"So, Darius. How are you enjoying life?"
"What do you mean, Elwin?"
"Well, last time I saw you; you were living in a two bedroom Apartment, for a Family of four. You were barely paying rent, and now here you are, sitting at the Cockpit in a Spaceship. Right by my side. What was it you said again?"
" 'You asked if I loved the painting too, and I said I don't see the Painting. All I see is you.'"
"Great pickup line, but no. After that."
"Ummmmmm.
Oh.
'The World is a vast place, Princess; and I would love to help you make it smaller.'"
"Well, Darius. Now you have fulfilled your promise. Ready to show me the World?"
"Oh, uhhhh. I can't drive."
"You're not. I'll just have you steering the wheel."
*Berrrriiarrriaaaainggg. Berrrriiarrriaaaainggg*
"Excuse me a sec.
*Beep*
Yellow?"
"Orange."
"Josh? Uh…what…..what are you calling for? I said I would be home soon."
"You seriously.....left the fate of your hands and everyone elses in a six legged, spiny tentacled...Mandroid who probably couldn't even distinguish you from a rock?"
"Ummm...."
"I...am...…ashamed."
"Well, I would have mentioned you, but this is not a game Josh. This is serious. People could get killed. One wrong move and…."
"You don't think I know that? You keep babying me, but forget that I am the older brother, not you. How many times have I snuck you in, and snuck you back out without getting called or telling your parents of your behavior?"
".....Too many."
"That's right. Whenever you 'ran off' and hid just to 'collect your thoughts'...who was the first person to find you?"
"You were."
"Say it again."
"You were.
Because you studied me like a book."
"Exxx…actly. I won't let anything happen to my family. I may not be the Dad, but I know what fun vs responsibility is."
"Fine.
Josh, how would...…how would....how would you like to be on the Controls? I know this is everything you have ever worked for. Before you say anything; just know you can't respond."
"Thanks for asking, but I already said yes."
"Huh?"
"........To LOLLI!!!!!!!!
Yeah, she told me, and also agreed it would be better for me to man the controls. Already gave me your access code. Told me I don't need my own cause you got into trouble or something like that."
"I..."
"And I didn't question. It's her computer, her rules."
"And how are you supposed to handle the Computer, rescue missions, and hopefully two more little ones?"
"Just don't get in trouble, and it won't be a problem."
"Josh, I am nothing but problems. I end Feuds, remember. In order to end them, I have to dive down deep into the problem so that I cann pull the plug for good. If I have a good day, then I'd be in a Multiverse."
"Really?
You think Lolli will let me control DeathPetal long enough to find an alternate you somewhen?"
"Josh, I was being sarcastic. Get your head out of a Book once in a while and gaze at the Trees for a change."
"Hahaaaahaaaa, but don't come complaining to me WHEN I SAVE YOUR BUTTS!!!!!!!!"
"...Goodbye, Josh."
"No, no. Don't you dare hang up on me. Don't you dare….
*Click*
Shoot."
"Who was that?"
"Lolli changed our rescue force to Josh."
"Your brother?"
"That's a good thing. Right?.....No?"
"Josh helped me get my inspiration, and helped me let it sour. But when I touched the clouds, I knew to come back down. He never did. Instead, he always shot higher."
"But he never abandoned you, did he?"
"That's...that's my point. No matter how much of a food junky, Videogame addict he is...he...…..he...he never let me down when I needed him the most."
"And that's all you can say about family. So what does it matter what they do in their free time? I am sure you had some embarrassing childhood moments too."
"I know, but he's not a child anymore. I just wanted more for him. Want...more....for him."
"You can't save everyone, Jacklyn."
"Why do people keep saying that? I know that already."
"But do you believe it? The trick is to use everybodies jagged, rugged, gruling mistakes…..to make a Puzzle. You can't build a Puzzle if all the shapes are Corner pieces."
"I know. Where are we headed anyways, Elwin?"
"My Ship, my route."
"My crew, my destination."
".......Woo, woo, woo. Cut the tension. We are all on the same side here."
*Berrrriiarrriaaaainggg. Berrrriiarrriaaaainggg*
"I gotta take this one. Excuse me."