Reality is Insanity

Woot I succeeded! I was able to complete another chapter before the week was up! I’m cutting it close, I know, but it’s the point of the matter. It sucks, what with school and my new job I hardly have any time to just sit down and write. But you all have my vow that I am going to try my hardest to supply you with ‘Reality is Insanity’ goodness! Well, since I know you guys want to get to the chapter let us get on with the review answering.

Jacob Ryder: Wow Juniper must have just rubbed you the wrong way. But I guess he’s the kind of man that you either love him or hate him and it’s quite apparent that you hate him. And as for Bird, he’ll be coming back sooner or later.

Aisha: Hehe good guess, but I think Juniper has the ‘good guy trying to get into Joshua’s pants’ role covered. Glad to see you liked the molesting scene. Joshua is just highly molestable. You’ll see how that works out. Thanks for your review!

Nastyscarythingunderthebed: Ah yes, I’ve had that problem before. Here’s what you do. Never and I mean never use the opposite sign of this > you use the other one and everything after that will simply disappear. Hopefully that helps. But as for the rest of your review thank you very much. I’m glad you’re liking all the characters so far, I know I’m in love with them and love working with them ^-^ Hehe and I’m happy you like Juniper’s perverted side too. The man knows what he likes and isn’t afraid to show it. Thanks again.

ShadowleAngel: Heh two reviewer’s mixed into one. Glad you both liked the molesting scene and no, Bethany, no hurting my little Lliamy *holds hamster girl protectively* I hope you both enjoy this next chapter. ^-^

Siren of the Darknessflame: Thank you very much, I’m glad you’re enjoying it and don’t worry. More slashy action will be on the way. But not right away mind you.

Well there you have it. All the reviews are replied to and thank you everyone who reads this story and to those that review and make me want to continue. Please enjoy the chapter!

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Joshua and Lliamy couldn’t help the wide eyed expressions of astonishment they sported as they followed Juniper down the length of the Nisis Express. Eyes kept glued to the dark blue color of the machine and the giant black wheels that were larger than any of them.

Juniper glanced back every once in awhile to see them still gawking at the train and he just chuckled and shook his head. Soon they came to one of the doors and the group stopped in front of it.

“What are we waiting for?” Joshua asked after awhile.

“For the conductor of course. It’d be rude to just get on,” the man replied.

The boy felt that to be reasonable as he looked over the train again. The image of it exploding from the ground kept playing across his eyes and all he could wonder was what strange things could happen on such a strange train.

Joshua was brought out of his thoughts as something tugged on his shirt. He turned his head to see that it was Lliamy.

“What?” the boy asked.

“Are we really going to ride in this, Joshwa?” Lliamy inquired, looking up at the train.

“I guess we are. Ever seen this crazy thing before?” Joshua asked curiously, though he knew it was unlikely. The boy wasn’t surprised when the girl shook her head.

“No, I’ve heard of the Nisis Express before, but never saw it,” Lliamy replied.

Just then the door of the train opened with a whine and the release of more blue steam. Joshua’s eyes widened and he had to stop himself from taking a step back as the conductor stepped out.

The boy had started getting used to the idea of seeing strange people, but this one took the cake. The conductor wasn’t there, he was invisible. The only clue that someone was standing in front of them were the clothes of a conductor, a blue hat, jacket, and pants. They stood on their own and were filled out like someone was there, but inside there was nothing. *Holy crap, it’s the Invisible Man,* Joshua thought.

“Good afternoon Gentlemen and Lady. Will you be boarding today?” a voice asked, coming from the clothes.

“Yes, we will be,” Juniper answered, stepping towards the invisible man.

“Very good, sir. To board you must buy a ticket and those cost sixty-nine cil each,” the conductor informed them.

Joshua raised an eyebrow and turned to Lliamy.

“Cil? What’s cil?” he whispered to her.

“Cil is money, silly,” the girl replied with a giggle. “Why? What do you call your money?” Lliamy then asked.

“We have dollars and cents,” the boy told her and Lliamy tilted her head to the side.

“Dollars and cents? How odd. Your world sure is-”

“Weird, I know,” Joshua finished for her, though he was sure his world was the sane one. Both of them were then brought out of their conversation as Juniper started going through his pockets.

“There will be no need to buy a ticket, as you can see,” the man said as he withdrew his hand and was holding what looked like a card.

Neither Joshua nor Lliamy could see what the card looked like, but the conductor did and he gasped.

“Oh, Juniper sir, of course. Please, go right on in, it’s an honor to have you on our train,” the invisible man said and stepped out of the way to let the man through.

Juniper smirked as he pocketed the card. He adjusted his vest before striding into the train.

Joshua and Lliamy looked at each other then both shrugged. They made their way inside to follow Juniper, when the conductor stopped them.

“I’m sorry, but you two will have to pay,” he said.

“What!? Why do we have to pay when he doesn’t?” Joshua questioned, pointing in the direction Juniper had gone.

“Because he has a pass that allows him such a privilege and unless you have a pass you have to pay,” the conductor told him.

Joshua scowled at the invisible man then began patting down his pockets. *Crap I don’t have my wallet on me and even if I did I doubt he’d take my money,* he thought. The boy then turned to his companion.

“Do you have any money on you?” he asked hopefully.

Lliamy shook her head.

“No, I’ve never had cil for myself,” she told him.

With a worried look Joshua looked back to the conductor and gave him a sheepish smile.

“It appears neither of us have any money,” he said to the man blocking their path.

