Reality is Insanity

Heeellloo and welcome to ‘Reality is Insanity’ chapter 10! Ugh I wanted to get this finished and up sooo much sooner, but my job started up once again and its been running me ragged. I’ll give you an example of some of my work days. The first day I worked from 3 to 9 pm, not so bad, right? But the very next day I had to get up at 4:30 AM and work till 10 -_- Yeeeeah that’s the first time I’ve woken up that early willingly! Ah well, as long as I get the paycheck I suppose I can suffer through it.

So enough about me, let’s talk about you! And speaking of all of you *glomp tackle hug-of-death* I love you all so much! I can’t tell you how good it is to watch the hits for the story sky rocket and the rating numbers go up and all the awesome reviews!!! *glomps again* I feel so loved T-T I never thought a story that I had briefly thought up while trying to take a nap would go so far. And what’s even cooler is that this story is just shy of being 230 pages long! Do you guys realize how much you’ve been reading! That’s 86,128 words! And we’ve hardly sunk our teeth into the real meat of the story! *faint* Okay, I believe I’m just ranting now. Let’s move onto reviews before you all start throwing things at me ^-^’

Aisha: *Blushes* Awe thanks Aisha, that’s really sweet of you to say. And I just want to thank you so much since I believe you’ve reviewed every chapter I’ve put up. Talk about dedication XD *glomp* And yes rejoice for Joshua being alive! Now getting him home would be the next hardest step, wouldn’t it? Or is it? *Dramatic Music*

Mino: Lol I understand, it tends to do that whenever you use the opposite of this ‘>’ for some reason *shrug* Heh it’s always fun to flirt with friends because the reactions of the people around you are hilarious XD Yay another cookie! You’re trying to get me fat, aren’t you? *Eats it anyway* And I’ll keep trying to update fast, though that is hardly going to be a promise.

Faust: Gah! Hissing reviewer! *hides under desk* Down Fausty! Hehe if you thought that was a bad place to end it you’ll really hate me in the future >:D *legasp!* Are you serious? You would actually buy it if it was a book? *shakes Faust* Don’t play with me like that! And wow for it to remind you of someone’s work as great as Stephen King! *faints again* Though, of course I’m not sure if its good for my work to remind people of someone else’s since I want this to be as original as possible (though I know that’s almost impossible to do nowadays) Hmm I haven’t read that series, maybe I should go take a gander at it to see for myself. Thanks for the review! I’m always happy to hear from ne people and no more hissing XP

Sveta: Sveta, Sveta, Sveta. Of course I’d take some of my time to answer reviews. You take time out of your day to review my story so why shouldn’t I do the same? Plus I want people to know how freakin’ happy and grateful it makes me to get any reviews at all. (I’ve noticed there’s lot’s that get little to none.) Hehe and thank you I thought Ellie and Lilah’s reactions would be good for some nice comic relief. I personally think it’d be awesome to talk to someone through a mirror, though it would be rather strange if not scary at first. And yes hurray for Joshua! Though you did bring up a very, very excellent point about when (and if) he ever does go home. Joshua has been so focused on returning to his world that he hasn’t even sat down to think about how it’s going to affect him and the others when he does. The thought hasn’t even crossed his mind (the selfish prick)
And oh deary me it looks like Trukint is getting his own fan XP He is a cute little devil, isn’t he? And yes, the poor man’s tail is so long and heavy he can’t hold it up like Kael can with his so it does get dirty rather frequently. As for his other items I believe there’s plenty in this chapter that will make you enjoy it immensely (which is only my hope).
Hehe I really enjoy watching you get your own suspicions and ideas on how things are going to go and what exactly is going on. The sickness. The disappearance of others. If any of it is connected at all. It’s going to be very entertaining for me to see what you and others will guess and speculate and your reaction when everything is finally brought to light. Yes, entertaining indeed ^-^

All right, whew, I made these lengthy replies this time. Well, last time you found out Joshua is alive, now I’ll let you go to see what Trukint has up his sleeve. Enjoy!

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“Thank you, Staff,” Juniper said as he took a deep gulp of the warm tea brought by Trukint’s helper.

“No problem whatsoever,” Staff said as it hopped over to Kael to give him the cup balancing on its head. “It’s a new special blend Trukint found. It’s supposed to be very rich and flavorful. Though of course its still not good enough for him.”

“Trukint and his quest for the perfect tea. He’ll never change,” Kael chuckled as he took his cup and tasted the liquid.

“Tell me about it,” Staff grumbled with a roll of its eyes. “He spends most of the money we make from Treasure Seeking on his tea. I wouldn’t be surprised if we went bankrupt one of these days because of his damn obsession,” the staff told the two men.

“I’m sorry, but did I hear you complaining about one of my indulgences?”

Staff spun around to see Trukint, Joshua, and Lliamy coming into the room. The white haired man was scowling at his helper and Staff chuckled sheepishly.

“Who, me? Of course not, Trukint,” Staff said with false sincerity.

“Good lets keep it that way,” Trukint huffed as they reached the other two men.

