Garten of Banban: Hell Awaiting

Chapter Thirteen: "Safety Retreat"

I slowly open my eyes after a long while of riding the elevator down. I must've fallen asleep or something; I feel absolutely exhausted. What even happened earlier? Oh, right. That stupid clown decided to ruin everything. And like the idiot that I am, I just let it all happen because I'm a stupid coward.

Now, my baby Jaiden is gone...

Standing up, I look around at the floor we've arrived at. The room is pretty dim and spooky-looking, although thankfully the lights seem to be working well enough for the moment. Sheriff Toadster and AVI4 are still on the elevator with me, though it seems that somebody has decided to move the unconscious Stinger Flynn off of it.

Sheriff Toadster and I meet each other's gaze for a moment before he gives me an apologetic look. "Just know that none of this is your fault, alright? You did what you could, and you were brave about it." He attempts to smile reassuringly at me, though it ends up looking more like an uneasy grimace. I only nod in response, knowing full well that it's totally my fault.

We step off the elevator and into the room we had arrived in, keeping our eyes glued to the floor. After everything that's happened so far, I doubt any of us are capable of facing up to anyone. I mean, if there happen to be even more threats down here than we initially thought, I can't imagine we'd stand much of a chance. Well, not me, at least.

"The thought of what could be happening on the floor above terrifies me..." Sheriff Toadster mutters quietly. "Picture hundreds of angry animals finally escaping with only one thing capable of giving them peace, and that's to get you and your friends; their captors. I'm not gonna sugarcoat it. We're in big trouble, partner." He turns towards me, his expression serious.

The guilt in my heart seems to worsen at those words coming out of his mouth. As he says this, I can't help but replay the events in my head; what if my daughter is still trapped up there, probably getting ripped apart by feral creatures? I shudder at the thought, squeezing my eyes shut to stop the tears from falling.

I hear Sheriff Toadster let out a sigh beside me, before placing a comforting hand onto my shoulder. "Hey, we're still gonna find her, or at the very least... try to. But we can't stay here long, unless you want to be swallowed whole with sharp teeth making you easier to digest." He jokes halfheartedly, trying to lift some tension in the air.

"But sheriff... I don't even know where to go next. I've just basically lost one of my kids, and now... Who knows if that crazy jester guy is still after us?" I ask worriedly. "You should've just let me go save Jaiden back there. Even if it ended with me dying, at least I could help my baby without her being hurt..." I sniffle as I try to calm myself down.

"Lorelei..." Sheriff Toadster begins sympathetically. "Don't say that, alright? Don't be thinking about stuff like that. You have to keep going, for Jaiden... and for Jack. They're counting on you, and so am I." He smiles weakly at me. "And besides, this is a pretty good partnership we've got going on here. I'm here for you, and so are you for me."

I can't help but giggle slightly, despite the situation. Of course, there isn't any way I wouldn't trust Sheriff Toadster with my life. I mean, he's helped me this far, hasn't he? Plus, he's saved me from certain death at the hands of a wild jester before, so... "Thanks, sheriff. For everything." I reply honestly. "Now let's get moving before that crazy bastard comes for us. Again."

Sheriff Toadster chuckles as he nods in agreement. "Yeah, but first, we need to find a way to get outta this place. I don't suppose you and AVI4 would know, do you?" He grins slyly. Ugh, this smug jerk... Now he's teasing me because I'm the only one who ever does the work around here. But during a time like this, I guess I could use the distraction.