“Then I’m sorry, but I can’t let you on,” the conductor informed them.

“But we have to get on!” Joshua exclaimed. “If we don’t I might never get home!” he yelled.

“Again, I’m sorry, but that’s not my problem. Rules are rul-” The conductor was cut off as a hand was placed on his shoulder. The floating hat turned as the invisible man looked back.

“Juniper, sir, what is it?” he asked, seeing the man had returned.

“It’s quite all right to let them on. They’re with me,” Juniper told him, patting his shoulder.

The floating hat turned to the other two then back at the man behind him.

“Really? Then why didn’t you say so? Any guests of the Great Juniper are more than welcomed on the Nisis Express!” the conductor said and once again stepped out of the way.

“Come on then you two,” Juniper said before turning and disappearing into the train again.

Exchanging one last glance Joshua and Lliamy followed Juniper inside. The boy was expecting the interior of the train to be spectacular and fascinating like the exterior, but found it to be rather plain.

Red carpet covered the floor and doors to compartments went down the expanse of the train. The doors were made out of dark wood and had a little window in the middle. Odd lights were above each door and they all glowed red.

“So what was the ‘Great Juniper’ thing all about? Are you some kind of celebrity or something?” Joshua asked as they walked through the car, Juniper looking at each of the lights above them.

“Well, you already know many people come to me to seek my wisdom. So I guess, yes, I am,” the man replied.

“Juniper, the man that knows everything about anything,” Lliamy chimed happily as she followed them.

Juniper let out a grunt and rolled his eyes.

“I honestly want to rip that title apart. It’s a lot more trouble than its worth,” the man grumbled. “Ah, here’s a free one,” Juniper suddenly said, reaching a compartment door that had a green light above it.

Juniper slid open the door and went inside. Joshua and Lliamy soon followed and found themselves in a cozy little room. Two long seats, the same color as the train itself, were on either side of the room and racks were attached to the ceiling to hold luggage.

Once both were inside, Joshua closed the door and Lliamy and he took one seat while Juniper sat in the other.

“There, now we won’t have to walk anymore,” Juniper told them as he sat back and relaxed against the back of his seat.

“Yes, this is much better,” Lliamy said as she bounced up and down on the cushion.

“But how do they know where we’re going? I didn’t see you tell anyone and the conductor never asked,” Joshua said in concern.

“No worries about that,” their guide assured the boy. “Do you see that little screen up there?” Juniper asked and pointed.

Joshua looked where he was directed and saw and odd white screen just above the door. It was thin in height, but long in width. He tilted his head as he studied it.

“What is that?” Joshua asked.

Juniper smirked as he leaned forward.

“Watch this,” he instructed before turning to it. “Destination, Mirage Town,” the man said in a commanding voice, much like on the elevator.

“Wow…” Lliamy murmured in amazement as the companions watched black letters spin rapidly across the screen. Then, one by one, the letters stopped until they spelled out Mirage Town.

“Destination chosen: Mirage Town,” a voice said, coming from the screen.

“Now they know where we’re going,” Juniper told Joshua with a smile as he leaned back once more.

“That’s cool,” the boy said with a smile.

“This is going to be so much fun!” Lliamy exclaimed, clapping her hands in excitement.

Joshua was about to agree when a crackling noise filled the compartment. All three looked up as a female voice began to speak.

“Attention all passengers, we are now preparing to dive. Please make sure that you are in a compartment, I don’t care if it’s yours or someone else’s, because we will not be held responsible for any injury, loss of possessions, or death. Thank you and enjoy your trip,” the voice said happily before cutting off.

“Holy crap, what kind of warning is that?” Joshua asked when it was over.

“A pretty good one really,” Juniper replied.

“Well, we can’t really loose any possessions cause all we have are these canteens,” Lliamy said, poking the one she had attached to the purple ribbon tied around her waist.

“Speaking of which, you don’t really need those anymore so I’d like them back,” the man told them, holding out his hand. Once Joshua and Lliamy untied the canteens from there clothes they handed the items to their owner. “Thank you.”

Holding them both in one hand, Juniper snapped his fingers with the other. Two pairs of eyes widened when the containers turned into books.

“Wow, that was neat,” Lliamy said, clapping her hands again happily.

“Is there anything your books can’t do?” Joshua asked, staring at the books in amazement.

“Yeah, they can’t provide me with a good lay,” Juniper answered as he snapped his fingers again and the books vanished.

“Where’d they go?” Lliamy asked in astonishment.

“To where they belong,” the man said simply.

“You mean to-” Joshua was cut off as the train suddenly jerked and began to move.

Lliamy sprung up and was instantly against the window, watching the scenery go by.

“Um, Lliamy, I think you might want to sit down,” the boy said worriedly, thinking of how the train was about to take a nosedive into the ground. With that thought he began patting around the seat.

“What are you doing?” Juniper asked him curiously.

“Doesn’t this thing have seatbelts? How are we going to stay in one place when it goes down?” Joshua asked.

The man simply laughed and waved his hand dismissively.

“Don’t worry about that. Remember they said to be in the compartments?” he inquired and the boy nodded. “That’s because they have it so you can’t feel the decline or ascend in here. It feels like a smooth ride the whole time,” Juniper explained.

“So I can stay near the window?” Lliamy asked hopefully.

“Knock yourself out, kid,” the man told her.

The girl squealed and clapped her hands before turning to gaze out the window again.

“Are you really sure about that?” Joshua asked uncertainly, glancing from the window and back to Juniper.