“So, the trio returns,” Juniper said, setting down his cup on a handy item pile. “I knew I should have kept a better eye on you,” he then muttered to Lliamy, who smiled sheepishly.

Joshua laughed and was about to say something when Kael suddenly pounced him. The feline wrapped his arms around him and lifted the boy right off the ground.

“Wahh!”

“Congrats to you, kiddo!” Kael exclaimed as he hugged Joshua. His ears then went back and his big smile disappeared. “Er, it was good news…wasn’t it?” he asked uncertainly. “That’s why we heard you yelling, right?”

Joshua chuckled, finding Kael’s sudden worrying to be oddly cute.

“Yes, Kael, it was good news. Apparently I’m alive and well,” the boy told him with a grin. He then yelped as Kael laughed and gave him a big squeeze.

“That’s great! It’s better than great, I’m so happy for you!” the man exclaimed happily.

Joshua felt he should have at least been a little miffed that his molester of the morning was manhandling him so, but at the moment he was too elated to care. Why not let Kael express his own joy?

“It seems like your happier about it than I am,” Joshua chuckled then began to squirm in Kael’s grasp. “Now put me down already before I get a nosebleed from the altitude,” he said.

With another laugh the feline set Joshua down then ruffled the boy’s hair for good measure.

“Okay, Kael, stop mauling the boy,” Juniper said with a roll of his eyes as Joshua smacked Kael’s hands away. “So, you’re alive. There’s no doubt?” the man asked.

“Yep, they couldn’t find my body anywhere, so that must mean all of me is here,” Joshua said with a grin.

“Good,” Juniper said with a nod. “That will make everything go a lot smoother.” Hopefully he finished mentally. The man then turned to Trukint. “So, you said earlier, before fetching these two, that you might have something that can send Joshua home.”

Trukint grinned widely and nodded.

“That I believe I do. But-” he said, the smile fading.

“Oh there’s always a but,” Joshua grumbled.

“-there may be a few complications in getting it to work,” Trukint finished, scowling at the boy.

“What kind of comp..compleecations?” Lliamy asked.

“I’d prefer to explain it once we go look at it,” Trukint said as he turned and went through the doorway Staff had gone through earlier.

Everyone looked at each other, shrugged, and followed the man. Staff brought up the rear, hopping after them. Soon Trukint stopped in front of another wall cluttered with items and knickknacks.

“Let me guess, another hidden door?” Joshua asked with a raise of his eyebrow.

The white haired man turned his head and stuck his tongue out at Joshua.

“Ooh the boy learns quickly,” Trukint said with a grin before turning back to the wall and clapping his hands. A low rumble sounded somewhere in the room before a crack formed down the wall and it swung open as two doors.

“Jeeze…bit much don’t you think?” the boy asked, his eyes wide as he stared at the large, open doorway in front of them.

“Nothings ‘a bit much’ for this show off,” Juniper told him as he walked through the newly opened passage.

“You’re just jealous you don’t have a cool door like this,” Trukint taunted as he followed after the man with Staff close behind.

Kael sighed and shook his head before looking to the young ones.

“Those two never stop trying to outdo each other,” he explained.

“Why?” Lliamy asked.

The feline simply shrugged as he nudged the two to follow the others.

“I couldn’t really tell you. Just the way they are,” Kael answered.

Once all of them were inside the wall closed up, drowning them in darkness.

“Er, what the hell are we doing exactly?” Joshua asked.

“We’re going up,” came Trukint’s reply from the thick dark.

With those words the room suddenly lit up. Joshua shut his eyes from the abrupt light, but when he opened them again his mouth dropped open. If Joshua didn’t know they were in a stone tower he would have thought he had just entered a high tech building or something. It was another circular room, a bit small, but big enough to fit all of them comfortably. The walls were made of some kind of metal and strips of light ran down them. The floor was also lit from decorative cuts in the forms of circles.

“What is this?” Lliamy was the first to ask, sounding just as awed as Joshua felt.

“This is my handy dandy elevator,” Trukint told her proudly.

Joshua blinked and looked at him with a tilt of his head.

“Elevator?” he repeated.

“Of course, what, you thought I’d actually walk up and down stairs in this place?” the man asked him. “Are you crazy? I’d die halfway up or down,” Trukint told the boy matter-of-factly.

“You have a point there…” Joshua muttered.

“Juniper, this is like the elevator back at your home,” Lliamy piped up, continuing to look at the room.

“That’s because Trukint stole the idea from me,” Juniper snapped, crossing his arms.

“And made it better,” Trukint purred, teasing the skin of Juniper’s arm with his nails.

Before Juniper could make a move to give the smug man a good smack, Kael slung his arm around the silver haired man’s shoulders.

“Now, now, boys, behave,” the feline chided. “You two are wasting time bickering while we could be getting Joshua home,” he pointed out.

Juniper growled, but made no move to lash out at Trukint. The white haired man grinned, happy to have Kael’s protection.

“All right, like my adorable kitty-witty has said, we are wasting time-”

“Well, it doesn’t help with you picking fights,” Staff mumbled.

