’re going back there be careful. Your Critter Cuffs are not yet able to resuscitate you!” Lake and Jesse looked confused.

“How…can these things resuscitate us?” Jesse asked, “I mean, does it double as a defibrillator, too?” Jesse asked, Lake looked at her Critter Cuff, “I don’t know. But…he’s right, let’s be careful.” She said to him, staying ready for anything.

(Meanwhile)

Closer and closer it gotten. Seeing the two interlopers go behind the stage. It had been observing them. “The walls? The floors? The TVs? You’re gonna hafta be more specific.” It said mimicking the words of the boy.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Lake and Jesse treaded carefully through the dark hallway behind the stage. “So we just need to make it to the room, right? How do we know Lloyd won’t try to pounce at us?” Lake asked. “Lions don’t strike until they believe they have a good moment to. When they hunt, they stalk before seizing a chance.” Jesse explained, “Zoology class, remember?” Lake rolled her eyes. “You’re right, though. It’s not acting like that pompous loudmouth, it ran out on all fours…” She told him.

“I should’ve gone with you, guys. I’m beginning to not like this.” Tulip said, “No, it’d probably be better if you stayed home now.” Jesse said, wondering what secrets the park had in, whether it be past or present secrets.

They made it into the storage room. It had been cramped full of plywood, crates, barrels and tarps. Lake thought whoever was here last, they all must’ve been in a hurry. The storage room shouldn’t have been THIS cluttered and disorganized, should it? “Do you see Lloyd?” Jesse asked. Lake shone her flashlight around. “I don’t. Come on, the computer room can’t be far.” She said, keeping her guard up. Jesse could feel his heart pounding a little bit. “Over here. There’s a path.” Jesse said, shining his light with a small pathway to the rest of the room created by the lying around boxes and crates. The path was narrow and cramped between. Jesse and Lake jumped when they heard a noise, “Was that him?” Lake asked, feeling a hint of panic, but hid it behind her more common brave face. “You think it’s like a robot or something?” Jesse asked, “Wouldn’t it be acting like the character, then? It’s not saying random things like that one of Mollie.” Lake said, coming to a small crossroads if they thought as much.

One way to the back involved crawling, and the other involved moving a box. “No time to crawl. Help me move the—“ Jesse stopped and they heard a vicious roar coming from the other path. “A-Aaah!” Jesse and Lake screamed, Lloyd was trying to come at them! He tried to crawl out from underneath the boxes, but the crate above him had fallen on top of him.

He tried to get up and pursue the two ex-passengers, but the questionable being had succumbed to the weight of currently crushing him, and decided to revise his approach. “Come on, he’s distracted!” Jesse said, grabbing Lake’s arm, they chose to jump over the box and run to the back!

Jesse saw the doors as he ran through it. “Ok, we made it!” Jesse said, looking around the room, before looking back at Lake. “You okay?” He asked. “I’m fine. Come on, let’s get this over with.” Lake said, looking at the computer on the desk. “I don’t think we can get in here without a password…Jesse, check that board over there for a password.” Lake suggested, Jesse nodded and check the nearby board. He noticed a key with a little note that said: “Jetstream Junction”, Jesse had smiled. “Forget the computer, I got the key!” Jesse said, putting it into his bag. “Okay, then let’s hurry and get out of here!” Lake said, opening the door quietly to see if Lloyd was still there, “I don’t see him!” Lake said, keeping her guard up.

Jesse and Lake tried to run up through the path of the crates.

They made their way back to the door and it as Critter Cuff locked. “Okay, I’m getting it open.” Jesse tried to stay calm as he tried to unlock it with his Critter Cuff, and Lake had jumped and shouted: “Jesse, watch out!” Jesse was pulled closer in, Lloyd had tried to scratch Jesse, “Get off of him!” Lake then grunted and hit Lloyd with her knee to get him off.