“It’s perfectly safe, trust me. Go watch it with her,” the man suggested, shooing the boy with his hand.

Joshua hesitated before slowly getting up from his seat and going over to the window. Lliamy made room for him and they both watched the world outside the window.

“It looks like we’re going really fast,” the girl said with a big grin.

“Yeah…faster than we could have ever walked,” Joshua muttered. The wasteland continued to zip by the window and the boy wondered when something was going to happen. He didn’t have long to wait.

Suddenly the world turned, as if they were going upwards and just as fast the scenery changed again to point them down. The next second the wasteland completely vanished as the window was met with a wall of brown earth.

“Yay! We’re underground!” Lliamy cheered and jumped up and down.

Joshua blinked and looked stunned. He then stepped back and patted himself down then looked around.

“And it felt like none of it even happened,” he said in amazement and looked at Juniper when the man chuckled.

“See, I told you, nothing to worry about,” Juniper told him with a smirk.

“Hey, what was that?” Lliamy suddenly asked, pressing her face against the glass.

“What was what?” Joshua inquired as he looked back out the window.

“Awe, it went away,” Lliamy said with a pout the suddenly jumped. “Wait, there it is again!”

Joshua watched and his eyes widened as what looked like fiery blue streak shot past the window and disappeared.

“Whoa.”

“See, what was that?” Lliamy asked again. The boy turned to Juniper and looked at him expectantly.

“You seem to know everything about this train. What was that?” Joshua questioned and watched as more of the mysterious blue lights went by.

“It’s nothing special,” Juniper told him. “Its just high powered energy that goes around the train to help make the tunnel for it to pass through,” the man explained.

“Helps make the tunnel?” Joshua repeated as he watched the energy appear, disappear, and reappear again before going back to his seat. Lliamy was content with just looking out the window. Captivated by what little there was to see.

“So, you mean there isn’t already a tunnel? The train is actually burrowing through the ground?” the boy asked, wanting to know more.

“Yep, that’s exactly what its doing,” Juniper replied.

“But isn’t the ground going to get weak if the train digs around a lot?” Joshua asked curiously. “Numerous tunnels can’t be safe.”

“You don’t need to worry about that either. The ground immediately fills back up once the train passes,” the man told him and the boy raised an eyebrow.

“What? How?” he asked. Juniper simply shrugged and crossed his legs.

“No particular reason, it just does,” he answered.

“How weird,” Joshua murmured, looking over to the window again. *It’s like a subway train, only it has no tracks and can go wherever it wants,* he thought. The boy’s thoughts were pushed aside as Juniper suddenly stood up.

“Where are you going?” Joshua asked as the man walked over to the door.

“I’m going to go talk to the engineer to see how long it will take us to get to Mirage Town. You two stay put,” Juniper told them before opening the door and when it closed he was gone.

“Hmm I wonder how long it’s going to take us,” Joshua mused as he sat back and got comfortable.

“I bet not long. The train is going really fast,” Lliamy said from the window. “You know, I also heard that the Nisis Express and go underwater. Do you think that’s true?” the girl asked, turning to her friend.

Joshua thought it over then shrugged.

“No clue, but I wouldn’t doubt it. I don’t think it’d surprise me if this train could fly,” he said with a chuckle.

“No, I don’t think they’ve gotten it to do that yet, but they’re probably working on it,” Lliamy said as she turned back to the window, not realizing Joshua had been joking.

“Oi, such a crazy place,” he muttered as he tilted his head back against the soft seat. If Joshua did have to stay in Nisis for a long time he wasn’t sure how he was going to get back to normal life once he was back home. *I’m sure going to have a lot of stories to tell. Hopefully no one thinks I’m crazy because of them,* the boy thought with a small smile.

Joshua then lifted his head to look out the window again. He watched the ground go by and the occasional blue energy zip across the window. *It’s a good thing Juniper had that pass or we never would have been able to get on here. I guess money is essential no matter what world or universe you’re in,* the boy mused.

With that thought Joshua got to thinking of his missing wallet. He began checking his pockets again, but only found lint. *What happened to it?* he wondered. *Wait, I must have put it in my backpack after Ellie and I bought our lunches…wait a minute, where’s my backpack?* he wondered and looked around, as if it was going to magically appear.

Joshua hadn’t noticed it before, but he hadn’t seen his backpack the entire time he had been in Nisis. *Wasn’t I wearing it when the truck hit me? Where did it go? Could it have fallen off when I was flung into the air?* he thought, wondering why he hadn’t noticed the missing pack earlier. *How weir-* Joshua’s thought process halted and he held his stomach as a sudden wave of nausea hit him.

“W-What the hell?” he stuttered weakly and quickly covered his mouth with his hand as his gag reflex kicked in.

“Joshwa, what’s wrong?” he heard Lliamy ask worriedly. The boy looked up to see that she was now standing beside him with a concerned look on her face.

“I-I don’t know. I suddenly feel really sick,” Joshua told her and doubled over when pain shot through his stomach as it urged him to empty it.

“Joshwa!” Lliamy cried out in alarm and dropped down beside him. “W-What should I do? Should I go find Juniper?” she asked the boy, wanting to help in some way.

Joshua shook his head, but quickly stopped when it made his stomach clench.

“N-No, its okay. It’s probably just…motion sickness or something,” he told her, though he had never experienced motion sickness before, it was his only guess. Joshua slowly got to his feet with Lliamy’s help.

“I’m going to go find a bathroom. Stay here, okay?” he told her as he made his way to the door.