Trukint gave it the evil eye before continuing.

“Elevator, go to the thirteenth floor,” he finished in a growl.

There was and odd chiming sound before the room shook a bit followed by the motion of them ascending.

“Thirteen, huh?” Joshua said softly, looking up towards the ceiling. “In my world that’s considered bad luck.” Silence followed and Joshua blinked then looked back down. He jumped when he saw everyone’s eyes were on him. “W-What?”

“Why would a number be considered bad luck?” Kael asked curiously.

“Er, not sure, I don’t know the whole story behind it,” Joshua muttered, his face turning a bit red in embarrassment. “I-I just know it’s supposed to be unlucky.”

“Hmm humans sure are strange creatures,” Trukint said, scratching his cheek.

“What, you guys don’t have superstitions?” Joshua asked.

“Of course we do,” Juniper told him. “But it’s rather silly to think a mere number can cause bad luck.”

Joshua scowled at him and crossed his arms. He could name a number of things he could call ‘silly’ about their world.

Soon the elevator began to slow before it came to a complete stop. The rumble sounded again as the wall split into two and swung open once more.

“All right, off we go,” Trukint announced, leading the way. Once all of them were out of the elevator the wall closed. Ahead of the group was a short, stone passageway that ended at a large blue wooden door.

“Hmmm, put this item in one of your high security rooms, did you?” Juniper commented, surveying the door.

“Yes, because this is also a rare, powerful item,” Trukint explained.

“Then why isn’t it down with the mirror?” Joshua asked curiously.

“Well, for one there wouldn’t be enough room for it. Two a Treasure Seeker never puts all of his rare items in one place and three…I don’t have a three, but you get my point,” the white haired man told him. “Now, I’ll be happy to let you use this item for free, boy, because, really, if it works you’ll be doing me a big favor,” Trukint said.

“Really? How so?” Joshua asked, now his curiosity was really peaking.

“Ah ah ah,” Trukint tsked, wagging his finger at the boy. “Let’s not ruin the surprise now.” The man then turned to Juniper, all playfulness leaving his features. “But I also have a favor to ask you,” Trukint said.

“And what favor would that be?” Juniper asked with a raised brow.

“You have to promise that once you see the item you won’t hurt me,” Trukint told him, clapping his hands in front of him with the best pleading look he could muster.

Juniper narrowed his eyes. If those words weren’t cause for suspicion he didn’t know what was.

“Why would this make me want to hurt you more than I normally do?” he asked slowly.

“You have to promise first,” Trukint said stubbornly, wanting the man’s word.

“That promise will also include me,” Staff quickly added. There had been plenty of times Staff had been hurt when Juniper couldn’t get his hands on Trukint.

Juniper stared at him for a long time. He tried to think of any item that the man could possibly posses that would really piss him off. But nothing came to mind, so he relented.

“All right…I promise not to hurt you or Staff when you reveal the item,” he said, still looking suspicious.

“Wonderful!” Trukint exclaimed with a big grin and a clap of his hands. “Now I’ll just open the door and we can be on our way,” he said as he turned and went up to the big door. “Staff,” the man called and held out his hand.

The staff gave a big sigh before hopping over to Trukint.

“I hate this part,” it mumbled as the white haired man wrapped his hand around it.

“What are you going to do with Staff?” Lliamy asked curiously as everyone watched Trukint.

“See this big hole in the door?” the man asked. He pointed to a round hole in the middle of the door framed by gold.

“Yeah,” Joshua said.

“Well, this is a key hole and, what with Staff being my most trusty and helpful partner, I made him the key,” Trukint explained.

“That’s right, no one could get me to unlock any doors to get to Trukint’s treasure,” Staff said dutifully as it was lifted and turned horizontally. “I still hate this though.”

Trukint carefully inserted Staff into the lock.

“Ah! Careful, careful,” Staff warned, wincing a bit.

“Sorry, sorry,” Trukint apologized in a mutter. Once Staff was fully in only its head could be seen. “There, snug fit,” he announced happily.

“A little too snug, I think I’ve gained weight,” Staff mumbled, its mouth almost covered by the lock.

“I told you to stop eating so many sweetened iliju’s,” Trukint chided it with a roll of his eyes.

“It’s not my fault they’re so addicting,” Staff defended itself.

“Whatever just please start unlocking the door,” the man requested with a shake of his hand.

“Starting!” Staff announced. Suddenly its head started swiveling back and forth then turned all the way around. It was muttering some kind of pattern to itself as it went.

“This will only take a moment,” Trukint said as he turned to the others.

“Hey, I just had a thought,” Joshua commented, something starting to bug him.

“What’s that?” Kael asked.

“If The Mirror of Tolsapack-”

“-Tolsaphax,” everyone corrected him.

“Whatever. If the mirror is so rare and important why wasn’t there any protection for it?” Joshua asked curiously. “I mean, even the door wasn’t locked.”

Trukint blinked at him and tilted his head to the side. He then laughed and shook his head.

“I’m not that careless, boy. The door was locked and, in fact, there are many traps I set up leading down there,” the man told him with a grin. “I was simply deactivating them as we were going down,” he explained.

