Skyline Gang: Trial of Darkness

Chapter 6

I know I said I'd be on a hiatus, but I was able to find time to finish off this chapter in between uni and work commitments. Don't know when I'll post the next chapter, so the hiatus warning is still up.

Hope you like the chapter.

Getting the girl to stay in one place was easier said than done. The entire time in getting her downstairs, she would try to split away and look around. She tried to open the bedroom doors to see what was inside, especially the grey door. Every room that was open she would dive right in. She'd open cupboards and draws, messing around with the contents. She snuck into the bathroom, Bud's makeshift workshop, living room and kitchen. Everyone kept directing her out, but the second they had their backs turned to her, she'd scamper off again. Even Rainbow couldn't quite keep up. It was like herding an uncooperative cat. There was something about everything she did that was peculiar. Every time she saw something and/or picked it up, it was like she was experiencing them for the first time. Just childlike curiosity resonated from her since the moment she stepped out of the attic. More so, she kept her arms folded over her chest, still concealing her name.

After getting her out of the kitchen for the umpteenth time, the girl finally settled down on the sofa in the den. She still continued to glance around. Her face was blank, but her eyes sparked with curiosity and something that seemed almost playful. At least she was a bit more calm and not reacted out of fear aggression the entire time. Dude had excused himself to the kitchen, leaving the rest of the Gang to stay with the girl. Everyone else stared at her. They all anticipated her saying something or finally saying her name. It was quite daunting to be locked in this silence, it was like being in a photograph. Dude finally came from the kitchen, breaking the ice a little. He was carrying a small tea tray in his hands. Each mug of the hot drinks coordinated with everyone else. The only one that was out of place was a white mug with black dots. After putting the tray down on the coffee table, he offered said mug over to the girl.

"Here. You felt a little cold, so this is to help warm you up." He spoke calmly as everyone else grabbed their own mugs.

"Thanks. I think?" The girl shrugged, taking the mug. She seemed to flinch a little from the heat, but continued to hold it anyway. She observed how the others, minus Dude, took their own mugs and carefully sipped from them. She did the same. She flinched a little again, but endured it as she took another sip of the drink.

"So what's your name then?" Bud asked.

"Misty. See?" Misty boasted, finally revealing her name on her dungarees. That's one question answered easily enough. It probably would've been better if she had revealed her name before all of this in the first place. Maybe she just had some trust issues? It would make sense since she just woke up surrounded by random strangers and a large dog. "You know who I am, but I don't know who you are."

"We're the Skyline Gang!" Sprout smiled widely, Rainbow barking along with him.

"The who and the what now?" Misty asked with a raised eyebrow. Her confusion was understandable. She only woke up here, and if she was from their world, it was logical for her to not know about the Skyline all together.

"We'll explain later. I'm Dude." Dude spoke up. Best to get introductions done quick. Misty brought a hand to her mouth, but it barely covered up her snickering. Dude ended up rolling his eyes and crossed his arms, his voice dropping to a mumble. "Here we go again..."

"That can't be your real name, right?" Misty smirked. Dude remained silent. It prompted Misty to burst out laughing. "It is?! You're such a loser!"

"Great...first impression and I'm already being called a loser..." Dude grumbled, being reminded of how kids at school treated him after he would introduce himself. Mimi patted his back, trying to make light of the teasing. It helped a little, but it was still pricking under his skin.