“You okay—Wh-What’s that noise?” Lake started hearing a high-pitched noise ringing out of nowhere. Jesse realized it was coming from his Critter Cuff. They watched as Lloyd was holding his ears in pain before running off. Lake went to go pick Jesse. “You okay?” Lake asked, “I’m good…Come on, let’s hurry before he comes back.” Jesse said, using his Critter Cuff to open the door.

Jesse tried to regain his balance while he walked with Lake, who shone her flashlight. “We gotta talk to Rambley, see if he knew anything about this.” She said, Jesse regained his balance and thinks he saw something creep by the coming door. “Wh-What was that?” Jesse asked, he and Lake were shook. “I-I saw that earlier, too…” she said to him, “You…think it was that thing watching us before?” Jesse asked. Lake remembered the thing they saw in the cameras, and suddenly it clicked.

“I…I think it’s Mollie.” Lake said, “Mollie? Like…they made a thing of her, too?” Jesse asked. “Most likely, if they made one of Lloyd, it’d make sense if they made one of every character.” Lake said.

“Even Rambley?” Jesse asked, Lake looked to her side. “I don’t know about him. People’d be seeing Rambley on the screen, I think.” Lake theorized, believing that a mascot Rambley would be odd with their ai-raccoon friend roaming around the park.

“Tulip, what do you think?” Jesse asked, but Tulip didn’t respond. “Uh…Tulip?” Lake asked, looking at her phone. “Oh geez…” Lake realized that they hung up the call.

Tulip immediately caught on, “Thank goodness you’re okay! Dude, what happened that you guys hung up on me?!” Tulip asked.

(Later)

The two Travel-Friends walked to the screen in the backstage, “Rambley?” Lake asked for him, and the ai-raccoon showed up. “Hi, guys! Did you guys manage to find a Rangler who could help you?” Rambley asked, before seeing that they looked a little hurt. “Are you guys okay? What happened back there?” Rambley asked. “Rambley, when we were back there. Lloyd attacked us, and he was like an ACTUAL lion!” Lake said.

Rambley looked shocked by this news, “Th-That can’t be right. Sure, Lloyd is an utterly garbage person, but…I don’t think he would’ve gone out of his way to hurt people…” Rambley said, pulling up his bandanna. “Rambley, it’s true! I nearly ended up being lion chow!” Jesse said, Rambley looked concerned for Jesse’s wellbeing. “I-I believe you guys if you say that happened, but…I’m not sure.” Rambley said, choosing to believe his friends. “Do you guys need any medical attention?” He asked, Lake just took a breath. “I’m fine, Jesse, are you sure you’re okay?” Jesse nodded, not feeling any problems or injuries. “Well…If your Critter Cuffs are upgraded, we can head to Jetstream Junction. I’ll try to write a report about Lloyd while you guys head over there.” Rambley explained. “Is that really going to do anything?” Tulip asked.

“It’s our Indigo company policy to follow employee safety procedures, so of course!” Rambley said, trying to stay on the bright side.

Lake looked unsure if she wanted this to continue. If the mascots are roaming around acting like wild animals, they could be in danger. “If you don’t want to, I won’t either.” Jesse said, smiling. Lake sighed, “We may as well. The way we came is blocked off, anyways.” Lake decided, Jesse nodded.

Rambley’s eyes trembled a little in fear, but he tried to hide it behind his cheerfulness. “That’s the spirit! Not to worry, once our Indigo Adventure is over, I will help direct you out of the park!” Rambley decided for his friends. Jesse smiled, “Thanks, Rambles.” He said, and Rambley blushed.

“No time to waste, then! Let’s meet back at Jetstream Junction.” Rambley said. Lake stood up straight, still unsure if they were safe.

Rambley’s smile began to fade once again, “P-Please be okay, guys. You’re really great buddies. I…don’t want to be alone again…” he said, quietly.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 6:

Lake looked around the area for Mollie to see if she was still stalking them. “So, are they just robots going haywire?” Jesse asked, “Do we wanna stick around to find out?” Lake asked in return.