Joshua stared at him curiously, wondering when he could have had time to do that.

“But, you were walking ahead of us the whole time. How could you have been deactivating traps?” the boy asked in confusion.

“By his own will,” Juniper told the boy. “Most traps can be either deactivated or set off by the will of the person who set them. Never having to touch them and risk hurting himself,” the man explained.

“…wow, that’s pretty nifty,” Joshua said.

“Yeah, but only if you’re the one who set them,” Trukint huffed. “My fur still hasn’t fully grown back since that damn bomb in the Yukolipe Mines,” he grumbled, his tail wrapping around his legs loosely.

“It’s supposed to be even longer?” Lliamy asked in astonishment.

“And fluffier,” Trukint told her.

“I thought it looked less fuller than usual,” Kael said, holding his chin in his hand as he studied Trukint’s furry appendage.

A click then sounded throughout the passageway and everyone turned to the door.

“Trukint, you need to make these combinations less complex,” Staff wheezed, sounding out of breath.

“Oh, but I know you’re smart enough to remember them and execute them,” Trukint flattered the staff as he grabbed its head and pulled it out of the keyhole. Once Staff was all the way out of the hole another click sounded followed by a large rumble that shook the ground. The door slowly rose, disappearing into the ceiling.

“Man…all of your doors have to have a dramatic effect, don’t they?” Joshua asked once the entrance was completely opened.

“Of course. What fun would it be if they weren’t?” Trukint asked with a grin. “All right everyone, time for you to meet one of my other babies and Juniper remember your promise,” the man told Juniper, who rolled his eyes and nodded.

“Yes, yes, promise not to hurt you,” Juniper muttered.

“Okay, in we go,” Trukint said, leading everyone into the room that had just been opened up.

As soon as they entered lights came on. There were no torches and Joshua wondered where the light was coming from since he saw no light bulbs or anything of the sort. But the lighting was soon banished from his thoughts as he spied the object Trukint had brought them to see.

“Holy…” he whispered in astonishment.

It was some sort of large machine. The bulk of it served as a large, square platform. On one end two metal pillars stood, both the same size and height. On the other end was a podium of sorts that the boy saw had many buttons and switches, most likely to carryout the operations.

Juniper stopped dead when he saw the machine. His eyes widened and his heart struggled to keep pumping as the cold hand of shock wrapped around it.

“It-It can’t be…” were words that barely escaped his lips.

Trukint saw his reaction and quickly went over to the machine, worrying what Juniper would do once he came out of his state of disbelief.

“This, dear boy, will be the machine we’ll use to send you back to where you belong,” Trukint told him.

“What exactly is it?” Joshua asked curiously, looking over the deceptively simple looking machine.

“It’s a Rift Maker,” Trukint answered as he jumped up onto it. “This machine has the power to make artificial rifts between worlds,” he explained.

“What’s artificial?” Lliamy asked, not recognizing the word.

“Artificial is kinda like a substitute for the real thing. A knock off, really,” Kael explained as he went to stand beside Joshua and Lliamy.

“But artificial rifts? So you mean the one I went through was a real rift?” the boy asked.

“It would have had to be,” Staff said as it hopped up on to the platform to be next to Trukint. “This is the only machine that can create rifts and we certainly didn’t make the one you came through.”

“Staff is right and this will most likely be the only way to get you home,” Trukint added. “The chance that another natural rift will open in Nisis and lead to your world would most likely be over five billion to one,” he calculated.

“All right, so what are we waiting for?” Joshua said with a big grin. “Start this baby up and let me go home!” he cheered.

Trukint sighed as he crouched down.

“Calm down, boy. Not to burst your bubble, but that isn’t possible at the moment.”

Joshua nearly fell over as the news hit him.

“What? What do you mean it’s not possible at the moment?” he demanded. He was tired of getting his hopes up only to have them dashed in a fiery pit of reality.

The man sighed again as he got up and went to the control panel.

“Because the machine isn’t whole,” he said, opening up a compartment in the podium, showing it to be rather empty. “And it’s not only from here. The pillars that the rift appears from are missing the conductors that create the rift and I’m pretty sure there’s more than that,” Trukint explained solemnly.

Joshua’s mouth fell open in disbelief. How could such a machine be missing so many parts?

“How can it be whole again?” Lliamy asked, seeing Joshua’s distress.

“Well, that’s why I said you’d be doing me a big favor if you got it to work,” Trukint said as he walked back to them. “As far as I’ve been able to find out, the missing pieces are scattered throughout Nisis,” he told them.

“And how exactly are we supposed to find them?” Joshua questioned. “Do you happen to know where they are?” The boy groaned when Trukint shook his head.

“No, the only one who would know that is the one who created the machine and took it apart,” he said.

“And who exactly is that?” Joshua asked, crossing his arms.

Trukint took a deep breath before looking up and over everyone’s heads. He gazed at the man standing behind them who hadn’t moved or spoken a word since they’d entered the room.

“Juniper,” he answered.