“Are you sure?” Lliamy asked uncertainly as Joshua slid open the door.

“Yeah, I’ll be right…right back,” the boy told her with a weak smile and went out into the hallway.

Once he had the door closed he leaned against it for a moment to catch his breath. When he felt he was ready to move on he checked their compartment number then made his way through the car, hoping to find a bathroom.

Joshua wasn’t able to move very fast since his queasy stomach made him stop every few steps. He just hoped he could find his destination before he couldn’t hold it anymore.

“What the hell’s wrong with me?” Joshua murmured. He doubted it was motion sickness since their compartment didn’t feel like it was moving at all and the slight swaying motion of the car wasn’t bothering him.

Before the boy could take another step his vision suddenly became blurred and started to spin. Joshua groaned miserably and he was aware of the feeling of his shoulder pressing against the wall then falling to his knees.

“Help…anybody…” he whimpered, whining when his stomach gave an extra painful clench. Joshua then cried out in pain when he heard very loud laughter, the only thing was it seemed to come from inside his head.

The laughter got louder and louder then it was joined by the sounds of someone screaming and another crying. A horrible scratching and creaking noise joined the chorus and the boy thought his head was going to explode. Joshua covered his ears with his hands, but it didn’t help to block out the horrific noises.

“Stop it, stop it, please,” Joshua desperately pleaded, but the sounds only increased in volume. Caught in a whirlwind of nausea and unbearable, earsplitting noise, the boy couldn’t take it anymore.

“Stop it!!!” he screamed and that’s when his stomach finally released itself. Joshua coughed and heaved as the contents of his belly came up. Only when there was nothing left to regurgitate did everything suddenly stop. The overwhelming queasiness was gone and the spine tingling noises stopped, leaving his ears ringing.

Joshua blinked open his eyes and was glad to see the world was set back into place. His vision was still blurry, but he realized it was because tears were spilling down his face. When the boy moved back from the mess he had made he shivered, realizing his shirt was soaked in sweat.

“Oh God, w-what was all that?” Joshua muttered, leaning his back against the wall and curling up, knees coming up and arms wrapping around to hug them. Now that he had vomited Joshua felt fine, but just the memory of the feeling and the horrible sounds he heard made the boy feel faint.

A sucking sound caught Joshua’s attention and he lifted his head. Looking over he saw what looked to be three small black and blue fuzzballs with long elephant like snouts. Joshua made a noise of disgust as he saw them using their snouts to clean up his puddle of puke.

“I think I’m going to be sick all over again,” he muttered. With some difficulty Joshua lifted himself to his feet, using the wall for support.

“Screw the bathroom, I’m going to go lay down in our room,” the boy said, wanting to curl up and sleep off his horrible experience. Joshua stumbled on shaky legs as he made his way back the way he had come.

“Hey, you okay, kid?” an unfamiliar man’s voice suddenly asked behind him.

Joshua groaned pathetically, he didn’t want to deal with anyone or anything at the moment. The boy ran his fingers through his hair, causing drops of sweat to drip off.

“Yeah, I’m fine, thank you,” Joshua muttered as he tried to walk away from the person.

“Good, I wouldn’t want my goods to be damaged,” the person said with a chuckle.

Joshua furrowed his eyebrows at the comment. Before he could turn around to ask what that meant a hand was clapped over his mouth and he got a brief glimpse of red skin as an arm came around his chest. If that wasn’t enough two more arms wrapped around Joshua’s waist, pinning the boys arms to his sides.

Joshua hardly had time to realize what was happening before the person started dragging him away. *Holy crap! What the hell is this guy doing!?* the boy thought frantically. When the situation finally set in Joshua began to struggle wildly. He kicked his legs out and tried his best to scream or cry out, but it was muffled by his kidnapper’s hand that was held firmly over his mouth.

“It’s no use struggling, I’m not letting you get away,” the man told him, holding onto the boy tighter. The arm around Joshua’s chest released him and he heard a door open. The sounds of the train grew louder as they stepped out of the car. The boy squeaked as the man jumped to the next car and went inside there.

“Man, this just has to be my lucky day,” the kidnapper said happily as he pulled Joshua through the hallway. “I wasn’t sure if you were a human when I first saw you board, but damn wasn’t I right?” he asked and Joshua tried to turn his head away as he felt a finger trace the edge of his ear. “Once I sell you I’ll never have to work again. This has to be the best day of my life,” the man said.

At those words Joshua tried even harder to get away, though his efforts were proved futile. *Sell me!? Oh shit this isn’t good! This is so far beyond good its not even funny!* the boy thought as he tried to kick at his kidnapper’s legs, but it didn’t seem to hurt the man at all. *It figures the guy would have four arms too. How am I supposed to match that? Fate has a really sick sense of humor,* Joshua grumbled in his head.

The kidnapper began to hum a happy tune as he came to the end of the car and did the same as before and jumped to the next one.

“Almost far enough away. Once I’m sure we’re too far for your friends to do anything I’ll get the train to go to the surface. Yep, that’s what I’ll do,” the man said, mostly to himself rather than Joshua. *So that’s where he’s taking me. Shit, if Juniper somehow miraculously appears and saves me I’ll let him molest the hell out of me, I swear, I just want out of this!!!* the boy yelled desperately, though he wish he could vocalize it.

“One more car should do it,” the kidnapper said and reached for the handle to the door that would lead them outside. Just then something that resembled green lightning shot over the man’s head and struck the door. Both the kidnapper and Joshua let out a surprised yelp, though Joshua’s was muffled.