“Fair enough, getting pounced by a lion was NOT what I had in mind for this adventure.” Jesse explained. “We gotta be careful. Mollie could still be stalking us.” Lake advised, “Are you sure going into Jetstream Junction is a good idea?” Tulip asked.

“We don’t got a lot of options.” Jesse said, unsure of where to even start, heading back near the cafe.
“Got the keys?” Lake asked, “Hahaha! Professional locksmith, at your service.” Jesse said, smiling and opening the door. “Let me know how you rate my services today…” Lake just chuckled, “I have to keep my biases, so…3 stars.” Lake said, folding her arms.
“Aww…was really stretching for 4 stars.” Jesse said, in faux disappointment.

“Okay, let’s hurry and get in.” Jesse opened the door, “Should we lock it behind us?” He asked. “No, we’ll need to keep it open if we need to run out of here.” Lake said.

(Inside the building)

Rambley had shown up on the entrance’s TV monitor. “Welcome to Jetstream Junction, you guys!” He greeted the two in the building! “Here is where Mollie builds planes to her heart’s content! Be warned of all the crashed planes, as well!” He said, which still made Jesse and Lake a little uncomfortable. He realized he may have taken that joke too far. “Uh-I-I’m just joking. Sorry about that…” Rambley apologized, putting his paws together pleadingly, “Say, why don’t you two check out Rooftop Races?” Rambley offered, explaining it’s not far from the entrance and it acts as a warmup for the bigger rides. “Sounds fun! Planes’ll be a step up from the train, that’s for sure. Right, Lake?” Jesse said, “Which one? ‘Cuz you kinda made it sound like it was Rambley’s train you were talking about.” Tulip said, nitpicking the sentence.

“Wait, you don’t like trains, Jesse?” Rambley asked, a little sad. “No! Rambley, that’s not what I meant!” Jesse explained, “He meant a different train. Like…an…inter-dimensional one?”Lake said, phrasing it as a question.

“An inter-dimensional train?” Rambley’s eyes sparkled at the idea, “You have to tell before you leave! I wanna know now! Ooh, what were the designs for the cars? Did the locomotive look awesome?” Rambley started asking questions about the train excitedly. “Hold it, Rambles. We’ll talk about it, later, okay? We gotta keep moving.” Lake reminded the ai-raccoon.

“Oh, right! Sorry!” Rambley said, “Now then, let’s get on through! Planes before trains! Just take an UP at Mollie’s Landing Pad!” Rambley asked, giving directions before they went in.

“I know I was up for it, but is that a good idea. What if Mollie…ya know…” Lake shook her head, “Heading on the ride’s not the best option right now. We need to keep moving.” Lake said, “Besides, we’ve got too much cargo that the planes can’t carry.”

“Ohhhhhh, right.” Jesse said, remembering they now have a bunch of merch in their hands. “We can still look around. Find anything new, we take it.” Lake suggested, heading into the middle area.

Rambley wasn’t kidding about the planes that were crashed on the floor, but at the time he was just trying to make a joke. “Were these little model planes for display or did they break off the ride?” Jesse asked. Lake just shined her flashlight around the area, keeping track to make sure Mollie wasn’t there. “I mean, it seems like it would be, either way.” She answered Jesse’s question.

Jesse’s flashlight traveled from door to door until it landed on a familiar room. “Oh, Mollie’s Garage!” Jesse said, smiling at the memories of this place. “They have a garage attraction—Oh, never mind, it’s just a cafeteria.” Lake said, “What would a garage based attraction even look like?” Tulip asked, “I don’t know. I’m thinking of when Dad would usually take you to work with him.” Lake said, Tulip laughed at that. While Jesse and Lake walked into the room.

“Yeah, this is where we would get our food! Lemme tell ya, they had the BEST hot dogs!” Jesse said, remembering those days. “Yeah well, now those hot dogs are probably covered in mold.” Lake said, looking at the lit up signs for the food they sold here all those years ago. “Oh, there’s an arcade in the next room over!” Jesse said, pointing outside.