Everyone spun around and stared at the silver haired man, who only looked back at them. There was a long, tense silence. It was broken by a low growl. Joshua clenched his hands into fists and his jaw tensed to the point it was painful. He strode over to the man and grabbed a handful of his vest forcefully.

“You had a machine that could send me back home this whole time and you didn’t bother to bring it up!” Joshua yelled at him. He was about to start really screaming at him when the man grabbed his wrists and yanked them from his clothing. All words died in Joshua’s throat as Juniper gave an icy glare that made the boy want to scuttle under a rock.

“Trukint worded that rather poorly,” Juniper said, letting go of Joshua’s wrists. “When he said Juniper he didn’t mean me.”

Joshua narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. He didn’t believe that for a second.

“Riiiight, there just happens to be a lot of people named Juniper running around,” he snapped sarcastically.

“Er, actually, boy, he’s right. I didn’t mean him,” Trukint piped up, making Joshua turn and look at him.

“What!? But you looked at him and did a dramatic pause and everything!” the boy exclaimed.

“Yeah, I know,” Trukint said with a sheepish smile. “But that’s because-”

“He was reffering to my father,” Juniper finished for him.

Everyone looked to him again. Joshua couldn’t help the dumbfounded expression he sported from the revelation.

“Oh duh,” Kael suddenly said, hitting his palm to his forehead. “No wonder this thing looked familiar. I totally forgot about your old man working on this thing.”

“You’re such a scatterbrain sometimes, Kaelikins,” Trukint chuckled affectionately.

“Wait, wait, wait. So you’re telling me your father built this ‘Rift Maker’…and you both have the same name?” Joshua asked, trying to wrap his brain around all of this.

“Yes, he built it and yes we share the same name. Everyone in our line does,” Juniper answered.

“Your line?” Lliamy asked in confusion.

Juniper sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He was really going to kill Trukint for this.

“Juniper isn’t really our name its more of a title we all share,” he said. “My father bestowed Juniper on me when he adopted me. I can’t even remember what my name was before that,” Juniper explained.

“Adopted? So, he’s not your real father?” Joshua asked.

“I hardly think blood makes anyone ‘real’ relatives,” Juniper retorted. “He took me in a cared for me, so that was enough.”

“Tell them your full title, Junip,” Kael suddenly chuckled. “I’m sure they’ll get a kick out of it.”

Juniper sighed and rolled his eyes.

“My full title and/or name is Juniper the four-hundred and twenty-sixth.”

Both Joshua and Lliamy’s mouths fell open in shock.

“Wow…that’s a lot of Junipers’,” Lliamy muttered.

“Yes, I know,” Juniper agreed. “And, yes, my father built this machine. He was a friend of Tolsaphax, one of the ones who helped hide his mirrors. When Tolsaphax set out on his quest to make contact with other worlds my father wanted to go a step further. He had always been fascinated with other universes and the such, what with all the info collected in our home and the knowledge we have of them. So he began building this machine. It took him quite awhile to accomplish it, but he finally succeeded, and brought his goal to life,” Juniper explained, gesturing to the Rift Maker.

“Did he ever use it?” Joshua asked curiously.

“Of course, you don’t build something not to use it,” Juniper scoffed. “But he didn’t get to use it as much as he wanted what with some…complications, but I did help him in making it. And the reason I never ‘bothered to bring it up’, dear Joshua,” the man said, flicking the tip of the boy’s nose. “Is because I was under the impression he had it destroyed, not dismantled.”

Joshua’s face scrunched up from the light hit and he rubbed his nose.

“Why would he have it destroyed?” he asked, the thought of his only way home possibly being obliterated was not a happy prospect.

“That’s his and my business, not yours,” Juniper told him matter-of-factly. He then turned to Trukint. “And how, might I ask, did you acquire this?” he asked.

Trukint chuckled a bit awkwardly, recognizing the accusing and possibly threatening tone behind the question.

“I didn’t go out looking for it specifically, if that’s what you’re asking,” he replied, jumping down from the platform. “Someone in the local bar tipped me off that there was an item located near Hicoka that might interest me. I decided to follow the lead and to my astonishment I found this,” Trukint explained, patting the machine. “I was under the same impression that your father had it destroyed, so, not being able to help myself, I brought it home.”

“Seems like your dad pulled the wool over all of our eyes,” Kael said thoughtfully. But the question is why? Juniper wondered. After what happened I was sure he was going to go through with his plan to get rid of it.

“But,” Joshua said, interrupting Juniper’s thoughts. “Since he didn’t destroy it we can still use it to get me home, can’t we?” he asked. “I mean if he’s the one that took it apart and had the parts scattered around everywhere he must know the location of all of them.”

“Hmm, not necessarily,” Juniper mumbled, going into ponder mode. “He could have hidden the parts any number of ways so that not even he knew where they are.”

“Oooh that’s just wonderful,” Joshua muttered, running his hand over his face.

“Well, I would say there’s only one way to find out,” Staff said, bouncing along the length of the platform, resembling pacing.

“Staff’s right,” Trukint agreed. “The only way you’re ever going to find out where all the pieces are is to go ask Juniper himself if he knows.”