“Not so fast, Roden. Let the boy go,” a voice said behind them.

Joshua grunted irritably as he was jerked roughly as his kidnapper whirled around. *I was kidding about the molesting thing, really,* the boy thought, but was surprised that the one that had come to his rescue wasn’t Juniper, but a total stranger.

Joshua’s rescuer was a tall man, really tall. The boy doubted if Juniper came to the man’s nose. HEwas dressed in a long white coat with gold trimming and gold buttons and string holding it closed. The coat was designed so the hanging cloth of it was trimmed so it allowed his legs to be free to move around. Brown pants clad the man’s legs with what looked like carefully placed rips in the sides.

Dark green eyes glared just above Joshua to the man holding him. Reddish brown hair framed the rescuers face and fell in silky waves down his back. A black stripe went across each cheek, contrasting peach colored skin.

But what really got Joshua’s attention was not the man’s clothes or height, but what was protruding from the man’s head and peaking out from behind him. *If this guys name is Fluffy I am going to bust a gut,* the boy thought in amusement for coming from atop the man’s head were two brown cat ears with little tuffs the same color as his hair coming from the tips. Three silver hoop earrings hung from one ear and three gold ones were in the other.

Then coming from behind the rescuer was a long brown cat tail that ended in a big tuff of the same reddish brown color. Black stripes went all along the length of it and just before the fluffy end was a silver bracelet embedded with green jewels.

But that wasn’t the end of the intriguing things from the tall cat man, oh no. For in his hand he held a long thin weapon, like a staff. It looked to be made out of silver and at the end it broke off into a cross shape. A circle of metal connected all of the protruding points and in the center was a large green jewel.

The man holding Joshua captive took a step back and was about to make a grab for the door. He stopped short when he saw that the green lightning was rippling over the surface of his only escape. Roden looked from the door to the cat man and Joshua felt the man shudder.

“Kael, what are you doing here?” Roden asked and the waver in his voice was very noticeable.

“Simply traveling, looking for work, the usual,” the man called Kael replied. “How interesting I should run into you and see you’re still up to your old tricks. Now, I’ll say it again, let the boy go,” Kael ordered and lifted his weapon threateningly.

If anything that just made Roden hold onto Joshua tighter, like he was protecting an important treasure. *Personal space. Seriously, does no one know the meaning of personal space?* the boy wondered, not liking being pressed against the man.

“Come on, Kael, he’s a human. A human! Do you know how much he’s worth?” Roden asked then put on a shaky grin. “Hey, come on, we can work this out. How about we split the profit?” he offered hopefully.

Joshua scowled and wanted to bite the man’s hand off. *What am I, a prized animal?* he thought.

“Sorry, Roden, but you know he’s not my type of prey. You, on the other hand, are. I can easily turn you in and get paid enough cil to last me a month,” the cat man said with a grin and both Joshua and Roden’s eyes widened as the jewel in his staff began to produce sparks.

“If you shock me you risk hurting the boy,” the man warned, shifting Joshua so he covered most of Roden. *Great, now I’m a shield,* the boy thought sarcastically.

Kael laughed loudly, revealing pointed fangs.

“You underestimate me. I actually feel insulted. You think I wouldn’t be able to control who I do and do not want to shock?” he asked. Before Roden could answer a small green spark danced down the staff and across Kael’s arm. The cat man brought his other hand up and the little electrical spark dropped into it and weaved around his fingers.

“Well, then this is just going to be a shocker,” Kael said with a grin and flicked the small bead of electricity into the air. It landed on the ground and disappeared.

Joshua’s eyes scanned the area, but he couldn’t see the spark anywhere.

Roden was looking around also and began to panic as time passed. Suddenly the green spark shot out of the floor and hit the man’s leg.

“Ack!” Roden cried out and jumped, a powerful wave traveling up his leg and making it go numb. “Kael, you…bastard,” the man cursed him through gritted teeth.

“And that’s just a small taste. You know what I can really do to you, Roden, so I suggest you let the kid go before you really get hurt,” Kael said with an evil little smirk.

Roden stood still for quite awhile, thinking over what to do. Pain was still shooting up his leg, reminding him what could happen to him.

“Kael, please, this is a once in a lifetime chance,” he pleaded desperately.

“Well, then you’ll just have to wait for your next lifetime. Last chance, Roden, let the boy go or I’ll make you extra crispy,” Kael threatened, tail lashing behind him and more electricity started crackling around the staff.

“Okay! Okay, you win,” the kidnapper said in defeat. “But don’t think I’ll ever forget this. I’ll make you pay,” he grumbled as he slowly and reluctantly let Joshua go.

“I think I can live with that. Come here, kid,” Kael told Joshua, beckoning him over to where he was. Joshua sprinted to safety and the cat man put his free arm around the boy protectively.

“Now get out of here before I change my mind about letting you go,” Kael growled at Roden. The green sparks on the door snuffed out and the man looked from it to the other two.

“Don’t think this will be the last time you see me, boy,” Roden said to Joshua before opening the door and disappearing behind it.

Kael sighed and lowered his staff.

“That guy just never learns,” he muttered before smiling down at Joshua. “You okay, little guy?” the cat man asked, ruffling the boys hair.

“Uh, yeah, thanks,” Joshua said, pulling away from his rescuer. He then looked at the door Roden had gone through. “Was he really going to sell me?” the boy asked.