“Haven’t we said we shouldn’t be in one spot for too long?” Tulip asked. “I’m sure we won’t be too
long. What can Mollie do if we’re together?” Jesse said.

Lake sighed, “We’ll compromise.” She said. “Ok then.” Jesse gave a thumbs up.

(In the next room over)

The next room over was barely lit compared to the cafeteria. “You said this was an arcade. There’s hardly any games in here!” Lake said, only seeing a couple of arcade games. One was on and playing music. “Huh…maybe I’m remembering this place wrong…” Jesse said, a little weirded out. “You haven’t been here in nearly 9 years, dude.” Tulip clarified. “Nostalgia’s a heckuva a drug.” Jesse said, sadly, looking at the only working arcade machine.

“Let’s see if the games were anything I remembered?” Jesse then looked at the game and pressed play.

(In the Game)

Rambley had appeared on the screen, ready to start his next adventure. “Oh no! Mollie’s plane crashed somewhere in RAMBLEBERRY WOODS! I better find her and make sure she’s okay.” He said.

“Aww, he got more adorable…” Jesse said, affectionately, still trying to play the game.

Rambley rushed ahead, picking up Rambleberries and somersaulting over the rivers.

“This game looks pretty well made.” Tulip said, looking at the graphics of the time. “I know, right? Wait…what are these…birds?” Jesse said, seeing little ravens…he thought—and they were attacking Rambley. “Those are squirrels.” Lake pointed out. “Oh, ok…”
Rambley had jumped up into the air to stomp on the squirrels to defeat them. “Oh cool, it’s just like the Mario Bros games!” Tulip said. “Ooh, what’s down here…” Jesse said, trying to look at the edge of the rock.
He controlled Rambley to jump down and see if there were any secrets. “Aww, what?! It started me over.” Jesse whined. “You know what? I’ll just reach the end first.” He then decided.

Rambley had ran through, gathering up all his Rambleberries and jumped on the attacking squirrels. He needed to make it to Mollie’s crash site. He then jumped onto the next cliff. Lake, Tulip and Jesse saw even a few squirrels on the side.

“There’s no path forward.” Jesse then looked to see if he could get past the trees and he saw Rambley fall into a tree trunk.

Out of nowhere, the trunk had launched Rambley into the air and further away into the woods. “Good thing they have cannons inside the trees.” Lake said, making a quick joke, Jesse just chuckled.

Rambley then jumped over a river and led a way into a few rocks. He jumped into another tree trunk and launched into a more open field.

“I’m really like the music.” Tulip said, offhandedly. “Oh! Found Mollie’s plane!” Jesse said.

“MOLLIE! What happened?!” Rambley asked in panic. Mollie had picked herself up, “Ugh…Hey Rambley. I was flyin’ through the woods, but suddenly, I couldn’t see a thing…” Mollie explained.

The music changed and then the three ex-passengers could see someone new had joined the group.

“Looks like my smokescreen made her crash right on target!” It was the skunk from earlier that had spoke.

“Oh, her name’s Salem! Weird, I don’t remember a lot about her.” Jesse explained.

“SALEM! I should’ve known you were behind this, you shady skunk! Let her go!” Rambley said, angrily. “Nah.” Salem said, “Howzabout I try my new potion on her instead? I’m tired of wastin’ it on squirrels.” Rambley then moved, “MOLLIE! LOOK OUT!” Rambley shouted Salem then turned Mollie into a darker version of herself. Mollie’s sprite had matched the colors of the squirrels.

“Too slow, Dumpster-Face!” Salem said, “Wh-What did you do to her?” Rambley asked, afraid of what happened.

“Meet the new and improved Mollie Macaw!” Salem said, “Now with none o’that “friendship” garbage stopping her from tearin’ you to pieces!”

“Can we fight already?” Tulip asked.

“I wonder what she REALLY thinks of you now! HAVE FUN FINDIN’ OUT!” Salem said, laughing before leaving.