“This Juniper?” Lliamy asked, pointing at ‘their’ Juniper.

“No, the other one,” Trukint told her with an amused chuckle.

“Oh.”

“Where exactly is your father?” Joshua asked. “There was no hint of another person living in your home.”

“That’s because he doesn’t,” Juniper answered. “After he retired he moved to the city of Palhiant,” he explained. Retired? Retired from what? Joshua wondered but didn’t voice it, deciding to save it for later.

“So, I believe that settles it,” Trukint said. “If you really want to complete the machine to go home you’re going to have to go talk to Juniper.”

“And what if he doesn’t know where the parts are?” Joshua asked. “Couldn’t there be any way for you to find them?” the boy questioned Juniper.

“I would say not. I may have had a hand in its creation, but I wouldn’t even begin to fathom where my father decided to hide the parts. He’s crafter than I could ever be,” the man told him.

“Isn’t that the truth?” Kael muttered, putting his hands behind his head.

“So the choice is yours, Joshua. Do you want to seek out my father and hope he’ll know? Cause if not, I assure you we’ll never find the pieces on our own,” Juniper told him seriously. Deep down he hoped the boy would say yes. The man wasn’t ready just yet to give up on getting Joshua home.

Joshua was silent as he thought it over. On the one hand they could go and possibly be lead on a wild goose chase, but on the other hand what would they do if they didn’t go? The others had made it plainly clear that this could be the only full proof way of returning him to his world. Then there was what if the other Juniper did know where to find all the parts? How long would it take to collect them all? After serious thought, Joshua saw no other alternative.

“We’ll go,” he told them, looking to everyone in turn. “If this is the only way, I don’t see any other choice. And even if your father doesn’t know exactly where they are he may be able to help us somehow in locating them.”

“Heh, the kid actually was able to make that sound logical,” Trukint teased. “But that’s good, I hope Juniper does have the answer your looking for,” he said more seriously.

“So, I suppose it’s off to Palhiant then?” Juniper asked and got an affirming nod from the boy.

“Ah great, I hate the cold,” Kael complained. His ears went back and he wrapped his arms around himself as though he could already feel the biting chill.

“The cold?” Both Lliamy and Joshua asked.

“Yes, Palhiant is located inside a giant hollowed out icy mountain,” Juniper told them. “It snows twenty-four seven up there.”

“It’s inside a mountain?” Joshua said in astonishment. First a town that could vanish into thin air and now one resting inside a mountain. Why couldn’t his cities be that exciting?

“Yay! I’ve never seen snow before!” Lliamy cried out excitedly.

“Trust me, its not that great,” Kael muttered.

“Oh don’t be such a stick in the mud, my lovely ball of fluff,” Trukint said cutely, going over to the tall man and putting his arms around him. “So, when do you guys plan on going?” he then asked the others as his white tail wrapped around Kael’s brown one.

“As soon as possible would be best,” Juniper answered. “So tomorrow would be as good a time as any. We’ll have to get some supplies first though,” he said thoughtfully.

“Oh! I just had an idea!” Trukint suddenly announced as he snapped his fingers. Everyone looked at him expectantly. “Come on, I’ll show you guys once we get back,” he said and headed for the exit while dragging Kael with him.

“Very excitable, isn’t he?” Joshua asked.

“You have no idea,” Staff mumbled as it got down from the machine.

“Well, might as well go see what has him so excited,” Juniper said and they all went after the pair.

Back in the room they had first entered everyone was watching as Trukint practically swam in his piles of items. He was muttering to himself while looking over some items then tossing them back.

“If you told us what you were looking for we might be able to help you,” Kael pointed out.

“No, no, I’ll find them, hold on,” came Trukint’s muttered reply.

“He really needs to organize these damn things,” Juniper muttered, crossing his arms.

“I’ve been pestering him to, not that it’s made a difference,” Staff told him.

“Well, you can’t get a man to change that easily,” Kael said as he walked over to the chair he had been sitting in previously. He picked up his staff that he had left leaning against the wall.

“Ah now there’s something I haven’t seen in a long while,” Staff said as Kael walked back. “And how is my kinsman doing these days?” it asked.

“Oh just fine,” Kael told it. “I’ve been taking extra special care of it,” he said as he spun the silver staff around then leaned it against his shoulder.

“Wait, kinsman? Why did you call it your kinsman?” Joshua asked curiously.

“Because Kael’s staff and I were created by the same person,” Staff explained. “So, I call it my kinsman.”

“Kinsman is like a sibling, right?” Lliamy asked curiously.

“You’re quite right, little girl,” Staff told her.

“So can yours talk too?” she then asked Kael.

“Heh, I’m afraid not,” the feline told her. “If memory serves you were the only one created to do that, right, Staff?” he asked the wooden object.

“That’s very right. I was the only one blessed with ‘life’ so to speak.”

“So, why do you have that one and Trukint has you?” Joshua inquired, finding this to be rather interesting.

“Originally Trukint had both of us,” Staff answered. “It took a lot of convincing for our creator to give us up too.”