Kael frowned and his ears went back as he nodded

“I’m afraid so. It’s a nasty habit of his,” Kael told him. “But, no worries, you’re safe now. You’re lucky I happened to spot him when he passed my compartment,” the cat man told him. “But we haven’t been properly introduced. I’m Kael,” he said, holding out his hand.

“I’m Joshua,” the boy introduced himself, shaking the man’s hand. “So, am I really worth a lot of money?” Joshua asked curiously.

Kael tilted his head then reached up to brush the boy’s hair aware from his ears.

“You really are a human. Well, then yes. Roden would be living the good life if he sold you,” the cat man answered.

Joshua frowned then suddenly took a step back.

“Then how do I know you won’t try and sell me?” he asked suspiciously.

Kael stared at him then laughed and waved his hand dismissively.

“You don’t have to worry about that, really. Like I said before, you’re not my kind of prey. Roden would be the only one here I’d try to make a profit off of,” he told the boy.

“Yeah, why is that?” Joshua asked, not understanding what the man had meant when he said that before.

“Because I’m a Bounty Hunter Hunter,” Kael said proudly with a big grin.

“A Bounty Hunter…Hunter?” the boy repeated uncertainly. “Don’t you mean just Bounty Hunter?” he asked.

“Nope, I’m a Bounty Hunter Hunter. Bounty Hunters get paid to capture or take people out and I get paid to capture or take them out,” Kael explained.

Joshua continued to give him a strange look.

“Who pays you to do that?” he finally inquired.

“Usually the people the Bounty Hunters are after or family members of said person,” the cat man replied.

“Well…I guess that makes sense,” Joshua said. “So that Roden guy-”

“Is a Bounty Hunter,” Kael finished for him. “Though he’s kind of really low on the list so I’m not crying too much about letting him go,” he told the boy, leaning his odd staff over his shoulder.

“Well, thanks, a lot, really, but can I ask why you saved me? If you didn’t do it to capture him then why?” Joshua asked curiously.

“Because I know the guy,” Kael answered and elaborated when Joshua continued to look confused. “He’s a Bounty Hunter that goes after rare creatures, hence why he tried to take you, and I know the kind of people he sells to. Believe me, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I knew I’d let Roden sell you to some sicko’s,” the cat man told him.

Joshua’s mind wandered a bit after hearing that and he immediately stopped after some disturbing images and guesses came to mind.

“Uh then I guess I really, really am thankful. I owe you a big one, being sold is the last thing I need,” he told the feline creature.

“Well, to make sure it doesn’t happen again you should at least try and disguise yourself,” Kael said, flicking at the boy’s shirt. “Look at these clothes, you stick out like a sore thumb and you’re not even trying to hide your ears. You need to think about that. A lot of people like Roden would die to get their hands on you,” he warned.

Joshua looked down at himself then touched his ears.

“I didn’t know it would be a problem. I guess I’ll need to get new clothes then,” he said. *I wonder if Juniper would buy some for me,* the boy pondered.

“Well, you can decide that for yourself later. Let’s get you back to your compartment,” Kael said, breaking into his thoughts.

“Yeah, I need to freakin’ sit down. Way too much for me in such a short time…though I guess I should be used to it by now,” Joshua said, muttering the last part to himself.

Kael laughed and placed a hand on Joshua’s back.

“Let’s go then. I’ll escort you back so you don’t get into anymore trouble,” the cat man offered as they walked the way Roden had dragged the boy.

“I’ll thank you for that too then. You’re nice guy, I’m glad I’m not a Bounty Hunter,” the boy said with a chuckle.

“Yes, or else that’d be a whole different story,” Kael said then raised an eyebrow. “Do you sweat a lot or something?” he asked, feeling the damp shirt.

Joshua made a face as he remembered his experience. He still wanted to know why he had become sick so suddenly.

“I guess you can say that,” he told the feline.

They reached the door and Joshua opened it.

“I’m just glad I don’t have to let myself be molested,” the boy muttered.

“What?” Kael asked in confusion.

“Nothing.”

********************

After a few minutes of car hopping they arrived back at the compartment Joshua was sharing with his companions. The boy sighed in relief as he stood in front of the door. He then turned to the kind man that had rescued him.

“Thanks again so much. I really don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t shown up,” the boy thanked the man again.

“Hey, don’t sweat it. Just doin’ what I thought was right,” Kael told him. “Just watch your back from now on.”

“I will,” Joshua told him with a nod. He turned to go inside, but before he could even reach for the door it abruptly slide open. The boy jumped as he came face to face with a very angry looking Juniper.

“There you are,” the man growled.

Joshua yelped as the front of his shirt was grabbed and he was yanked inside.

“What do you think you’re doing wandering around by yourself like that!?” Juniper shouted at the boy. “Have you any idea what kind of people are around here?”

Joshua was surprised by the anger, but then scowled himself. He smacked the man’s hands away and straightened his clothes.

“Yeah, well, you could have warned me about creeps that want to sell me for money before hand, you know,” Joshua told him, feeling he wouldn’t have almost been kidnapped if he had been warned.

Juniper stared at him oddly and was about to open his mouth to say something.

“Juniper? Is that you?” a voice asked behind Joshua, cutting the man off.

Joshua turned and Juniper looked up to see Kael in the doorway, staring at the man with a look of surprise.

“Kael? What are you doing here?” Juniper asked in equal surprise.

Joshua looked from Kael to Juniper and back.

“You two know each other?” he questioned. Joshua didn’t get an answer as he was suddenly pushed back into the seat and found Kael’s staff in his hands.