Mollie started jumping in the air and Jesse controlled Rambley to move out of her way. “This is the part that hurts, Mollie!” Jesse said, Rambley trying to jump on Mollie, he had missed.

“Why are you shouting at the game?” Lake asked, “I can do what I want, that’s why!” Jesse smirked, feeling confident in beating this level. He jumped on Mollie and this time landed a successful hit. Rambley had double jumped into the air and hit Mollie again!

Then, white light had lit up the screen and Mollie’s position had changed. Now it was raining down projectiles at Rambley! “Oh, hi there, OPENING!” Jesse said, smirking and avoiding the rain of projectiles and jumped into the air. He had landed another blow and then Mollie had stopped and screamed out like she was in pain.

The game had completely gone dark for a moment.

It scared the three ex-passengers stiff. “Was that supposed to happen?” Lake asked, nervous. “I-I don’t think so.” Jesse said, before they saw something had emerged from the side of the arcade machine. It looked like one of the Rambleberries from the game.

“Is this a reward for beating the level?” Tulip asked. “Looks like it. Maybe I’ll send it to you after we’re done here, Tulip.” Jesse said, “Yeah, that’d be cool. Thanks.” Tulip said. “Here. I’m keeping it in my bag. I wonder if Rambley knew about this.” Lake said.

“Speaking of…maybe we should get to the Rooftop Races.” Jesse said, realizing they spent more time on the game than preferred. “Yeah, let’s hurry before Mollie shows up.” Lake said.

Lake couldn’t out her finger on it, but there was something about how the game ended that bothered her. Mollie going rogue was pretty similar to their situation.

Lake thought about it and tried to think of what happened in the game.

It all goes back to that skunk Salem.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Chapter 7:

Lake & Jesse continued to look around. A lot of stuff from Jesse’s time here was more destroyed than ever. When they made to Rooftop Racers, they weren’t another cave-in. The roof to the building was gone and the ride had been damaged beyond repair. Jesse took a quick picture, since he could see the clock-tower from where he and Lake were.

“Oh no, this is horrible!” Rambley said, feeling very upset. “Uh…Rambley, I…I think now might be a good time to tell you—“ Jesse tried to talk and reveal what’s going on.

“O-Oh, don’t worry, kids! Ehh, looks like Mollie crashed into the ride again! Don’t worry, though. Your pal Rambley has the repair man on speed dial!” Rambley explained, before trying to call a number.

Lake wasn’t sure that number would be in service anymore.

“We’re sorry, the number you have reached has been disconnected or is no longer in service. Please check the number and dial again.” An automated voice said.

Rambley began to look nervous, Jesse could feel for the ai-raccoon. “Rambley, I need to tell you something.” Jesse tried to be honest, and Rambley’s sad eyes trembled for a moment.

“Uh…Say, why don’t you two head over to Mollie’s Landing Pad? It’s not far from here, and it’s a nice cooldown after that exhilarating ride! Just take a DOWN at Mollie’s Rooftop Races!” Rambley explained, trying to keep his chipper mood alive before turning off his monitor.

Jesse and Lake had felt a bit bad for him. “You think he already knows?” Jesse asked. “Maybe…but I guess that’s not something he wants to accept right now. You wanna give him some time?” Lake asked. Jesse looked to his side. “Yeah, I don’t like it, but he’ll still need to know eventually.” Jesse accepted the sad truth of telling Rambley.

He knows Rambley’s not gonna wanna hear it, but he’ll give him the time he needs to cope. “Come on, let’s head further in.” Jesse suggested they try the Landing Pad before they tell Rambley the truth.

“What IS the Landing Pad, exactly?” Tulip asked, trying to jog Jesse’s memories.

“I…don’t know. I can’t really remember right now.” Jesse said, getting off some of the debris to go back onto more stable ground.

“Which way should we go?” Jesse asked, wanting to see where a new path would lead them. “Jesse, he said to take a down, right?” Lake asked, following alongside him.