“Yes, and Trukint gave this one to me as a gift when I started my career as a Bounty Hunter Hunter. Said he didn’t want to see me getting hurt,” Kael told them. “And it’s gotten me out of more than a few jams,” he said with an affectionate pat to the silver staff.

“I’m curious, was Trukint ever able to find the other two?” Juniper asked, finally deciding to get into the conversation.

“I’m afraid not,” Staff replied. “He’s tried for years with no luck.”

“Wait, other two?” Joshua said in confusion.

“Yes, our creator made four staffs altogether. I was the second one to be crafted and Kael’s was the last,” Staff explained. “The first one our creator gave to someone, I’ve never known who, and the one after me was stolen by some scoundrel and it hasn’t been seen since,” it growled.

“Trukint always wants to have a complete collection, so he’s been looking for the other two for awhile,” Juniper added.

“Do you think he’ll ever find them?” Lliamy asked.

“Trukint is never one to give up,” Staff chuckled. “I wouldn’t be surprised if one day he did.”

“I found it!!!” a victorious cry came from one of the piles. Everyone looked as Trukint emerged and stumbled out of it.

“You found the staffs?” Lliamy asked excitedly.

“Yes-wait, what?” Trukint said in confusion.

“Don’t mind her,” Juniper grumbled as he pushed the girl behind him. “So what is it exactly that you went crazy trying to find?” he asked, spying the items in Trukint’s arms.

“I’m glad you asked,” the man replied with a big grin. “These are things that we can use to help each other with on your impending journey,” Trukint told them as he placed the items on the ground.

“And how’s that?” Joshua asked.

“I’ll show you, here, catch,” Trukint said and tossed one of the things to Juniper. The man caught it and everyone crowded around him to see what it was.

“A hand mirror?” Juniper said, sounding unimpressed. In his hand was a small, round mirror that fit perfectly in the palm of his hand.

“Not just any hand mirror,” Trukint said smugly as he held up an identical one. “Do you feel that bump on the back?” he then asked.

Juniper felt the back of the small mirror until he found the bump.

“Yeah.”

“Now press it,” Trukint instructed.

Juniper shared looks with the others before doing as he was told and pressing the bump. He found that it was actually some sort of button and it sunk in as he pressed it.

The others watched in awe as the glass of the mirror gave a small flash and suddenly Trukint was being reflected in it.

“Hey guys,” the man said and the image gave a wave. “See this way we can keep in contact with each other and you can tell me what’s going on after you talk to the Elder Juniper,” Trukint told them and they could hear his voice coming from the mirror as well as from across from them.

Joshua looked up in astonishment.

“Wow, they’re like walkie-talkies, only with picture,” he said.

“What’s a walkie-talkie?” Lliamy asked curiously.

“A device people use to talk to each other when they’re apart,” the boy explained.

“Sound interesting,” Staff commented.

“So what’s the other thing you have there?” Kael asked, spying the heap still at Trukint’s feet.

“Something else that can be highly useful to us,” Trukint said as he turned off the small mirror and picked up the other items. “Here you go,” he said and tossed it to Joshua this time.

“Okay, I know appearances can be deceiving and all, but come on,” Joshua muttered as he held up what looked like a plain, brown bag made of cloth.

“Just open it up, trust me,” Trukint prodded.

Joshua looked to Juniper, who nodded. The boy shrugged and opened the bag. He looked inside and pursed his lips in confusion.

“There’s nothing in it,” he said.

Trukint held up and opened an identical bag.

“Not yet anyway,” he said with a mischievous grin before putting his whole arm into the bag.

“Ahh!!!” Joshua screeched as Trukint’s arm came out of his bag and bonked him on the nose. “Jeeze, what the hell are you trying to do!? Give me a heart attack!?” the boy shouted as he held the bag at arms length. Everyone laughed as Trukint withdrew his arm.

“Sorry, couldn’t resist,” the man apologized as he snickered. “So, I was thinking that we could use these if you do find any of the parts,” he said more seriously.

“What would we do with them?” Kael asked as he took the bag from Joshua and examined it.

“Well, if you find a part you can put it in your bag to give it to me and I can work on reassembling the Rift Maker. That way you guys can continue without worrying what to do with the parts,” Trukint explained.

“Huh, well I must say that actually sounds like a decent plan,” Juniper said, pocketing the small mirror then taking the bag from Kael.

“Thank you for your confidence in me,” Trukint said sarcastically, sticking his tongue out at the man. “So, hopefully, if everything works out we can start rebuilding the machine and get you home like that,” Trukint then said to Joshua with a snap of his fingers.

The boy smiled widely. It had to be the best day he’d had in Nisis. He found out he was alive, got to talk to both Ellie and Lilah, and that there was a good chance they could get him home.

“Well, I think its time we headed back to the inn,” Juniper said. “If we’re going to begin traveling tomorrow we’re going to have to get some good rest. We’ll have to do some shopping tomorrow before we head out,” he told the others.

“Yes, top thing, getting you new clothes,” Kael said, tugging at Joshua’s shirt.