A loud thunk and an angry yell then sounded as the feline creature tackled Juniper to the floor. Both Joshua and Lliamy watched in astonishment as Kael began licking the man’s face, his tail lashing back and forth excitedly.

“Juniper! It’s so good! To see you!” the cat man exclaimed between licks.

Juniper didn’t seem to share this sentiment as his legs kicked wildly and he tried to push the other man off.

“Someone get this flea bitten, alley cat off me!” he bellowed as his cheek was assaulted over and over by a rough tongue.

“You know you’ve missed me, Juniper,” Kael said and Joshua was sure he saw the tongue disappear into a pointed ear.

“I have not!”

As the two men continued to argue – though Kael was mostly teasing the other man – Joshua and Lliamy watched with confused looks. Finally the girl turned to her friend.

“So…are they friends or not?” she asked quizzically.

Joshua stared at the two a little more before turning to her.

“You know…I have no idea,” he replied.

*****************

After much fuss things finally settled down and the atmosphere became calm. Juniper stilled seemed a bit miffed, but it was established that he and Kael were actually friends.

Kael took the liberty of explaining how he and Joshua had met, for which the boy got a stern scolding from Juniper about wandering off. Then the explanation of what they were doing on the Nisis Express came along and the cat man was surprised to no end.

“So, let me get this straight. You aren’t only a human, but an other worlder as well,” Kael said, pointing a Joshua. “You were in The Unwanted Forest when Joshua came along and freed you.” He pointed at Lliamy next then turned to Juniper. “And you are taking them to Mirage Town to find some way to get him back home,” Kael finished, pointing to the man then back at Joshua.

“Yep, that’s the gist of it,” Juniper told him.

Kael sat back in the seat with an astonished expression.

“Goodness, and to think I only came on here to get to Tobatro,” he muttered.

“What’s Tobatro?” Joshua asked.

“Oh, it’s only the best place to get some good a-ack!” Kael was cut off as Juniper dug his elbow into the feline’s ribs.

“Down boy,” Juniper grumbled before turning to the other two. “Let’s just say the entire city is like a brothel,” the man told him.

Joshua’s eyes widened at just the thought and Lliamy looked at them all in confusion.

“What’s a brothel?” she asked.

“Don’t ask,” Joshua quickly told her. “Just don’t ask.” The boy then turned to Kael. “My view of you has been changed now,” he informed him.

“What did I do? A guy gets horny, you know. And that hurt,” the cat man growled at Juniper, his ears flat against his skull as he rubbed his side.

“Good, I’ve felt there’s been something missing from my life since I haven’t gotten to hurt you in so long,” Juniper told him in a false sweet voice. The next second the man was sputtering as he got a face full of tail.

“So, how long have you two known each other?” Joshua asked, trying to stop another round of bickering.

“Me and Junip over here? We’ve known each other since we were kids. Years and years ago, way too many to count,” Kael answered.

Joshua and Lliamy looked at each other then back at the men across from them.

“Junip?” they said at the same time.

Juniper groaned and slouched in his seat.

“I told you to never call me that again,” the man grumbled.

“Well, you should have thought of that before locking yourself up in your little hole in the ground and completely ignoring me,” Kael quipped, sticking his nose up.

“Like I said before it had nothing to do with you, I just wanted to get away from people for awhile,” Juniper defended himself.

“So that’s why you said you were in there for years?” Joshua butted in.

“Yes, I got tired of running into people that were in such ‘desperate’ need of my help or advice. So I just stayed in my dwelling and only people who really needed me could come and see me,” Juniper explained.

“Even though he wouldn’t even let me come and see him,” Kael pouted. “But now you’ve dragged yourself out of your hole to help this kid get back to his world?” he asked and Juniper nodded.

“That’s right,” the man replied.

A suspicious look appeared on Kael’s face and he held his chin in his hand.

“That’s rather uncharacteristically nice of you,” he said then suddenly grinned. “You’re trying to bed him, aren’t you?” the feline asked.

Juniper’s lip curled up into a smile and he chuckled.

“You still know me so well,” he replied and Kael laughed and clapped him on the shoulder.

“I thought so, plus I honestly don’t blame you. He’s a real cutie.”

On the other side of the room Lliamy was listening to this curiously and Joshua was becoming redder and redder.

“Will you two stop talking about me like I’m not here!” he finally yelled. “And I thought you were actually decent,” the boy said to Kael. *Dear sweet Lord, please do not tell me I need to watch my ass around both of them,* he thought.

Both the men stared at him then laughed. The next thing Joshua knew Kael was sitting right beside him and had his arm around the boy’s shoulders.

“What’s wrong with two studs finding interest in you? I would think you would be flattered,” Kael purred and ran sharp nails under Joshua’s chin.

In a flash the boy bolted over Lliamy and moved her so he could hide behind the girl.

“Back off, buddy,” Joshua said from the safety that Lliamy provided.

The girl simply giggled at the antics and found it all amusing.

“Apparently Joshwa doesn’t want to be flattered,” she said.

Kael smiled then took the girl’s hand in his.

“And how lucky Juniper is to be traveling with such a cute little girl,” he complimented and bent down to kiss her gloved hand.

Lliamy was surprised by the action and she blushed a little.

“You can have that one,” Juniper grunted.

“Still don’t like the more delicate gender, huh?” Kael asked as he gave Lliamy a kind smile and a pat to her head before getting up and going back over to his original seat.

“Not particularly,” the man muttered and watched Joshua slowly go back to his spot.