“Ohhh. It just leads to the floor above the room.” Jesse said, looking around. He thinks he see another toy on a bench far down. “Hold on, merch alert!” Jesse said, excitedly.

Lake just sighed and kept on the lookout for Mollie.

“Ooh, who’re you?” Jesse asked the toy. He had found a plush of a little white poodle. Its head was almost shaped like a sheep’s.

“I’ve never her of a “sheep in poodle’s clothing” before.” Jesse said, “Who’s this one?” Lake realized she hadn’t seen a character like that being promoted around the park.

“I…I dunno. I think there were lots of characters here, but…I don’t think I’ve EVER seen this guy.” Jesse said.

Tulip began typing on her computer, “I can’t find anything on it, either. Might not be from the park.” Tulip said.

“Meaning someone mighta left it here.” Jesse said, feeling a little sad. “I guess we can take this one. I wanna hear what Rambley will say about it.” Jesse said.

(Later)

Lake shown her light through the way. They had walked through the doors of Mollie’s Landing Pad. Jesse and Lake took in the sight. Mollie’s Landing Pad was a playground reminiscent of those old tunnels you’d find at restaurants.

This place was colored in mostly orange, yellow and green. On the sides were colored areas with propellers.

“Memory coming back to you yet?” Lake asked.

“Oh! I remember this! These propellers can move!” Jesse said, walking closer to the blue propeller. He spun the blades around and noticed something. There were shapes on the ends of the blades. A square, triangle, circle and star.

“Ooh, I think there’s a puzzle we have to do.” Jesse said. Lake sighed, “You are WAY too excited about that.” She said.

“Sorry not sorry!” Jesse retorted, Lake walked up to the big door at the end of the room. “It’s locked. Great…but I guess this takes us back a bit.” she said, recalling how they always had to solve a puzzle to get past a train car.

Tulip looked around what she could see. “Man, I hope Khaki made it out okay.” Tulip said, wondering what happened to the Ball Pit Car Denizen.

“Khaki…oh! That stuffed rabbit guy?” Jesse asked, Tulip’s eyes widened. “You guys saw him?! Last time I saw him his car was destroyed. Is he okay?” Tulip asked.

“Yeah, me and Lake saw him in the Lucky Cat we told you about. He was playing the games, I think. He was carrying one of those water toys…what do you call it, uhhh…” Jesse said.

Tulip was relieved at least that Khaki survived the destruction of his car.

“Probably shouldn’t tell her that he lost an ear, then…” Lake thought to herself, seeing how her sister was happy about the good part of the news.

“You said it was a puzzle, right? Can you show me the room?” Tulip asked. “Sure.” Lake had did a slow spin around the room for Tulip to take in the sightings. “Okay, now it involves the propellers…can you show me one of them?” Tulip asked.

Lake walked up the green propeller and Tulip saw the shapes. “Okay, head through the tunnels and I think you can find clues to the combination. I think that by doing it, the door might open.” Tulip explained.

Lake thought the idea was a little preposterous, but they didn’t really have any other options. There were no monitors for Rambley to explain either. “Good idea. Jesse, come on.” Lake said.

“We gotta be careful, Mollie might still be following us.” Jesse exercised caution.

(In the tunnels)

Jesse and Lake crawled through the tunnels and searched around.

Jesse took his pipe out of his bag and prepped it in case of an attack. “Let’s see…” Tulip said, looking at what was shown. “Okay, yellow circle.” She said, before they continued.

Lake went in first, with Jesse following behind her. She crawled through and shone her light, she jumped and stopped. “Stop! Stop! Stop!” She whispered.

Jesse looked where her light was shown and he could see. It WAS Mollie.

The macaw had stared back at them. Bit of blood and spit dripping from her beak.

She analyzed them before walking further in, “G-Get ready, just in case.” Lake said, walking further in.

“Also, watch where you crawl.” Jesse said, a little grossed out by the drippings on the floor.

With how close they were, a confrontation with Mollie seemed inevitable.

For now, the Travel-Friends need to finish this puzzle to get away from her.