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” the boy muttered, batting the feline’s hand away.

“Speaking of which I’d be happy to take those off your hands for you,” Trukint said as he came closer and examined Joshua’s clothing. “Having such odd clothes would be a nice addition to my collection.”

“No, you are not getting my clothes,” Joshua was quick to refuse. “These are staying with me.”

“Fine, fine, be that way,” Trukint said, holding up his hands in mock surrender.

After exchanging goodbyes and plans on when to contact each other, Trukint lead the group to the front door.

“Thanks again, Trukint, you’ve helped so much,” Joshua said with a bright smile.

“Just get me those parts and it’ll be thanks enough,” the man told him with a nod as the boy went out the door.

“Bye Staff,” Lliamy said and patted the staff on the head before going to Trukint. “It was fun seeing your house and all of your stuff,” she told him, grabbing his hand and giving it a shake.

“Come back any time,” Trukint said with a smile and pat her head with his other hand.

The girl giggled before running after Joshua.

“A sweet one she is,” Staff chuckled as she went.

It was then Kael’s turn and he stepped up to the shorter man and ran his fingers through Trukint’s hair.

“Remind me after this is all over to take you out to dinner some time,” the feline said in a low voice.

“I’ll guarantee you’ll never forget it,” Trukint said and got up on his toes to place a kiss on Kael’s soft lips.

When they parted the feline gave Trukint a wink before exiting and catching up with the kids.

“Well, I can say this hasn’t been a total displeasure,” Juniper grunted as he walked right by Trukint.

“Juniper, wait,” the white haired man said, grabbing onto the other’s arm. “Juniper, I really think you should reconsider about telling the boy about Deilus,” Trukint said in a hushed tone, not wanting the others to overhear. “I know you think you’re helping him, but in the long run it could end up backfiring and hurting him in the worst way possible.”

Juniper stared at Trukint. They held each other’s gaze for a long time before the silver haired man smiled.

“Ignorance is bliss, Trukint,” he said as he pulled Trukint’s hands off his arm. “Ignorance is bliss.” And then he was out the door to regroup with the others.

Trukint watched as the group began to walk away. He waved when Joshua and Lliamy turned to give him one last goodbye wave. The man then sighed as he closed the door. He stood there for awhile after putting all the locks back into place.

“Trukint, are you okay?” Staff asked worriedly.

Trukint did not reply. Suddenly he snarled and his hand clenched into a fist. He let out a yell as he slammed it against the surface of the door.

“Why does that man have to be so-so stubborn!?” he shouted. When his burst of anger ebbed Trukint turned to slump against the door. He sighed and ran his fingers through his bangs, moving the hair away from his face.

It just seemed so unfair to him. Sure he didn’t necessarily like the boy. He always had a problem with younger males. But for Juniper to totally disregard Joshua’s right to know the danger he was in, it sickened Trukint. Something told him this was going to blow up right in Juniper’s face and Joshua was going to suffer the consequences.

Finally the man sighed and stood up. He glanced at Staff who had been waiting for him to get over his little fit.

“Come on, Staff, I think I could really use a strong cup of tea right now,” Trukint told it with a weary smile before walking back into the other room.

“I think red ytal with a drop of sweetened dew would cheer you right up, sir!” Staff said as it bounded after its owner.

=================================Ch.10 End

Hehe so how was that? Do you understand now why I named this chapter ‘Only Just Begun’? Joshua’s journey is far from being even remotely finished and everything he’s experienced will seem like a trickle to what’s in store for him. Trukint provided many helpful stepping stones, but there’s only so much one man can do. And he (and I’m sure a few of you) thinks Juniper is being a major asshole keeping some very vital information from Joshua, but Juniper believes he has good reason to, even if they’re not very justified.

And speaking of Juniper, you’re going to meet his daddy soon! Whoo! I’ve been constructing Juniper Senior behind the scenes and I’m already falling in love with him. He’s going to be a great character to work with, but he’s not going to come into play just yet. And now a new mystery has been brought forth. Why did Juniper Sr. have the Rift Maker disassembled, but tell his own son he had it destroyed? Why would he lie about that? And then there is the question on why he would have it taken apart in the first place? Dun dun duuuuuun!!!

For one reason or another I keep putting in little details that may or may not have significance later on. I don’t know why I keep doing it, it just happens. Like with Staff and Kael’s staff being created by the same person and that there’s two others out there. That was never in the plans, but it somehow became so. The whole thing with the other mirrors Tolsaphax made. There was only supposed to be one, but somehow two others wormed their way in. Will any of that play a role later on? Who knows? I know I don’t. Just make sure to keep an eye out for these things because you never know if they’ll come out of the woodwork to bite you in the ass later. So, what do I have in store for you guys next time? Well shoot, you know I’m not going to tell you, you have to come back next time XD Till then love you guys lots and I hope I’m making the time you guys are using to read this worth it and not wasting it. Later!

EDIT: Hey guys, as some of you might have noticed I changed the summary. Can you tell me if its better than the old one? And if it's not can you tell me in anyway what could make it better? Thanks a bunch!