“That part of you I will never understand, but I’ll let you all know I have come to a decision!” Kael suddenly announced. The three companions stared at him oddly as he smiled back at all of them.

“What decision?” Juniper was the first to ask.

“I have decided that I’m going to tag along with you guys,” the cat man said with a wide grin.

“I’m sorry, what?” Joshua asked, thinking he heard wrong.

“I’m going to go with you guys. I figure what you’re trying to do will be difficult and, while Juniper is incredibly smart, you’re going to be needing some muscle,” Kael explained, flexing his arms. “Plus I have nothing better to do,” he added.

“I have enough muscle, thank you,” Juniper said. “But, and as much as I am reluctant to say this, he’s right. It’d probably be best if we did have someone else at least slightly reliable with us,” the man told his companions.

Kael laughed and put his arm around Juniper and gave him a one armed hug.

“You’re so cute when you’re trying to be nice, but end up being insulting at the same time. I see you’ve been working on it,” he told the man with a grin.

“Slightly,” Juniper said with a shrug, but did not attempt to remove Kael’s arm. “So are there any disagreements about Kael joining us on our little trip?”

“None from me,” Lliamy said with a smile.

“I guess I don’t have any either. Just keep your hands to yourself,” Joshua told him. *God no, now I have to deal with two perverts! Kael was so cool at first, but now I think he’s a bigger pervert than Juniper!* the boy thought.

“Whoo thanks guys, I feel the love!” Kael exclaimed and hugged Juniper fully.

“Ugh don’t make me change my mind,” the man snapped and pushed the other away.

“Well, I can already tell things are going to be more interesting,” Joshua said and Lliamy nodded in agreement.

Suddenly the little compartment was filled with a crackling noise once again.

“Attention passengers. We are now arriving in Mirage Town. Repeat, we are now arriving in Mirage Town. Passengers destined for Mirage Town please be ready to get the hell off my train,” the voice from before announced then cut off.

“Well, looks like it’s our stop,” Juniper said while standing up.

“Off to Mirage Town to-to…why are we stopping here again?” Kael asked.

Juniper groaned and covered his face with his hand.

“Why me?” he muttered.

“We’re in Mirage Town to see Juniper’s friend to see if we can find out if I’m dead or not,” Joshua told the cat man.

“Oh, right, right. I knew that,” Kael said as he grabbed his staff from where it was leaning against the wall.

“Hey, we’re going up now,” Lliamy announced as she stared out the window. Indeed the direction of the scenery changed so it pointed upwards.

“It’s still weird that we can’t feel it,” Joshua muttered as he watched with her.

A second later the ground completely disappeared to reveal the blue sky and the train landed on the ground, fully on the surface. There was no wasteland anymore, instead the ground was covered in long grass and Joshua realized the area was a meadow. Off in the distance the boy could see the outline of buildings and he assumed that was Mirage Town.

“And we have arrived. Let’s go quickly before the engineer decides she doesn’t want to wait. Not the most patient woman I’ve ever met,” Juniper told them.

Kael nodded and went to the door and opened it. He then sidestepped so the others could go ahead of him.

“Let us make haste then,” the cat man told them.

Juniper was about to walk through the door when Kael put a hand on his chest to stop him.

“Ladies first,” the feline told him with a grin. He then motioned Lliamy out the door and once she was through he lowered his hand. “There, now you can go through,” Kael said and Juniper glared and shook his head.

“I’m going to skin you one of these days,” the man muttered before following the girl out the door.

Kael just chuckled at the threat then turned to Joshua. He tilted his head when he saw the boy at the window, looking out towards the town.

“Joshua? What wrong?” the cat man asked.

“This is it. I’m going to learn if I’m alive and can go home or if I’m dead and have to stay here…I’m scared of the answer,” the boy murmured.

Kael’s ears lowered and he stared at the boy with a solemn expression. He then put on a grin and walked over to him.

“Hey, don’t you worry about a thing. We’re going to get you back to your family, one way or another,” the cat man told Joshua, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“I hope you’re right,” the boy said.

“Of course I am. Now come on, the others are waiting,” Kael said, pulling Joshua away from the window and to the door. He could see that the boy was still uncertain so he did the only thing he could think of to lighten the mood.

“Hey, buck up there cutie,” he told Joshua and the next second Kael’s tail came around and smacked the boy’s rear end.

Joshua jumped with a squeak then turned to Kael with a glare.

“What did I say about that?” he growled and the man grinned at him.

“Hey, you said keep my hands to myself you didn’t say anything about tails,” Kael said, his tail swishing behind him.

Joshua continued to glare at him then sighed and rolled his eyes.

“Something tells me I’m going to need a chastity belt around you and Juniper,” he grumbled as he went through the doorway.

“You can try, but I’ll tell you now I’m an expert at picking locks,” Kael said with a smirk as he followed the boy out of the room.

With an added addition in tow the group left the train. They headed towards the elusive Mirage Town with high hopes of getting the answers they were looking for. And Joshua had even higher hopes that the answer would be good.

=============================Ch.6 End

Woot new character alert! The group just seems to be getting bigger and bigger, doesn’t it? I love Kael, he’s so cute and cuddly and I love his tallness XD But as for Joshua he had quite an experience, didn’t he? Almost being kidnapped and what was with that sudden hit of sickness? Something weird is going on, but everything has had its own weirdness so far, hasn’t it? Well, now they have arrived in Mirage Town and the moment of truth is here. Is Joshua alive or is he dead in his own world and just wasting his time? Well, only one way to find out, isn’t there? Come back for the next installment and see for yourself.